Vol. 680 No. 4
9 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions which have taken place with the US authorities regarding the issue of immigration reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14475/09]
11 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 760 of 27 January 2009, if there is progress on the case for the undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15859/09]
22 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, during his recent visit to the United States, he had discussions regarding the plight of the undocumented Irish there; the persons with whom he had the discussions; the likelihood that their problem will be addressed and solved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14291/09]
31 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the campaign by the undocumented Irish community in the USA to have their status legalised; the efforts he has made and will make to promote this campaign; the steps under way at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15365/09]
43 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken in relation to the three pronged approach in the United States involving the J visa, the E-3 visa and the undocumented Irish in America; and the next steps he will take in relation to the third prong, that is, the undocumented. [15862/09]
140 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has met with or spoken to his counterparts in the United States in the past two months in relation to the undocumented Irish in America. [15958/09]
141 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if meetings have been arranged in relation to the undocumented Irish in the United States in the past two months; if meetings have taken place in the past two months; and if so, the outcome of these meetings. [15959/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 11, 22, 31, 43, 140 and 141 together.
The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to developing our bilateral migration arrangements with the United States, including finding a solution for our undocumented citizens.
The Taoiseach and I emphasised the importance of this issue in our engagements with the US Administration and Congress during our visit to the United States for the St Patrick's Day period.
Our support for the undocumented and for a new E3 bilateral programme was highlighted during our meetings with President Obama, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patrick Leahy. In addition, I raised the issue at my meeting with Secretary of State Clinton and in my discussions with Senator Chuck Schumer and Congresswoman Zoë Lofgren, the respective Chairs of the Senate and House subcommittees on immigration.
At each of these meetings, the Taoiseach and I outlined how, in the absence of comprehensive immigration reform, the Government has been actively pursuing a bilateral approach, aimed at facilitating greater legal migration between the two countries. We recalled our three-pronged strategy: a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement (now operational); new bilateral arrangements to provide reciprocal long term E3 working visas; and a solution for our undocumented.
The provision of long term working visas similar to the E3 visas available to Australian citizens has already formed the basis for detailed discussions with senior members of Congress over the past twelve months. The inclusion of Ireland in an expanded version of the E3 programme would provide extensive new opportunities for Irish people to work in the United States and help ensure that a new generation of undocumented Irish does not develop. I am pleased to report that we received an encouraging response to this initiative during our meetings in Washington. Discussions on the detail will continue, in the first instance through our Embassy in Washington.
The clear advice we received from both the Administration and Congress is that the position of undocumented residents continues to be a matter of considerable political sensitivity in the US. Those to whom we spoke were clear that it will not be possible to address the situation of the undocumented through an E3 visa facility and that the issue can only be tackled in the context of comprehensive immigration reform. We received no encouragement that it would be possible to address the situation of undocumented Irish immigrants in isolation from other ethnic groups.
As the Deputies will be aware, President Obama and other senior members of the new Administration, including Secretary of State Clinton, have been strong supporters of comprehensive reform. While mindful of the considerable challenges ahead, indications over the Easter period that the Administration is about to begin an extensive consultative process on this issue are encouraging. The fact that the two main Labor Unions have recently announced a common approach to the issue is also considered helpful.
The Government is determined to continue to highlight the difficulties facing our undocumented citizens and to press for reform. I doing so, we will continue to work closely with our many friends in the Administration and on Capitol Hill, and with Irish community organisations in the United States, including the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, with whom I met in New York in the course of the recent visit.
10 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the practical steps that can be taken in the context of Euromed to ensure the safety of trafficked people at sea. [15387/09]
The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership was established in 1995. At the Paris Summit for the Mediterranean, held on 13 July 2008, the process was formally re-launched as the Union for the Mediterranean. The Taoiseach attended the summit. The Partnership now includes all 27 Member States, along with sixteen Southern Mediterranean States. Libya remains outside the Partnership.
Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Mediterranean Union met in Marseille on 3-4 November 2008 and discussed possible fields for cooperation. Among these are economic and trade partnership, maritime safety and migration matters.
In the declaration from Marseille, the Ministers noted that the growing number of transit vessels, the increasing risks of accidents, the threat of terrorist actions and the rise in organised crime and illicit trafficking could jeopardise maritime trade flows. The Ministers considered that a forum of Mediterranean Coast Guard Services and, as appropriate, Maritime Services could be organised as an opportunity to exchange experience in these fields. The first meeting of the Forum will take place in Genoa on 6-7 May. It will provide an opportunity to create a framework for effective collaboration between the countries concerned.
The Foreign Ministers noted that migration matters should be an integral part of the regional partnership and that issues such as legal migration, the fight against illegal migration, and the link between migration and development needed to be addressed. They underlined their commitment to facilitate legal movement of individuals and orderly-managed legal migration in the interest of all parties concerned.
Illegal migration and people trafficking are amongst the most difficult problems facing the EU and its Mediterranean partners. Any solution to these problems must involve addressing their causes, in close cooperation with the Mediterranean partners.
Libya, through which much illegal migration transits, is not a member of the Union for the Mediterranean. The European Union has been cooperating with Libya on migration for a number of years and is engaged in separate talks on a future Framework Agreement with Libya.
12 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects to have a final result in relation to the submission on Rockall from the United Nations Convention on Limits to the Continental shelf. [15378/09]
27 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the prospect of a favourable outcome to Ireland’s submission to the UN of exploitation of resources as are and will be under Irish jurisdiction. [15376/09]
44 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timescale of confirmation of Irish rights in relation to Rockall under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. [15377/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 27 and 44 together.
The regime governing the exploration and exploitation of the continental shelf in international law is set down by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Under that Convention a coastal state is entitled to a continental shelf 200 nautical miles (approx. 370 km) in breadth regardless of whether its continental shelf physically extends that far, subject only to the similar rights of its coastal neighbours. It may also claim a broader shelf where it can show that the natural prolongation of its land territory under water actually extends beyond that limit. A claim to extended shelf must be supported by scientific and technical data and be established to the satisfaction of the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, which was created by the Convention for this purpose.
Ireland's shelf naturally extends beyond 200 nautical miles both to the west and to the south of the country. For the purposes of our claims we have divided the extended shelf into three sectors.
The first sector is to the south-west of the country on the edge of an area known as the Porcupine Abyssal Plain. This sector (which is approximately half the size of the State's land territory) is not disputed by any other state and was therefore the subject of Ireland's first submission to the Commission, made in May 2005. Having considered this submission, in April 2007 the Commission issued its recommendations. These confirmed Ireland's entitlement to extend our continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles in this sector and set out details of where the outer limit of the shelf should be established there. The recommendations permit Ireland to designate extended shelf of approx. 39,000 square kilometres in area.
This is a very satisfactory outcome and, accordingly, on 31 March last the Government made an Order under section 2 of the Continental Shelf Act 1968 which designates the additional seabed enclosed by the recommended limits as an area to which the 1968 Act applies. The Order will shortly be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in accordance with section 14 of the Act. The effect of the Order is formally to establish the area concerned as Irish continental shelf.
The second sector of claimed extended continental shelf is in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay, where there are unresolved boundary issues with the UK, France and Spain. This sector was the subject of a joint submission made by the four countries in May 2006. It covers an area of approximately 80,000 square kilometres, which is slightly larger than the State's land territory.
The joint submission was examined by a subcommission established to consider the evidence submitted in support of it. The four states met with the subcommission on a number of occasions, following which it formulated draft recommendations on the entitlement of the four to extend the continental shelf in this sector and setting out details of where the outer limit should be established there. These recommendations were transmitted to the full Commission, which in turn adopted them on 24 March last.
The recommendations will now be examined by the four states concerned, after which the question of division of the area between them will also be addressed.
Ireland also claims continental shelf in the part of the North-East Atlantic Ocean known as the Hatton-Rockall Area, which extends up to 500 nautical miles from the coast. Ireland and the UK agreed a maritime boundary on the continental shelf here in 1988 but this is not accepted by Iceland or Denmark, which is acting on behalf of the Færoe Islands, both of which also make extensive overlapping claims. The four countries have met regularly since 2001 (most recently in London before Christmas) in an effort to resolve the issues arising from overlapping claims but to date have been unable to reach agreement.
In view of this, and in consideration of the deadline of May 2009 applicable to Ireland for the making of submissions, the Government last month authorised the making of a national submission to the Commission in respect of the Hatton-Rockall Area. This submission was lodged with the Commission in New York on 31 March. While the Commission's rules of procedure prevent its consideration of a submission concerning an area of disputed continental shelf without the consent of the states concerned, submission at this time preserves Ireland's position in advance of the expiration of the deadline. In the meantime, the four states intend to keep the matter under regular review and we will continue to work for the creation of conditions that will permit consideration of the submission by the Commission.
14 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consequences of the recent supplementary budget in terms of commitments to overseas development aid; if the cuts to the ODA budget are disproportionate in his view, particularly in view of budget 2009, the effects of which were felt particularly heavily in the overseas aid area. [15360/09]
51 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether Ireland will achieve its stated aim, given several times over at the United Nations, of reaching 0.7% of GNP for overseas aid by the year 2012. [15361/09]
53 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of GNP he plans to allocate to the overseas aid budget in each year up to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15927/09]
55 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the location where the cutbacks of €95 million have been made in Irish Aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14684/09]
154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which overseas development aid is expected to proceed in 2009 in view of the likelihood of increased need arising from the world economic downturn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16118/09]
156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the intended expenditure in 2009 under the bilateral aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16120/09]
157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the intended expenditure in 2009 under the multilateral aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16121/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 51, 53, 55, 154, 156 and 157 together.
The total Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget for 2009 will be €696 million. €571 million will be administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs with the balance of €125 million being contributions to development co-operation by other Government Departments and through Ireland's allocation to the EU Development Co-operation Budget. This represents 0.48% of estimated GNP for this year which should mean that Ireland will retain its position as the world's sixth largest donor on a per capita basis.
I very much regret the fact that the Government was obliged, in response to budgetary pressures, to make short term reductions in the development assistance budget. However, I do not consider this temporary reduction to be disproportionate to the long term need to return the economy to the pattern of growth necessary to fund further sustained expansion of the aid programme.
Adjustments will be implemented across the programme in such a way as to minimise the impact in any one area. Given the range, diversity and geographical spread of the aid programme it is necessary to look in detail at all aspects of our aid expenditures. This work is under way. The continuity and quality of our programmes will be maintained, but funding timeframes will have to be extended and disbursement rates modified.
For example, I expect that the programmes and projects in our priority countries will be modified to adapt to the new budgetary reality. In practical terms this will mean slower disbursement, but will not affect the final outputs, such as the number of schools built or teachers trained. There will be no reduction in the enormously valuable technical expertise that Irish Aid officials continuously bring to their work with our partners.
We will maintain our position as one of the most generous donors internationally to the non-governmental sector. This year, notwithstanding the budget adjustments, Irish Aid will provide well over €100 million to NGOs and civil society. This is a very large sum and will make an enormous difference to the lives of millions in the developing world.
Our programmes of strategic co-operation with key UN development agencies such as UNICEF and UNHCR and others will also be maintained, but within lengthened timelines and some reductions in 2009 allocations will be implemented. These adjustments must be seen in the context of historically high contributions to the UN system. We expect to deliver over €100 million to address HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases. We also remain ready to assist in any sudden onset of natural and man made disasters. Funding of over €75 million has been set aside to address humanitarian emergencies, fragile states and conflict resolution. Our pre-positioned emergency supplies remain in place and will be replenished as necessary.
While the cut in the ODA allocation for 2009 is significant, it should be noted that it follows a period of unprecedented increases in ODA volumes. In 1999, for instance, total ODA was just over €230 million. The allocation of €696 million for 2009 represents a trebling in the volume of ODA delivered over the last ten years. This is an achievement of which all Irish people should be proud.
The difficult decision to reduce the ODA budget for 2009 will make it somewhat more difficult to achieve the target of spending 0.7% of GNP on ODA by 2012. We will continue to work towards the target and a full assessment of our capacity to achieve the target will be made in the context of the preparation of the 2010 Budget. It is important to note that Ireland remains the sixth largest donor in the world on a per capita basis, and well ahead of most of our EU partners for the EU target of 0.7% of GNP by 2015.
Our aid programme has just been reviewed by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). The OECD DAC is the pre-eminent international body in relation to benchmarking donors such as Ireland against aid quality. This key report will be published shortly. I am gratified to know that the report will state that "Ireland is a champion in making aid more effective" and that "Irish Aid is a strong cutting edge development programme". These are the views of an independent, objective and critical international aid organisation from which we can draw pride. The Government will be working to ensure that these high standards are maintained.
Our aid programme remains one of the best in the world. We retain our core values of supporting the world's poorest in a way that builds capacity and addresses the fundamental causes of poverty. Our growth trajectory will recommence as soon as our economic circumstances permit.
15 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps taken to date to make preparations for the promised referendum on the Lisbon Treaty; the extent of preparations to date to address the issues raised in the course of the previous referendum; if he has received confirmation from his EU colleagues regarding the full extent to which these issues are expected to be clarified in a way sufficient to meet the requirements and concerns as expressed by the people here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14754/09]
At the meeting of the European Council in December, the Taoiseach briefed his colleagues on the issues underlying the outcome in the referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon last June. He did so based on the extensive research and analysis commissioned by the Government in the wake of the vote, and on the excellent report of the Oireachtas sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in Europe.
He highlighted a number of key issues of concern to voters, and, in response, the European Council collectively agreed that these concerns "shall be addressed to the mutual satisfaction of Ireland and other Member States". Specifically, the European Council agreed that, provided the Treaty of Lisbon enters into force, each member state will continue to have the right to nominate a Commissioner. It agreed that legal guarantees will be given to Ireland in the areas of taxation, defence and the provisions of the Constitution on the right to life, education and family. It also agreed that the high importance the EU attaches to social issues, including workers' rights, will be confirmed.
Detailed work is now under way to give effect to these commitments. This work should be finalised by mid-2009. If the Government is fully satisfied with the outcome, as we expect to be, we are committed to seeking ratification of the Treaty by the end of the term of the current Commission, which is expected to leave office at the end of October.
Our work has been taken forward at a number of different levels with our EU partners and with the EU institutions. Throughout, we have stressed the need for the guarantees to be legally robust. In this we have the firm understanding and support of our partners. As recent events have underscored, the European Union remains a key vehicle for the promotion and protection of Ireland's national interest. The Government attaches utmost priority to securing our future by ensuring that Ireland remains at the heart of the Union.
16 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the implications the no confidence vote in the Czech Prime Minister Mr. Topolanek has for the Presidency of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14688/09]
The coalition government led by Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek lost a vote of confidence in the Czech Parliament on 24 March, resulting in the automatic resignation of the Prime Minister, who continued in a caretaker capacity, pending the appointment of a Prime Minister by President Klaus. Negotiations between the two government parties and the Social Democrats, led by Mr. Jirí Paroubek, have led to agreement that the current head of the Czech Statistical Office, Jan Fischer, will lead the interim government to rule from 10 May until early elections, set for 9 and 10 October.
In the meantime, the business of the European Union has continued, with Mr. Topolánek representing the EU at the G20 meeting in London on 2 April and the EU-US Summit in Prague on 5 April. Council meetings chaired by the responsible Czech Ministers have also continued and I expect that the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 2 7 April will conduct its business as usual under the able chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Vondra and Foreign Minister Schwarzenberg.
A change of government during an EU Presidency has occurred in the past (for example during the Danish Presidencies of 1982 and 1993, the French Presidency of 1995, the Italian Presidency of 1996 for example), but the uncertainty which arises is clearly not the optimal situation. Indeed Deputy Prime Minister Vondra has himself suggested that while the first three months of the Czech EU presidency were proof that small countries can lead the EU, the fall of the Czech government is an argument for bringing an end to the practice of a rotating EU presidency, something that is foreseen in the Lisbon Treaty.
17 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a report published in February 2009 by the UN special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms which found that Spain’s law of political parties violates fundamental freedoms by criminalising as support of terrorism conducts that do not relate to any kind of violent activity; if he will raise this matter at a European level in view of the fact that the Spanish blacklisting of certain political parties has EU wide consequences for those parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15863/09]
I am aware of the report of the visit to Spain in May 2008 by the Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Mr. Martin Scheinin, which was presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on 10 March 2009.
The Special Rapporteur noted that Spain has a vibrant democracy albeit with a continuing presence of domestic terrorism and a threat of international terrorism. He found that the basic legal provisions in the Spanish Penal Code regarding the combating of terrorism were sound. The representative of the Czech Republic, on behalf of the EU, thanked the Special rapporteur for his report.
Spain is confronting a serious terrorist threat in the form of continuing ETA violence. Since the breakdown of the 2006 ceasefire, there have been various acts of violence by ETA including killings of police officers, a former politician and a contractor involved in the Madrid-Bilbao rail link.
The Spanish security forces and legal system have dealt with this situation within the framework of the Spanish penal code and their Law on Political Parties. This Law allows inter alia for parties which promote or legitimate violence to be declared illegal. Throughout the EU, the rules on the registration of political parties are determined at national level. Indeed, this principle is specifically recognised in Regulation (EC) 2004/2003 which sets out the funding regulations for European-level political parties.
I understand that the Spanish Government has rejected a number of the views put forward by the rapporteur. In particular, it does not accept that its legal framework could impact on its human rights obligations. Nevertheless the Spanish Government has expressed readiness to continue dialogue on points which could strengthen its existing framework.
Finally, I would recall that ETA has been included on the EU list of terrorist organisations since December 2001. By a unanimous decision of the EU member States, Batasuna was added to this list on 4 June 2003. In taking this decision, the Council was satisfied that Batasuna was a terrorist organisation and that it was an alias of ETA.
18 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the reports that seven members of the Baha’i community have been imprisoned under false allegations in Iran; and his views on the efforts he can make to promote the rights of the Baha’i community. [15366/09]
The situation of members of the minority Baha'i faith in Iran has long been a matter of serious concern to the Government and to members of the Oireachtas.
There is in Iran no tolerance of the Baha'i faith, which is regarded as a heretical or apostate offshoot of Islam. In recent years, there has been a serious and progressive increase in harassment of individual Baha'is, and worrying indications that these are part of a concerted effort by the Iranian authorities to destroy the Baha'i faith and community as a whole. I have replied in detail to Parliamentary Questions about these issues on a number of occasions.
Particular concern has arisen in relation to the group of Baha'i the Deputy refers to, five men and two women, who were detained in March and May 2008, and held in Evin Prison in Tehran, without any charge, for nine months. During this period their only outside contact was a family visit of ten minutes approximately once per month, and the five men are understood to have been held in a single cell with no bed.
We understand that these seven people constitute an informal leadership group, attempting to maintain links among the Baha'i communities throughout Iran. Their arrest gives rise to particular concern because of the fate of the previous Baha'i leadership, who in 1980 in the early days of the Islamic Republic were arrested and never seen again. The successor leadership were also arrested in 1981 and executed.
The seven Baha'i currently in custody have been charged with a number of offences, including; running an illegal organisation, anti-regime propaganda, insulting religious values, and espionage on behalf of Israel. These are obviously very serious charges, which could lead to the application of the death penalty, and the basis for which must be seriously questioned. My concerns are heightened by the fact that the lawyers for the accused have been unable to see them at all, have been denied access to the case files, and have themselves been subject to public criticism and harassment. There seems very little prospect of even a semblance of a fair trial in these circumstances.
I have directly raised my concerns regarding the treatment of the Baha'i with members of the Iranian Government, including with Foreign Minister Mottaki at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2008 and with Deputy Foreign Minister Safari in Dublin in June 2008. In December 2008, I wrote to Foreign Minister Mottaki on human rights concerns in general, and I raised the issue of the Baha'i and the case of these seven representatives in particular. I said in that letter that I have directly raised my concerns regarding the treatment of the Baha'i with members of the Iranian Government, including with Foreign Minister Mottaki at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2008 and with Deputy Foreign Minister Safari in Dublin in June 2008. In December 2008, I wrote to Foreign Minister Mottaki on human rights concerns in general, and I raised the issue of the Baha'i and the case of these seven representatives in particular. I said in that letter that : "It is difficult in these circumstances to avoid the conclusion that the Government and authorities of Iran are actively trying to suppress a religious faith."
I recently received a lengthy response from Foreign Minister Mottaki, which I am studying closely. However, his reply would not appear to go beyond previous statements by the Iranian authorities on human rights issues or provide the necessary assurances in relation to the specific treatment of these seven detained Baha'i.
The European Union has repeatedly drawn attention to the oppression perpetrated against the Baha'i faith and its members by the Islamic Republic of Iran. This has taken the form of communications to the Iranian authorities, public statements, and action in other forums such as the UN. Officers of my Department met with the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland just last month, to reiterate my concerns, and members of my Department's Human Rights Unit have also met recently with representatives of the Baha'i community here. I will continue to follow this case with great concern, and to bring our views to the notice of the Iranian authorities.
19 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in Somalia; and the position of aid and media workers in particular. [15379/09]
23 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the safety and security of shipping lanes off the coast of the Horn of Africa, particularly in view of the EU’s first mission of naval cooperation. [15386/09]
47 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the increase in piracy off the coast of Somalia and the implications for the distribution of aid to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15856/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 23 and 47 together.
I am very concerned by the situation in Somalia, which has been without an effective government since 1991. Since it was established in 2004, the UN-backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has made little headway in establishing effective control over the country's territory and restoring peace and security. Continuous instability and conflict, as well as deepening drought, have caused a huge humanitarian crisis. The number of people dependent on international aid almost doubled in the course of 2008 and now stands at more than three million.
A change of leadership at the head of the TFG in January 2009 has been welcomed as a potentially positive step in Somalia's decades-long political crisis. With this political progress has come some slight alleviation of the humanitarian situation; so far this year, 60,000 displaced persons have returned to the capital Mogadishu. The office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Mogadishu, which had been closed since July 2008, has now reopened. However, instability in other areas of Somalia continues to cause new displacements. A change of leadership at the head of the TFG in January 2009 has been welcomed as a potentially positive step in Somalia's decades-long political crisis. With this political progress has come some slight alleviation of the humanitarian situation; so far this year, 60,000 displaced persons have returned to the capital Mogadishu. The office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Mogadishu, which had been closed since July 2008, has now reopened. However, instability in other areas of Somalia continues to cause new displacements. The new administration faces enormous challenges, not least the fact that it controls little of the country's territory, and that some significant armed groups remain opposed to the President.
