Joan Burton
Question:11 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will indicate the response he proposes to make to the Report of the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on Sri Lanka. [20929/10]
Written Answers
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, answered orally.
Democratic Stability
Paul Kehoe
Question:21 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the situation in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20868/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 21 together.
The first Parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka since the end of the civil war were held on 8 April. The campaign was quite peaceful by local standards although there were serious irregularities in two constituencies which necessitated new elections on 20 April. The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the party of President Rajapaksa, secured a landslide victory, though it did not secure the two-thirds majority it had sought. Nevertheless, following his own re-election as President on 26 January, President Rajapaksa now has the parliamentary backing to undertake a major initiative on national reconciliation. I hope he will take this opportunity so that real change can be secured for the Tamil minority and for all the people of Sri Lanka.
In the first instance, the humanitarian situation must be addressed. While conditions have considerably improved in the camps in the year since the end of the war, with approximately 93,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) remaining in Vavuniya, the conditions facing those who have returned home (some 100,000 former IDPs) remain a cause for real concern. In addition, a remaining legacy of the conflict is the approximately 10,500 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fighters who continue to be held in closed camps.
In parallel with humanitarian measures, a genuine process of dialogue and reconciliation must be initiated in Sri Lanka with a view to securing sustainable peace for all the people of the island. Without reconciliation there can be no return to long-term security or prosperity for Sri Lanka. Such a process should involve the UN and others in the international community. In this context, I hope that the Sri Lankan Government will facilitate the long-awaited visit of Lynn Pascoe, the UN Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs, to the country as soon as possible.
The Permanent People's Tribunal on Sri Lanka was held in Dublin in January 2010. It was an NGO-led exercise which concluded that the Government and military of Sri Lanka were guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the civil war. The conclusions support the widely held view that serious breaches of international humanitarian law occurred during and after the final stages of the civil war.
While Ireland welcomes the recommendations made by the Tribunal, it is disappointing that the Tribunal considered only the actions of the Government and military of Sri Lanka and did not examine the actions of LTTE forces, thereby leaving its work open to criticism by the Government of Sri Lanka and others.
As reported to Deputies on 16 February, the recommendations made by the Tribunal are supported by the Government. One of these is for a UN-led inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated during the war between the Sri Lankan armed forces and the LTTE. Others include the need for IDPs and detainees to be allowed to return to their homes without delay and the need to continue working on a sustainable peace process addressing all issues of concern, with an international role in monitoring and supporting the process.
Ireland will continue with its efforts, both bilaterally and with our partners in the EU, to support the peace process in Sri Lanka and to work towards remedying the plight of the IDPs and other detainees still in the camps. During 2009 and 2010, Irish Aid has allocated a total of €478,000 in humanitarian funding to Sri Lanka. Our allocation in 2010 includes support for the post-operative rehabilitation of people severely injured in the conflict. A member of Ireland's Rapid Response Corps has recently returned from his second deployment to Sri Lanka, where he was working as a field officer with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
International Agreements
Joanna Tuffy
Question:12 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on proposed economic partnership agreements between the EU and East African Community States. [20937/10]
Joanna Tuffy
Question:42 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on proposed economic partnership agreements between the EU and the Southern African Development Community states. [20936/10]
Mary Upton
Question:51 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on proposed economic partnership agreements between the EU and the Eastern and Southern Africa States. [20938/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 42 and 51 together.
Since 2002, the EU has been negotiating a series of important new agreements with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (or ACP) group of States. These Economic Partnership Agreements combine both trade and development provisions. The negotiations are being carried out by the European Commission, on behalf of the European Community and the Member States.
The negotiations are necessary as a result of rulings by the World Trade Organisation that the unilateral trade preferences which the EU had granted to the ACP countries established unfair discrimination between developing countries. The mandate for the negotiations is derived from the Cotonou Agreement of 2000, between the EU and the ACP States. The central objective is the reduction and eventual eradication of poverty, consistent with the objectives of sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP countries into the world economy.
It had been hoped that comprehensive Agreements with six regional groupings of the ACP States could be concluded by the end of 2007, the deadline set by the WTO. However, following a process of protracted and difficult negotiation, only one of the ACP regional groups, representing Caribbean States, was in a position to initial a full Agreement before the deadline. In order to avoid trade disruption, interim Agreements were agreed and initialled at the end of 2007 with 21 other ACP States. These interim Agreements provide for full duty and quota-free market access on the EU side and a flexible and asymmetric trade liberalisation schedule on the ACP side. They include development cooperation provisions and provide for improved rules of origin.
Ireland has so far signed the full Economic Partnership Agreement with the Caribbean States and interim Agreements with Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and members of the Southern African Development Community. The Government has submitted a Dáil Motion, which is currently on the Order Paper, seeking approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the three interim Agreements referred to by the Deputies. The three Agreements in question cover a total of 16 African countries.
I believe that these Agreements provide an open, transparent and legal framework for trade and development, and will encourage the gradual integration of the ACP States into the global economy. They are interim agreements, but represent important building blocks to full regional Economic Partnership Agreements, which are under negotiation.
Ireland has worked consistently, in cooperation with a number of other EU partners, to ensure that the final Agreements strongly support the development needs of the ACP countries, and specifically their poverty reduction programmes. At meetings of EU Development Ministers, I have stressed the importance of maintaining a negotiating approach which would, for example, allow for application of the trade flexibility permissible under WTO law. We will continue to work with our EU partners, and with partner countries in the developing world, to ensure that the negotiations being led by the European Commission serve to strengthen the EU's partnership with the ACP States.
Overseas Visits
Andrew Doyle
Question:13 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the foreign visits planned for the remainder of 2010. [20864/10]
I am committed to a number of foreign trips for the remainder of 2010. As always all my travel as Minister for Foreign Affairs is carried out in pursuit of Ireland's foreign policy objectives, our economic interests, or both. The majority of my travel arises directly from Ireland's active and committed membership of the EU and UN.
It is my intention to attend the next meetings of the General Affairs Council and the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday June 14th and, as is usual, I will continue to attend Council meetings on a monthly basis throughout 2010. On September 10-11th the Belgian EU Presidency will host an informal Foreign Ministers meeting which I will attend. I will also attend a meeting of the European Council on September 16th.
As is customary, I am due to travel to New York in late September to attend the Ministerial week which marks the start of the new UN General Assembly session. The primary purpose of my visit will be to deliver Ireland's national statement to the General Assembly and also to undertake a series of bilateral meetings with senior UN officials and other Foreign Ministers.
Other visits which are now confirmed include a visit to China later this month, where I will meet with Vice Premier Li Keqiang, Foreign Minister Li Jiechi, and a range of Irish companies doing business in China, as well as with members of the Global Irish Network. I will also visit Expo 2010 in Shanghai and other institutions which are developing links with Ireland.
In late June and early July I plan to visit Uganda and Ethiopia, two of the nine priority countries for the Government's bilateral aid programme. The main purpose of my visit is to see at first-hand how Irish Aid is supporting the reduction of poverty and hunger in both of these countries. During this visit I will have the opportunity to meet with senior members of the Ugandan and Ethiopian Governments, with Irish NGOs and missionaries working in Uganda and Ethiopia, and with representatives of civil society. I will also pay a visit to the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa to discuss the role of the African Union and the wider political situation on the African continent.
I am also looking at the possibility of travelling to Argentina and Chile in July in the context of the Bicentennial celebrations in both countries. This would provide me with an opportunity to underpin the strong historic links that Ireland has with Argentina and Chile.
I intend to host a meeting of the Global Irish Network in New York in November. It is envisaged that this will be the largest Network meeting to date and will provide the opportunity to explore with North America-based members how best we can utilise the Network to Ireland's benefit in 2011 and beyond.
I plan to visit Russia in December. This will follow-up on the official visit paid by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to Dublin in September 2008. My visit will provide an opportunity to engage with the Russian leadership on bilateral and international issues and to advance Ireland's profile in Russia.
Lastly, I intend to visit a number of countries in the Western Balkans during the second half of 2010 but the exact itinerary is not yet finalised.
Overseas Missions
Alan Shatter
Question:14 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland’s permanent mission to the UN is actively pursuing Ireland’s participation in further UN peace keeping missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20973/10]
Ireland remains keenly committed to ongoing participation in UN-mandated peace support operations. Our involvement in overseas operations over more than 50 years has enabled the personnel of the Defence Forces to develop a broad range of skills and competencies which have given Ireland a strong and widely recognised reputation in the field of international peacekeeping. While the Government has reluctantly taken the decision to withdraw the bulk of our contingent from Chad, more than 100 members of the Permanent Defence Forces remain on active service with UN-mandated missions in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In addition, members of the Garda Síochána and a number of civilian experts seconded by my Department are deployed in support of international crisis management operations.