Despite this recent progress, Somalia remains one of the most dangerous environments in the world for humanitarian workers, who face random violence, kidnapping, extortion, landmines and banditry. Most international agencies base their operations in neighbouring Kenya, with only occasional visits to Somalia, as it is too dangerous to operate full time in-country. Even so, two international aid workers visiting Somalia from Kenya were kidnapped as recently as 19 April. Of course, it is the Somali people who suffer most from the lack of an effective system of law enforcement or justice — whether they are aid workers trying to help their fellow citizens, human rights defenders or journalists who may have offended one of the many armed groups, or ordinary people just trying to survive.
The absence of any effective law enforcement has also allowed crimes such as piracy to flourish unchecked off the Somali coast. The waters around the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden are the most dangerous in the world for piracy. In 2008, this region accounted for 37% of all global incidents reported to the International Maritime Bureau. The area affected covers more than 2 million square miles and more than 24,000 ships pass through the Gulf of Aden in a year.
Piracy off the Somali coast threatens the delivery of assistance, with many people dependent on the World Food Programme's maritime supply line for food aid. Furthermore, the threat of attacks on ships headed for Mombasa in Kenya presents a significant danger, since Mombasa port is essential to humanitarian operations in Somalia and the wider region. The EU's first ever naval ESDP mission, EUNAVFOR Somalia, is playing its part in international efforts to combat piracy, including facilitating the escort of World Food Program (WFP) ships into Mogadishu. The EU operation is designed to improve safety at sea, accompanying ships of the WFP and monitoring territorial waters. Its activities have resulted in a significant decrease in incidents of piracy and are an ongoing contribution to the free use of the seas in this zone.
Ultimately, both the piracy problem and the insecurity, poverty and humanitarian crisis which affect Somalis are consequences of the fact that Somalia remains a failed state. The only long-term solution would be the restoration of effective government, and the gradual building up of adequate justice and policing systems. The EU is strongly supportive of efforts to restore peace to Somalia, and is the largest humanitarian donor to the country. But peace cannot be enforced from outside, and the Somali people themselves must find a solution. The new President has made a good start by reaching out to all parties and by his openness to dialogue, and I very much hope that his efforts will be rewarded with success.
20 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of Turkish accession negotiations with the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14639/09]
Turkey has had a perspective towards membership of the European Union since the conclusion of the Association Agreement of 1963, although negotiations on accession did not open until 2005.
Negotiations with Turkey are proceeding, albeit at a slow pace. Of the 35 negotiating chapters, ten are now open, of which one has been provisionally closed. In its 2008 assessment of Turkey's preparations for accession, the Commission calls on Turkey to reinvigorate the process of political reform. It states that significant further reforms are needed, in particular on amending the rules governing political parties; freedom of expression and freedom of religion; and to establish an ombudsman function. In the Commission's view, further progress is also needed in other areas such as judicial reform, the fight against corruption, gender equality, minority rights and the civilian control of the military and to bring the legislation on trade unions into line with ILO and EU standards.
The Progress Report makes it clear that the pace of the accession negotiations will reflect the pace of reform as well as Turkey's fulfilment of the necessary conditions for membership. Following the start of full fledged negotiations between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, the Commission also encourages Turkey to support a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue. Turkey has not yet fulfilled its obligations of full non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol of the Association Agreement by opening its ports and airports to vessels and aircraft from the Republic of Cyprus. Eight specific negotiating chapters cannot be opened, nor can any more chapters be provisionally closed, until Turkey fulfils its commitments under this so-called Ankara Protocol.
Ireland continues to support the accession negotiations with Turkey, while insisting that Turkey fulfil its obligations, including supporting a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue and fulfilling its obligations under the Additional Protocol.
21 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent closure in Krygyzstan of the US air-base in Manas, and its implications regarding the situation in Pakistan and the conflict in Afghanistan. [15369/09]
On 19 February, the Kyrgyz Parliament approved a government order to close the Manas air-base operated by the United States. Manas, which is the only US base in Central Asia, is a key transit point for supplies to US operations in Afghanistan.
While the timing of the current announcement was a surprise, there have been question marks over the base's long-term survival since July 2005, when the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO), which includes among its members the countries of Central Asia along with Russia and China, passed a resolution calling for all non-SCO bases to be removed from Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan is also host to a Russian airforce base located a few miles from that operated by the US. The Russian Federation has made it clear that it does not favour a long-term US presence in Central Asia. The possible closure of the US base has been raised on several occasions, and the US has had to re-negotiate its arrangement with the Kyrgyz Government previously to enable the base to continue to operate.
I do not, of course, have specific information on the precise effects the closure of the air-base would have in operational terms on US activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, I do not expect the closure of the base to diminish the importance attached by the new US Administration to a resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan. As the Deputy will be aware, President Obama on 27 March announced the results of the US Strategy Review on Afghanistan and Pakistan in which he committed additional military forces to the region but also outlined a shift in emphasis towards training and increasing the size of the Afghan security forces which would allow the Afghans to take responsibility for their own security. There is also strong emphasis in the new US Strategy, and in the conclusions of The Hague International Conference on Afghanistan held on 30 March, on the importance of stepping up international support for reconstruction and other non-military interventions in order to improve the daily lives of the Afghan people.
I welcome and support the changes of approach which the US and international community have agreed to adopt.
24 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if EU-US relations have been strengthened by the recent visit of President Obama to Europe; the agreements that were reached at the Prague summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14626/09]
The meeting in Prague was an informal summit arranged by the Czech Presidency to enable the Heads of State and Government of the European Union and the President of the European Commission to meet President Obama on his first visit to Europe since taking office. The meeting in Prague on 5 April in Prague took place immediately after the G-20 Summit held in London on 2 April and the NATO Summit held in Strasbourg in France and in Baden-Baden in Germany on 3-4 April.
Although no formal agreements were reached at this informal meeting, it did provide a very valuable opportunity for discussions on a wide range of political and economic topics of global concern. I believe that the meeting helped to strengthen relations between the European Union and the new administration in Washington. A strong transatlantic partnership based on shared principles and values can only be of benefit to both sides and to the global community at large. It is intended the issues discussed in Prague and other issues will be taken up at the regular EU-US Summit in June.
In the economic area discussions in Prague focused mainly on the current global financial situation. Both the EU and the US had contributed to the successful outcome of the G20 summit in London and both remain determined to work closely together to ensure implementation of the decisions reached there. Both sides are committed to strengthening the Transatlantic Economic Council so as to strengthen and develop transatlantic and international trade and investment. Both the EU and the US remain committed to reaching a balanced and ambitious outcome to WTO Doha Development Round.
Discussions on climate change focused on the need for transatlantic cooperation in the lead up to UN conference to take place in Copenhagen in December, which is aimed at bringing about a global and comprehensive climate agreement. Discussions also took place on regional issues including the Middle East Peace Process, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Taoiseach spoke on behalf of the EU at the meeting with President Obama on the situation in the Middle East, with particular reference to Syria and Lebanon. I also spoke for the EU on the current state of the Middle East Peace Process at the Foreign Ministers' lunch with US Secretary of State Clinton.
The EU side welcomed the US decision to close Guantanamo and indicated that it stood ready to cooperate with the US administration in that regard. The EU looks forward to working with the US in the fight against terrorism, in full respect of human rights and international humanitarian law.
25 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions which have taken place with the US authorities on plans for corporation tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14476/09]
The Embassy in Washington, in close co-ordination with the state agencies, has been monitoring all proposals for policy initiatives, under the new Administration, which could potentially impact on the Irish economy. The Embassy has been engaging with US policy makers on relevant issues as they arise. These include proposals in relation to taxation.
One important issue in this regard is proposals to make changes to the current ‘deferral' system for US international corporation tax. We wish to make sure that our very positive experience of substantive investment by US companies competing globally using Ireland as a base feeds into consideration of these issues by the Administration and Congress.
The Taoiseach and I made this a strong theme of our meetings with relevant policy makers during our visit to Washington on St Patrick's Day. The Taoiseach raised the specific issues of potential changes to US tax policy with President Obama. I also raised the issue with Secretary Clinton, emphasising the strong and very mutually beneficial economic partnership facilitated by the current tax framework. It was also the subject of discussion with key members of Congress with whom we met during our visit.
The Tánaiste has also just returned from a visit to Washington DC where she addressed these issues with the Administration and relevant members of Congress. The Embassy in Washington, working in full co-operation with the IDA, will continue to monitor these issues very closely as they develop during this session of Congress.
26 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with the Executive and with the British Government regarding the establishment of the All-Ireland Consultative Civic Forum. [15872/09]
The issue of the establishment of the North-South Consultative Forum, provided for in the Good Friday Agreement, has been discussed with the Northern Ireland Executive within the framework of the North/South Ministerial Council on a number of occasions.
At the first plenary meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council since the re-establishment of the Northern Ireland Executive, which took place in Armagh in July 2007, the Council noted that the Government would consult with the social partners on the matter. It also noted the review of arrangements for consulting civic society in Northern Ireland and agreed to consider the matter once that review is complete.
At its plenary meeting in Dundalk in February 2008, the North-South Ministerial Council noted the completion of the Government's consultation with social partners on the subject of the North South Consultative Forum and noted the position as previously outlined for reviewing the Civic Forum in Northern Ireland.
The North-South Ministerial Council most recently considered the matter at its plenary meeting in Derry on 23 January last, which I attended. The plenary meetings are co-chaired by the Taoiseach and the First and deputy First Minister and attended by Government and Executive Ministers. On that occasion, the Council noted the Government's proposals on the role, format, membership and operation of such a North-South Consultative Forum, which were prepared following the Government's consultation with the social partners and various cross-border and North/South groups in 2008. The Council also noted the progress made in reviewing the Civic Forum in Northern Ireland and agreed to return to consider the matter of the Consultative Forum once the review of the Northern Ireland Civic Forum is complete.
28 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding persons (details supplied) of the Saharaoui area who are on hunger strike; the assistance he has sought to give these people; the contact which he has had with the Moroccan authorities here on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15374/09]
49 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding persons (details supplied) on hunger strike at their place of detention in Morocco; and the position of the UN initiative in relation to the conflict. [15373/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 49 together.
I am aware of the case of the three Saharawi prisoners, Khallihanna Aboulhassan, Ali Salem Ablagh and Brahim Baryaz, who are understood to have been on hunger strike since mid-February. My Department is closely monitoring developments in relation to this case through our Embassy in Portugal which is also accredited to Morocco. We are liaising closely with EU partners as regards what scope there may be for common action in relation to this case while our Embassy in Lisbon has also brought this matter to the attention of local human rights organisations in Morocco.
The situation of the Saharawi hunger strikers was also discussed at the conference on global resources, human rights and the environment organised by Ethical Development Action which I was pleased to be invited to address in Cork earlier this month. The Conference focused on raising awareness and renewing public attention on what has, regrettably, become a frozen conflict in the Western Sahara. I was privileged to meet with a number of delegates who had travelled from Western Sahara to tell their personal stories of hardship and deprivation.
The Government strongly supports the continuing engagement of the United Nations in the search for a political solution in the Western Sahara based on the principle of self-determination. We have consistently supported the right to self-determination of the people of the Western Sahara. Ireland has not taken a position on the future of the Territory, be it full independence, autonomy, or integration under Moroccan sovereignty, so long as it is decided in a genuine exercise of self-determination. UN Secretary General Ban has appointed former US Ambassador Christopher Ross as his new Personal Envoy for Western Sahara. I wish Mr. Ross well in his new role, and we will give him our full support.
Under the auspices of the United Nations, representatives of the Government of Morocco and of the Polisario Front have held a series of four direct meetings in Manhasset, New York, to discuss the future of the Territory of the Western Sahara. The most recent meeting was held in March 2008. There has unfortunately been no substantive progress at these talks so far. Morocco has set out its vision of an autonomous Government in the Territory, operating under Moroccan sovereignty. In response, the Polisario Front has set out its position in favour of the creation of an independent State in close association with Morocco, and with protection for Moroccan vital interests. Morocco has refused, however, to discuss any proposals which include independence as one of the possibilities for the Territory. This is the same impasse on which previous UN plans to organise a referendum in the Territory foundered. It is difficult to see how genuine self-determination can be exercised without a referendum in which the people can freely choose between all of the possible options, ranging from full integration with Morocco to full independence. Such a referendum was also recommended in the Baker Plan.
Although there is clearly a broad gap between these two competing visions of the parties, I regard it as a positive and helpful development that both sides have set out their proposals for the future, and the measures they can envisage to accommodate the concerns of the other side. The most recent round also agreed some extension of confidence-building measures in relation to family links between Saharawi people in the Territory and in the refugee camps in Algeria. The parties have agreed to meet again, at a date to be decided.
29 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has plans to meet with the new Israeli Foreign Minister to discuss the situation in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15858/09]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Priority Question No. 5 and Question No. 42 today, in which I dealt with relations with the new Israeli Government and our expectations of it.
I have no immediate plans for a meeting with Foreign Minister Lieberman, although the next meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council on 18 May might provide such an opportunity. However, I look forward to working with the new Israeli Government, to impressing upon them our concerns, to encouraging them to act positively to bring about a lasting settlement in the area and to improving our bilateral relations.
30 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the consultation process he has had with authorities in recipient countries regarding the implementation of cuts in the overseas aid budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15924/09]
63 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of the overseas aid budget that was allocated to each of the nine core programme countries each year in 2007 and 2008; the planned reduction of such funding to each of these countries in 2009; the areas that will be affected by these reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15932/09]
143 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the development aid supports being offered to Lesotho following changes in the budgetary situation in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16004/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 63 and 143 together.
The Government's aid programme, Irish Aid, provides assistance to over 90 developing countries. The programme is recognised internationally for its strong focus on the least developed countries in the world, with a particular emphasis on some of the poorest countries in Africa. Nine countries have been designated as Programme Countries for Irish assistance, seven of them in Africa, with a commitment to long term strategic assistance. These are Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Vietnam and Timor Leste.
Support to Programme Countries is framed in agreed country strategies, which are focused on poverty reduction through the implementation of each country's own national development plan. In addition to this programme funding, Irish Aid provides assistance under emergency and humanitarian subheads, through its funding of the activities and programmes of NGOs and through our contributions to UN and other international agencies.
In 2007, programme funding amounting to over €185 million was provided to our nine programme countries. In 2008, this programme funding amounted to almost €220 million. The breakdown of these figures is as follows:
|
Country |
Amount |
|
Tanzania |
€32 million was provided in 2007 and €38 million in 2008. |
|
Zambia |
€22 million was provided in 2007 and €23.5 million in 2008. |
|
Lesotho |
€9.4 million was provided in 2007 and over €9 million in 2008. |
|
Mozambique |
€31 million was provided in 2007 and €34 million in 2008. |
|
Uganda |
€35 million was provided in 2007 and €42 million in 2008. |
|
Ethiopia |
€32 million was provided in 2007 and €36 million in 2008. |
|
Vietnam |
€19 million was provided in 2007 and €21 million in 2008. |
|
Timor Leste |
€4 million was provided in 2007 and €5 million in 2008. |
In Malawi, which became Irish Aid's ninth Programme Country in 2007, almost €10 million was disbursed in 2008.
I very much regret that it has been necessary to reduce funding to the development programme for 2009 in the context of the extremely difficult economic situation that the country now faces. The overall allocation for overseas development assistance in 2009 will now be €696 million. This should leave Ireland as the sixth most generous donor in the world on a per capita basis.
We are at present working on the adjustments which will be required to the programme. Given the size of the overall reduction, there will inevitably be adjustments across the programme, including some reductions in our bilateral assistance to programme countries. However, the Government is determined that the continuity of our programmes will be maintained. In some cases, funding timeframes will be extended and disbursement rates modified. Irish Aid's clear focus on the reduction of poverty and hunger, and on the least developed countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, will be maintained.
Decisions on the adjustments to the aid budgets for each of the nine programme countries have not yet been finalised. Discussions are continuing with the Embassies in our programme countries on how best to manage these adjustments. As part of this process, we are engaging in dialogue with our partners on the budgetary situation and its implications. We will maintain the high standards of Ireland's development co-operation programme and its credibility and transparency at home and abroad. We have also given a clear assurance that once the Irish economy has returned to a pattern of sustainable growth, we will resume the expansion of our aid programme.
32 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Georgia. [15388/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the relationship between the Russian Federation and Georgia was seriously affected by the conflict which broke out on 7-8 August 2008 in the Georgian separatist region of South Ossetia and by the decision by the Russian Federation to recognise the separatist regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states. Direct contacts have been limited since that time, and neither country retains an Embassy in the other's capital.
In response to the fighting in August, a number of international actors — principally the EU and also the UN and OSCE — have been working to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In this regard, Ireland has supported the conflict- resolution efforts of the EU by providing four persons to the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM). The EUMM, together with the UN and OSCE missions, is part of the international mechanism for monitoring the 12 August ceasefire. Ireland and the EU also provided humanitarian assistance to those affected by the fighting.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, four sessions of peace talks have been held in Geneva under the co-chairmanship of the EU, the UN and the OSCE. This process is an essential part of efforts to implement the agreements reached on 12 August and 8 September between the EU and Russia on Georgia, and I am pleased that some progress has been achieved on the important humanitarian issue of internally displaced persons. During my visit to Georgia on 20-21 November last, this was one of the issues which I particularly highlighted. The fifth round of the Geneva talks is scheduled for 18/19 May 2009.
I am sure the Deputy will share my hope that more recent international developments, and an improved atmosphere between Russia and other international actors, including the EU, will help with continuing efforts to achieve a lasting solution to the situation in Georgia.
33 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the strength of a group (details supplied) and on who may be backing the group; and the way he assesses the situation on the border regions between Congo, Uganda and Southern Sudan. [15362/09]
The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has long been notorious for gross human rights violations it has committed in its insurrection against the Government of Uganda over the last two decades, including murder, abduction, sexual enslavement, mutilation and kidnapping of young children to use as fighters. Several leading LRA figures, including its leader, Joseph Kony, have been indicted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Ireland fully supports the work of the Court in relation to such grave offences.
The LRA fled northern Uganda some years ago under pressure from the Ugandan army, and has since based itself in particularly remote, unstable and inaccessible areas of south Sudan, the Central African Republic, and especially the north-east Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since these areas have little contact with the outside world, it is difficult to estimate accurately the current strength of the group. Most observers believe it currently has between 600 and 1,000 fighters.
The strength of the LRA is known to have been diminished following a December 2008 joint offensive against it by the Ugandan and Congolese armed forces. The Ugandan-led Operation "Lightning Thunder" was launched following the LRA's failure to sign a peace agreement, amid fears that it could resume its campaign of violence, destabilising the wider region.
LRA positions in Garamba National Park in north-eastern DRC were attacked, and Uganda has declared that as a result of the operation, 85 LRA fighters were killed, 385 people were rescued or escaped, the LRA's food supply was destroyed, and its command structure severely disrupted. Tragically, LRA fighters fleeing the offensive launched brutal attacks on the civilian population, in which up to 1,100 civilians were killed. In March 2009, following a meeting between the Ugandan and DRC Presidents, the Ugandan Army began a phased withdrawal of troops from north-eastern DRC, with DRC forces to assume full responsibility combating LRA activity inside DRC's borders.
There have long been allegations that, during the long-running north-south Sudanese civil war, the LRA received support from Khartoum to act as a proxy force against Southern Sudanese forces. Following a 1999 agreement between Uganda and Sudan to cease supporting rebel groups on each other's territory, and subsequent improvements in diplomatic relations, Khartoum denies giving any further support to the LRA; however, the allegations persist. The LRA may also receive support from some members of the ethnic-Acholi diaspora from northern Uganda.
The situation in the border regions between Uganda and DRC remains unstable. In addition to the LRA conflict, a number of other rebel militias are active in DRC's North and South Kivu provinces, where severe violence erupted in August 2008. The situation in the Kivus is significantly calmer now, but a lasting solution is yet to be found, and civilians remain vulnerable to attack, including by some members of the DRC army. Increased cooperation between the governments of the region in combating the causes of instability is an encouraging sign, but an early return to stability is not to be expected.
Ireland strongly supports the work of the former President of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, who serves as the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the LRA-affected areas, in his efforts to bring a lasting peace to the region. Ireland has provided significant financial support for negotiations between the Ugandan Government and the LRA in the context of the Juba Peace Process. We have also provided €12.4 million in support to the DRC in 2008, most of it for humanitarian purposes, including for the Kivu provinces. To date in 2009, Irish Aid has allocated over €4.1 million in emergency funding for DRC.
34 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way he assesses the foreign policy priorities of the US Administration. [15392/09]
The Government welcomes the strong indications from the Obama Administration of its intention to engage with the international community, and to work co-operatively to address a range of issues of concern to countries around the world. Both President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton have made clear their readiness to bring a fresh perspective to many of the issues on the international agenda. This has already been reflected in new approaches to various foreign policy problems, and in greater openness to working with others to address global challenges.
As a long-standing and close friend of the United States, Ireland attaches high importance to developing further its co-operation with the United States on areas of mutual interest. The Deputy will be aware that the Taoiseach's meeting with President Obama at the White House on St. Patrick's Day offered an invaluable opportunity for detailed engagement with the President and his new Administration. The discussions with President Obama covered a wide range of issues, including in the foreign policy field, of interest to Ireland and the United States.
Also in Washington, I had a very useful meeting with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. We discussed a broad range of foreign policy issues, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Cuba, developments in the European Union and immigration reform. We also discussed the scope for co-operation on development issues and in the area of conflict resolution. I welcomed the emphasis which the Secretary of State has placed on using "smart power" to address the various global challenges before us, and we agreed that there was scope to expand our cooperation in this regard.
With regard to the overall development of links between Ireland and the United States, the Deputy will be aware that the Taoiseach last month launched the Strategic Review of Ireland-US relations. Among a wide range of recommendations aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries, the Review highlights the value of a strengthened dialogue between Ireland and the United States on foreign policy issues. My Department is at present working to advance this and other recommendations contained in the Review.
Ireland and the United States enjoy close political, economic and cultural relations. Successive Presidents and their Administrations, and Ireland's many friends on Capitol Hill from both sides of the aisle, have made an enormous contribution to bringing peace and economic prosperity to this island. The Government attaches the highest importance to strengthening the unique relationship between the two countries and will continue to work with the United States on issues of common concern.
35 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent elections in India. [15384/09]
Elections are currently under way in India, the world's largest democracy. With 700 million Indians eligible to vote (including some 43 million who will be voting for the first time), this will be the largest electoral exercise ever undertaken in any country.
Given the scale of India and the size of the electorate, the elections are taking place in five phases. The first of these took place on 16 April, the second is taking place today (23 April), and there will be three more phases, culminating on 13 May. Ballots will be counted on 16 May and the 15th "Lok Sabha" (India's lower house of Parliament) will be sworn in on a date in early June, when a new Government will also be established. The elections are an enormous logistical exercise and a most impressive and powerful demonstration of democracy in action in the world's second most populous country.
I very much welcome the vibrant democratic process which is in evidence in India and I condemn the actions of terrorist groups which have sought to subvert this process by violent means during the first phase of voting. Regrettably, these actions have caused the deaths of some 17 people, including electoral officials and security personnel.
Ireland has a strong, multi-faceted relationship with India which has deep historical roots and we look forward to developing this further with the next Indian Government.
36 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of the overseas aid budget that was allocated to funding humanitarian and development aid in Zimbabwe each year in 2007 and 2008; the planned allocation of such funding in 2009; the areas affected by any reduction in funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15931/09]
The Government remains seriously concerned about the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. Through the aid programme, we are providing significant assistance for humanitarian purposes and specifically for the treatment and prevention of HIV and AIDS. Irish Aid is working in partnership with Non-governmental Organisations, missionaries and international organisations in order to provide assistance to the people of Zimbabwe. Ireland does not provide funding to the Government of Zimbabwe.
In 2007, total funding allocated to Zimbabwe under the aid programme amounted to € 9.4 million. In 2008, total funding increased to some €11.4 million.
I am not in a position at this stage to specify the total amount of funding which will be allocated for Zimbabwe during 2009. However, so far this year the Government has provided €2.25 million in emergency and recovery funding in Zimbabwe, €1.8 million for the humanitarian operations of a number of Non-governmental Organisations, and a further €1.5 million to support HIV and AIDS programmes in the country.
37 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, following his reply on this issue, he is concerned at the large volume of arms exports from the EU to the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15381/09]
The Government strongly supports the process of developing strict controls on arms and works actively to promote the objective of strengthening arms controls globally, particularly to areas of concern such as the Middle East. The Programme for Government commits us to supporting a binding and comprehensive global treaty on the arms trade, covering all weapons and ammunition. To this end, Ireland is working hard at the United Nations towards our goal of achieving such a binding and comprehensive treaty.
In order to exercise the highest possible level of ‘responsibility, transparency and restraint' with regards to arms exports and to encourage other States that export weapons to do the same, the EU agreed a legally binding Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP in December 2008. This defines common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment and ensures that every application for a licence to export items on the EU Common Military List is assessed against eight criteria.
These criteria take into consideration a number of factors including matters such as respect for the international obligations and commitments of Member States, in particular the sanctions adopted by the UN Security Council or the European Union; respect for human rights in the country of final destination as well as respect by that country of international humanitarian law; the internal situation in the country of final destination — existence of tension or armed conflict; preservation of regional peace, security and stability; national security of Member States and of friendly and allied countries; terrorism and respect for international law; the risk of diversion, either within the buyer country or by re-export; the compatibility of the particular equipment with the level of development of the country in question.
I am satisfied that the EU Common Position ensures that the export of military technology and equipment from the EU to the Middle East and elsewhere is carried out with the highest possible standard of conduct and I will cooperate with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to ensure that Ireland continues to implement fully the Council Common Position.
38 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the humanitarian position in Zimbabwe; the efforts, following on from previous questions on this matter, he has made in order to keep the discord in this country high on the international agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15375/09]
The political situation in Zimbabwe remains fragile, despite the formation of a power-sharing government in February involving President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). This new Government faces enormous challenges in delivering real progress for the people of Zimbabwe, including securing political freedoms, a return to the rule of law and economic development. While some progress has been made, the continuation of land seizures is not a hopeful sign. The retention of Gideon Gono as Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe seems to undermine the Government's commitment to economic stabilisation and reform.
While there has been a slight improvement in the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe since early 2009, I remain deeply concerned by the plight of Zimbabwe's people. Although the rate of infection has slowed, the cholera epidemic which began in Zimbabwe last year continues to be a major problem, and the World Health Organisation reports that 92% of districts are still affected. The death toll exceeded 4,000 by the end of March, with the number infected approaching 100,000. Water provision and hygiene promotion remain key problems. In addition, more than half of Zimbabwe's population has depended on food aid for survival over the past number of months.
Ireland has been working hard with its EU partners to keep the issue of Zimbabwe high on the international agenda. We have repeatedly stated our willingness to re-engage with a Zimbabwean government which returns to respect for human rights, the rule of law and sound economic management. International donors, including Ireland, have agreed to work with the transitional government to achieve specific goals set out in the power-sharing agreement, including the restoration of the rule of law, economic stabilisation and full access to humanitarian assistance. We intend that progress in our relationship with Zimbabwe will be dependent on concrete achievements in these areas, and the demonstration by the new government of a commitment to real reform.
Ireland has worked with its partners in the EU and with other partners to develop a consistent international approach which seeks to ensure that the needs of the Zimbabwean people are given priority by the international community. Our position is very well known and we will continue to raise our concerns in appropriate bilateral and multilateral fora.
Ireland does not provide funding to the Zimbabwean government, but supports vulnerable people in Zimbabwe through multilateral and non-governmental organisations. Thus far in 2009, Ireland has committed funding of over €5 million to a range of humanitarian programmes in Zimbabwe, focused on food security, tackling HIV and AIDS and supporting civil society organisations providing essential services for the population.
40 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka; if his attention has been drawn to moves to broker a deal in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15854/09]
50 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his view on the situation in Sri Lanka; the efforts he is making to ensure a permanent ceasefire and access for local and international humanitarian organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15393/09]
52 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14686/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 50 and 52 together.
As stated on many occasions in this House, most recently on 24 March and 22 April, I remain deeply concerned about the on-going conflict in Sri Lanka and in particular about the grave humanitarian situation there.
Thanks to the efforts of the UN Secretary General and the Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, the Government of Sri Lanka announced a two-day ceasefire on 12 April. While this was less than the full humanitarian pause of several days which the Secretary General had pressed for, it was nevertheless seen as an opportunity to try to relieve the horrendous suffering of the local population trapped in the conflict zone by providing them with some opportunity to evacuate and to access humanitarian assistance.
Some civilians succeeded in escaping from the conflict zone during the temporary ceasefire period agreed to by the Sri Lankan Government but not as many as expected. There were reports that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were preventing civilians leaving the area. Since then, however, over the last few days, there are reports that up to 40,000 civilians have succeeded in escaping through breaches in barricades, bringing to over 100,000 the number who have now fled the zone. Although there are no reliable figures at present for the numbers still trapped in the rapidly-shrinking zone still under the control of the LTTE, it is clear than tens of thousands of civilians are at grave risk as the war moves into what may well be its final, most intensive, phase. Earlier this week, the LTTE rejected a call on them from the Sri Lankan army to surrender within 24 hours to prevent further bloodshed, so the current indications are that they intend fighting this out until the bitter end. Army operations have since then intensified and gained significant ground.
Together with our partners in the EU, Ireland welcomed the temporary ceasefire but called for it to be extended in order to facilitate humanitarian operations in the affected parts of the country and to ensure the physical safety of all civilians. I very much regret that this did not happen. I remain gravely concerned about the plight of the many thousands of innocent men, women and children — many of them wounded or ill — still trapped in the war-zone.
I welcome the fact, however, that up to 100,000 of those who have fled the zone now have increasing access to humanitarian support and commend the excellent work being undertaken by organisations such as the ICRC, UNHCR, and Médecins Sans Frontières, whose activities Irish Aid have been supporting. I welcome the recent visit by the UN Secretary's General's Chef de Cabinet, Vijay Nambiar to Colombo last week, and hope that the UN will be able to engage more pro-actively with the Sri Lankan government while this appalling humanitarian tragedy continues and beyond.
In this context, I welcome the informal meeting of the Security Council held yesterday at which the Chef de Cabinet gave a briefing on his visit to Sri Lanka. Following the meeting, the Mexican President of the Council noted that Council members had expressed deep concern at the humanitarian situation, condemned the LTTE for the use of civilians as human shields, and called on them to surrender arms, end violence and enter political dialogue with the Government. He said that Members of the Council also called on all parties to abide by international humanitarian law and to allow humanitarian access.
I continue to take the firm view that there can be no military solution to Sri Lanka's political difficulties. A lasting peace settlement will require serious reconciliation efforts and a negotiated political process aimed at protecting the interests of all the citizens of Sri Lanka and enshrining the principle of parity of esteem among its divided communities. Ireland would welcome further activity by the international community, in particular by the UN Security Council, to assist in bringing about a swift resolution to the conflict, with minimum loss of life, and in supporting a negotiated peace process and reconciliation. Should the relevant parties seek our advice in relation to a negotiated peace process, we would give consideration as to how we could best help.
I am strongly supportive of all efforts that have been made, and are continuing to be made, to persuade the Sri Lankan government and representatives of the Tamil people to engage in serious efforts to resolve their differences through negotiations rather than warfare and to seek a sustainable peace based on the principle of parity of esteem among the divided communities. Norway, the United States, the European Union and Japan — the members of the ‘Tokyo Co-Chairs' group supporting the Sri Lankan peace process -, in addition to senior UN officials, have all been engaged in diplomatic activities in relation to the humanitarian situation, with some also focusing on the broader political context. Regrettably, following an attack on the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oslo on 12 April, the Sri Lankan government has indicated that it no longer sees it as feasible for Norway to act as facilitator in its engagement with Sri Lanka.
Since 2005 the Government has provided more than €5.3 million for humanitarian and development activities in Sri Lanka. Over US$12 million was allocated to Sri Lanka in 2008 from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund, to which Ireland is currently the seventh largest donor. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) — two of the key organisations at the centre of the response to the humanitarian crisis — also receive regular un-earmarked funding from Irish Aid. In view of the perilous situation in the affected areas, a decision has been taken to offer additional Irish Aid funding of €170,000 to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) which is treating large numbers of civilians affected by the conflict. The Government will continue to monitor closely the humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka and the possible provision of additional emergency funding is being kept under review.
41 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contact he has had with New Zealand regarding Europe’s use of economic partnership agreements. [15390/09]
67 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation as regards economic partnership agreements between the European Union and other parties; if the trade agreement as currently pertains between the EU and Israel has been discussed recently; and his views of any development of such agreement in view of the recent conflict in Gaza. [15367/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 67 together.
The EU is currently negotiating a series of trade and development Agreements, known as Economic Partnership Agreements, with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries. Historically, ACP countries benefited from unilateral trade preferences with the EU. However, these were deemed to violate World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, on the basis that they established unfair discrimination between developing countries and placed those countries outside the ACP Group at a disadvantage. The Cotonou Agreement of 2000 provided for the negotiation of new Agreements with ACP States, which would be acceptable to the WTO. On this basis, the WTO agreed in 2001 to grant a waiver to the EU to continue unilateral preferences until January 2008.
The negotiations for these Agreements are being carried out by the European Commission on behalf of the European Union. Following protracted and difficult negotiations, only one of the regional groupings, representing the 15 countries of the Caribbean region, initialled and signed a full Agreement with the EU before the January 2008 deadline. This Agreement was signed by Ireland on 16 July 2008.
A further 21 ACP countries initialled interim Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU. The interim Agreements with Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon have been signed by the European Commission and the Member States. The Agreements were signed by Ireland on 18 December 2008, following Dáil approval. Negotiations between the Commission and the remaining ACP countries are continuing with a view to finalising signature of the interim Agreements during 2009.
Throughout this negotiating process Ireland has consistently maintained in discussions within the EU that the objective must be to finalise Agreements which are supportive of ACP countries' development needs and their poverty reduction efforts. We have been to the fore in ensuring that a partnership approach is maintained between the Commission and its ACP counterparts.
Neither New Zealand nor Israel is a party to these negotiations. I have had no discussions with the Government of New Zealand in relation to Economic Partnership Agreements, although the European Commission has briefed them on the negotiations with a number of countries in the Pacific region.
EU relations with Israel, including trade relations, are governed by the EU-Israel Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement which entered into force on 1 June 2000. The Agreement provides for the progressive development of a free trade area between the EU and Israel. At the most recent meeting of the Association Council to review the operation of the Agreement, in June 2008, the EU agreed in principle to further develop these relations when the current Action Plan under the Agreement became due for renewal in April 2009.
The Government has made clear Ireland's view that the question of an upgrade in relations should be revisited in the light of negative developments since then. It should be noted, however, that the proposed upgrade relates primarily to political contacts under the Association Agreement, and not to trade links. The Government is opposed to the use of trade embargoes or other boycotts in relation to the Middle East question.
42 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he, directly or in conjunction with his EU colleagues or the UN has taken action to address the ongoing issues in the Middle East with particular reference to Gaza; if particular initiatives have been taken or are expected to be taken at any level to facilitate and emphasise the need for negotiation in place of retaliation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14753/09]
58 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he has made towards establishing an independent international investigation into Israel’s recent incursion into Gaza and the reports that human rights abuses took place during this conflict. [15363/09]
59 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take to break the siege on Gaza. [15860/09]
148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, arising from his discussions with Mr. John Ging, he has taken initiatives to facilitate a peace process in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16112/09]
149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has taken steps unilaterally or in conjunction with his EU or UN colleagues to bring about a cessation of human rights abuses, provocative action and retaliation in the Middle East with a view to achieving a meaningful settlement in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16113/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 58, 59, 148 and 149 together.
In the wake of the conflict in Gaza and the ceasefires of 18 January, progress is urgently needed on a number of fronts both to relieve the effects of the conflict and to try and ensure it is not repeated.
Firstly, it is frankly unacceptable that three months after the conflict we are still not seeing full and unimpeded access for humanitarian and reconstruction relief to Gaza. There continue to be frustrating and often baffling restrictions in the type and volume of materials Israel will allow into the territory, and large quantities of aid material remain backed up in storage in Israel and elsewhere, which itself is an expensive drain on aid agencies' resources. Families must be allowed to rebuild their homes, schools and workplaces. The economic blockade of Gaza and its people which has effectively been in place for almost two years is completely unjustified and should be brought to an end.
There remains a strong risk that the separate ceasefires declared in Gaza could break down, leading to a renewal of violence. I share the concern that the continuing albeit much reduced level of ongoing rocket attacks into Israel, and Israeli military actions in Gaza, could lead to an escalation of retaliation and the resumption of full scale fighting. Efforts had been under way, conducted by Egypt, to reach a more definite and durable ceasefire between Israel and Hamas which might provide a more stable context for reconstruction and for political progress. Regrettably, those talks became deadlocked in the last weeks of the previous Israeli Government. I hope that the new Israeli Government will continue, and that Egypt will continue to promote, those efforts.
I have spoken before in this House of my view that there must be thorough investigation of possible human rights abuses or contraventions of international law in the course of the recent conflict. An initial investigation into some incidents targeting UN facilities by a panel appointed by UN Secretary General Ban is due to report to the Secretary General shortly, and he will then decide what further action to take. A commission appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, including a former Irish Army officer, has also recently been established. It is important to stress however that the investigation into these events must look at the actions of both sides, not just at those of Israeli forces. In this regard, we have seen credible reports in recent days by reputable human rights organisations of serious human rights violations committed by Hamas in Gaza, both during and since the recent conflict.
Looking further ahead, there are two further imperatives. Efforts to stabilise the ceasefires in Gaza can be no more than temporary solutions so long as the substantive blockade of the territory is continued. An understanding between Israel and Hamas, involving a ceasefire, prisoner releases and the release of Corporal Shalit, could be helpful in leading to a relaxation of the restrictions on Gaza, as could a Fatah-Hamas agreement on the involvement of the Palestinian Authority on the Gaza side of the crossings. But I would stress to the Israeli Government that, for as long as economic activity in Gaza is strangled, unemployed youth in a heavily overcrowded area will remain vulnerable to pressure from militant factions.
Finally, the urgent necessity of these issues relating to Gaza must not detract from the priority of restoring momentum and credibility to the negotiations for a comprehensive overall settlement, which made some progress last year but have been in limbo now since December. I have stressed all of these issues in my meetings in recent months with the Israeli authorities, with my EU colleagues and during my visit to the region. I will be discussing them again with our partners next week at the General Affairs and External Relations Council.
Finally, it is only fair to note that an important element in the disappointing progress on these issues since January has been the political changes and uncertainty in Israel. With a new Government now in place with a substantial majority, I look to the Israeli Government to take clear and constructive positions on these questions. It is particularly important, in this regard, that the Netanyahu Government give a clear and early indication of its willingness to abide by previous commitments and international agreements entered into by Israel.
45 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the ratification of the Lisbon treaty in other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14477/09]
To date, twenty-three Member States have ratified the Treaty of Lisbon. Ireland is among the four Member States not to have done so. The others are Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Of these, Germany and Poland have both completed their parliamentary procedures.
Germany is awaiting the outcome of a legal challenge to the compatibility of the Treaty with its Constitution. The decision of Germany's Constitutional Court is expected next month. If the Court does not find difficulties with the Treaty, the German President will sign the necessary instrument of ratification.
In Poland, parliamentary procedures were completed in April 2008, and all that is required is signature by President Lech Kaczynski.
In the Czech Republic, the lower House voted in favour of ratification in February. The upper House, the Senate, is expected to debate ratification early next month. Once the Treaty has been approved by both Houses, the signature of President Klaus is required to complete the process.
The Treaty cannot enter into force unless and until it is ratified by all Member States. At its meeting in December, the European Council confirmed its wish to see the Treaty of Lisbon enter into force by the end of 2009.
46 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Tibet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14692/09]
I remain deeply concerned by the situation in Tibet, the ongoing security operations there, the treatment of demonstrators arrested during protests in March 2008 and since, the wider human rights situation and issues relating to the preservation of the religious and cultural identity of Tibetans.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of events leading to the departure of the Dalai Lama from Tibet in March 1949. The anniversary has prompted new security operations in the capital Lhasa and in other Tibetan areas.
The Government continues to convey its concerns about the situation in Tibet directly to the Chinese authorities in regular contacts with them both in Dublin and Beijing and in the context of regular bilateral discussions on human rights issues. Ireland also strongly supports, and engages actively in EU action in relation to Tibet, including in the context of the EU-China Human Rights dialogue.
While committed to a One China policy which accepts Tibet as part of China, we have long advocated dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama to peacefully resolve the issue of Tibet. We believe this remains the most sustainable way to achieve the protection of Tibetan culture, identity, religion and human rights, and a greater measure of autonomy for Tibet within China. We welcome the Dalai Lama's long-standing endorsement of dialogue as a means to resolve issues relating to Tibet and his clear reiteration on 1 April that Tibetan demands for the protection of their culture, language and spirituality must not involve the use of force or calls for separation from China. I was pleased that the meeting of Tibetans in exile held in Dharmasala in November 2008 endorsed the principles promoted by the Dalai Lama of autonomy rather than all-out independence, and non-violence rather than physical confrontation.
I regret that the current pace and substance of the dialogue that has been taking place has been unsatisfactory to date. In our bilateral contacts with the Chinese government, including during Political Consultations with senior Chinese officials in Dublin earlier this week, we have strongly encouraged engagement in an accelerated and upgraded dialogue process with the Dalai Lama and his representatives as very much in the interest, not only of the Tibetan people, but also of China.
The Government will continue to monitor carefully the situation in Tibet. It will remain high on our agenda in contacts with China and with the EU and the international community, and we will continue to support efforts to find a sustainable solution, acceptable to both sides.
48 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the most recent meeting of the GAERC. [15368/09]
The most recent General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) took place in Brussels on 16 March 2009.
The Council focussed on preparations for the Spring European Council. The agenda also featured the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP), the Western Balkans, Belarus, Afghanistan, Sudan and EU-US relations.
The Council examined proposals for spending €5 billion on energy projects and other infrastructure investments under the European Economic Recovery Plan. This was subsequently agreed at the Spring European Council on 19 and 20 March. Ireland expressed strong support for the European Economic Recovery Plan which includes funding to tune of €110 million for the Ireland-Wales electricity interconnector.
The Council also discussed the Eastern Partnership as part of the preparations for the Spring European Council, which adopted a Declaration on the subject. Ireland takes a balanced view of the Union's European Neighbourhood Policy which we value as a means of bringing the countries concerned, whether on the Union's eastern or southern borders, closer to the norms and standards of the Union.
The Council also adopted conclusions on EUFOR Tchad/RCA, welcoming the fulfilment of the operation's mandate and underlining the exemplary cooperation between the EU and the UN from the launching of the operation to its successful hand-over.
During the External Relations session, the Council discussed Bosnia and Herzegovina, reiterating its full support to the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It called upon the local political leaders to engage thoroughly and with greater determination in the necessary reform agenda with a view to advancing the country's European perspective. The Council appointed Ambassador Valentin Inzko as EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and welcomed his appointment as High Representative in BiH.
The Council evaluated developments in Belarus and decided to extend its existing restrictive measures for one year and to continue the suspension of visa ban sanctions on certain officials of Belarus. The Council discussed the situation in Afghanistan, adopting conclusions stressing that the challenges facing the country and the broader region require a renewed international engagement, and that the EU will play a major role in this. The humanitarian situation in Sudan was also discussed following the expulsion of NGOs by President Bashir.
Over lunch, there was a brief discussion of EU-US Relations in preparation for the Heads of State and Government meeting with President Obama on 5 April.
54 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of relations with Venezuela; and the recent contacts with this country. [15391/09]
Ireland established diplomatic relations with Venezuela on 29 November 1980 and is accredited on a non-residential basis through our Ambassador to Mexico. Ambassador Dermot Brangan presented his credentials to the then Venezuelan Vice President, Mr Jose Vicente Rangel, in Caracas on 8 May 2006. On 13 January 2009, Dr. Samuel Moncada, Ambassador of Venezuela in London, who is also accredited to Ireland, presented his credentials to President McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Ireland's relations with Venezuela are conducted primarily in the multilateral context, in particular through the framework of EU-Latin America and Caribbean relations (EU-LAC), as well as the EU-Rio Group Strategic Dialogues. The most recent Government level contact in the multilateral context took place at the Fifth EU-Latin America and Caribbean Summit in Lima on 16 May 2008. Ireland was represented at the Summit by Minister of State Peter Power. Regular meetings at senior official level are held between the EU and representatives of all the Latin American and Caribbean States, most recently in Buenos Aires on 19-20 March 2009.