My Department, the Department of Defence and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform continue to examine options for participation by Ireland in overseas operations. Most recently, the Government has despatched five members of the Defence Forces to serve with the EU mission to assist the training of Somali Security Forces (EUTM Somalia). This UN-mandated mission, which was launched on 7 April 2010, is being carried out in Uganda.
The Permanent Mission to the United Nations maintains active contact with the UN Secretariat, and in particular the Department of Peace Keeping Operations (DPKO), in connection with Ireland's ongoing contribution to UN-mandated crisis management. Requests received in relation to participation in peace support operations are considered on a case-by-case basis. When considering any particular request, the existence of realistic objectives and a clear mandate, which has the potential to contribute to a political solution, consideration of how the mission relates to the priorities of Irish foreign policy and the degree of risk involved are amongst the factors considered.
Investigation of Death
Billy Timmins
Question:15 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that has been made into the investigation of a person (details supplied). [20862/10]
Since the House was last briefed on this case, during an Adjournment Debate on 11 November, there have been a number of developments in the case of Michael Dwyer, an Irish citizen who was killed by the Bolivian state security forces in Santa Cruz on 16 April 2009.
Ambassador Philomena Murnaghan, the Ambassador of Ireland to Argentina, who is accredited also to Bolivia, travelled to La Paz on 17 February where she had a number of meetings, including with the Deputy Foreign Minister (Monica Soriano), the Prosecutor and the police investigators in the case. At these meetings, the Ambassador inquired as to progress in the Bolivian Government's investigation of the events surrounding Mr Dwyer's death. She urged the Government of Bolivia to hold an international investigation into the events of 16 April 2009 and reiterated that Ireland was available to provide assistance to, and to cooperate with, the Bolivian Government in an international investigation of this matter.
During the meeting with Minister Soriano, Ambassador Murnaghan was given information which allowed the State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy to supplement her earlier findings. Dr Cassidy prepared a further report, which I have forwarded to the Bolivian Foreign Minister. In my letter to the Minister, I urged him to provide me with the outcome of the Bolivian investigation at the earliest possible opportunity. I will also seek an opportunity to have a meeting with the Foreign Minister, where I will indicate my ongoing concerns about the case.
I have written also to the UN Special Rapporteur for Extra-Judicial Killings to support his efforts in seeking clarification from the Bolivian authorities of the events of 16 April 2009.
I have met with the Dwyer family on a number of occasions, most recently on 14 April. I wish to assure you that I and my officials will persist in our efforts to clarify the circumstances surrounding Mr Dwyer's death and will continue to remain in direct contact with the Dwyer family.
Missing Persons
Shane McEntee
Question:16 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of citizens who are missing abroad; and the length of time they have been missing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20877/10]
The Department of Foreign Affairs, either through the Consular Assistance Section or our Missions overseas, receive a number of inquires each year in relation to Irish citizens that cannot be contacted by families or friends. It is important to recall that people go missing for a variety of reasons, including, in some cases, as a result of a deliberate decision to cease contact with family or friends. Nevertheless, losing contact with a family member or friend who is travelling or resident overseas can be, and frequently is, very distressing.
The Department will do what is possible to assist families to liaise and provide information to local police authorities overseas to help to ascertain any information on the whereabouts of any Irish citizens reported as missing. However, the operational responsibility for conducting searches overseas rests with the local police forces and my Department cannot conduct physical searches on behalf of families. The normal procedure in cases where a family in Ireland believes that a family member is missing overseas is to report it to the local police station in order that they can request the assistance of Interpol to attempt to trace the missing person.
The following is a list of Missions which were involved in cases of missing Irish citizens, the number and date of the cases.
Australia 1 May 2009
Estonia 1 May 2008
France 2 May 2009 and July 2009
Hungary 1 July 2009
Netherlands 1 October 2008
Nepal 1 May 2003
Spain 3 January 2008, May 2009 and September 2009
USA 1 April 2010.
Humanitarian Assistance
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:17 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he and his EU or UN colleagues continue to engage in follow up support for Haiti and or other locations of recent natural disasters worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21028/10]
David Stanton
Question:24 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he has taken to support the Haitian people in developing the necessary capacity to rebuild their country in the vital areas of housing, social and physical infrastructure, urban and spatial planning and shelter advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21031/10]
Deirdre Clune
Question:54 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the commitments entered into at the International Donor’s Conference on Haiti in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21032/10]
Olwyn Enright
Question:59 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding allocated to assist in relief following the Haiti earthquake; the organisation or person to whom this funding was given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20872/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 24, 54 and 59 together.
The International Donors' Conference, The International Donors' Conference, Towards a New Future for Haiti, which was held in New York on 31 March, signalled in very strong terms the commitment of the international community to supporting the Government and people of Haiti in rebuilding their country after the devastation of the January earthquake. The conference mobilised more than US$9 billion in funding for Haiti’s recovery and future development.
Both the UN and EU remain at the centre of the international community's response to the earthquake, addressing the immediate basic needs of those who lost everything in this tragedy and assisting the Haitian Government as it works to implement its Action Plan for National Recovery and Development.
I represented the Government at the New York Conference and pledged €13 million over three years towards relief, recovery and development in Haiti. This includes €1 million towards the cancellation of Haiti's remaining debt to the World Bank. In my statement in New York, I also highlighted the generosity of the Irish public in contributing millions of Euro to emergency appeals, as well as the role played by Irish NGOs.
The total value to date of the Government's contribution in response to the Haiti earthquake is approximately €4.5 million, incorporating both in-kind assistance and direct financing.
In-kind assistance to Haiti included the airlift of more than 130 tonnes of shelter, water and sanitation equipment from our emergency stockpiles, representing Irish Aid's largest ever humanitarian airlift. These emergency relief items were distributed through three of our NGO partners, Concern, Goal and Trócaire.
The Irish Aid contribution also includes the deployment to date of nine members of Ireland's Rapid Response Corps. These highly skilled volunteers have been supporting the emergency operations of organisations such as the World Food Programme, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Concern and Goal.
Direct emergency funding allocated by Irish Aid in response to the earthquake has amounted to more than €3.2 million and covers a range of sectors, including sanitation, child protection, education, cash for work and agricultural recovery. Funding has been provided through three groups of partners:
UN agencies, specifically the World Food Programme; UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; UN Food and Agriculture Organisation; UN Environment Programme; and UN Human Settlements Programme;
The International Federation of the Red Cross, in support of the Haitian National Red Cross; and
NGOs, specifically Christian Aid, Concern, Goal, Haven, Plan Ireland and World Vision.
It is clear — not least because of the direct impact of the earthquake on personnel and infrastructure — that the Haitian Government will require technical and other support from international experts in order to fully discharge its responsibilities. Consequently, Irish Aid has allocated €200,000 to the UN Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, for the provision of technical and secretariat support services to the Haitian Government, to assist them and build their capacity in areas such as housing, social and physical infrastructure, and urban and spatial planning. UN-HABITAT carried out an extensive analysis of the urban spatial and planning requirements of Port au Prince prior to the earthquake and had already identified areas where improvements needed to be made to ensure a safer city.
Finally, the UN and EU continue to provide humanitarian support in a wide range of other disaster contexts worldwide, including both natural disasters and conflict-related emergencies. Natural disasters to which both the UN and EU have responded since the start of the year include the earthquake in Chile and recent flooding in Peru.
Northern Ireland Issues
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:18 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the findings of the working groups set up by the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Northern Assembly to examine the establishment of a North South Parliamentary Forum; if further consideration has been given to the proposal by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly to hold a North South Parliamentary Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20886/10]
I should state at the outset that this matter is one where the Oireachtas has primacy.
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. The Government is committed to the full and effective implementation of these agreements; an aim which I know is shared by all in this House.
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.
Since then, the NSMC has received regular updates, including on the establishment of the working groups to which the Deputy refers. At the last NSMC Plenary in December 2009 the Council noted the proposal by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly to hold a North South Parliamentary Conference.
Bearing in mind the primacy of the Oireachtas on this issue, I can advise the House that I am aware that the work of both the Assembly and Oireachtas Working Groups is ongoing. The Oireachtas Working Group is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle and has all-party representation. On the issue of the proposal by the Speaker to hold a North South Parliamentary Conference, I understand that this suggestion has been taken up and that preparations are underway for such a meeting this autumn.
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.