56 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to assist embassies abroad in their promotion of the economy here since 1 January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14697/09]
I attach the highest importance to the work of Ireland's Embassies and Consulates in promoting Ireland as a trading partner and as a location for foreign investment. In the context of the current economic crisis, this work is more important than ever.
In order to give greater support to Embassies and Consulates in the promotion of the Irish economy in January 2009 a special unit was established in the Promoting Ireland Abroad Division of my Department.
The role of this unit is to improve the flow of information to and from our Embassies and Consulates and to ensure that our Missions are fully equipped to promote Ireland's overseas economic interests in the current difficult conditions. A particular focus has been placed on providing accurate information to economic policy-makers and commentators in major markets and to countering inaccurate negative reporting in the foreign media.
The St Patrick's Day period provided a particularly important occasion to promote Ireland and the Irish economy. Overall, the emphasis on economic promotion and business media was the strongest of recent years, and the presence of the Taoiseach and other Government representatives opened doors and provided leadership to the activities of Embassies and Consulates to showcase Ireland.
To ensure that the Embassies and Consulates continue to be well equipped in this area, officials of my Department taking up diplomatic postings abroad this year will receive intensive training in economic and trade-related matters. This is a continuation and expansion of the training in this area provided to diplomatic officers on an annual basis.
57 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will work towards securing an international ban on the sale of arms to zones of conflict; the work that has been done to date in this light; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15370/09]
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to support "a binding and comprehensive global treaty on the trade of arms, covering all weapons and ammunition". In line with this undertaking, I am working hard to bring this about.
At the United Nations, Ireland has been actively promoting the proposal for an Arms Trade Treaty to secure agreement on common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms. In October we co-sponsored a resolution at the General Assembly which led to the establishment of a Working Group to consider the elements that might be included in a legally binding Treaty. The first meeting of the Group took place in New York last month. Officials from my Department played an active role in proceedings, and took the opportunity to explain to other UN Member States both the high priority which Ireland attaches to achieving an Arms Trade Treaty, and the specific elements which we believe it should take account of, including the impact of arms transfers on conflict.
The Group is scheduled to meet again in July and we will maintain our engagement. The Group will submit a report to the next session of the General Assembly in the autumn.
Ireland is not alone in pushing for a comprehensive global treaty on the arms trade. The EU is preparing to hold a number of regional seminars, in different parts of the world, to highlight the necessity of securing an effective Arms Trade Treaty. As I explained to the House in questions to me on this issue in February, negotiation of this Treaty is likely to be complex and protracted. I would like to assure the House that we will continue our efforts on this front, in close cooperation with our partners in the EU and in the NGO community, until a Treaty has been agreed.
60 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views in relation to a matter (details supplied) in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14700/09]
Ireland's aid programme is internationally renowned for its strong focus on the least developed countries in the world, in particular in Africa. The reality for all international donors is that the promotion of sustainable development in some of the poorest countries requires a determined effort to address corruption and weak governance. Corruption affects the lives of the poorest people. Across the aid programme, we are committed to addressing it by improving transparency and accountability, supporting public oversight institutions, promoting parliamentary reform and independent media, and building the capacity of civil society to influence public policy decisions.
Uganda is one of nine priority countries for Irish Aid, with a commitment to long term strategic assistance. The Government has followed closely reports on issues of governance and corruption in Uganda and takes account of these issues in the formulation of its aid programme. Through the aid programme, Ireland is supporting a range of specific measures to tackle corruption. We are helping to create robust and independent legal and judicial systems and supporting anti-corruption legislation. We are supporting the reform of public financial management in central and local government, increasing transparency and reducing the opportunities for corruption. We are strengthening the oversight functions of Parliament, the Office of the Auditor General, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Uganda Human Rights Commission. Crucially, we are also actively promoting citizen participation in the policy process, through support for civil society organisations and independent media.
It is important to acknowledge the steps taken by Uganda to address the issue of corruption. It has established institutions to improve transparency and accountability, including the Auditor General, the Inspector General of Government, and the Public and Local Government Accounts Committees in Parliament. The legal and institutional framework to combat corruption has also been strengthened. Uganda has signed up to international instruments against corruption. In 2004 the Ugandan Government launched a National Strategy to Combat Corruption and rebuild integrity in public office. These measures are delivering results, but it remains essential that, as donors to Uganda, we continue to monitor the situation very closely, through our Embassy in Kampala and in cooperation with our international partners.
With the assistance of international donors, including Ireland, Uganda has made very significant progress in recent years in improving the lives of its people. For instance, the prevalence rate of HIV and AIDS has fallen from 18% in 1992 to 6.4%. Poverty levels have been reduced from 56% in 1992 to 31%. The introduction of free secondary education in 2007 resulted in a 17% increase in enrolments. The number of children attending primary school has increased from 2.4 million in 1996 to over 7.5 million in 2008.
Irish Aid will continue to ensure that the fight against corruption is prioritised, that the harmful effects of corruption on the poor are mitigated, that Ireland's development assistance has maximum direct impact on the lives of the people of Uganda, and that Irish taxpayers' money is safeguarded.
61 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14689/09]
I visited New York and Washington over the period from 15 to 18 March.
On St. Patrick's Day I accompanied the Taoiseach at his meeting with President Obama at the White House, and at other engagements. The meeting offered an invaluable opportunity for a broad exchange of views with the President and his team at the start of the new Administration. The discussions with President Obama covered a wide range of priority issues for Ireland and the United States.
As has been widely noted, President Obama was most generous with his time and hospitality during the visit, hosting the traditional Shamrock Ceremony and bilateral meeting at the White House. He also attended the Speaker's Luncheon on Capitol Hill, as did Vice President Biden. In the evening, President and Mrs. Obama hosted an evening reception at the White House which was also attended by Vice-President and Mrs. Biden.
On 16 March, I had a very useful meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. We discussed a broad range of foreign policy issues, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Cuba, developments in the European Union and immigration reform. We also discussed the scope for cooperation on development issues and in the area of conflict resolution.
As will be appreciated, the Secretary of State, given her close familiarity with the issue, was particularly interested in having an assessment of the situation in Northern Ireland, including in light of the murders of the two British soldiers and the PSNI officer the preceding week. I assured her of the steadfast determination of both Governments, and of the political parties in Northern Ireland, to ensure that the peace and stability already achieved would not be compromised by the cowardly acts of an unrepresentative few. Both the President and Secretary of State, and our many friends from both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill, made clear that the United States would remain a stalwart friend of the process. I also had the opportunity in Washington to meet with the First Minister and deputy First Minister when I attended an event hosted by the Northern Ireland Bureau.
In New York I participated in the trade mission organised by Enterprise Ireland as part of the St. Patrick's Day programme, and met with a number of companies announcing significant investments in Ireland. I took the opportunity to raise the issues of the immigration reform and the undocumented with Senator Chuck Schumer, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and had a meeting with representatives of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR). In New York I participated in the trade mission organised by Enterprise Ireland as part of the St. Patrick's Day programme, and met with a number of companies announcing significant investments in Ireland. I took the opportunity to raise the issues of the immigration reform and the undocumented with Senator Chuck Schumer, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and had a meeting with representatives of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR). While in Washington, I called on Congresswoman Zoë Lofgren, Chair of the House Subcommittee on Immigration.
Also in Washington, I met joined the Taoiseach in meetings with Senators Dodd and Leahy, and with Congressman Richie Neal and other members of the Friends of Ireland group.
While in New York, I participated in the launch, by the Taoiseach, of the Ireland-US Strategic Review. My Department is at present working to advance the key recommendations contained in that Review.
62 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of Croatian accession to the EU; if it will be affected by the delays to the ratification of the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14625/09]
Croatia hopes to conclude its accession negotiations in 2009. The European Commission has produced a road map for their conclusion, but this depends on Croatia making the required progress on the outstanding issues. These include privatising shipyards; judicial reform; organised crime; minority rights; and cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
To date, Croatia has opened 22 of the 35 chapters of the negotiations, of which 7 have been provisionally closed. A dispute with Slovenia over maritime and land borders has blocked the opening of a further eleven chapters to date. Unfortunately, an Intergovernmental Conference on accession scheduled for 27 March could not proceed as a result of the dispute and has been postponed until 24 April. I hope that the two sides can find a way to resolving the issue so that the accession negotiations are not adversely affected. When the negotiations with Croatia are completed, the Accession Treaty will need to be ratified by all 27 Member States.
Given the progress still required on a number of outstanding issues in the accession negotiations and the Government's intention to seek the approval of the Irish people to ratify the Lisbon Treaty subject to specific guarantees, thereby allowing the Treaty to enter into force by the end of 2009, I would hope that Croatia's accession will not be delayed by considerations related to ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.
64 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the work of the hunger task force of Irish Aid; the action being undertaken by this taskforce; the impact budget cutbacks will have on the operation and running of the taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15364/09]
The report of the Hunger Task Force, which was published in September 2008, recommended that Ireland can contribute to tackling the root causes of hunger by increasing the productivity of smallholder farmers in Africa, by implementing programmes on maternal and infant under-nutrition and by ensuring that there is committed political action at national and international levels to give world hunger the priority it deserves.
I have welcomed this focused approach by the Task Force on these three thematic areas and have also announced that the eradication of hunger will become a key component of the Irish Aid programme.
With the aim of moving the recommendations of the Hunger Task Force forward, I have established a special Hunger Unit in my Department to coordinate the implementation of the Hunger Task Force recommendations across Irish Aid's programmes and policy areas. I have also established a managerial task team to bring together the full range of expertise available within the Development Co-operation Directorate (Irish Aid) in the area of food security and related disciplines and also including representatives from other Departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, to oversee the implementation of the recommendations.
A Special Envoy for Hunger, Mr. Kevin Farrell, has been appointed. He will assess the national and international response to the global food security crisis. We will use his enormous experience with the World Food Programme to support our hunger reduction interventions.
I am keen to see the development of a new international partnership that puts hunger at the top of the political and development agenda. Ireland is actively working with the UN Secretary General's High Level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis. We were the first country to provide funding to this key UN Task Force.
Irish Aid is currently supporting, and will continue to support, a whole range of hunger related interventions in our priority countries in Africa. We are supporting smallholder agriculture — most notably in Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique and in our new programme in Sierra Leone. We are supporting agricultural research and crop and livestock improvement. We are providing safety net programmes — to catch those vulnerable communities before they fall into destitution and hunger through food-for-work or money-for-work programmes. We are supporting ground-breaking initiatives on nutrition such as Concern's Community Based Therapeutic Feeding initiative. In our most recently established programme country, Malawi, Irish Aid is currently supporting, and will continue to support, a whole range of hunger related interventions in our priority countries in Africa. We are supporting smallholder agriculture — most notably in Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique and in our new programme in Sierra Leone. We are supporting agricultural research and crop and livestock improvement. We are providing safety net programmes — to catch those vulnerable communities before they fall into destitution and hunger through food-for-work or money-for-work programmes. We are supporting ground-breaking initiatives on nutrition such as Concern's Community Based Therapeutic Feeding initiative. In our most recently established programme country, Malawi, we are developing a new programme that is fundamentally influenced by the recommendations of the Hunger Task Force. We are working towards spending up to 20 per cent of our aid programme on hunger and hunger related projects and programmes as recommended by the Hunger Task Force. I expect that we will reach this target by the end of 2010 and additional funding is being provided for hunger related programmes.
65 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the arrangements made with the US authorities for the reception of prisoners from Guantanamo Bay; the number proposed; the arrangements therefore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14600/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, on 22 January, President Obama issued an Executive Order announcing that the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay should close within one year, which I warmly welcomed at the time. The US has sought the support and assistance of EU partners in bringing about its closure. Work is proceeding at the EU level for a co-ordinated approach on the issue. The Presidency and the Commission visited Washington in mid-March for discussion with the US Administration regarding the practical and legal issues which have to be addressed in such cases. These discussions are ongoing. EU Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs have considered the issue at JHA Councils on 26th February and 6th April 2009.
While the question of whether Member States might accept former detainees remains a national decision, the Member States are agreed that the EU-level discussions with the United States Administration on this matter should take their course.
I had a useful discussion with Secretary of State Clinton on the issue when we met over the St Patrick's Day period. At that meeting I reiterated that we had long called for the closure of the facility at Guantanamo Bay, and that we would wish to be helpful in facilitating its closure. This position was confirmed by the Taoiseach in a television interview shortly afterwards when he argued that it is incumbent on those who called for the closure of the Guantanamo detention centre to assist the United States in ensuring that certain prisoners be relocated elsewhere and expressed Ireland's readiness to take a small, proportionate number of detainees.
68 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the election of the FMLN government in El Salvador. [15380/09]
The recent presidential and legislative elections in El Salvador were observed by a European Union Election Observation Mission, which included two Irish participants. The Observation Mission indicated that the ‘electoral process was transparent and there were no relevant irregularities, enabling an outcome which reflects the will of the Salvadorian people'.
I welcome the affirmation of the democratic process in El Salvador, reflected in the manner in which these elections were held, as well as in the smooth transition of power that has followed. I also welcome the early outreach shown by President-elect Funes towards the social partners in El Salvador as well as his commitment to maintain and develop El Salvador's relations with its neighbours.
69 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with the Executive and with the British Government regarding the establishment of the all-Ireland parliamentary forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15871/09]
The commitment to develop a joint parliamentary forum, which would bring together members from the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly, is contained in both the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements.
In July 2007, at the first meeting of the North South Ministerial Council following restoration of the Institutions, the Council "recognised that any development of a joint parliamentary forum is a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas". At that time provision was also made for officials from the two administrations to make contact with the Oireachtas and Assembly and to report back to the NSMC at the earliest opportunity on the prospects for the development of such a forum.
I have therefore had discussions on this matter with members of the Northern Ireland Executive within the framework of the NSMC, bearing in mind the primacy of the Oireachtas on this issue. I can advise the House that at the last NSMC Plenary in January, the Council "noted the ongoing discussions between the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly on the North South Parliamentary Forum and noted the agreement to establish two working groups to develop proposals for such a body".
I have not had discussions with the British Government on this issue.
It should be emphasised that, as work continues toward the setting-up of a North South parliamentary forum, contacts between members of the Oireachtas and Assembly also continue in other fora. I am aware, for example, that several Oireachtas Committees have had useful exchanges with their Assembly counterparts. In addition, the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly also provide valuable opportunities for parliamentarians North and South to engage on issues of mutual interest.
70 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of the overseas aid budget that was channelled through Irish and other development non-governmental and missionary organisations each year in 2007 and 2008; the planned allocation of funding to such organisations in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15928/09]
The overarching goal of the Government's aid programme, administered by Irish Aid, is the reduction and eventual eradication of global poverty and hunger. Our partnership with development Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) and missionaries represents a very important element of this effort, reflecting the broad support among Irish people for the development programme. The Irish aid programme is one of the strongest supporters of the non-governmental sector internationally.
Irish Aid engages with development NGOs through the innovative Multi-Annual Programme Scheme, the Civil Society Fund and a number of Emergency funding schemes. It provides significant additional funding to NGOs under the development programmes in the nine priority countries for Irish Aid, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. Irish Aid also cooperates closely with Misean Cara, representing the range of Irish missionaries working with the poor in the developing world.
Last year, the total funding provided by the Government, through Irish Aid, to development NGOs and missionaries amounted to just over €200 million. In 2007, we provided over €180 million. This funding supported the work of NGOs in livelihood and food security, rural economic development, health, education, gender equality and the fight against HIV and AIDS. In total, Irish Aid supported over 280 NGOs and missionary organisations last year. Irish Aid also provides multi-annual funding to organisations in the development education sector in Ireland, through the Development Education Grants Funding Scheme.
Following the supplementary Budget on 7 April, the total allocation for overseas development assistance in 2009 will be €696 million. We are at present examining the adjustments which will be required to the aid programme, and are committed to ensuring that it retains its clear focus on the reduction of poverty and hunger and on the least developed countries in the world, in particular in Africa. Inevitably, there will be some reduction in the funding provided to civil society organisations across the different subheads. However, the Government is determined to strengthen its partnership with civil society. That partnership goes beyond funding arrangements, and involves continuous policy dialogue across a range of vital issues. We will continue to develop the dialogue so that we can achieve our shared goals for development and ensure that the overall Irish contribution has the maximum effect on the lives of the poorest people in the world.
71 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of the overseas aid budget that was allocated to funding voluntary workers in developing countries each year in 2007 and 2008; the planned allocation of such funding in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15930/09]
Through the aid programme, administered by Irish Aid, the Government is supporting over 1,300 long term development workers, volunteers and missionaries in the developing world. Their contribution is an important, and valued, element in the overall Irish contribution to the reduction and eventual eradication of global poverty and hunger.
The Government has directly supported the work of volunteers in development since the official aid programme was established over thirty years ago, initially through the Agency for Personal Service Overseas, and since 2003, directly through Irish Aid. In 2007, specific funding from Irish Aid to volunteer-sending agencies amounted to €8.7 million. Last year, the total level of such funding amounted to €10.4 million. Many of the Non-governmental Organisations which receive funding from Irish Aid also devote a proportion of this support to the participation of voluntary workers in their programmes.
Following the supplementary Budget on 7 April, the total allocation overseas development assistance in 2009 will be €696 million. We are at present examining the specific adjustments which will be required across the programme, including to the different subheads under which Irish Aid provides support to voluntary workers. The Government is determined to maintain the programme's clear focus on the reduction of poverty and hunger, and on the least developed countries especially in sub Saharan Africa.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to provide substantial support to the volunteering sector. I strongly welcome the great interest among Irish people in pursuing volunteering opportunities in developing countries. The Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre was established in 2008 to promote responsible volunteering and to facilitate and harness this public interest in a constructive and positive manner. I was very pleased that over 400 people attended last week's Volunteering Fair organised by Irish Aid in the Centre. This level of interest reflects the high level of public support for development and for the commitment to fighting global poverty.
72 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on reports that a leading Chechen opposed to the current pro-Russian Federation Chechen leader was recently assassinated in Dubai. [15389/09]
According to reports available to me, Sulim Yamadayev was killed by a group of men in a parking lot outside his apartment in Dubai on 28 March 2009. I understand that Mr Yamadayev was for several years a military commander in Chechnya and served under Russian federal command, before being relieved of his duties late last year.
On April 5, the Dubai police identified Adam Delimkhanov, a Chechen member of the Russian State Duma, as one of the suspects in his murder. They have indicated that two men are being held in connection with the attack, and that international warrants will be issued for four others, including Mr Delimkhanov, who has denied any complicity in the murder. The Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, stated on 10 April that an official report is awaited from the Dubai authorities.
73 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contact he has had through embassies with the countries which joined the European Union during its last Presidency, and thereafter, regarding the economic context these countries are currently facing. [15372/09]
Our ongoing dialogue with our fellow EU members, including those that joined in 2004, is conducted at a number of levels. I have regular bilateral discussions with my EU Ministerial counterparts as do my colleagues in government. Our Embassies in EU capitals undertake intensive contacts with their host administrations in support of Irish interests and report on relevant developments in those countries. Ireland's Permanent Representation to the European Union also plays a central role in Ireland's engagement with our EU partners. There is also intensive contact between the Member States within the institutions of the Union, especially the Council of Ministers where the Member States work together to arrive at decisions that serve the shared interests of our peoples.
As a result of this intensive engagement within the Union, the Government is fully aware of the serious economic challenges currently facing the Member States, including those that joined during Ireland's EU Presidency in 2004. EU membership has taken on a heightened significance for all Member States in the current climate. It has been a great asset for the Member States to be able to combine their efforts in developing a collective strategy for coping with this unprecedented global economic and financial crisis.
From the start of the crisis in September last, the EU has been actively engaged in efforts to mitigate its effects. In December 2008, the European Council agreed an EU-wide stimulus package valued at €200 billion. This included funding of €5 billion mainly for energy and broadband projects, including an allocation of €110 million for the Ireland-Wales electricity interconnector.
The Spring European Council on 19-20 March 2009 renewed the commitment of Member States to work in a coordinated manner to restore financial stability and growth within the European economy. It noted that the European Economic Recovery Plan now has a fiscal volume of around €400 billion and that this would be a major instrument in stimulating investment, boosting demand and promoting employment to the benefit of all Member States.
The Spring Council also welcomed a proposal from the EU Commission to double the ceiling, to a level of €50 billion, for the Union's support facility for Member States which need balance of payments assistance. This measure is designed to provide support for Member States that joined the Union in 2004, some of which are facing particular economic difficulties on account of the current global crisis.
74 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of humanitarian aid allocated to the Palestinian people each year in 2007 and 2008; the planned allocation of such funding in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15929/09]
Ireland's assistance to the Palestinian people addresses both humanitarian and development needs, recognising the importance of providing emergency assistance to the most vulnerable, while also supporting the Palestinian Authority in public service delivery as well as civil society organisations in advocating for human rights.
In 2007, total Irish Aid assistance to the Palestinian people amounted to just over €7.5 million. More than half of this total was provided to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which is responsible for the delivery of humanitarian aid and basic services to Palestinian refugees who account for 40% of the total population of the Palestinian Territories. Support was also provided, inter alia, for payment of public service salaries to employees of the Palestinian Authority through a mechanism administered by the European Commission; for a rural development programme run by the UN; and to a range of civil society organisations for human rights and democratisation initiatives.
In 2008, Irish Aid funding to the Palestinian people increased to over €8.6 million. While UNRWA remained a major partner, a significant level of funding was also provided to the Palestinian Authority, through a European Commission administered mechanism, to support payment of public service salaries and to buy urgently-needed fuel for Gaza's power plant.
During the first four months of 2009, more than €6.2 million in assistance for the Palestinian people has already been disbursed or allocated. This includes €3.8 million in core funding to UNRWA, as well as an emergency contribution of €1 million to support the agency's response to the crisis in Gaza. A further €500,000 was provided for emergency response projects in Gaza through a Humanitarian Response Fund managed by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Meanwhile, over €800,000 in Irish Aid funding allocated to non-governmental Organisation (NGO) partners during 2009 has been designated for programmes in the Palestinian Territories.
Further funding allocations to the Palestinian people for 2009 will be determined as the year progresses and will be informed, inter alia, by an Irish Aid programming visit scheduled for later this year.
75 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent change in power in Madagascar. [15385/09]
Developments in Madagascar over the past number of months are a matter of concern. The deposition by force on 17 March of Marc Ravalomanana, the democratically-elected President was clearly unconstitutional, and the regime led by opposition leader Andry Rajoelina lacks democratic legitimacy. The suspension of parliament by the self-proclaimed transitional administration on 20 March is a worrying sign which seems to confirm a lack of respect for democracy and for the constitutional order. Tragically, more than 100 people have lost their lives in the political upheavals in Madagascar since January.
The international community has been paying close attention to the situation in Madagascar since the crisis there first developed. A process of mediation between the government and opposition, supported by the United Nations, African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), broke down at the end of February. The AU has called for a rapid return to the constitutional order through an inclusive process involving all political stakeholders in Madagascar.
The European Union, for its part, has urged the parties in Madagascar to comply fully with the provisions of the constitution, and to overcome their differences through dialogue and in accordance with the law. We have also stated clearly our condemnation of all attempts to seize power through undemocratic means. The unconstitutional change of power is likely to have implications for the delivery of EU aid to Madagascar. EU Ambassadors in Antanarivo are following the situation closely, and will clarify the EU's position and our expectations in dialogue with Madagascar.
The people of Madagascar, who are among the poorest in the world, have suffered greatly from the climate of fear and uncertainty generated by this crisis, as well as from disruptions in basic social services. Madagascar urgently needs a stable and democratic government which can fulfil its people's need for peace, security and economic development. I particularly welcome the active engagement of the African Union in this crisis, and the clear condemnation by the AU of unconstitutional transfers of power.
76 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the constitutional referenda he will hold during the remainder of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15533/09]
77 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the constitutional referenda the Government plans to hold during the remainder of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15592/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.
At its meeting last December, the European Council promised to address the concerns of the Irish people on the Treaty of Lisbon by way of legal guarantees and other assurances.
On the basis of its full satisfaction with the outcome of this work, which is due to be finalised by mid-2009, the Government committed itself to seeking ratification of the Treaty by the end of the term of the current European Commission, which is expected to leave office at the end of October. For Ireland to be in a position to ratify the Treaty, the approval of the people will be necessary in a referendum.
78 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 10 March 2009, in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon, the reason for the delay in receiving a reply from FÁS. [15972/09]
This is a day to day matter for FÁS. I understand that the person in question can expect to be called for his phase 6 training programme in September 2009 (as advised in PQ 9996/09). FÁS will send out his scheduling letter eight weeks before the start date of the training period.
79 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make contact with the management of a company (details supplied) in County Dublin in respect of the recent announcement of job losses; the assistance being offered to the workers involved; the action proposed to replace these jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16000/09]
I am very aware of the impact on Xilinx employees and their families following the company's decision to reduce its workforce in Ireland. The company have announced that there will be 130 redundancies. I understand that the redundancies will take place between June and December this year with 15-20 jobs to be lost by June. In many cases, such company announcements are as a result of global conditions and/or global decisions, over which we have little influence. In this case the proposed redundancies are in the Manufacturing and Test operations which are being transferred to Asia. Xilinx has said that it has based its decision on cost competitiveness.
The remaining 220 positions are to remain in Dublin. These jobs are in R&D, Engineering, IT and other corporate and customer facing activities. I understand that the job outputs in these cases are of significant higher value and are seen by Xilinx's management as a base for future growth. The company has confirmed that Ireland will remain its European HQ and that there is a corporate commitment to all other activities.
Xilinx will be entering into a full consultative process with its employees where details of redundancy and options for employees will be outlined. The State development agencies under the aegis of my Department have adopted a co-ordinated approach in response to the announced job losses, which includes relevant interventions from all of the agencies, including FÁS which will offer its full range of services to workers being made redundant.
IDA is conscious of the implications of job losses in the economy as a whole and in this respect the Agency's main focus is on securing investment from new and existing clients in the areas of High End Manufacturing, Global Services (including Financial Services) and Research, Development and Innovation. Within these areas the key sectors IDA focuses on are Life Sciences (Pharmaceutical, Biopharmaceutical and Medical Technologies), Information Communications Technology (ICT), Engineering, Professional Services, Digital Media, Consumer Brands and International Services. New opportunities are emerging in areas such as Clean Technology, Convergence and Services Innovation.
80 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of expense account credit cards paid by her Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16064/09]
I interpret the Deputy's question as relating to credit card expense accounts, the costs of which are paid directly by the Department. My Department does not operate such accounts.
However, in the interest of transparency, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department facilitates the issue of charge cards to staff who travel abroad on official business on a regular basis. This arrangement is intended to obviate the need for staff members to use their personal credit cards to cover costs such as hotel accommodation and other official expenses necessarily incurred in the course of their official business. Staff who are issued with charge cards under this arrangement hold individual accounts with the issuing credit card company. Each card holder is responsible for paying any balances due on his/her account directly to the credit card company.
Staff are entitled to reclaim travel, subsistence and other official expenses incurred in connection with their official duties from my Department strictly in accordance with Department of Finance regulations and applicable rates. Reimbursements of this nature are paid directly to the officers concerned who may use the refunds to settle their charge/credit card accounts. At present, 42 staff of my Department hold charge cards under the arrangement outlined above. Some other staff choose to use their personal credit cards for business related transactions. My Department pays Government Stamp Duty on charge/credit cards used for official transactions. The total cost of Stamp Duty paid on these cards from 2004 to date is set out on the following table:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
4,761.74 |
|
2005 |
6,697.74 |
|
2006 |
4,700.00 |
|
2007 |
3,976.82 |
|
2008 |
1,944.50 |
|
2009 to date |
30.00 |
81 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the type, nature and level of grants available to persons who wish to set up a business to supply a specialist service in the services area which could conceivably generate employment opportunities for up to ten personnel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16075/09]
My Department does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and Enterprise Ireland, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses.
The 35 CEBs provide a source of support to small businesses with 10 employees or fewer. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of feasibility, employment and capital grants (details supplied below). In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow. All of the CEBs operate to the same criteria in relation to the assistance which they can offer i.e. they can support the establishment and/or the development of enterprises provided that the projects have the capacity to achieve commercial viability and which over time may develop into strong exporting entities.
However, I would stress that priority is given to projects in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It is considered inappropriate to support other areas such as retail enterprises, personal services (e.g. hairdressers, gardeners, etc), professional services (accountants, solicitors, etc), construction, as it is considered that these enterprises generally give rise to unacceptable deadweight (where projects would have proceeded anyway) and/or displacement (where the projects simply displace business from other players in the market) concerns.
Anyone with a business idea would be best advised to contact their local CEB to discuss the matter further. Contact details for individual CEBs can be found by accessing the following website: www.enterpriseboards.ie.
82 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16077/09]
The Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) is obliged to furnish an annual report to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the exercise of its functions under Part V of the Companies Act 1990 in relation to insider dealing and this report is required to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. All Reports since 1994 were duly laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and the information sought by the Deputy is also contained in the respective Annual Companies Reports, which were also laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The ISE was obliged to furnish a report to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the European Communities (Stock Exchange) Regulations 1984 (S.I. No. 282 of 1984). These regulations were repealed during 2007 and replaced by the European Communities (Admission to Listing and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 286 of 2007). The information requested by the Deputy in relation to these Regulations for the years 1998 to 2007 is contained in the Annual Companies Reports as referred to above. As details of the reports of the ISE under these Regulations for the period 1994 to 1997 were not contained in the respective Annual Companies Report I have arranged for the ISE's own Reports for these years to be forwarded to the Deputy.
83 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16078/09]
84 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16079/09]
87 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16082/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 84 and 87 together.
I am not in a position to provide the information requested by the Deputy given the relatively short time available since the Question was tabled. However, officials in my Department are currently compiling the information sought and as soon as the information is collated. I will be in further contact with the Deputy.
85 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16080/09]
86 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16081/09]
88 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16083/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 86 and 88 together.
The uncertainty mentioned in the note referred to by the Deputy related to questions that arose as to whether the relevant provisions at that time had fully implemented the exemption provided for in Directive 92/101/EEC in relation to the purchase by a subsidiary company of shares in its holding company where the subsidiary is a professional dealer in securities acting in the normal course of its business.
The Directive recognised that professional dealers in securities, which are members of a stock exchange within the EU, or are otherwise approved or supervised by a competent authority, should not be subject to the same restrictions on purchasing shares in its holding company as is the case for an ordinary subsidiary.
The relevant provisions were section 224 of the Companies Act, 1990 and Regulation 5(6) of the EC (Public Limited Companies Subsidiaries) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 67 of 1997) and doubt arose as to the extent and scope of the exemption which these sections provided. In particular, the exemptions in the 1997 Regulations were only available to a particular type of subsidiary company — a directly controlled subsidiary constituted as a limited liability company — and did not specifically disapply sections 32 and 60 of the Companies Act, 1963. Separately, section 224 of the Companies Act, 1990 imposed conditions regarding prior approval of an acquisition and post notification to the Companies Registration Office and the Stock Exchange, which made the provision unworkable for professional dealers in securities dealing in the shares of their listed holding companies.
The uncertainties that arose were essentially a feature of the interplay between the national law on this area and developments at EU Directive level.
Section 111 of what became the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001 was drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. As the section was introduced at Report Stage my Department's records indicate that a briefing note was not prepared for circulation to Deputies.
89 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date in reaching the 3% target of people employed with disabilities in Government Departments and other State bodies; and if this target is affected by the embargo on recruitment. [16094/09]
90 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which her Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16101/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.
My Department has exceeded the 3% target for the Employment of People with a disability for both 2007 and 2008. In 2007, the percentage of persons employed by my Department who disclosed that they have a disability, was 4.6% of the total staff number. In 2008 the percentage was 5.5% of total staff. It is impossible to say at this stage how these figures will be affected by the embargo on recruitment.
Data for 2008 in respect of the Agencies under my remit is currently being collated and this Report will be submitted to the National Disability Authority by my Departments Monitoring Committee by the deadline of 30th June 2009 as required by Section 48(5)(d) of the Disability Act 2005.
I am not in a position to respond in relation to the 3% target in other Government Departments' as I have no function in the matter.
91 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the property known as Blascaod Mór Teo, County Kerry; if ferry rights were purchased as part of the transaction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16033/09]
In August 2007, following several years of negotiations, a contract was entered into for the purchase of the majority of land-holding interest on the Island from the owners, Blascaod Mór Teoranta. The final arrangements for the purchase were completed in February this year. The purchase included the lands and associated rights, including ferry rights.
Subject to the availability of resources, consideration will now be given to the carrying out of conservation works to the structures on the property. The future management of the Island will be guided by the Management Plan agreed with various interests in September 2004.
92 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will reverse the restrictions imposed on persons (details supplied) in Dublin 13 in view of the fact that they are withholding rent to account for the tax owed by their overseas landlord and that the restrictions are costing the tenants €580 every month. [15965/09]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have arranged for the issue of an amended certificate, granting all the tax credits without any restriction regarding rent withheld in respect of payments made to the non-resident landlord. The tenant should return the tax withheld to the Revenue Commissioners along with their annual return. An amended PAYE Balancing Statement will also issue for 2008.
93 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to implement a double taxation treaty to allow for the taxing of visiting rock bands and performers in view of the fact that they are levied in every other country in the world and revenue is being lost as a result of the failure to implement this tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15967/09]
The question of introducing a withholding tax regime on income earned in Ireland by foreign artists was examined in the late 1980's/ early 1990's by my Department and the Revenue Commissioners. However, because of the small prospective yield at the time, the capacity of such a regime to discourage artists visiting Ireland and the administrative burden associated with collecting a relatively small yield, it was decided not to proceed. I have asked that the matter be reviewed given developments since the last review.
I understand that while many countries have arrangements for the taxation of foreign artists it is not universal. For example I am informed that Denmark and the Netherlands do not have such arrangements.
94 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied). [15982/09]
The 2009 annual income levy rates are set out in the following table as contained in the Financial Resolution, passed on Budget night.
|
Part of aggregate income |
Rate of income levy |
|
% |
|
|
The first €75,036 |
1.67 |
|
The next €25,064 |
3.00 |
|
The next €74,880 |
3.33 |
|
The next €75,140 |
4.67 |
|
The remainder |
5.00 |
For PAYE taxpayers whose income is spread evenly throughout the year this equates to the rates set out as follows.
|
From 1 January 2009 to 30 April 2009 |
|
|
% |
|
|
The first €100,100 |
1 |
|
The next €150,020 |
2 |
|
The remainder |
3 |
|
From 1 May 2009 to 31 December 2009 |
|
|
% |
|
|
The first €75,036 |
2 |
|
The next €99,944 |
4 |
|
The remainder |
6 |
The financial resolution providing for the levy changes contained an anti-avoidance measure, the composite rate structure, to ensure that all taxpayers are treated equally. The purpose of the composite rate was to prevent those with the ability to control the payment of their income manipulating their drawings from their business in such a way as to avoid payment of the increased levies. Therefore, the annual rates come into play to ensure they pay their fair share.
The position is that before the budget, some firms were being advised to bring forward salaries and other payments simply to avoid the impact of increases in income tax levies. The composite rate contained in the financial resolution prevents these manipulations and ensures fairness in the system.
95 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Finance when the bridge at Crookstown, County Cork will be widened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16034/09]
In November 2008, the Office of Public Works responded to a general enquiry in relation to the process for seeking OPW's consent for works to the bridge in question under Section 50 of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. A formal application for consent, together with supporting documentation, was submitted to the OPW on 23 February 2009 and it is currently being examined. A decision on the application will issue shortly.
96 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the postponement of decentralisation and the recruitment embargo, he will allow head to head transfers within the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16047/09]
The normal arrangements for the movement of staff under the decentralisation programme are continuing in respect of the priority decentralisation projects announced in the Budget last October. Head to head transfers have been in place and continue to be available for locations that are not part of the current decentralisation programme. In addition, in Budget 2009 I announced the Government's commitment to the allocation and redeployment of staff in the Civil Service to areas of highest priority. I have already made additional staff available to the Department of Social and Family Affairs to meet the needs of the growing numbers on the Live Register and I will use the same approach to redeploy staff to other priority areas in the future. I will ensure that the redeployment of staff will take place with due consideration to geographical constraints and in a consistent and fair manner.
97 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16066/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. The credit limit on all currently issued official credit cards is €5,000. All credit card payments are subject to financial control procedures within the Department.
|
Year |
No of Cards |
Total Spend |
Spend over €5,000 |
Grade of Cardholder with spend over €5,000 |
|
€ |
||||
|
2009 |
11 |
7,394.05 |
N/A |
|
|
2008 |
17 |
51,228.89 |
2 |
Higher Executive Officer and Assistant Principal* |
|
2007 |
10 |
43,506.63 |
3 |
Higher Executive Officer and Assistant Principal*, and Administrative Officer |
|
2006 |
12 |
42,487.42 |
2 |
Higher Executive Officer and Assistant Principal* |
|
2005 |
13 |
71,347.88 |
4 |
Higher Executive Officer and Assistant Principal*, Administrative officer, and Assistant Secretary |
|
2004 |
14 |
78,763.79 |
5 |
Higher Executive Officer and Assistant Principal*, Assistant Secretary, Assistant Principal, and Administrative Officer |
*Two credit cards are held by officers in Corporate Services Division and the Centre for Management and Organisation Development for low cost purchases where this provides a more efficient method of purchasing.
98 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if he will take steps to have a section of road, along the canal line at a location (details supplied) in County Longford repaired in order to make same passable and accessible for people who wish to harvest and collect turf from the adjacent bog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16074/09]
The Office of Public Works, which is under my responsibility as Minister of State, is not responsible for the maintenance of roads.
99 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16087/09]
100 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16088/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.
The matters referred to in the Deputy's questions are matters which fall within the policy remit of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Therefore any correspondence of the type referred to in the Deputy's questions would have been routinely referred to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for appropriate follow-up by that Department.
101 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16089/09]
Following a review of the correspondence records for the period in question, my Department has found no trace of the correspondence referred to in the details supplied with the question.
102 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the status of an application from the National Roads Authority for funding to complete the environmental impact statement and the compulsory purchase order process in respect of the N22 Macroom bypass project, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16090/09]
All matters relating to the roads programme and to individual roads projects, including matters of funding, are the responsibility for the Minister for Transport and his agency the National Roads Authority.
103 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16103/09]
My Department has met the 3% target for employment of people with disabilities. As part of a Civil Service wide measure, my Department has conducted a survey of staff, based on voluntary disclosure, using a method agreed with the National Disability Authority. The response to the survey indicates that at least 4.3% of the staff of the Department has a disability. My Department is also aware that some staff with a disability may not have responded to the survey. The Deputy may wish to note that my Department received an award under the O2 Ability Awards programme in recognition of its policies and procedures in the area of Leadership, Environmental Accessibility, Learning Development and Progression and Retention and Wellbeing.
104 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an outpatient appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15968/09]
The management of out-patient waiting lists is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.
105 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application by persons (details supplied) in County Cork for a scheme. [15975/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 -2010.
As the Deputy may be aware, the finalisation of the latest portfolio of capital grant applications, under the NCIP, was delayed pending the introduction of the recent Supplementary Budget. Following decisions in the budget the capital allocation now available for 2009/2010 will meet existing capital grant commitments but will not be sufficient to allow for the approval of any additional grant applications. It is therefore not possible to approve the capital grant application for the group referred to by the Deputy at this time. My Office will be writing to the group shortly to advise them of this outcome.
106 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [15984/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
107 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm plans to deal effectively with the issue of elder abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16005/09]
Significant progress has been made in developing a comprehensive response to deal with elder abuse insofar as the health services are concerned. These are set out in the recent Health Service Executive (HSE) report ‘Elder Abuse Service Developments 2008'.
In addition a formal independent review of the implementation of the recommendations outlined in ‘Protecting our Future' the 2002 Report of the Working Group on Elder Abuse is underway. T he Review is to identify any gaps in the present policy and address areas not included in the original report e.g. financial abuse, institutional abuse, self-neglect. The Review is due to be completed in May and it's findings will inform future policy and actions.
108 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to problems being experienced by persons trying to contact the primary care reimbursement service regarding the over 70 years medical card scheme and phone waiting times; the action being taken to deal with these problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16009/09]
109 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the many elderly people who have had their over 70 years medical cards stopped even though they are fully entitled to them; her advice for those elderly people who are in urgent need of medication or a general practitioner visit but are unable to cover the cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16010/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.
Following enactment of the Health Act 2008, the Health Service Executive (HSE) wrote to all medical card holders aged 70 years and over in January 2009. Persons who were in receipt of a medical card on a non means tested basis were requested, if over the income limits set out in the Act, to make a declaration to the Executive, on or before the 2nd March 2009.
To-date, 19,954 medical cards for persons aged 70 and over have been returned or removed from the medical card register. 10,690 of these cards were returned to the HSE by persons aged 70 or over whose weekly income was in excess of the specified thresholds and a further 9,264 medical cards were removed from the medical card register as part of a data quality exercise, where for example, the HSE had been advised that the card holder is deceased or the card holder was not known at the address, etc. The vast majority of people in the over 70's age group (343,499 — as at 1st March 2009) retained their medical cards.
Doctors have been advised by the HSE regarding clients that have been notified to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) as deceased, gone away or where duplicates exist. In circumstances where a card holder has been removed from the medical card register and they are still entitled to a medical card, the person or their GP should advise the HSE immediately and as soon as the details are confirmed, the client's medical card eligibility will be restored. The HSE has received contact from a number of doctors and individuals in this regard and these cases are being worked through.
The introduction of the new over 70s medical card scheme has resulted in a high number of telephone calls and enquiries to the PCRS. The Executive reports that while there can be delays experienced at certain times of the day, over 94% of callers speak to a customer service representative on the day that they call. The new central office has dealt with in excess of 80,000 telephone enquiries in the first quarter of 2009, and has processed in excess of 7,000 new medical card applications.
The Executive reports that Local Health Offices continue to deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme and will provide any assistance needed with the application process, and along with the National Helpline (1850 24 1850), will deal with enquiries from clients in respect of their medical card entitlements and completion of application forms. The HSE has not instructed its Local Health Offices to refuse assistance in relation to medical card queries.
110 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the payment of a grant approved in respect of a community (details supplied) in County Cork; and if her attention has been drawn to the importance of this grant to the community. [16012/09]
CLÁR is a joint initiative between the Department of Community Rural and Gaelteacht affairs and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Government recently announced it's intention to examine all current and capital expenditure as part of it's decision to introduce further measures to stabilise the public finances. The HSE have subsequently resubmitted both CLÁR and RAPID programmes for re-approval to the Department of Finance and are awaiting a response. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
111 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive is continuing to obstruct movement of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; the obstruction in respect of same; the further reason the HSE will not transfer funding internally to meet the needs of this person who has a disability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16015/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
112 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times with regard to gallstone removal at the Mater General Hospital, Dublin; and if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [16019/09]
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
113 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to date of the administration of the nursing home repayment scheme by the Health Service Executive and the scheme administrator (details supplied); the breakdown of these figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16021/09]
A total of €22m has been expended to date on the administration of the Health Repayment Scheme and a breakdown of the costs is as follows:
Overheads 2006 — €3.0m;
Overheads 2007 — €5.0m;
Overheads 2008 — €14.0m.
Overheads include payments to the Scheme Administrator of €13m to date together with Advertising, Legal Expenses, H.S.E. Pay Costs and General Office Expenses.
114 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will examine the reason an assessment of means under the Disability Act, 2005 has not been provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare one year after the required deadline for same. [16036/09]
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
115 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will seek assurances from the Health Service Executive that the public will continue to have direct access to medical card services at the Mary Mercer Health Centre, Kiltalown Village, Tallaght, Dublin 24; if her attention has been drawn to the importance of such a service in the third largest population centre here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16043/09]
Under the Health Service Executive's 2009 Service Plan it has been agreed that the processing of medical card applications will be centralised and will transfer to the Executive's Primary Care Reimbursement Service in Dublin. The change is being implemented on a phased basis and is designed to deliver a better and more cost effective service.
Under the new arrangements, the HSE will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 days or less for all medical card applications. Emergency applications will be dealt with immediately with a card issuing within 24 hours. There will be no affect on the assessment of people whose income exceeds the income guidelines but have a case to be considered on medical or hardship grounds.
Local Health Offices will continue to provide advice and necessary supports to people applying for medical cards. They will also deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme and, along with the HSE National Helpline (1850 24 1850), will handle enquiries from clients in respect of their medical card entitlements.
The new arrangements will also deliver significant efficiencies by making greater use of shared services for both internal administration and direct service delivery.
This is a good example of the type of innovation signalled in the Transforming Public Services Programme announced by the Taoiseach last November. It demonstrates how the HSE can deliver improved services within the more limited resources available in a way which meets the needs of citizens in a modern society.