Debt Relief
Mary Upton
Question:19 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is concerned at the development consequences of the conditions being imposed by the International Monetary Fund on some of the world’s poorest countries, for example Mali, where such conditions have resulted in human disaster. [20939/10]
Debt relief under the two main multilateral initiatives to tackle the debt burden on developing countries, as well as loans from the International Financial Institutions, are often conditional on the implementation of certain macro-economic and development policies. To be eligible, countries must demonstrate their commitment to sound economic management and poverty reduction through the implementation of a national Poverty Reduction Strategy. The purpose of such conditions is to ensure that countries have the right governance frameworks in place to manage their economic and social development in a sustainable manner.
In March 2009, the International Monetary Fund updated its conditionality framework in the context of a comprehensive reform to strengthen its capacity to address economic crises. The main result is a commitment that conditions linked to IMF financing will be sufficiently focused and adequately tailored to individual countries' policies and economic environments.
Last month, I visited Washington for the development discussions at the Spring meetings of the World Bank and the IMF. I reiterated the Government's clear view that international policy and lending must be focused on the development needs of least developed countries and that this must be reflected in the ongoing reform processes of the International Financial Institutions. Ireland will continue to monitor the pace with which the World Bank and IMF review their policies on conditionality. In cooperation with other partners, Ireland will maintain pressure to ensure that, in all cases, conditionality is appropriate in terms of scope, content and application.
We believe that all development interventions, including those of the International Financial Institutions, should be framed very clearly in the context of country ownership, poverty reduction and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
The Deputy refers in particular to Mali, which is one of the 25 poorest countries in the world. Mali has made significant progress in recent years, particularly as a result of the granting of total debt relief by the international community. However, despite political and economic progress, Mali does not have a strong track record in translating overall economic growth into poverty reduction and the country remains heavily reliant on donor funds. It suffers from low levels of political participation, and has one of the worst records on adult literacy in Africa. Mali continues to face political, security and economic and social challenges.
In February the International Monetary Fund completed its third review of Mali's economic performance under a programme supported by the Extended Credit Facility. The review was broadly positive, encouraging the Government of Mali to continue with the promotion of sustainable economic growth, with the objective of improving living standards, reducing poverty and making progress on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
Emigrant Support Services
Seymour Crawford
Question:20 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made with the political system in Washington DC regarding an amnesty for the many undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20858/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of contact in recent times with the US authorities in an effort to resolve the issue of undocumented Irish with particular reference to the need to address the situation progressively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21276/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 156 together.
I am very much aware of the difficulties confronting undocumented Irish citizens in the United States and the distress which both they and their families in the US and Ireland experience arising from their situation. I recognise that the overwhelming majority of the undocumented travelled to the US in search of work in a period of economic downturn in Ireland. I would urge anybody who might be tempted in the current climate to follow in the footsteps of the undocumented to take account of the difficult situation in which they now find themselves.
Finding a solution for our undocumented citizens in the United States continues to be an important priority for this Government. We are also committed to enhancing our bilateral migration arrangements with the US through the establishment of a reciprocal two year renewable visa scheme, known as the E3 visa, and the further development of the recently agreed working holiday programme.
During our St Patrick's Day visit Washington, the Taoiseach and I took the opportunity to discuss immigration reform and the plight of the undocumented Irish in our meetings with President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and leading members of Congress. As part of his St Patrick's Day address, President Obama offered an assurance that his own commitment to comprehensive immigration reform remains unwavering.
President Obama has since reiterated this commitment to immigration reform, and has welcomed what he has described as the "strong proposal" for reform presented at the end of April by senior Democratic Senators Harry Reid, Charles Schumer, and Robert Menendez.
The Democratic Senators' outline legislative proposal draws on the draft framework for action on immigration published in March by Senator Lindsay Graham and Senator Charles Schumer. This bipartisan proposal included provision for a path towards legalisation for the undocumented, including the Irish, provided they first admit to having violated US laws, undertake the repayment of taxes and perform community service.
This outline legislation also specifically mentions an E-3 visa arrangement for Irish citizens. Although the proposal is only the first step in a long process, the inclusion of an Irish E3 scheme at this initial stage is an important achievement for the Government and the Irish community.
While I am encouraged by these developments and also by the efforts which continue to be made on Capitol Hill to resolve this issue, very considerable political challenges remain, particularly in an election year.
The Government will continue to maintain very close contact with the US Administration and Congress, as well as with Irish community advocates, to address this issue in the period ahead. Through the Emigrant Support Programme, we have provided $285,000 to the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, since 2006, to assist with their lobbying efforts. In 2009, we also provided $10,000 to the Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform.
Question No. 21 answered with Question No. 11.
Question No. 22 answered with Question No. 10.
Human Rights Issues
Michael D. Higgins
Question:23 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Iranian ambassador the continuing incarceration, without charge, of members of the Baha’i community and the contravention involved of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20925/10]
As I have stated previously in the House, the case of the seven Baha'i community leaders continues to be of grave concern. I have personally raised this case, and matters relating to human rights and religious freedom generally, directly with the Iranian authorities at the highest levels, including in person and by letter with Foreign Minister Mottaki. In addition, my Department frequently conveys my concerns on such matters to the Iranian Ambassador here. Officials of my Department also meet regularly with members of the Baha'i community in Ireland; the most recent such meeting took place last January.
The Baha'i community leaders, who have been in detention for over two years now, have been charged with a number of offences, including "spreading corruption on earth." Some of these offences attract the death penalty in Iran. This is of particular concern given that the Iranian authorities have increased their use of the death penalty in the past year. Just last week, the E.U. High Representative issued a strong statement condemning the execution of five Iranian citizens on 9 May.
After numerous deferrals, the trial of the detained Baha'i leaders began on 12 January and there were further hearings on 7 February and 12 April. The latest hearing was adjourned after the defence refused to participate because the detainees' families were denied access to the hearing. The conditions in which the Baha'i community leaders are confined are also a matter of serious disquiet. Furthermore, I am highly concerned about the continued persecution of the wider Baha'i community in Iran, including reports of interrogations, arbitrary arrests and imprisonment, destruction of property and denial of education to Baha'i students. This is taking place against a background of widespread oppression by the Iranian authorities, which has increased since the Presidential election in 2009.
Iran is a signatory of the binding International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and as such is obliged to protect the rights guaranteed therein. Ireland took the opportunity to raise the Baha'i community leaders' case at the UN Human Rights Council last September and Ireland again supported consideration of these matters at the Human Rights Council in March. The E.U. High Representative issued a strong statement on 12 January, which Ireland fully supported, expressing the E.U.'s acute concerns about the trial and the motivation for the charges brought. The E.U. has repeatedly drawn attention to the oppression perpetrated against the Baha'i faith and its members by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to monitor closely this particular case, the treatment of the wider Baha'i community in Iran and other violations of human rights in Iran. The Government will also continue to bring our views to the notice of the Iranian authorities through bilateral contacts in Tehran, Dublin and elsewhere, as well as in cooperation with our E.U. partners.
Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 17.
Military Neutrality
Kathleen Lynch
Question:25 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that Ireland’s foreign policy principles in relation to neutrality are not affected by the presence of Irish military personnel in Afghanistan. [20949/10]
Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality is not affected by our participation in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Ireland's approach to international security is characterised, inter alia, by our willingness to participate in peace operations throughout the world and a commitment to collective security through the United Nations, in particular.
Since 2001, ISAF has been deployed under the authority of the UN Security Council — which authorised the establishment of a force in the maintenance of security to enable the Afghan authorities as well as UN personnel to operate in a secure environment. ISAF has a peace enforcement mandate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, and there are twelve UN Security Council Resolutions relating to ISAF, most recently UNSCR 1917 (2010).
The Deputy may wish, in particular, to note UN Security Council Resolution 1890 from 8 October last, which expressed appreciation for the contributions made by Member States to ISAF and continued to call upon Member States to contribute personnel, equipment and other resources to the mission stressing the role of ISAF in assisting the Afghan Government to improve the security situation in Afghanistan.
Seven members of the Permanent Defence Forces are serving with ISAF in Kabul in non-combatant roles with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Their deployment fully accords with both Irish and international law and in no way impacts upon Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. The service of the Defence Forces with ISAF represents a further example of Ireland's commitment to participation in UN-mandated peace operations, a long-standing and key foreign policy principle for Ireland.
I would also point out that other neutral and non-aligned States, including Austria, Finland and Sweden also contribute troops to ISAF.
Middle East Peace Process
James Bannon
Question:26 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current situation in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20881/10]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:64 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the position regarding proximity talks between representatives of the Israeli Government and the Palestinian National Authority. [20927/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he and his EU and UN colleagues continue to bring positive influence to bear on the situation in the Middle East; the extent to which encouragement is being given to the peace process there and by the international community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21277/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 64 and 157 together.
Following long efforts by Senator Mitchell and the US Administration to bring the parties together, and an abortive launch in April, the long-awaited proximity talks between the Israelis and Palestinians have commenced. The US team will liaise between the parties. Senator Mitchell will be present in person regularly and frequently, and further available as needed. It is envisaged that proximity talks will last for an initial period of four months, following which the parties will decide if there is a basis to continue with them or indeed to move to direct negotiations.
There have of course been many previous rounds of direct negotiations between the parties, most recently in 2008. These earlier discussions will inform but not bind the evolution of the current talks. The key issues are sovereignty, borders, Jerusalem, security, refugees and water, all of which were discussed in earlier rounds. These are difficult issues, but they have been debated for decades now, and many ideas and visions have been put forward. I believe that these issues are all capable of being resolved, within the two year timeframe set out by President Obama, if the parties are genuinely willing to find solutions.
We are all very well aware of the mutual distrust and lack of confidence on the part of both the parties that the other is genuinely serious. We are also aware of and concerned by the possibilities of events on the ground derailing the process, intentionally or otherwise. The Irish Government strongly supports the EU, President Obama and the Quartet in their efforts to urge all parties to engage seriously, to refrain from negative acts on the ground, to be mindful of the needs of the other protagonists, and to do all in their power to achieve a final settlement of this destructive conflict.
The process initially involves Israel and the Palestinian President but in due course, if progress allows, the wider issues of Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and general Israeli-Arab relations will need to be addressed as well to reach the comprehensive solution that we all seek.
In parallel with the pursuit of a comprehensive solution (through the proximity talks and, in due course, direct negotiations), Ireland, with our EU partners, on our own behalf and at the UN, will also remain focussed on the key human rights and justice issues which continue to effect the daily lives of the people of Gaza and the other Occupied Territories.
Human Rights Issues
Róisín Shortall
Question:27 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present human rights situation in Zimbabwe. [20944/10]
The situation in Zimbabwe continues to be of great concern to the Government and to the European Union as a whole. I am particularly concerned by reports of continuing human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, torture of prisoners and abuse of the rule of law. Our Embassy to Zimbabwe, which is based in Pretoria, regularly raises our concerns over violations of human rights and the rule of law with the Zimbabwean authorities. It is regrettable that, notwithstanding the welcome improvements in the economic sphere in Zimbabwe since the formation of the unity government, the day-to-day lives of many Zimbabweans are filled with insecurity.
In terms of finding a way forward on these issues, Zimbabwe's neighbours have a critical role to play in encouraging reform, and can bring the greatest influence to bear in achieving progress in implementing the power sharing agreement, the Global Political Agreement (GPA). In that regard, Ireland with our EU partners welcomed the summit last November of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the guarantors of the GPA, which committed both parties in the unity government to enter talks on the full implementation of the GPA. That said, the lack of any real progress to date in those talks is worrying.
I am all the more concerned given the call this week by Prime Minister Tsvangirai for an emergency SADC summit to resolve outstanding issues in the talks and prevent Zimbabwe from sliding back into greater political and economic instability. The outstanding issues include the appointment as Deputy Minister for Agriculture of Roy Bennett, who, it is to be noted, was acquitted of arms related charges by a Zimbabwe court on 10 May; the re-appointment of Attorney General Johannes Tomana; the stalled installation of provincial governors; and the unilateral alteration of ministerial mandates. With our partners in the EU, we urge the parties involved to redouble their efforts to find solutions to these issues.
Regrettably, political dialogue between the EU and Zimbabwe has stalled. The EU has repeatedly stated its willingness to re-engage with the Zimbabwean Government. Re-engagement, however, remains conditional on a willingness to pursue in good faiththe agreed goals set out in the GPA. These include restoration of the rule of law, commitment to the democratic process and respect for human rights. We will continue to monitor the situation and press all members of the inclusive government to fulfil these obligations.
In the meantime, Ireland has worked closely with our EU partners in developing a consistent approach to Zimbabwe that benefits the people of Zimbabwe, while maintaining pressure on the Government to reform. In keeping with other international donors, we do not provide funding to the Zimbabwean Government but respond to the humanitarian needs of the Zimbabwean people through support for the work of multilateral and non-governmental organisations. In 2008, total funding allocated to Zimbabwe under the aid programme amounted to €10.82 million. In 2009, this figure was €5.63 million. I am not in a position at this stage to specify the total amount of funding which will be allocated for Zimbabwe during 2010. However, so far this year the Government has allocated €0.85 million for the humanitarian operations of a number of non-governmental organisations operating in Zimbabwe and a further €1.5 million to support HIV and AIDS programmes in the country.
It is vital for the future of Zimbabwe that the unity government delivers on the promise of reform, and secures for Zimbabwe's people real political freedoms, a return to the rule of law and economic development. Ireland will continue to work with our partners in the international community to encourage progress in these areas.
Official Engagements
Andrew Doyle
Question:28 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Foreign Ministers, if any, who are due to visit Ireland during the remainder of 2010. [20867/10]
The pattern of visits here by Foreign Ministers is determined by various factors including developments in bilateral relations, current international issues and of course availability and diary commitments on both sides. It will be appreciated that in many cases visits require to be planned and arranged at relatively short notice and in that regard, to the extent possible, we remain flexible on the number and timing of incoming Foreign Ministerial visits which can be accommodated throughout the year.
[The Foreign Minister of Cuba visited Ireland on 19 May 2010]. Dates are under discussion for proposed visits by a number of other Foreign Ministers during the remainder of the year, although it would be inappropriate, at this stage, for me to name the countries involved.
Human Rights Issues
P. J. Sheehan
Question:29 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the allegations (details supplied) that human organs are being harvested for sale from executed members of the Falun Gong and other minority groups in China; if he has raised this issue with his European Partners at EU Ministerial Council level; the result of these discussions; his position on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20860/10]
As has been reported in this House on many previous occasions, and most recently on 5 May, human rights issues in China, including issues relating to Falun Gong, are regularly discussed on a bilateral basis with the Chinese Government, both in Beijing and in Dublin. The Government continues to stress at such meetings the great importance attached by Ireland to human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, and to urge the Chinese authorities to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Such detailed discussion on human rights issues took place at political consultations between Ireland and China in Beijing on 8 April.
Human rights issues are also a constant and important point of dialogue for the European Union with the Chinese authorities, through the framework of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue. This broad-ranging dialogue has allowed the EU to engage with China on issues such as freedom of expression, the death penalty, the independence of the judiciary, prison conditions, freedom of religion and minority rights. The last session of the Dialogue took place on 20 November last, also in Beijing. A date for the next session has not yet been set.
The Government remains deeply concerned about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in China and questions in this regard — including specific cases — are raised with the Chinese authorities, both within the context of our own discussions with them and through the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue.
We have taken very seriously allegations which have been made in the past claiming that live organs have been harvested from Falun Gong practitioners in detention. Extensive inquiries on this issue were made by my Department within the EU and UN frameworks in 2006/7, as well as through our Embassy in Beijing and with a variety of human rights organisations. Inquiries were also addressed to the Chinese authorities. At that time, we failed to identify sufficient reliable and independent evidence to substantiate the allegations, but the matter has been kept under review.
The most recent allegations to which the Deputy refers relate to the alleged execution of prisoners, including Falun Gong practitioners, Tibetans, Christians and Uighurs and the harvesting of their organs for sale. These are allegations of the most serious kind and I have instructed officials of my Department to try to establish whether or not they can be substantiated.
Developing the relationship between the EU and China is an important priority for the European Union and China is regularly discussed at meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council. Although human rights issues feature in such discussions in general terms, it is not customary to consider individual cases in that context. In the circumstances, I have instructed my Department to raise the issue at EU level, to liaise with EU Member States in investigating the allegations, and to seek a response from the Chinese authorities.
Democratic Stability
Brian O'Shea
Question:30 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the elections held in late 2008 in Angola. [20941/10]
Angola's first parliamentary election since 1992 took place in September 2008. The ruling MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola) party won a landslide majority, with 82% of votes and a total of 191 seats out of 220. The main opposition party UNITA (the National Union for the Independence of Angola) had held 70 seats but retained only 16.
An EU election observation mission said that the elections represented a ‘positive step towards strengthening democracy', despite organisational weaknesses and the state's control of the media. The EU mission did not, however, go so far as to describe the elections as free and fair.