116 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the way means testing is to be carried out on the means of persons over 70 years with reference to the entitlement to have a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16054/09]
Under the Health Act 2008, automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 or over ceased on 31st December 2008, and with effect from 1st January 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 or over is €700 (gross) per week (€36,500 per year) for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week (€73,000 per year) for a couple.
Any savings and similar investments up to €36,000 (single)/€72,000 (couple) will be disregarded when assessing means and only interest from savings or similar investments above these figures will be considered as income. The relevant portion of savings and similar investments will be assessed on the income calculated at a notional interest rate (currently 5%), based on the prevailing interest rates at the time of application. The Health Service Executive's (HSE) Central Application Unit will review the notional rate on a quarterly basis.
Alternatively, where an applicant wishes to have the actual interest from savings/investments considered, then the HSE will apply this approach and use the most beneficial option in favour of the applicant, subject to submission of the appropriate certificates from the relevant institutions. In the case of "longer term" investment accounts, where the interest is only applied at the end of a fixed period, if the applicant so wishes, the HSE will only take account of the interest earned on the date the investment matures. Any calculation of interest is inclusive of Deposit Interest Retention Tax.
117 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of expense account credit cards paid by her Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16068/09]
There are four corporate credit/charge cards for official business purposes currently in use in my Department. The credit limit on the card issued to me as Minister is €50,000 and that of the card issued to my Private Secretary is €10,000. The two remaining cards are charge cards with no specified limit and are issued to a nominated officer in my Department's Finance Unit and the Registrar of the Adoption Board. These cards are used to cover a range of costs such as publications, seminar and conference fees, annual membership fees, transport costs and software purchases where payment by credit card is required. In the period 2004 to 2007, cards were issued to a number of other nominated persons, including the Ombudsman for Children, the Chairman of the Post Mortem Inquiry, the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction and the National Children's Office. The total paid between 2004 and to date in 2009 on all cards amounts to €115,543. During this period the annual amount charged on a single card exceeded €5,000 three times in respect of the cards issued to both the Finance Unit and the Registrar of the Adoption Board and once in respect of the card issued to the National Children's Office. In each case the grade of the nominated officer is Assistant Principal.
118 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which her Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16105/09]
Part 5 of the Disability Act, 2005 states that a public body "shall ensure, unless there is good reason to the contrary for not doing so, that not less than 3 percent of the persons employed by it are persons with disabilities". Under Section 47(4) of the Act, my Department reports to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on its compliance with the Act during the preceding year.
Based on the total number of staff employed by my Department on the 31st December, 2008, 4.8 percent indicated that they had a disability as defined under the Disability Act, 2005. The Department also provided a placement under the Willing, Able and Mentoring Programme to a graduate with a disability for a period of six months beginning on the 4th November, 2008.
119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views, arising from recent media reports to the effect that it is intended to close the ambulance control centre at Monread Road, Naas, County Kildare and transfer same to Townsend Street, Dublin, on whether this is a recentralisation of services, removal of emphasis from the regions and a retrograde step involving travelling longer distances for ambulances in emergency situations; if she will reverse such proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16109/09]
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
120 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by people endeavouring to book a national car test prior to 1 May 2009; and if in view of this difficulty, recognition will be given to those who are unable to book their test on time. [15974/09]
I am aware that the increase in inquiries to the National Car Testing Service has created some difficulties in making applications for tests. However, these are temporary and thousands of test appointments have successfully been made in the last few days, including for cars which were due to be tested in 2007 and 2008.
In all cases, penalty points are applied to existing offences, and with the aim of improving road safety through driver behaviour, and in the case of the most recent penalty point offences, improving vehicle standards. For example, the use of a vehicle without a test certificate (where applicable) is already an offence which on conviction carries a fine of up to €2,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months or both.
The number of test appointments made by cars due for testing in 2007 and 2008 underlines both the road safety message and the effectiveness of the penalty point system.
121 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if the review of Ireland’s preparedness and capacity to respond to ship sourced pollution, referred to in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 220 of 3 March 2009, has been completed; his position regarding the acquisition of an emergency towing vessel in view of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15981/09]
The review of Ireland's preparedness and capacity to respond to ship-sourced pollution is in the final stages of consideration. Recent events will be taken into account in determining future strategy in this area.
122 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Luas works from Tallaght to Citywest; if he will seek assurances from the Railway Procurement Agency regarding the level of service to be provided following a newspaper article (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16006/09]
In August of last year, following an application to An Bórd Pleanála (including an Environmental Impact Statement) and an Oral Hearing, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) secured an enforceable Railway Order (planning permission) for the new Luas spur line to Citywest and Saggart. The line is currently under construction.
Passengers from Saggart wishing to travel to Tallaght and vice versa will change trams at Belgard and the Belgard Luas stop will be upgraded to facilitate this interchange.
I am informed by the RPA that there has been no change in the planned service pattern to and from Tallaght and Saggart since the grant of the Railway Order. Contrary to the newspaper article referred to by the Deputy, and as stated in the EIS, the initial peak services pattern envisages five services per hour departing Saggart directly for the city centre and a further five services per hour operating as a shuttle service to Belgard Stop. This represents a service frequency of 6 minutes between trams and is considered more than sufficient to meet demand.
Construction of the new Luas line to Citywest and Saggart is expected to be completed by the end of next year with services operating on the line in early 2011.
123 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the circumstances surrounding the granting of a haulage licence by his Department to a person (details supplied) in view of reported past drug trafficking offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16044/09]
I am in the process of reviewing all aspects of the decision to award a licence to the individual in question. I have already received a preliminary report on this matter, and a full report is being prepared for me. I have referred this matter to the Attorney General for advice regarding the legal issues involved.
124 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the criteria for awarding a haulage licence here; the restrictions in place for applicants with former criminal convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16045/09]
The criteria for the grant of a Road Haulage Operator's Licence are set out in Irish and EU legislation. The three criteria that must be met by every applicant are: Good Repute; Professional Competence; and Financial Standing.
Good Repute is decided by reference to the criteria contained in the European Communities (Merchandise Road Transport) Regulations 1991, (S.I. No. 60 of 1991), and confirmation on convictions is sought from An Garda Síochána when deciding Good Repute.
125 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if changes regarding the responsibility for local and regional roads are being considered by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16046/09]
I am considering assigning responsibility for the day-to-day administration of regional and local road grants to the National Roads Authority.
Should the transfer proceed, I would propose to retain responsibility for regional and local road policy and for the allocation of grants for regional and local roads.
126 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16071/09]
Credit cards are issued to staff of my Department to enable them to pay for expenses which necessarily arise in the course of their duties. There are currently 13 credit cards in use. The credit card limits depend on the likely usage of a card. 8 of the cards have limits of €5,000 or under. Of the remainder, 3 cards have limits of €10,000, 1 card has a limit of €12,700. and 1 card which is used for general purchases , including conference bookings etc, has a limit of €25,000.
The amount spent on credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009 is €482,889.
In the period covered by the Question there were 16 instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000. The grades covered were Assistant Principal Officer, Chief Inspector of Air Accidents, Higher Executive Officer and Chief Aeronautical Officer. In half of the cases the expenditure was in respect of cards held for general departmental use rather than for use by an individual.
127 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16108/09]
The agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability has been met and exceeded by my Department.
128 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the Civil Partnership Bill; when further progress will be made on its enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15956/09]
The Government Legislation Programme, announced on 22 April 2009, indicates that publication of the Civil Partnership Bill is expected in the current session.
129 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for funding for closed circuit television in New Ross, County Wexford made under the RAPID scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15963/09]
I refer the Deputy to the response to Parliamentary Question No 65 of 9th April 2009. The position is as stated in that reply.
130 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a submission from a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; if favourable consideration is being given to this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15971/09]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that they have been in correspondence with the person referred to by the Deputy. Upon receipt of the documents requested from the applicant, the application will receive further consideration.
131 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the provision of the community based closed circuit television system for an estate (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when funding will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15990/09]
The Community-based CCTV Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems.
I am advised that the scheme for the provision of CCTV in the estate referred to by the Deputy is ready to proceed to contract stage and accordingly, a request for drawdown of funds has been made by Pobal who administer the scheme on behalf of my Department. This request is currently being processed.
132 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the application for humanitarian leave by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [15991/09]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 9 February 2005. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 8 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received from the person concerned.
The person concerned was subsequently notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned has submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.
Due to the high volumes of cases being processed it is not possible to say when the outstanding applications of the person concerned will be finalised.
133 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 437 of 26 February 2008, if he will provide current figures and those for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16020/09]
The total number of persons who opted to voluntarily repatriate during 2008 and up to the end of the last complete calendar month in 2009 is provided in Table A:
|
Year |
Number of self-managed voluntary returns |
Number of voluntary returns — International Organisation for Migration assisted |
Total |
|
2008 |
74 |
452 |
526 |
|
2009 (until end of March) |
33 |
154 |
187 |
The total number of persons who consented to their deportation, were issued with deportation orders and who were subsequently deported during 2008 and up to the end of the last complete calendar month in 2009 is provided in Table B:
|
Year |
Number of Deportation Orders Signed (including Consent Orders) |
Number of Consent Deportation Orders effected |
Total Orders effected (including Consent Orders) |
|
2008 |
779 |
13 |
163 |
|
2009 (Until 31st March) |
285 |
2 |
52 |
|
Total |
1,064 |
15 |
215 |
The information requested in relation to the number of persons sought in 2008 and until the end of March 2009 by the Gardaí is not readily available in my Department. My officials have requested the relevant statistics from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and I can assure the Deputy that the information will be conveyed to him at the earliest possible date.
The average deportation cost provided below refers to the deportation of either illegal immigrants, persons refused refugee status in the State or persons whose applications for asylum have been transferred to another country under the Dublin Convention. The vast majority of the removals involved persons who were refused refugee status in the State.
|
Year |
2008 |
|
€ |
|
|
Consent Deportation (average cost) |
2,280 |
|
Enforced Deportation (average cost) |
5,983 |
|
Voluntary Repatriation under the Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP) for non EEA nationals (based on 2008 figures) |
2,742 |
134 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people imprisoned in each of the past five years, to date in 2009, with respect to the non-payment of debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16025/09]
Statistics on the number of committals to prison custody as a result of failure to comply with a court order in relation to the non-payment of a civil debt are set out in the following table. The table covers the years from 2004 to 2008.
|
Year |
Number of Persons |
|
2004 |
200 |
|
2005 |
223 |
|
2006 |
194 |
|
2007 |
201 |
|
2008 |
276 |
I can advise the Deputy that the number of persons held in custody at any one time for this category of offence is a tiny fraction of the overall prisoner population. To illustrate this point, figures relating to 21 April, 2009 indicate that less than 0.4 percent of the numbers in prison custody fell into this category.
135 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans in place for the regulation of management companies in residential complexes. [16030/09]
Legislation to address the Law Reform Commission's recommendations on multi-unit developments is in the course of being drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel as a matter of priority. The intention is to publish the Bill in this Session.
The principal focus of the new Bill will be on ensuring good governance of property management companies and similar bodies which comprise the owners of units within multi-unit developments and which exercise management functions in relation to such developments. It is also intended to include provisions for the resolution of disputes arising in relation to such matters. The policy aspects extend to my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
136 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next recruitment of gardaí will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16035/09]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that approximately 100 Garda trainees will commence training in early May, after which the moratorium on recruitment will apply.
137 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16069/09]
My Department does not provide so-called expense account credit cards to staff members. However, six senior members of staff are supplied with credit cards of the type where outstanding balances are paid directly by the Department to enable them to procure some goods and services as part of their official responsibilities. The expenditure limit of these cards is approximately €8,000.
Accurate information on detailed expenditure on these cards, prior to February 2008 is not readily available, but since then to March 2009, the total amount charged to them was €48,800, giving an average charge of approximately €8,000 on each card.
As the deputy will no doubt be aware, credit cards of this nature are no more than a tool which facilitates the efficient discharge of business; in many cases it is not possible to procure goods and services without a credit card where for example suppliers insist on advance payment.
138 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16106/09]
The percentage of people employed in my Department who have a disability is 3.8%.
139 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15997/09]
I visited New York and Washington from 15 to 18 March.
On St. Patrick's Day, I accompanied the Taoiseach at his meeting with President Obama, and at other engagements. The discussions with the President covered a wide range of priority issues for Ireland and the United States.
President Obama was most generous with his time and hospitality during the visit, hosting the traditional Shamrock Ceremony and bilateral meeting at the White House. He also attended the Speaker's Luncheon on Capitol Hill, as did Vice President Biden. The President and Mrs. Obama later hosted an evening reception at the White House which was also attended by Vice-President and Mrs. Biden.
In Washington, I had a very useful meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. We discussed a broad range of foreign policy issues, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Cuba, developments in the European Union and immigration reform. We also discussed the scope for cooperation on development issues and in the area of conflict resolution.
In relation to Northern Ireland, I took the opportunity to assure Secretary Clinton of the steadfast determination of both Governments, and of the political parties in Northern Ireland, to consolidate the progress already made, and to ensure that the peace and stability achieved would not be compromised by the cowardly acts of an unrepresentative few. I also met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister when I attended an event hosted by the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington.
In New York, I participated in a trade mission organised by Enterprise Ireland and met with a number of companies announcing significant investments in Ireland. I also raised the issues of the immigration reform and the undocumented with Senator Chuck Schumer, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and met with representatives of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR).
While in Washington, I called on Congresswoman Zoë Lofgren, Chair of the House Subcommittee on Immigration.
Also in Washington, I joined the Taoiseach in meetings with Senators Dodd and Leahy, and with Congressman Richie Neal and other members of the Friends of Ireland group.
While in New York, I participated in the launch, by the Taoiseach, of the Ireland-US Strategic Review. My Department is currently working to advance the key recommendations contained in that Review.
142 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding his response to recent actions by North Korea which have raised concerns worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16003/09]
I strongly condemn the recent launch of an experimental communications satellite conducted by North Korea in breach of UN Security Council Resolution 1718. This was a provocative act, undertaken in defiance of warnings from the international community, including those made by our then Ambassador to North Korea during a visit to the country in February.
I am also deeply concerned by the subsequent decision of North Korea to expel International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from the country and recommence activity at its nuclear facilities. These actions place additional strains on regional stability at a time when the unresolved nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula requires mutual confidence building. Such actions are also a matter of more general concern due to their global proliferation implications.
I urge North Korea to comply with the UNSC Resolution 1718 and to immediately suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile programme as well as abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. I also fully endorse the call on the North Korean government made by the EU to reverse its decision to expel IAEA inspectors as well as the decision to restore the nuclear facilities which have been disabled, to maintain its cooperation with the IAEA, to allow an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks, as demanded by the UN Security Council's Presidential Statement, and to take such steps as will facilitate lasting stability and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.
Apart from the issue of its nuclear armaments programme, many other issues in relation to North Korea remain of concern. While the North Korean regime continues to invest precious resources in its nuclear and military programmes, the country is suffering chronic food insecurity and high malnutrition rates, and remains reliant on external food assistance to meet the needs of its population. Equally, the human rights situation is deeply troubling, reflective of one of the most repressive regimes in the world. Other issues of concern include the regime's complicity in trans-national crime, such as trafficking in people, especially women.
144 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16067/09]
The Department of Foreign Affairs operates a limited system for the use of corporate credit cards for official expenditure. There are currently 10 official credit cards issued by the Department in Ireland. A list of office holders issued with these official credit cards; details of credit cards which are no longer in use and the credit limits on the cards are set out in the following table.
The Department issues official credit cards to Ministers, Ministers of State and a limited number of senior officers who, because of the nature of their work, need to make official payments on credit. Credit cards are used to make flight and hotel bookings, for representational purposes and for making sundry payments, at short notice, where cash may not be acceptable or where the cost involved would otherwise be too great to be met from an officer's own resources. The issue of a credit card to the Department's librarian is to facilitate the purchase on-line of books and information materials relevant to the work of the Department.
In regard to the credit limits for each card, the credit limits which apply to the Visa credit cards are detailed in the table. However the arrangement with the American Express credit cards are that no set limit applies but that the account must be settled in full every month. I understand that this is normal practise for American Express cards.
While it has not been possible in the time available to provide details of credit cards held by Irish Embassies or Consulates abroad, all items of expenditure incurred by Irish Missions, whether paid by credit card or other modes of payment, are subject to the same financial controls which operate at Headquarters.
|
Current Credit Limit |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 (to date) |
|
|
VOTE 28 (Foreign Affairs) |
|||||||
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
||
|
Minister for Foreign Affairs |
832 |
287 |
Cancelled |
||||
|
Minister’s Private Secretary |
AMEX |
5,659 |
502 |
2,461 |
124 |
||
|
Private Secretary/Minister of State (Vote 28) |
AMEX |
3,314 |
4,666 |
1,358 |
5,186 |
2,898 |
195 |
|
Secretary General |
3,733 |
3,709 |
810 |
1,795 |
Cancelled |
||
|
Chief of Protocol |
AMEX |
2,827 |
1,824 |
8,427 |
2,765 |
190 |
|
|
Deputy Chief of Protocol |
AMEX |
8,438 |
1,102 |
1,069 |
699 |
766 |
|
|
Press Officer |
3,146 |
Cancelled |
|||||
|
Head of Anglo Irish Division |
AMEX |
5,257 |
2,690 |
4,412 |
3,409 |
4,492 |
|
|
Finance Unit (Vote 28) (AMEX) |
8,877 |
440 |
1,022 |
Cancelled |
|||
|
Finance Unit (Vote 28) (VISA) |
€5,000 |
1,565 |
|||||
|
Librarian (AMEX) |
2,514 |
Cancelled |
|||||
|
Librarian (VISA) |
€4,000 |
9,922 |
16,593 |
16,437 |
2,819 |
||
|
Minister’s Advisers × 2 (one card each) |
4,761 |
1,862 |
2,540 |
1,512Cancelled May 2008 |
145 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16104/09]
My Department is fully committed to promoting and supporting the employment of people with disabilities, as set out in Part 5 of the Disability Act (2005). The Disability Act also obliges public service bodies to meet a target of 3% of their staff being employees with disabilities. My Department has met, and exceeded, this 3% target.
Given the current restrictions on the recruitment of staff to the public sector, the scope for providing further employment opportunities is clearly limited. However, my Department continues its efforts to employ and accommodate people with disabilities in other ways. For example, it has participated in the Willing, Able and Mentoring (WAM) programme each year since 2006. The purpose of this programme is to provide work placement opportunities for graduates with disabilities in the Civil Service.
My Department also participated this week in the Job Shadow Initiative, a special work experience scheme administered by the Irish Association of Supported Employment, which enables people with disabilities to shadow a workplace mentor for a day.
146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the explanation given by the Bolivian authorities for the shooting of an Irish citizen in suspicious circumstances by security forces in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16110/09]
147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the full extent to which his Department has sought clarification from the Bolivian authorities arising from the shooting of an Irish citizen in that country; the extent to which full details have been provided by the Bolivian authorities or are awaited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16111/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
At the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to express again my deepest sympathy to the family of the Irish citizen who lost his life in such tragic circumstances in Bolivia.
My Department are in ongoing contact with the family and have liaised with them on securing the release and repatriation of his remains. I understand that his remains are due to return to Ireland later this week.
As the Deputy will be aware, after hearing of this person's death, I immediately instructed the Irish Embassy in Argentina, which is also accredited to Bolivia, to send a diplomatic officer there to represent the Government and also to look after the concerns of the family. He initially travelled to Santa Cruz, where the death of the Irish citizen occurred, and then to the Bolivian capital, La Paz.
While in Santa Cruz, the Irish Embassy representative had extensive contact with local officials, who were helpful and cooperative. As a result, it was possible to secure the timely release of the remains and for arrangements to be put in place for the body to be repatriated to Ireland for burial.
The Embassy representative also had meetings with the Bolivian Vice President, the Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Vice Minister of the Interior, the Investigating Attorney in charge of the case, and the Investigating Officer from the Anti-Crime Special Force (FELCE), who is in charge of the police investigation. He expressed the Government's concern at reports on the circumstances surrounding the death and enquired from the Bolivian authorities as to the steps they were taking to discover the facts of the case.
Conflicting reports have emerged from Bolivia as to whether the authorities would welcome foreign participation in the investigation of the incident. I have made clear that the Irish Government is ready to assist with and cooperate in any enquiries.
I spoke to Acting Foreign Minister Quintana by telephone last night and emphasised that our interest in this case relates entirely to protecting the consular rights of our citizens abroad. The Irish Government has a duty to seek the facts in a case where one of our citizens was killed in a violent incident by the security forces in another country.
I made clear that the Irish Government had no involvement in or sympathy with any attempt to destabilise Bolivia or in any attempt to attack the democratically elected President of a friendly State.
Mr Quintana indicted that the Bolivian Government will provide the Irish authorities with all reports on the events in Santa Cruz and will cooperate fully in establishing the truth. I will be writing to Minister Quintana to reiterate our consular interest in the case and to welcome his commitment to working with the Irish Government to establish the full facts of the case.
I can assure the Deputy that this Department through our Embassy in Buenos Aires and the Consular Section will remain in direct contact with the family of the person referred to by him and will provide all possible consular assistance to them.
150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he has initiated at EU and UN level procedures to address the issue of ongoing human rights abuses, genocide, ethnic cleansing and terrorism at the various locations on the continent of Africa that have suffered from such experiences in the past number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16114/09]
Tackling human rights abuses, genocide, ethnic cleansing and terrorism in Africa are among the most important tasks facing the international community in the 21st century. These problems have many causes and manifestations, but poverty, inequality and lack of opportunity have all played a significant role. The risk of such abuses is greatest where political, economic and administrative systems are weak. Ireland is committed to addressing these underlying problems. In our dialogue with partners in the EU and the UN, Ireland is a strong advocate for the developing world and for international peace, human rights and tolerance. Africa is, of course, at the heart of Ireland's programme of official development assistance.
Ireland has played a committed and active part in the EU's efforts to address these problems on the continent of Africa. The EU is the largest donor of development aid in the world, and its development approach to Africa works to address the root causes of instability. The EU's regular political dialogue with African states provides a forum for human rights issues to be raised where necessary. The EU-Africa Strategy, agreed at the Lisbon Summit in 2007, has as fundamental objectives the promotion of peace, security and human rights on the continent of Africa, and the development of strong international responses to concerns such as human rights abuses and terrorism. It commits the EU and African states to ensure that the most serious crimes, including genocide, do not go unpunished. The EU is also a strong supporter of African peacekeeping, and is committed to assisting the development of African capabilities in this area through the African Peace Facility.
The work of the UN in addressing the root causes of human rights abuses, genocide and terrorism in Africa is also strongly supported by Ireland. UN peacekeeping missions in Africa have a major role in stabilising former and current conflict zones where such abuses have been all too frequent. Members of the Irish Defence Forces have participated in numerous UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, including in the Congo, Eritrea, Liberia and currently in Chad. The UN Human Rights Council provides an important forum for human rights abuses to be highlighted and addressed. UN agencies play a vitally important role in bringing development and humanitarian aid to various parts of Africa, and Ireland as a donor gives significant support to their work. Ireland has also been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, a key part of the international community's efforts to ensure that serious crimes, including genocide, do not go unpunished.
In developing a sustainable approach which properly addresses the root causes of human rights abuses, genocide and terrorism, African leadership and responsibility are crucial. This is recognised by the EU and UN, which are both working to build the capacities of African states and the African Union to respond to these challenges. Ireland is committed to playing its part in this work, and I believe that our comprehensive and inclusive approach to the challenges of poverty, conflict and security stands the best chance of facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of people in Africa.
151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action being taken by the world community to combat the problem of AIDS in Africa; the countries currently the worst affected; the countries which have to date achieved the best results; the way this can be replicated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16115/09]
The international community has demonstrated commitment to combat HIV and AIDS and its consequences through a number of high profile agreements that include the Millennium Development Goals universally supported in 2000, the commitment signed by 189 UN Member States following the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV and AIDS in 2001 and the special commitment made in 2005 by the G8 grouping to support universal access to treatment. Ireland, through Irish Aid, is supporting actions to address HIV and AIDS through expenditures of more than €100 million a year to address that disease and other communicable diseases.
Progress towards these commitments has been impressive. The UNAIDS world report for 2008 points to a six-fold increase in funding available for HIV and AIDS in this decade so far and describes a remarkable boost in delivery of important HIV and AIDS services and activities at global, regional and country levels, with very particular emphasis in those countries most affected. A notable and valuable development has been the unprecedented number of civil society groups that have become active in HIV and AIDS work and have joined hands with their government counterparts to more effectively tackle common challenges through partnerships.
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the worst affected region in the world with about two thirds of global cases (about 22m out of a 33m total of people living with HIV and AIDS in the world), and three quarters of the deaths (1.5 million out of a total global figure of 2 million in 2007). Five of Irish Aid's priority Programme Countries are located in this most heavily affected region, namely Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique and Lesotho.
There is clear and encouraging evidence of progress in this region. HIV prevalence in most southern African countries is either approaching or has reached a plateau. However deaths from the final stages of AIDS remain a major concern. There are country examples of success offering hope that it will be possible to get ahead of this infection.
In Zimbabwe, for example, and despite the well recognised difficulties, HIV prevalence in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics has declined significantly in recent years, from 26% in 2002 to 18% in 2006. Key reasons for this are related to safer sexual behaviour including avoiding sex with non-regular partners, and consistent condom use if sex with a non-regular partner occurs.
Another example is Uganda. It was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to register a drop in national HIV prevalence amongst adults. Starting in 1992, significant decreases in HIV prevalence were observed alongside evidence of substantial behavioural change. This has been due to widespread condom use, delay of first sex and avoidance of casual partners. Whilst there are concerns that gains are under threat, the strategies that need support are well documented and with strong international partnership and effective national leadership, progress can be sustained.
It is possible to sustain and replicate the gains we see today with effective global and national leadership and with commitment by donors to support HIV & AIDS services and activities. Ireland continues to promote the need for leadership and engagement at the highest political level internationally, in order to push back this pandemic. At country level, Ireland works closely with and supports national leadership to hold the ground already gained and to continue to make further progress.
152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received further requests for the deployment of Irish troops at overseas locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16116/09]
Ireland has offered, through the UN Standby Arrangements System (UNSAS), to provide up to 850 military personnel for overseas service at any one time. This figure equates to some 10% of Ireland's standing Army (excluding Reserves) and demonstrates Ireland's commitment to the cause of international peace. Ireland is currently contributing 780 Defence Forces personnel to 13 different missions throughout the world.
The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the UN Mission to Chad and the Central African Republic — MINURCAT — with 420 personnel, the NATO-led International Security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 232 personnel and the EU-led operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Operation ALTHEA, with 44 personnel. Ireland also has 27 personnel serving with EUFOR Tchad/RCA in the Operational Headquarters in Paris and Force Headquarters in Chad. A number of personnel are serving as monitors and observers with the United Nations, the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
My Department routinely receives requests from the UN to provide individual officers to various peacekeeping missions. These requests are considered in the first instance by my colleague, the Minister for Defence, on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, a number of factors are taken into account, including the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a long-term solution; consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy; and the degree of risk involved.
153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to prepare for a successful adoption of the Lisbon Treaty; his plans, in the event of failure to do so, to address the issues arising therefrom of a social, political and economic nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16117/09]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 15 of today.
As the Deputy will be aware, for the Treaty of Lisbon to enter into force, it must be ratified by all Member States. Ireland is currently one of four Member States that has not done so as yet. The others are the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany.
Following the agreement of our EU partners to offer Ireland legal guarantees and other assurances in a number of areas of concern to the Irish people, the Government's energies are now directed towards giving effect to that commitment. It is expected that this work will be completed by mid-2009. If the Government is fully satisfied with the outcome, as I expect that we will be, we are committed to seeking ratification of the Lisbon Treaty by the end of the term of the current European Commission, which is due to leave office at the end of October. That means seeking the approval of the people in a referendum.
It is not helpful to speculate on the outcome of a referendum that has not yet been called. However, as recent events have underscored, the European Union is a key vehicle for the promotion and protection of Ireland's national interest. The Government firmly believes that ratification by Ireland of the Treaty of Lisbon would send a strong signal to our EU partners, and to the wider world, of our determination to remain at the heart of that enterprise.
155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU or UN colleagues in the matter of peace keeping or peace enforcement in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16119/09]
I have regular discussions with my colleagues, particularly in an EU context but also bilaterally and at UN fora, on issues relating to international peace and security. The monthly meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council provide regular opportunities in which to consider crises which may arise and the response of the European Union and the wider international community. The Council is also the body which takes decisions in relation to the EU's crisis management actions, such as the launching of new EU missions or significant changes to the 11 existing European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) missions — 9 of which are civilian operations.
Officials of my Department and the Department of Defence also hold discussions, from time to time, with like-minded countries, including in relation to the 13 different UN-mandated peace-keeping and peace enforcement missions on which members of the Defence Forces are currently deployed.
158 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which debt write off entered into by the major powers three years ago has been completed in accordance with the agreement; the main issues outstanding; if particular experiences have been learned from the exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16122/09]
The Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) was agreed by the G8 Countries at their Summit in Gleneagles in July 2005, with a focus on the cancellation of the heavy debt burden on developing countries. It was intended to supplement the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative which was launched in 1996 to reduce the debt burden of qualifying countries to sustainable levels.
The MDRI, which came into effect on 1 July 2006, provides for 100% relief on eligible debt from the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund for many of the poorest countries in the world, most of them in Africa. In 2007, the Inter-American Development Bank agreed to provide similar debt relief to the five poorest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The aim is to relieve these countries from the burden of servicing debt and assist them in making progress on the UN Millennium Development Goals, with the overall objective of halving global poverty by 2015.
Up to the end of March 2009, debt relief has been delivered to 26 countries under the MDRI. In addition, eleven countries have made good progress towards qualifying for MDRI relief, and another six have been identified by the World Bank as potentially eligible.
A recent review of debt relief by the Independent Evaluation Group at the World Bank concluded that it has enabled higher spending on countries' social programmes and poverty-reducing investments. However, it also noted the need to manage expectations of what debt relief can realistically achieve. The key lesson is that long-term debt sustainability ultimately relies on a country's broader success in building the institutions to support sustained economic growth.
The Government has strongly supported initiatives to ease or cancel the debt burden on developing countries. We are encouraged by the extent of the relief granted under both the HIPC and MDRI Initiatives. Importantly, Ireland's bilateral assistance to the developing world is exclusively in the form of grants rather than loans. Ireland's share of the total cost of debt relief provided by the World Bank under the MDRI is €58.64 million. The Government contributed this amount in full in 2006. Ireland has also contributed over €20 million towards the cost of implementing the HIPC initiative.
159 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in regard to the World Trade Organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16123/09]
The most recent ministerial meeting held in the framework of the current round of WTO negotiations ended inconclusively in Geneva on 29 July 2008, although progress was achieved on many of the issues covered by the negotiations. In the end, the breakdown came as a result of disagreement, primarily between the United States and India, on a special safeguard mechanism (SSM) for agricultural producers in developing countries: in effect a mechanism to protect farmers in developing countries from surges in imports of agricultural produce.
Ireland had wanted to see an ambitious, fair and balanced outcome to the negotiations, one which would respect Ireland's national interests and reflect adequately the aim of the Doha Development Agenda to give greater prominence to development issues, especially the needs of the poorest developing countries. Ireland regretted the failure to conclude the WTO negotiations and we retain a clear interest in the evolution of fair and sustainable international frameworks to facilitate trade.
WTO rule making and multilateral trade liberalisation has had a profound impact on Ireland's development. Against that background, the Government's position with regard to the WTO negotiations has been balanced and consistent: we have always wanted to see a successful outcome, but not at the expense of unfair and unrealistic provisions in respect of agriculture. Ireland's view is that the EU had made very significant contributions to the negotiations and that the other WTO negotiating partners should make equivalent contributions. However, it is most unlikely that the negotiations will be resumed before the summer. The question of holding a regular Ministerial Meeting of the WTO is still under consideration, but even this would not take place until November or December.
160 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16059/09]
My Department currently has eight operational credit cards. The credit limit ranges from €5,000 to €10,000 with the following breakdown: One card at €5,000; four cards at €6,350, two cards at €7,000; and one card at €10,000.
The following are the costs incurred on these cards over the 5 year period from 2004 to date in 2009,
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2004 |
11,441.94 |
|
2005 |
11,112.45 |
|
2006 |
10,585.19 |
|
2007 |
28,243.42 |
|
2008 |
10,862.57 |
|
2009 — end March |
5,204.00 |
There were four instances of a single credit card exceeding €5,000 in a calendar year and these comprise one instance in 2007 on the credit card for general Departmental use held at AP level and three instances in 2004, 2005 and 2007 at the level of Private Secretary to the Minister. All credit card accounts are cleared on a monthly basis in accordance with the Department's policy on credit card usage.
161 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16096/09]
As the Deputy will be aware, the Disability Act 2005 prescribes that each relevant public body, including the Department, shall ensure, unless there is good reason to the contrary for not doing so, that not less than 3 per cent of the persons employed by it are persons with disabilities.
The total number of persons employed by the Department was 4.3 per cent in 2007 (the most recent year for which statistics are available).
Figures in respect of the year 2008 are currently being compiled and will be submitted in accordance with statutory deadlines, to be published in due course by the National Disability Authority in its annual reports on compliance with Part 5 of the 2005 Act.
162 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of an application for funding for closed circuit television in New Ross, County Wexford made under the RAPID scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15962/09]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 99 on 9 April last.
163 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received an application under scéim na mbóithre áise from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if this person is expected to receive grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16011/09]
An application for funding in the case referred to by the Deputy has been received under Scéim na mBóithre Áise. The question of allocating funds for this road will fall to be considered in the context of the amount of funding available in 2009 and the level of commitments carried over from previous years under the scheme.
164 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when he will reintroduce the grant scheme of community support for older people. [16016/09]
166 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will lift the suspension of the scheme of community support for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16093/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 166 together.
The Scheme of Community Support for Older People was suspended on 7th April. This was done with a view to affording my Department the opportunity to review its operation over the next few months and re-launching it later in the year.
Earlier this week, I met with representatives of organisations involved with issues affecting older people and I have agreed with them a process that will set the broad parameters for the review and for the necessary consultation to be undertaken as part of it. I am hopeful that the review process can begin in May and be completed by mid September.
I would like to re-assure the Deputies that all applications received up to the suspension of the Scheme will be processed and approved, as appropriate, in line with the current eligibility criteria. In addition, it is important to note that the suspension of the Scheme in no way affects those who already have received a monitored alarm device.
165 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16061/09]
There are two credit cards operated by my Department, which are held by the Private Secretaries to the Minister and to the Minister of State. The respective credit card limits are €6,300 and €7,000.
The total payments made in respect of both credit cards for each year from 2004 to date are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Payments |
|
€ |
|
|
2004 |
2,517 |
|
2005 |
1,376 |
|
2006 |
6,755 |
|
2007 |
3,928 |
|
2008 |
6,439 |
|
2009 (to date) |
1,375 |
There were no instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000.
All credit card payments were in respect of necessary official expenditure on my Department's behalf.
167 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16098/09]
My Department met the agreed national target of 3% for employment of persons with a disability in 2007. This target was surpassed in 2008 and the figure now lies at 5.2%.
168 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the sections and subsections of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 that have not commenced. [15988/09]
Section 1(6) of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 provided that Sections 8, 22, 24, 26 to 29 (Part 4) and Part 5 of that Act would come into effect by Commencement Order. The position in relation to those sections is as follows:
Section 8 was commenced by Statutory Instrument No. 112 of 2009 and will come into effect on 1 January 2010.
Section 22 provides for the disregard of the income levy for the purposes of the means assessment applicable to family income supplement. The disregard has been applied to all claims for the supplement since 1 January 2009. However, due to an administrative oversight, the Commencement Order was not completed. The Order will be promulgated shortly.
Section 24 of the Act was commenced by Statutory Instrument No. 69 of 2009 and came into effect on 2 March 2009.
Sections 26 to 29 (Part 4)
In Budget 2009 the Government announced its decision to assign responsibility for the MABS to the Citizens Information Board. Part 4 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provision) Act, 2008 provides for the amendment of the Citizens Information Acts 2000 to 2007 to enhance the functions of the Citizens Information Board through the assignment to it of responsibility for the provision of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service.
The arrangements to transfer responsibility for the MABS from the Department of Social and Family Affairs to the Board are on schedule and it is envisaged that Part 4 will be commenced with effect from 1 July 2009.
Sections 30 to 38 (Part 5)
In Budget 2009 the Government announced that the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion are to be integrated within the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Part 5 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008, provides for the dissolution of the Combat Poverty Agency, the transfer of the Agency's staff, assets and liabilities to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and for the preparation of final accounts.
The project to integrate the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion is well advanced and it is envisaged that Part 5 will be commenced with effect from 1 July 2009.
169 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on allowing people on disability allowance to have some extended periods abroad while maintaining their entitlement to disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16057/09]
The legislation governing entitlement to Disability Allowance currently provides that a person shall be disqualified from receipt of the allowance while she or he is resident, whether temporarily of permanently, outside the State. This is a standard provision in legislation and applies equally to a range of other schemes operated by the Department.
Exceptionally, Disability Allowance may continue to be paid where the claimant is resident away from the State and pursuing an approved second or third level course of education under the Back to Education Allowance Scheme or while receiving medical treatment which is not available in the State and where the person concerned has been referred for treatment by the HSE under the National Treatment Purchase Fund.
It is intended to introduce changes governing the scheme in order to provide formally for such exceptions. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be imprudent to introduce open-ended provisions in this area, but if he has specific proposals in this regard, they can be taken into consideration in the course of the preparation of the planned legislative changes.
170 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of expense account credit cards paid by her Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16070/09]
The details requested are not immediately available in my Department but are being compiled and my officials will write to the Deputy when this information is available.
171 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which her Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16107/09]
My Department currently exceeds the 3% national employment target of people with a disability set out in the Disability Act 2005. The following table sets out the number of staff with a disability employed in my department since the introduction of monitoring by the National Disability Authority under the Disability Act 2005. This information is based on self disclosure questionnaire/census forms completed by staff members in the relevant years.
|
Date data collected |
Number of staff with a disability |
Percentage of staff with a disability |
|
% |
||
|
31 March 2007 |
112 |
2.33 |
|
31 December 2007 |
235 |
4.80 |
|
31 December 2008 |
231 |
4.60 |
172 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the emergency plans in place to deal with a nuclear attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15998/09]
The level of threat of nuclear attack on this State is low. All threats to the security of the State are monitored constantly. Details of such monitoring and responses by the Defence Forces to threats cannot be released for security purposes. The most important defence against any attack is external vigilance, detection and prevention by the security forces. The necessary resources of the Garda Síochána who have primary responsibility for the security of the State and the Defence Forces are deployed to this end.
173 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16062/09]
My Department holds five credit cards held as follows:
|
Post |
Credit Limit |
|
Private Secretary to Minister for Defence |
€10,000 |
|
Private Secretary for Minister of State at the Department of Defence |
€10,000 |
|
Secretary-General (2 cards) |
Visa Card is €10,000 American Express Card (no limit) |
|
Human Resources Manager |
€5,000 |
Since 1 January 2004 to date, €63,799.90 has been spent using credit cards. There were two instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000. Both instances occurred in 2004. The grade of the credit card holders were Secretary General and Higher Executive Officer in the post of Private Secretary to the Minister.
174 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16099/09]
I wish to confirm that, based on the results of a staff census carried out recently, my Department continues to meet the 3% target for employment of persons with a disability.
175 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15964/09]
While meetings take place on a regular basis between my Department and local authorities on many aspects of social and affordable housing programmes, including individual housing projects, I assume the Question refers to the biannual Housing Action Plan (HAP) meetings held between my Department and the housing departments of local authorities in 2008.
The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the direction and content of authorities' proposed social and affordable housing programmes, including their regeneration programmes. Table 1 below sets out the schedule of 2008 Housing Action Plan meetings; County Councils include Town Councils and Borough Councils (that are Housing Authorities) within that County area.
|
Local Authority |
Spring Date |
Autumn Date |
|
Carlow County Council |
13 March |
08 October |
|
Cavan County Council |
27 February |
07 October |
|
Clare County Council |
19 February |
02 October |
|
Cork County Council |
25 February |
15 October |
|
Donegal County Council |
05 March |
22 October |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
14 March |
17 October |
|
Fingal County Council |
03 March |
07 October |
|
Galway County Council |
11 March |
14 October |
|
Kerry County Council |
19 March |
03 October |
|
Kildare County Council |
13 March |
08 October |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
07 March |
22 October |
|
Laois County Council |
21 February |
15 October |
|
Leitrim County Council |
04 March |
15 October |
|
Limerick County Council |
10 March |
03 October |
|
Longford County Council |
14 March |
08 October |
|
Louth County Council |
26 February |
08 October |
|
Mayo County Council |
04 March |
07 October |
|
Meath County Council |
12 March |
21 October |
|
Monaghan County Council |
29 February |
15 October |
|
North Tipperary County Council |
10 March |
16 October |
|
Offaly County Council |
03 March |
09 October |
|
Roscommon County Council |
05 March |
08 October |
|
Sligo County Council |
04 March |
22 October |
|
South Dublin County Council |
12 March |
07 October |
|
South Tipperary County Council |
28 February |
16 October |
|
Waterford County Council |
22 February |
23 October |
|
Westmeath County Council |
07 March |
09 October |
|
Wexford County Council |
06 March |
23 October |
|
Wicklow County Council |
06 March |
22 October |
|
Cork City Council |
28 February |
17 October |
|
Dublin City Council |
26 February |
21 October |
|
Galway City Council |
27 February |
14 October |
|
Limerick City Council |
19 February |
02 October |
|
Waterford City Council |
22 February |
01 October |
In addition, a number of meetings, separate from the Housing Action Plan process, were held with authorities last year regarding their regeneration programmes. Details of these meetings are set out in table 2 below.
|
Local Authority |
Date 1 |
Date 2 |
Date 3 |
Date 4 |
Date 5 |
Date 6 |
|
Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council, Clare County Council |
13 February |
07 April |
28 April |
13 May |
24 June |
|
|
Dublin City Council |
11 March |
15 April |
23 May |
28 May |
29 May |
21 August |
|
Tralee Town Council |
15 April |
22 August |
10 December |
|||
|
Sligo Borough Council |
29 April |
|||||
|
Dundalk Town Council |
16 June |
08 October |
||||
|
Limerick City Council |
06 August |
|||||
|
Cork City Council |
11 November |
176 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm his proposals to fund the housing developments currently proposed by South Dublin County Council in Tallaght, Dublin 24; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16001/09]
During March, my Department held Housing Action Plan meetings with all housing authorities. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss the direction and content of authorities' proposed housing investment programmes and particularly to consider the prioritisation of projects and the reconfiguration of the Social Housing Investment Programme as a whole, so that it can be sustained and consolidated in the changing economic and budgetary circumstances.
On foot of information furnished in the course of this round of Action Plan meetings, and taking account of the final Estimates position for 2009 announced in the recent Budget, I am finalising this year's Social Housing Investment Programme allocations, which will issue shortly.
Individual projects or proposals for the Tallaght area will be considered in the context of South Dublin County Council's overall Social Housing Investment Programme.
177 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the supports he will offer South Dublin County Council to deal effectively with the litter problem in Tallaght and throughout Dublin south west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16002/09]
Under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009, primary responsibility for developing and implementing responses to litter lies with local authorities, who are required to take all practicable measures for the prevention, control and disposal of litter in their functional areas.
In addition to their own income generating activities, my Department provides funding for local authorities from the Local Government Fund; it is a matter for each local authority to decide how their overall resources should be allocated to meet their various responsibilities. Separate funding is also provided to local authorities from the Environment Fund to co-finance anti-litter and anti-graffiti education and awareness-raising activities and I recently announced that the allocation in 2009 for South County Dublin under this scheme is €42,000.
178 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the spend on carbon credits in each of the past three years, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the commitments or provisions made for the acquisition of further credits in respect of 2009, 2010 and 2011; the amount of the credits purchased which were required and utilised; the marketable value of those credits acquired but unused; if they have been sold or if arrangements have been made to dispose of them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16023/09]
Under the Carbon Fund Act 2007, the National Treasury Management Agency has been designated as purchasing agent for the State. In 2008, the Agency purchased some 3.5m certified emission reduction units at a cost of €53m. To date in 2009, they have purchased 1.8m units at a cost of €21.6m. No credits were purchased in 2007.