The 2008 elections, even though they were not perfect, represented an important milestone for Angola on the democratic path. Turnout was estimated at over 75%, which was a demonstration of the Angolan people's enthusiasm for the democratic process. The elections passed off peacefully, which is significant given that the results of the previous election in Angola in 1992 were violently disputed, leading to the re-intensification of the civil war.
UNITA challenged electoral results in the capital Luanda, and four other parties challenged the distribution of seats, but the Constitutional Court rejected complaints due to lack of evidence. Following this ruling, all parties accepted the result of the election.
The Embassy of Ireland in Maputo is accredited to Angola. Since 2008, Ireland has provided over €4 million in assistance to Angola. This has included €855,000 to support mine clearance efforts and to provide some assistance to the victims of land mines. In addition, over €3.5 million has been provided to non-governmental and missionary organisations in support of their work in the areas of HIV&AIDS, food security, accountable governance, land rights and advocacy. More than half of our EU partners have resident missions in Angola, and the EU remains fully engaged in order to support democratic participation in the next elections, which are scheduled for 2012.
Rapid Response Corps
Olwyn Enright
Question:31 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to increase the numbers of those in the Rapid Response Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20875/10]
The Rapid Response Corps was established in 2007 to provide a body of highly skilled volunteers who could deploy at short notice to Irish Aid's humanitarian partner organisations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs recently held a recruitment drive to increase the number of volunteers within the Corps. As a result 25 new members have been recruited, bringing to 155 the total number of Rapid Response Corps volunteers available to deploy to humanitarian emergencies overseas. The new recruits will participate in induction training later this month, including at the Defence Force's UN Training School in the Curragh.
Rapid Response Corps volunteers typically have a highly-specialised expertise in areas such as logistics, telecommunications or engineering. They deploy at the request of Irish Aid, acting on its own behalf or on behalf of its humanitarian partners. Since the Corps was established, 77 volunteers have deployed to over 20 countries, including at present to Afghanistan, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Iraq, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan.
Global Irish Economic Forum
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:32 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a progress report on the Global Irish Economic Forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20883/10]
The success of the Global Irish Economic Forum held in September 2009 has had a transformative impact on Ireland's relationship with leading members of the Irish Diaspora.
Extensive efforts have been taken by my Department, other Departments, the State Agencies and the private sector to advance the various initiatives that emerged from its deliberations and to further enhance the practical connections between the Irish at home and abroad.
The follow-up process has been overseen by an inter-Departmental Committee of senior officials which was established last November. In March, a detailed six month Progress Report was published which contains specific updates in respect of a wide range of initiatives that have been taken since the Forum in areas as diverse as innovation; greentech; Diaspora engagement; culture, financial services; tourism, energy and food. As part of this follow up process, the Government has also provided funding of $3.4 million for a landmark Irish Arts Centre in New York and over $250,000 for the Irish Technology Leadership Group in Silicon Valley. Significant progress has also been made in the private sector towards the establishment of the Farmleigh Overseas Graduate Programme.
Evidence of the significant impact made by the Forum is not confined to the Progress Report. The broad economic policies that were advocated by many participants were reflected significantly in Budget 2010. The Farmleigh follow-up process has also assisted other work underway across Government, including the implementation of the Building Ireland’s Smart Economy strategy and the recommendations of the Innovation Task Force.
The establishment of the new Global Irish Network in February provides an important mechanism for building on the work begun at Farmleigh. The Network includes some of the most influential Irish and Irish-connected individuals abroad and provides Ireland with an invaluable resource of international expertise from which we can draw as we work towards our economic recovery. I am convinced that this direct access to key private-sector decision makers across the globe has the potential to deliver real, tangible economic benefits for the Irish at home and abroad.
Meetings of the Network have already been held this year in London, Paris, Germany, and the UAE, with further meetings planned later in the year for Shanghai and New York. Participants at these meetings have all underlined the galvanising effect the Global Irish Economic Forum has had on the leading members of our Diaspora. They have also stressed that, taken together with the difficult but necessary corrective steps the Government has taken to address our financial situation, the Network and the Forum have helped instil a greater sense of belief and optimism abroad that Ireland can overcome the current economic challenges. Network members have also reiterated the importance of Irish culture in the promotion of Ireland throughout the world.
More broadly, I believe that since the Forum a new and more widespread acceptance has emerged throughout the public and private sectors of the potential that exists within the relationship between Ireland and its Diaspora. The Government is determined to maximise this opportunity through the Global Irish Network and the ongoing work of the Emigrant Support Programme. I believe that the Network should be regarded not just as an instrument of Government, but as a valuable national asset. I am therefore keen to work with members of the Opposition, the business community and other key stakeholders in order to ensure that its full potential is utilised.
Passport Applications
Dinny McGinley
Question:33 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the delay in processing passport applications and the disruption to the general public as a result; if special arrangements will be availed in case of emergencies in order that persons will be able to travel abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20884/10]
As a direct result of ongoing industrial action by the Civil Public and Services Union (CPSU), significant arrears of passport applications have arisen within the Passport Service. There are currently approximately 66,000 passport applications waiting to be processed within the system and it is presently taking up to twenty-two working days to process individual applications. Applications, other than those that are prioritised on the basis of demonstrable urgent humanitarian need, are being processed on a first come first served basis.
The dispute is having a severe impact on the travelling public. There are very many Irish citizens whose trips abroad have had to be cancelled and holiday and work plans severely disrupted.
Every effort is being made to reduce the waiting time for applications, pending the resolution of the industrial action which is preventing the recruitment of temporary staff to address the seasonal surge in demand for passports. Staff have been working overtime for some weeks and this has kept the level of increase in the backlog to a minimum and in recent days seen a marginal reduction in this level.
However, the backlog in passport applications can and will be overcome when the CPSU call off their industrial action and co-operate with the recruitment of temporary staff normally engaged at this time of year. My Department has obtained the necessary sanction to recruit the temporary staff and arrangements have been made for staff to commence work at short notice. I would once again call on the CPSU to withdraw this restriction and to allow a significant number of currently unemployed workers to take on paid employment and assist in reducing the sizeable backlog of passport applications.
The Department's current advice to passport applicants is available on the websitewww.passport.ie :
1. Before making any overseas travel plans, customers should check passport expiry dates and submit any applications in sufficient time before the intended date of travel.
2. Photocopy the photograph page of any existing passport being renewed, include with the application form and retain the existing passport.
3. The recommended method for submitting passport applications is via the Passport Express service or the Northern Ireland Passport Express Service service, available through local post offices.
4. Applications submitted through this service are currently being processed up to 22 working days from the date of receipt. The turnaround time for applications submitted through Irish Embassies abroad should in the 1st instance be checked on the relevant Embassy website.
5. Projected turnaround times for the issuing of passports are regularly updated and available at www.passport.ie
6. The public counters and out of hours services should only be used by those who have a necessity to travel for reasons of family emergency. i.e. travel is necessitated by the death, illness or welfare of a family member.
7. All other applications should be submitted through the Passport Express channel.
8. Customers should retain the barcode number on their passport application and use this number to check the status of their application on the Passport Service website: www.passport.ie . This should be the primary contact point for information and the site is updated several times a day.
9. Any queries on applications should be e-mailed using the contact details page on the website and should include the barcode number. These e-mails will be dealt with in order of receipt.
10. Customers who have made arrangements to collect their passport, should not call to the public counter until they have confirmed on the website that the relevant passport is ready for collection.
Foreign Conflicts
Joe Costello
Question:34 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that has been made at the level of the European Union in relation to Somalia. [20942/10]
Kathleen Lynch
Question:50 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present position in relation to the prospects of peace in Somalia. [20948/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 50 together.
The situation in Somalia is of extreme concern, as the country has been without an effective government since 1991. The UN-backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG) faces enormous challenges, not least the fact that it controls little of the country's territory and that significant armed groups remained opposed to the President. In the north-west of the country, an independent republic of Somaliland has been proclaimed, while in the north-east Puntland has declared itself an autonomous state within Somalia. Both these areas, whose statehood is not recognised by the international community, enjoy relative stability compared to the south of the country, where the TGF is under attack from rebel groups, the most aggressive of which is Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen.
The continuous instability and conflict, and deepening drought, have caused a huge humanitarian crisis. It is currently estimated that 3.2 million Somalis are in need of livelihood and humanitarian support. The long-standing absence of authority in the country has also led to Somali pirates becoming a major threat to international shipping in the area.