In January 2007, prior to the designation of the National Treasury Management Agency as purchasing agent, my Department committed €10 million each to the Carbon Fund for Europe and the BioCarbon Fund operated by the World Bank. Management of these investments is a matter for my Department and, since enactment of the 2007 Act, payments are made by the Agency through the Carbon Fund process as they arise. In 2008, my Department refunded €3.72m to the Carbon Fund in respect of these investments in the World Bank. No further payments to the World Bank have been made to date in 2009 but periodic drawdowns are a feature of these investments. The amount to be paid each year is not predetermined and in general payments will be made as purchasing transactions progress.
In December 2006, my Department entered into an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to invest €20 million in the Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund. The investment was made in 2006 on foot of a once-off provision from the Department's vote.
These investments with the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are expected to yield some 3m carbon credits at a projected cost of some €27.6m during the five-year Kyoto Protocol commitment period 2008-2012.
The National Climate Change Strategy signalled the possibility of supplementing greenhouse gas emission reductions with the purchase of up to 3.6 million carbon units on average each year in the five-year Kyoto Protocol commitment period 2008-2012 or 18m units in total costing €270m, at a projected unit price of €15. The economic downturn has implications for the purchasing programme. The most recent EPA projections suggest that with full implementation of all announced emission reduction measures the purchase requirement for carbon units will now be between 1.3 and 1.8m units per annum or around 7m units in total over the 2008-2012 period. In the circumstances, the National Treasury Management Agency has been asked to put its purchasing programme on hold for the foreseeable future.
Purchasing requirements to ensure Kyoto compliance are being kept under review and will be revised as necessary in the light of future projections. There are no proposals to sell credits, as, if it transpires that more credits have been bought than are needed in 2008-2012 period, they can be carried forward for use after 2012 in the next commitment period.
179 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of 25 September 2008, if a person who would be ineligible on grounds of maximum remuneration may stand for election with the intention of resigning or taking leave of absence from their employment if successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16028/09]
The provisions governing local authority membership and local authority employment are set out in Sections 13 and 161 of the Local Government Act 2001. Under section 13 of the Act, a person employed by a local authority who is not the holder of an employment designated by order under section 161 is disqualified from being elected or co-opted to, or from becoming a member of, a local authority. Under Section 2(4) of the Act, this disqualification also applies to nomination for election or co-option to a local authority. The employments designated under section 161 are specified in the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 161) Order 2004.
180 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will bring in mandatory standards regulations to force county councils to ensure all council homes are properly insulated with draught proof modern doors and windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16031/09]
My Department is committed to the improvement of the insulation and general energy efficiency of local authority houses and to that end has developed a comprehensive national programme for the "greening" of the social housing stock. This programme includes a range of energy efficiency initiatives for which some €50 million has been set aside in 2009. The range of energy efficiency improvement initiatives includes a programme of Towards Carbon Neutral demonstration projects, focussed on the construction of dwellings to a minimum BER standard of A2, as well as a number of demonstration projects for the retrofitting of insulation and other energy efficiency measures in the existing stock of local authority housing to achieve minimum B2 standards. It is our intention that the experience gained from these projects will inform our approach to both new construction and remedial works schemes in the future to ensure a viable and energy efficient stock of local authority housing into the future.
Under the national programme, some €20 million will be provided in 2009 for an ambitious programme to improve the energy rating of dwellings due to be re-let during the year to a BER rating of C1, as well as to address energy deficits in apartment complexes. In addition, €14 million has been set aside within the range of initiatives to complete the National Central Heating Programme, which will deliver the installation of central heating and associated thermal insulation improvements in some 2,100 units in 2009.
Finally, local authorities may also use their internal capital receipts, subject to approval by my Department of an annual improvement works programme under which they may direct resources to projects which are deemed most meritorious of funding in their authority, including the installation of insulation, the replacement of windows and doors, and other measures to improve energy efficiency in their stock.
181 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will notify local authorities as regards allocating additional funding to them to complete the processing of many grant applications which are currently on hold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16052/09]
I assume that the Question refers to the new Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability. Allocations to individual local authorities under these schemes will be announced following the publication of the Revised Estimates of Public Expenditure 2009.
182 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16065/09]
Details of the number of expense account credit cards paid by my Department are set out below.
|
Number of cards |
Credit Limit |
|
€ |
|
|
1 |
5,000 |
|
2 |
6,350 |
|
4 |
7,000 |
The total amount spent on expense account credit cards from January 2004 to date in 2009 was €230,232.45.
The following table sets out the instances where the annual expenditure on a single card exceeded €5,000 during that time:
|
Year |
Total annual expenditure |
Credit card holder |
|
€ |
||
|
2004 |
17,550.66 |
Senior Meteorologist, Met Éireann |
|
2005 |
7,225.64 |
Private Secretary to the Minister |
|
12,929.99 |
Principal Officer |
|
|
16,439.28 |
Senior Meteorologist, Met Éireann |
|
|
2006 |
17,775.30 |
Private Secretary to the Minister |
|
24,081.48 |
Principal Officer |
|
|
12,327.22 |
Senior Meteorologist, Met Éireann |
|
|
5,714.45 |
Assistant Director, Met Éireann |
|
|
2007 |
5,789.05 |
Private Secretary to the Minister |
|
5,036.58 |
Principal Officer |
|
|
19,635.18 |
Assistant Director, Met Éireann |
|
|
2008 |
14,421.42 |
Private Secretary to the Minister |
|
18,747.82 |
Principal Officer |
|
|
19,175.59 |
Assistant Director, Met Éireann |
A limited number of credit cards are issued and only in circumstances where a strong business case has been established. In the case of Met Éireann, a credit card is issued to facilitate the purchase of ICT hardware and software licences and for the renewal of subscriptions to work-related publications. Credit card holders are required to provide a detailed monthly breakdown of expenses incurred and expenditure in these areas is closely monitored at all times.
183 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16102/09]
My Department currently exceeds the Government's 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities. Fifty four people with disabilities are employed, representing 3.9% of staff. The Department adheres to the guidelines contained in the Code of Practice for the Employment of People with Disabilities in the Civil Service. Recruitment of civil servants, including the recruitment of persons with disabilities, is managed by the Public Appointments Service. In addition my Department is taking part in the WAM (Willing Able Mentoring) project. This project aims to give between 3-6 months quality work experience to graduates with disabilities.
184 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16060/09]
Since the establishment of my Department in June 2007, 18 individual card holders have operated through this Department's credit card account, each with a credit limit of €10,000. Since this date there have been four instances where the annual expenditure on a single card has exceeded €5,000. The grades involved are Rúnaí an Aire, Rúnaí an Aire Stáit, Chief Technical Adviser and Special Adviser to the Minister. Following a decision made earlier this year, Departmental credit cards are now only available to the Rúnaí Aire and the Rúnaí Aire Stáit. Cards which remain are used primarily for accommodation and other out of office working expenses.
185 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16097/09]
The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is meeting the statutory 3% target of employment of people with a disability under the Disability Act 2005.
Arising from the results of the "Count me in Survey" 2006, the Census 2007 and by tracking the disability status of new staff who joined the Department and staff who left in 2008, 5.4% of the total number of staff surveyed disclosed a disability, which surpasses the target of 3% set out in the Disability Act 2005.
186 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the penalty imposed on a person (details supplied) in County Mayo by his Department is the result of a planner error or a deficiency in the eREPS software as highlighted by the planner in e-mails to his Department. [15960/09]
A number of applications in which penalties were applied for minor technical breaches, including the case in question, are currently being reviewed in my Department. The outcome in this case will be communicated to the person named in the near future.
187 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment under the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15992/09]
Payment will issue to the person named within the next 10 days.
188 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the requirements needed by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in order to secure a herd number from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16013/09]
In order for the person in question to obtain a herd number, he must complete an ER1 form and comply with the following criteria which are used to assess applications for a herd number. These criteria include:
Independent management of the holding;
Separate housing and fodder;
The availability of adequate testing facilities.
No intermixing with cattle from any other herd and the animals must not be in such proximity to other animals that they share the same risk of exposure to infectious disease.
The person in question applied for a herd number to Limerick DVO on 30 June 2006. He was not granted a herd number as he had not complied with all of the above criteria. He was advised by an officer of this Department of the criteria used to assess applications for herd numbers.
189 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of REP scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [16026/09]
Payment will issue to the person named within the next 10 days.
190 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be approved as a qualified applicant for afforestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16027/09]
An application for afforestation grant aid by the person in question is currently being processed by my Department. Pending completion of the necessary consultation process it is not possible at this stage to determine the final outcome.
191 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted single farm payment. [16032/09]
An application was received on the 5 March 2009 requesting the transfer of 27.21 standard entitlements by way of lease to the person named from his son under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme year. As the son of the person named is not the registered owner of a herd-number, and consequently is not the owner of any Single Payment Scheme entitlements, the application was rejected on the 3 April 2009.
Based on documentation received, it is noted that the son of the person named is the rightful beneficiary of entitlements held by his late uncle. An official from my Department has advised the person named that his son should first inherit the entitlements in question and may then proceed with the transfer by way of lease to the person named. A temporary SPS Transfer number may be obtained that will allow this person to inherit the entitlements and then lease them on to the person named. The Transfer of Entitlements Section may be contacted at 1890 200 560.
192 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the embargoes that exist in respect of full-time or part-time permanent employees of his Department to work before their career break period expires; when such embargoes commences; the persons who they apply to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16049/09]
193 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, assuming an embargo exists on permanent part-time or full-time employees returning to work early from their career break, there is discretion in respect of exceptional cases whereby an employee in difficult circumstances may be permitted to return; the grade of employee that would make such a decision within each section of his Department or if there is a central decision-making process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16050/09]
194 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if circulars or direct communications have been issued to staff within his Department, particularly those on career breaks, to the effect that an embargo has been introduced for those seeking to return to work early or directly after their career breaks end; if so, when such communications were issued; if they apply to those who had already commenced career breaks without knowledge of such an embargo and who might have chosen not to take such breaks at that stage had they known; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16051/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192 to 194, inclusive, together.
My Department operates the Career Break Scheme in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Department of Finance Circular 18/98. No circulars or direct communications have been issued to staff within my Department regarding returning to work early from a Career Break or after a Career Break as the terms of Department of Finance Circular 18/98 continue to apply and remain unaffected by the recently announced moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the Civil Service.
195 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16058/09]
There are currently 17 expense account credit cards held by staff in my Department in connection with their official duties. The credit limit on these cards is €10,000 and the total expenses on the credit card accounts for the period 2004 to 2009 to-date amounts to €229,080. My Department's librarian also holds a credit card used for the purchases of books and other materials for the library. The credit limit on this card is €100,000 and expenditure on this card exceeded €5,000 each year during the period 2004 to 2008.
In relation to the 17 expense credit cards, the following are the instances where the annual expenses on a single card exceeded €5,000:
|
Year |
Grade |
Expense Amount |
|
€ |
||
|
2004 |
Higher Executive Officer — Private Secretary to Minister of State |
7,280.13 |
|
Assistant Secretary General |
5,605.25 |
|
|
Secretary General |
8,656.52 |
|
|
2005 |
Higher Executive Officer — Private Secretary to Minister of State |
6,401.58 |
|
Higher Executive Officer — Private Secretary to Minister of State |
6,978.36 |
|
|
2006 |
Higher Executive Officer — Private Secretary to Minister of State |
5,195.16 |
|
2007 |
Assistant Principal — Private Secretary to Minister |
11,116.43 |
|
2008 |
Higher Executive Officer, Private Secretary to Minister of State |
9,416.36 |
|
Assistant Secretary General |
7,521.09 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary General |
5,148.70 |
196 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 220 of 2 April 2009 and in view of the fact that further documentation has been submitted to his Department, when the person will be issued payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16092/09]
This herd owner applied for 5 animals under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment has been approved for 2 animals and will issue shortly. Queries are being resolved on a further 2 animals which should be approved for payment soon. Payment will not be made for 1 animal because it was sold before it was weaned, which is contrary to the terms of the scheme.
197 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16095/09]
My Department is complying with the statutory target for the employment of people with a disability and currently just over 3% of employees have declared that they have a disability.
My Department is committed to providing the supports necessary to enable staff with disabilities to participate fully in the workplace and it is also supportive of initiatives to provide work experience placements to people with disabilities. The most recent initiative which my Department is participating in is the Job Shadow Initiative, which is a project designed to bring people with disabilities and local employers together in the spirit of collaboration to enable job seekers explore the world of work.
198 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of new school buildings for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin which is currently accommodated in prefabricated buildings; the reason another school remains idle; when this new school building will be put in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15966/09]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a project for a new 16 classroom building for the first school to which he refers is included among the list of major school building projects which I announced on the 12 of February last to enter architectural design.
My officials will be contacting each school on the list about the next steps to be taken. No decision has yet been taken on the construction model for this building.
The other new 8 classroom permanent school building referred to by the Deputy, commenced operation in September 2008 with 2 class groups. The school is expected to reach at least 50% of its capacity in 2009 and to continue to grow annually up to a 16 classroom school. The provision of additional accommodation at this school will be considered as the requirement arises.
199 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 18 February 2008, when he expects to proceed with the compensatory allowance to be awarded to private operators on contract to Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15980/09]
The overall spend on school transport in 2009 is now estimated to be €192 million — a reduction of €2 million in the supplementary budget.
Bus Éireann was informed on 7 April that due to the very difficult fiscal conditions, it is not possible for the Department to approve any increase towards compensating private operators on contract to Bus Eireann for any loss of income arising from the termination of the fuel rebate scheme.
200 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has refused a school (details supplied) in County Dublin permission to refurbish the school building and construct a new gymnasium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15985/09]
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extensive sports hall refurbishment and the replacement of temporary accommodation.
The project has been assigned a Band 2.4 rating under the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. As the Deputy will be aware, in February, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction and 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning.
The project to which the Deputy refers was not included in this announcement. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed in 2009.
The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
As the Deputy may be aware, the school has already received a total of €910,000 under the Summer Works Scheme in 2005, 2006 and 2007 for improvement works to the school.
201 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 8 April 2009, the reasons for the delay in agreeing a memorandum; if they involve legal complications which require clarification from the Attorney General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15986/09]
As previously indicated to the Deputy my Department has met with representatives of the City and County Managers' Association to agree on the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding on the site acquisition process. I am advised that my Department has and will continue to consult with the Chief State Solicitors Office on the draft Memorandum given their role as the Department's legal advisers on property related matters. I understand that my Department has not sought clarifications from the Attorney General in relation to these discussions.
202 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 70 of 8 April 2009, when the Education Patronage Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15987/09]
I anticipate that the Education (Patronage) Bill will be published during the current Dáil session.
203 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the contact that has been made by his Department with schools (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in respect of the language support teacher levels at the schools; his proposals in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15999/09]
In light of the Budget 2009 decision my Department has now published a circular for schools which sets out how the new arrangements will operate for the allocation of language support teachers from September 2009. The circular sets out a structured and transparent approach for the operation of the alleviation measures that were announced in the budget for schools that have a significant concentration of newcomer pupils. The alleviation measures mean that these schools can qualify for up to 4 language support posts with the possibility of additional post(s) also being approved through the independent staffing appeals mechanism.
Schools can now apply to my Department in the normal way for language support posts. These posts are approved on a provisional basis initially and will be confirmed in September 2009 following receipt from the schools of actual enrolments of pupils requiring language support. It is estimated that notwithstanding the budget measures there will be over 1,400 language support teaching posts in our primary and post-primary schools in September 2009 and up to about 500 other teachers in part-time posts. By any standards this is a very significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.
204 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has taken action or put in place measures to effect the discontinuance of the arrangement whereby Houses of the Oireachtas Members who are on paid leave of absence as teachers can keep the difference between their teacher’s salary and the cost of employing a replacement, as announced by him in his 7 April 2009 budget speech; when he expects this measure to take effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16024/09]
I am finalising arrangements for the implementation of the Budget announcement and will inform all members in the very near future of these arrangements.
205 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision being made to provide enough primary level schools places and second level places for children in Lucan, County Dublin for the next few years; when additional accommodation is planned; the schools for which it is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16037/09]
The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.
206 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16039/09]
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which he refers. It has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria of my Department and assigned a Band rating of 2.2. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.
207 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the names of the companies which provide temporary and prefab classrooms to schools in respect of which his Department pays the rent for such accommodation; the amount given to the companies in question in each year over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16040/09]
As part of my Department's current review of prefabricated accommodation, contact is being made with all suppliers of prefabricated accommodation in relation to existing rental contracts. Therefore, I am not in a position to provide information on payments to individual companies, as requested by the Deputy, due to commercial sensitivity. I can say, however, that a total of almost €27m was approved and paid by my Department to schools for rental of pre-fabricated accommodation for the period 1 January 08 to 31 December 08 and that a total of 37 providers were involved.
I should explain that the position generally in relation to rental of prefabricated accommodation in schools is that the Department provides grant-aid towards the provision of temporary school accommodation (not limited to prefabs) to the management authorities of education providers where it is established that a need for such temporary accommodation exists. Such grant-aid is paid at a rate of 95% for schools with permanent recognition and 75% for schools with provisional recognition. Schools are expected to pay a local contribution of the balance, with an annual threshold on the local contribution of €3,175.
The Board of Management of a school is the contracting authority and is responsible for acquiring temporary accommodation. Where approval is given by my Department for the rental of such accommodation, the Board is required to seek at least three tenders and, in compliance with Public Procurement procedures, must usually accept the lowest tender. If, for any reason, the Board wishes to accept a tender that is not the lowest, it must consult with my Department. If, following examination of the tender, the Department is satisfied with these tender details, approval is issued to the school. As the contracting authority in these cases is the school, it has been the practice for temporary accommodation to be procured on an individual school basis.
208 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department requires schools to produce a safety statement for each school here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some schools pay specialist companies to provide such a statement at considerable cost to the school budget. [16041/09]
The requirement for a Health and Safety Statement for the work place is governed by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. This Act, which is regulated by the Health and Safety Authority, sets out the main provisions for securing and improving the safety, health and welfare of people at work which includes the control of safety and health at work, the management and organisation of systems of work necessary to achieve these goals and the responsibilities and roles of employers, employees and others.
Under the Act, school authorities are responsible for managing safety, health and welfare in schools and for having a safety statement in place in their schools, to identify possible hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate safeguards in place. In practical terms, individual school authorities are best placed to assess the detail of their own health and safety requirements and there are many information sources such as Codes of Practices, guidelines, legislation and standards available to support them in this task. It is a matter for schools to decide whether or not to employ an expert to carry out this work on their behalf and to meet the cost of so doing.
My Department is currently involved in developing health and safety guidelines to support post-primary schools in meeting their obligations under the prescribed legislation. This project is being undertaken in collaboration with the Health and Safety Authority, the State Claims Agency and the School Development Planning Initiative. The aim of the guidelines is to reduce the administrative burden on schools by assisting them in:
The planning and operation of an effective health and safety system
The evaluation of current policies and practices according to the highest standards of health and safety
Writing or up-dating their safety statements.
209 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department’s spend in respect of costs associated with site preparation for the use of prefab and temporary classrooms in schools in 2008; the portion of the €48 million due to be spent renting prefabs in 2009 which will go on preparing sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16042/09]
The amount spent in 2008 in respect of costs associated with site preparation, including architect and surveyor fees, delivery, installation and removal costs for rented prefab accommodation in 2008 was €10.5 million.
It is too early at this stage to project the portion of the €48m which will be spent on such costs in 2009.
210 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that four assistant principal posts are due to become vacant, due to retirement at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin in September 2009; if he will give consideration to having these posts filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16055/09]
Circular 0022/2009 outlines the Government decision to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium across the civil and public sector with effect from 27th March, 2009.
With effect from 27 March 2009 schools may no longer make any appointment to a post of responsibility including those that may have fallen vacant on or before 27 March 2009. Accordingly schools must immediately cease any arrangements to fill such posts.
It is a matter for the school authority to re-organise and prioritise the appropriate duties for post of responsibility holders in the context of implementing this moratorium.
211 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give consideration to filling the posts for assistant principal and three special duties posts at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16056/09]
Following the Government decision on the moratorium on promotions in the Public Service my Department issued a circular to all schools indicating that with effect from 27 March, 2009 schools may no longer make any appointment to a post of responsibility including those that may have fallen vacant on or before 27 March, 2009. This Circular 0022/2009 is available on my Department's website.
It is a matter for the school authority to re-organise and prioritise the appropriate duties for post of responsibility holders in the context of implementing this moratorium.
Under the revised arrangements schools may continue to fill posts of Principal and Deputy Principal. The Government decision provides for an exception in respect of the first allocation of posts of responsibility in new schools. My Department will be in direct communication with new schools in relation to their entitlements to fill their first allocation of posts of responsibility.
212 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of expense account credit cards paid by his Department; the credit limit on each card; the amount spent on expense account credit cards since 2004 to date in 2009; the instances where the annual expenditure on a single credit card exceeded €5,000 with the grade of the credit card holder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16063/09]
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table.
|
Expense Account Credit Card Holder |
Credit Limit |
Year |
Expenditure |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
Minister |
10,000 |
2008 |
1,760.48 |
|
2009 |
7.60 |
||
|
Private Secretary to Minister |
10,000 |
2004 |
825.29 |
|
2005 |
1,605.07 |
||
|
2006 |
5,829.65 |
||
|
2007 |
459.35 |
||
|
2008 |
3,240.74 |
||
|
2009 |
1,608.38 |
||
|
Private Secretary to Minister of State |
8,000 |
2004 |
477.10 |
|
2005 |
1,302.69 |
||
|
2006 |
3,131.01 |
||
|
2007 |
4,716.00 |
||
|
2008 |
1,878.00 |
||
|
2009 |
Nil |
The expenditure outlined above includes hotel accommodation for official business in Ireland and abroad, official travel costs, Government Duties and Annual Subscription Fees.
In addition to the cards above the Department's IT Unit has a credit card for the purposes of purchasing online IT-related goods. The IT Unit may also purchase IT consumables as a matter of urgency.
This card would not be classified as an expense account credit card.
213 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application for emergency funding in order to carry out essential repairs on a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16072/09]
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted two applications for emergency funding to my Department in 2009. The first application relating to funding for special needs pupils has been approved and the school informed accordingly. The second application for works relating to roof repairs, heating upgrade, art room and toilet refurbishment is under consideration and the school management will be informed of the outcome in due course.
214 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the extent to which his Department is meeting the agreed national target figures for employment of persons with a disability; and when in each case this target will be met or surpassed. [16100/09]
I can inform the Deputy that the Department of Education and Science is meeting the agreed national target figure of at least 3% for employment of persons in its offices with a disability.