In December 2008 the EU deployed the first ever ESDP naval mission, Operation Atalanta, with a mandate from the UN Security Council to contribute to the prevention, deterrence and repression of acts of piracy. It has been effective in delivering upon its mandate, protecting World Food Programme shipments of food aid to Somalia and reducing the incidence of pirate attacks against shipping in the region.
However, it is commonly recognised that it is necessary to complement the work of Operation Atalanta by addressing the root causes of piracy which originate in the lawlessness plaguing the country. To this end, the EU has launched a military mission to train the Somali Security Forces and thereby assist the TFG in its efforts to begin to re-establish governance and the rule of law in the country. The EU Training Mission (EUTM), which started training members of the Somali security forces at the start of May, is taking place in Uganda and is scheduled to last for approximately one year. Ireland has seconded five members of the Permanent Defence Forces for service with the EU military training mission.
The EU military training mission forms one part of a comprehensive approach conducted by the EU in the Horn of Africa to address the Somali crisis. The EU is also exploring possible action to support the Somali police and support maritime capacity development in Somalia and the region. Furthermore, the EU strongly supports the UN-facilitated Djibouti peace and reconciliation process and offers extensive humanitarian and development assistance to the Somali population.
Since 2008, Ireland has provided over €13.5 million in assistance to Somalia. This includes more than €11.5 million in humanitarian assistance, which has focused on providing food to people affected by drought conditions, as well as those forced from their homes by violence, and has been provided through a variety of UN and NGO partners. In addition, Ireland has allocated over €2 million in funding to Concern and World Vision Ireland for their programmes in Somalia, which focus on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, supporting children worst affected by the conflict, health, and education.
Ultimately, the insecurity and piracy problems, the poverty and the humanitarian crisis which affect Somalis are consequences of the fact that Somalia continues to fail as a state. The only long-term solution is the restoration of effective government, the gradual building up of adequate justice and policing systems, and the restoration of a functioning economy. Such conditions cannot be enforced from outside, the Somali people themselves must find a solution. Ireland, with our partners in the EU, will continue to support efforts within Somalia to restore peace and stability to the country.
Overseas Development Aid
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:35 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will develop and deliver a Millennium Development Goals action plan in the run up to 2015 as recommended by Dóchas members. [20983/10]
Sean Sherlock
Question:55 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the preliminary meetings that he proposes to hold in Ireland, Europe or abroad in preparation for the review meeting of the United Nations in September on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals; the role he sees for participation by the opposition and by members of civil society. [20931/10]
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:65 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he at the Review Meeting in September in relation to the Millennium Development Goals will favour the reconfiguration of resources and such flexibility as will enable the disposal of resources to areas in which it is likely that the Millennium Development Goals are not likely to be achieved. [20946/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 55 and 65 together.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted by Heads of Government at the Millennium Summit in 2000 provide the framework for international development up to 2015. They set specific, measurable development targets and represent the commitment of the international community to work for the eradication of global poverty in all its forms.
Progress on the MDGs will be reviewed at a UN Summit in New York in September. I believe it is essential that the Summit agrees a clear action plan, based on the evidence of the past ten years, to underpin work towards the achievement of the Goals. The Government has been working at the UN and with our EU partners to ensure that, working together, developed and developing countries can maintain their commitments to the world's poorest people in the face of increased global challenges and continuing international economic difficulty.
Ireland has taken a lead internationally to focus attention at the Summit on the global hunger crisis. I have made the point strongly at meetings in Europe, Africa and the United States that slow progress on the first of the MDGs, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, is not only a scandal in itself, it is impeding progress across the whole range of development goals. We are also arguing that priority be given to those regions and groups that are lagging behind, in particular those most vulnerable to extreme poverty and hunger in sub-Saharan Africa, which is the primary geographic focus of the Government's aid programme.
Over the coming weeks, Ireland will play an important role in the preparation of a strong EU position for the Summit, which will be considered at a special meeting of Development Ministers, which I will attend, in preparation for the June European Council. Nationally, we are also preparing with the US Administration for the organisation of an Irish–US event during the New York Summit to promote a comprehensive international approach to the global hunger crisis. This will highlight the need to link agriculture, food security and nutrition programming in order to provide a realistic and sustainable solution to world hunger. I have just returned from a series of meetings in Washington and New York in preparation for this event and for our participation in the UN Summit.
We are working closely with representatives of all parties as we prepare for the Summit, and I would recognise in particular the important role being played by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. It will strengthen our position internationally if we can demonstrate that Ireland's response to the Millennium Development Goals is a national one, reflecting views across the political and the non-governmental spectrum. At a recent roundtable meeting sponsored by Trócaire, I invited Irish Aid's NGO partners to document their contribution to the achievement of the MDGs so that we can report on the full extent of Ireland's contribution over the past ten years and assess how we can work together to accelerate progress over the coming five. We have also proposed to Dóchas, the umbrella organisation for the Irish development NGOs, that we work together to prepare positions reflecting our common concerns for the Summit in September.
Diplomatic Relations
Pat Rabbitte
Question:36 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had in recent times with the Venezuelan ambassador to Britain and Ireland. [20950/10]
Ireland established diplomatic relations with Venezuela on 29 November 1980 and is accredited on a non-residential basis through our Ambassador to Mexico. Ambassador Eamon Hickey is awaiting the offer of a date from the Venezuelan side to present his credentials in Caracas. 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. Ambassador Moncada is in regular contact with officials of my Department on a range of bilateral issues.
Ireland's relations with Venezuela are also conducted in the multilateral context, in particular through the framework of the 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 Sixth EU-Latin America and Caribbean Summit in Madrid earlier this week, which the Taoiseach attended.
EU Enlargement
Martin Ferris
Question:37 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on Turkish membership of the EU; if he agrees that Turkish membership should not be considered until such time as Turkey withdraws from our fellow EU member State, Cyprus, and lifts all its restrictions on trade, airflight and shipping and so on in relation to Cyprus. [21023/10]
The European Union has a long and close relationship with Turkey. Accession negotiations were opened in 2005 and Ireland makes a constructive input to those negotiations. As a beneficiary of a past enlargement, and on the experience of more recent accessions, Ireland is generally supportive of enlargement. Enlargement bolsters economic and political reform processes and helps to promote stability, security and prosperity in Europe. It is subject to rigorous conditionality and should take account of the capacity of the EU to integrate new members. Enlargement is a negotiated process and, as in any negotiation, the eventual outcome and timeframe cannot be predicted.
These factors shape Ireland's supportive approach to Turkey's candidacy. There are, in addition, potential gains to the single market and to trade through the accession of a country of Turkey's size. The Union's reach and influence in the Middle East and Central Asia could be enhanced through Turkish accession.
Turkey still has substantial work ahead in meeting the established criteria and conditions for membership. I met with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, in Dublin on 10 March 2010. In the course of that meeting, Minister Davutoglu outlined the progress Turkey has made on reforms in a number of areas as it has sought to bring Turkey more in line with the EU acquis. He explained how the accession negotiations provide a strong incentive for Turkey to pursue reforms, strengthen democracy and human rights and further modernise the country. While much has been achieved in Turkey in these areas, the challenge is now for Turkey to maintain and accelerate the progress on reforms.
I reiterated to Minister Davutoglu Ireland's support for the Turkish candidacy. At the same time, I noted the Council's deep regret at Turkey's continued non-compliance with its obligations under the Ankara Protocol by continuing to refuse to open its ports and airports to vessels and aircraft from the Republic of Cyprus. The Council will not permit eight chapters of the accession framework to be opened and no further chapters to be provisionally closed until Turkey fulfils its commitments in this regard.
I also highlighted the need for Turkey to make progress towards normalisation of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus. In line with successive European Council conclusions, Ireland expects that, as emphasised by the Negotiating Framework, Turkey should actively support the ongoing negotiations aimed at a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the Union is founded.
Diplomatic Representation
Catherine Byrne
Question:38 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to plans to install a plaque on Rockall with the approval of a British local council; if he has made a formal protest to the British Government in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20976/10]
Rockall is a small uninhabitable rock, 25 x 30 metres wide, located approximately 160 nautical miles west of the Scottish islands of St. Kilda and 230 nautical miles to the north west of Donegal. It marks a point at which the Rockall Bank, part of the very large Hatton-Rockall area of continental shelf extending under the north-east Atlantic Ocean, protrudes 21 metres above sea level. During the 1960s and 1970s the issue of Rockall was a source of legal and political controversy in both Ireland and the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom claims sovereignty over Rockall and has sought to formally annex it under the Island of Rockall Act 1972.
While Ireland has not recognised British sovereignty over Rockall, it has never sought to claim sovereignty for itself. The consistent position of successive Irish Governments has been that Rockall and similar rocks and skerries have no significance for establishing legal claims to mineral rights in the adjacent seabed and to fishing rights in the surrounding seas.
During the course of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, which took place from 1973 to 1982, Ireland worked hard to achieve agreement on this principle. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which was adopted at the conclusion of the Conference on 10 December 1982, provides at Article 121, paragraph 3 that: "Rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf." Rockall falls into precisely this category.
I am aware from newspaper reports that an individual intends to attempt to place a plaque on the rock in the near future. Since activity of this nature has no effect on the British claim to sovereignty over Rockall and has no significance in international law in relation to the status of the rock, I do not propose to take any action in relation to it.
In 1988, Ireland and the UK reached agreement on the delimitation of areas of the continental shelf between the two countries, stretching out up to 500 nautical miles from their respective coastlines. This included the division of the Hatton-Rockall area of continental shelf on which Rockall is situated, although under the terms of the Law of the Sea Convention the location of Rockall was irrelevant to the determination of the boundary. According to that determination, Rockall is situated to the north of the boundary agreed with the UK in 1988 and lies outside the zone claimed by Ireland.
As with any claim to continental shelf lying beyond 200 nautical miles from shore, the UN Convention requires that Ireland and the UK submit their claims for examination to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. However, the claims to the Hatton-Rockall shelf agreed between Ireland and the UK are not accepted by Iceland or the Færoe Islands, which make their own claims. The four sides have met regularly since 2001 in an effort to resolve the overlapping claims issue but to date have been unable to reach agreement. In view of the 10-year deadline for the making of submissions to the UN Commission — which for Ireland expired last May — Ireland lodged its national claim for this area in March 2009. While the Commission's rules of procedure prevent consideration of the submission without the consent of all the states concerned, its lodgement at this time stops the clock on the deadline and preserves Ireland's legal position. In the meantime, the four sides 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 as soon as possible.
The State's continental shelf has already been successfully extended beyond 200 nautical miles in the area to the west of the Porcupine Bank. Together with France, Spain and the UK, we have also successfully extended it in the area of the Celtic Sea and Bay of Biscay.
International Agreements
Ciaran Lynch
Question:39 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will reconsider the signing of free trade agreements with Colombia or Honduras before substantive agreement has been reached on respect for human rights. [20933/10]
Ciaran Lynch
Question:49 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the refusal of his colleagues in the European Union to consider any possibility for review or amendment of the details of the proposed EU free trade agreement with Colombia. [20932/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 49 together.
EU relations with Colombia are conducted in the framework of regional relations between the EU and the Andean Community, comprising Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In 2007, negotiations aimed at concluding a comprehensive Association Agreement between the EU and the Andean Community were formally launched. Such Agreements cover all facets of relations between the EU and these countries, including political dialogue, economic cooperation and trade. However, as not all member states of the Andean Community were in a position to proceed with free trade negotiations, the decision was taken to commence negotiations on a multiparty Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and two member states of the Andean Community — Colombia and Peru — within the overall framework of the Association Agreement. The negotiations were carried out by the European Commission on the basis of a mandate from the Council. The conclusion of the negotiations was acknowledged by Heads of State and Government at the EU- Latin America and Caribbean Summit in Madrid this week.
There is no single solution for promoting peace in Colombia; the various social and economic elements underlying the conflict have to be tackled simultaneously. Our approach and that of the EU is to assist and influence the Colombian Government in a manner that results in economic and social development while progressively improving human rights standards. For this reason the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Colombia will contribute significantly to the social and economic development of Colombia, which is imperative if it is to emerge from its violent past.
I am aware of and share the deep concern that has been expressed at the manner in which trade union activists, human rights defenders and journalists have been treated in Colombia. I wish to assure the Deputy that there is no question of strengthening economic ties with Colombia at the expense of human rights. I am of the view that concluding the FTA negotiations with Colombia at this time offers the best opportunity to ensure that the concerns of EU Member States at the human rights situation in that country and, in particular, the treatment of trade union activists are fully addressed by the Colombian government.
I have previously put on record the various steps which Ireland has taken over the past year to address human rights issues directly with the Government of Colombia and together with the European Union. As a result, the Colombian authorities have been left in no doubt about the seriousness of our concerns regarding the human rights situation and the extent of the improvements needed. I can assure you that the Government will continue to closely follow the human rights situation in Colombia and take the steps we consider necessary bilaterally as well as in cooperation with our EU partners.
As the Deputy is aware, there was no support among Member States for the idea of suspending even one round of negotiations with Colombia, much less the Agreement as a whole. We therefore concentrated our efforts on working with like-minded Member States to ensure that the Agreement will result in further scrutiny of the Colombian labour market, thereby benefiting trade unionists, among others. I am very satisfied that at Ireland's insistence, the Agreement includes a clause committing both EU Member States and Colombia to the implementation of their human rights responsibilities.
EU relations with Honduras are conducted within the framework of the EU-Central America Dialogue, which was launched in 1984 and includes involves Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Nicaragua, and which forms the cornerstone of EU-Central American relations.
Like Colombia, Honduras faces many challenges. Elections took place in November 2009 against the backdrop of a military coup. While the electoral process took place under abnormal circumstances, Ireland and the EU viewed the elections as a significant step forward in solving the crisis in Honduras. President Lobo took a number of encouraging steps in advance of his inauguration in January 2010, including the signature of the Accord for National Reconciliation and for the Strengthening of Democracy in Honduras and he formed a Government of National Unity. On 4 May, the Honduran Government inaugurated a Truth Commission chaired by former Guatemalan Vice President Eduardo Stein. The EU remains committed to lend its support to the re-establishment of constitutional and democratic order and to the process of national reconciliation in Honduras.
Against this backdrop, the Irish and EU approach is to assist and influence the Honduran Government in a manner that promotes economic and social development while progressively improving human rights standards. The conclusion of an Association Agreement between the EU and Central America will contribute significantly to the social and economic development of the region and will help to underpin progress in Honduras.
Summit leaders at the EU-Latin America and Caribbean Summit in Madrid this week expressed their satisfaction with the conclusion of the negotiations on the Association Agreement. The Agreement includes numerous references to the importance of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It provides for political dialogue between Central America and the EU and this dialogue is designed to pave the way for new initiatives to promote and protect rights and fundamental freedoms, including those of indigenous peoples and migrants. Both sides agree to the reinforcement of democratic institutions, good governance, full applicability of the rule of law, promotion and respect for human rights. They also will give priority to the alleviation of poverty, inequality and social exclusion.
As in the case of Colombia, I can assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to closely follow the human rights situation in Honduras and other Central American states and take the steps we consider necessary bilaterally as well as in cooperation with our EU partners.
Foreign Conflicts
Paul Kehoe
Question:40 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent advice he has issued to Irish travellers in Thailand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20871/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:165 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the well-being and welfare of foreign nationals in Thailand is monitored by the international community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21286/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 165 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides travel advice to Irish citizens wishing to visit Thailand thought its website. The current advice can be found at www.dfa.ie. There are two Irish Honorary Consulates in Thailand, one in Bangkok and the other in Phuket which provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in that country.
The Department's travel advice is regularly updated and is designed to help Irish citizens make informed decisions before travelling overseas. It reflects a considered assessment of the risks involved and is based on the best information available to the Department. It draws on reports from Irish Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad, and in the case of Thailand both our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, which is accredited to Thailand, and the two Irish Consulates. It also reflects advice issued by other countries including Member States of the European Union, as well as other like minded countries. Every effort is made to ensure that the advice offered is accurate and up-to-date, particularly in a quickly changing environment.
The Department is currently advising against all but essential travel to Thailand and Irish citizens intending to travel are strongly encouraged to consider whether their presence in that country is absolutely necessary. However, the advice does not apply to passengers simply intending to transit Bangkok airport en-route to other destinations outside Thailand. The advice takes account of the current security situation that has existed since 7 April when a State of Emergency was declared in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.
Irish citizens residing in or intending to travel to Thailand are strongly advised to register their contact details with the Department through the voluntary on-line registration facility and these details can be used to make direct contact in the event that the situation deteriorates even further. Also, Irish citizens currently in Thailand should keep well informed of the developing situation on the ground, remain indoors should violence break out close to where they are staying, avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, avoid visiting Government agencies and avoid travelling to or through central Bangkok. If Irish citizens require assistance locally while in Thailand they can also contact the Irish Honorary Consuls in Bangkok and Phuket.
Ireland works closely with other Member States of the European Union in ensuring effective coordination of crisis plans and on the sharing and exchange of information on how to act together to assist all our nationals. To this end we hold regular teleconferences to share effectively all essential information and to coordinate any joint action that is necessary. I can assure the Deputies that the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the situation closely and will remain in regular contact with the Thai authorities and other EU Member States.
EU Relations
James Reilly
Question:41 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the effect of the formation of a new Government in the UK on the European project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20963/10]
Billy Timmins
Question:58 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to meet the new British Foreign Secretary. [20863/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 58 together.
Following the recent British elections and the agreement between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrat Party on the formation of a Coalition Government, Conservative leader David Cameron was appointed Prime Minister on Tuesday 11 May and the Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister on Wednesday 12 May, with all remaining Government appointments being made on Thursday 13 May.
The Coalition Agreement, which was published on Wednesday 12 May, includes a section entitled "Relations with the EU" which begins with a statement that the two parties "agree that the British Government will be a positive participant in the European Union, playing a strong and positive role with our partners, with the goal of ensuring that all the nations of Europe are equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century: global competitiveness, global warming and global poverty." This section of the document proceeds to set out a series of agreements between the two parties on more specific issues.
I spoke last week with the new Foreign Secretary, William Hague, to offer my congratulations on his appointment. I took the opportunity to recall our useful meeting during my visit to London last February. I now look forward to developing a close working relationship with Mr. Hague within the EU Council framework as our two countries address together the EU agenda and the full gamut of international issues. I had arranged a short bilateral meeting with Mr. Hague on Monday, in the margins of the EU-Latin America and Caribbean summit in Madrid. Unfortunately, air travel restrictions due to volcanic ash prevented me from travelling to Madrid. Contacts are underway to arrange an alternative meeting at the earliest opportunity.
I note that the Foreign Secretary has had an opinion piece published in Monday's Irish Times. Without going into all the detail, his description of the accomplishments of the Union over the past 20 years is certainly one I would agree with, as is his setting out of some of the main challenges on which we need to work together: combating climate change, fighting global poverty and securing our energy supplies. I look forward to working with Mr. Hague on the full range of EU issues, above all the EU response to the economic challenges which Europe is currently facing.
I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Hague's predecessor, David Miliband, who was appointed Foreign Secretary one month after I was appointed to this office. During almost two years working together in the EU, at the UN and in many other international fora, we established a strong and productive relationship.
Question No. 42 answered with Question No. 12.
Human Rights Issues
Joe Costello
Question:43 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has condemned the execution by firing squad of two Palestinians (details supplied) by the Hamas regime in Gaza; and if he condemns this return to the death penalty. [20943/10]
Ireland and its EU partners oppose the death penalty in all circumstances, and make this position clear to all relevant authorities, including the Palestinian Authority. Palestinian law still provides for the death penalty in certain circumstances, but no execution may be carried out without the agreement of the President. The withholding by President Abbas of his agreement to carry out executions has therefore resulted in a de facto moratorium on executions, pending its hoped-for final abolition.
The execution of the two individuals concerned by the Hamas authorities in Gaza on 15 April was thus without basis in Palestinian law. The EU representatives to the Palestinian Authority condemned the executions in a statement issued by the local Spanish Presidency. Regrettably, I have to report that there is information that three more prisoners, who had been sentenced to death for murder, were executed in Gaza on Tuesday morning. There are also unconfirmed reports that there may have been earlier executions by Hamas which have not come to light.
False Passports
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:44 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the full extent, if known, of the unauthorised use of Irish passports by bodies, groups or agencies in this or other jurisdictions for whatever use or context in each of the past five years and to date in 2010; the extent to which the circumstances surrounding such use have been investigated and preventive action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21029/10]
I am aware of only one major incident which may have involved the unauthorised use of Irish passports by bodies, groups or agencies over the past five years. I have outlined the circumstances of this case in my reply today to Priority Question 65.
Overseas Development Aid
Tom Hayes
Question:45 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the planned official development assistance spending on tackling HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases in 2010; the comparable amount spent in 2009; the way any reduction in spending on tackling HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases will be accomplished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21033/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:160 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the international community is achieving progress in the fight against AIDS; if modern treatment is widely and readily available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21280/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 160 together.
Addressing HIV and AIDS, which has destroyed the lives of millions of men, women and children, is of fundamental importance to the reduction of global poverty. AIDS remains a leading cause of death in many developing countries. Over 22 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are infected with HIV.
The Government has committed to expend €100 million each year on HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases. This year, under the aid programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Government will spend approximately €105 million in combating HIV and AIDS and communicable diseases, a reduction of €9 million in funding from 2009. The fact that we are expending a very significant amount of money, especially in the current economic environment, clearly illustrates the seriousness of our commitment to tackle HIV and AIDS and communicable diseases, in particular in sub-Saharan Africa where our programme is focussed.
Over €42 million will be spent on HIV, AIDS and communicable diseases through our development programmes in those countries most affected by the pandemic. This represents a €5 million reduction from last year's spend. Most of this reduction is as a result of a process of division of labour undertaken collectively by donors aimed at increasing effectiveness and impact of overall donor support. This joint exercise has resulted in us exiting gradually from the health sector in Zambia and Uganda where other donors are leading on health issues.
We place a strong emphasis on ensuring that international best practice informs policy and programming through our funding for key global partnerships and critical research areas, including the development of new products to prevent HIV transmission. A total of €21 million will be allocated to Global Health and AIDS initiatives this year. This includes support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. We will continue to support a regional AIDS programme in southern and eastern Africa, although overall expenditure to this programme will be reduced by about €1 million as contracts with some partner organisations are expiring. A review of this programme was undertaken recently and this review will inform our future programme in the region.
An estimated €9 million will be provided to assist United Nations programmes in targeting AIDS and communicable diseases at national level, representing a cut of about €1 million on last year's spend. It is anticipated that increased efficiencies in UN systems and programmes will absorb most of this reduction. We recognise that AIDS and communicable diseases have a particularly devastating impact in humanitarian emergency and recovery situations. In 2010 an estimated €9 million will be spent on efforts to address these diseases in such settings. This will include support to frontline work in the fragile states of Sierra Leone and Liberia.
There will be approximately €24 million allocated to support the work of civil society partners in dealing with HIV, AIDS and communicable diseases. The valuable work of these organisations includes vital community-level support which complements other Irish Aid assistance, and their dependence on Irish Aid funding has meant that their allocations have been relatively protected. Recent data from the UNAIDS World Report for 2008 demonstrates that both global HIV prevalence and death rates peaked in 2004, and are now declining. However, the number of people living with HIV continues to increase.
The UNAIDS Report describes a remarkable boost in delivery of important HIV and AIDS services and activities at global, regional and country levels. More than 4 million people are now on effective anti-retroviral treatment. This is an enormous achievement in a relatively short period of time and Ireland has played, and continues to play, an important role in this progress. Outstanding features of the increase in resources mobilised by the international community include the presence of private philanthropic donors and the unprecedented number of civil society groups that have become active in HIV and AIDS work. These groups have joined hands with their government counterparts and with international donors, including Ireland, to more effectively tackle HIV and AIDS through partnership.
Success in a number of African countries offers hope that, with international support, it will be possible to get ahead of this infection. In Mozambique for example, where Ireland partners effectively with the Clinton Foundation, over 173,000 people are now on HIV treatment, up from less than 2,000 people at the end of 2002. These gains represent major steps to overcome AIDS. However the disease continues to spread. For every two persons put on treatment five others become newly infected. There is a need to improve prevention and develop new prevention tools. The international community's response needs to be sustained while realigning to this reality and Ireland will continue to play a significant role both globally and at country level in this regard. My Department will ensure that Government support for actions to combat HIV, AIDS and communicable diseases will continue to prioritise those most affected by the pandemic.
Human Rights Issues
Denis Naughten
Question:46 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to address the practice of female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20861/10]
The practice of female genital mutilation is a clear violation of the human rights of women and girls. It has serious social, health and psychological consequences, and it infringes on children's rights to special protection. The World Health Organisation estimates that between 100 million and 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of female genital mutilation. In Africa alone, it is estimated that three million girls are at risk annually.
The Government is active in global policy development, funding and research to address this appalling practice. We recognise that it is a form of gender-based violence, and that it must be an important element in our comprehensive approach to tackling such violence, through the overseas aid programme. The Government's 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid includes a firm commitment that Ireland will build its support for measures focused on preventing and responding to gender-based violence.
Irish Aid, the Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs which manages the Government's aid programme, is a founding member of the Joint Consortium on Gender Based Violence, which brings together representatives from Government Departments and Irish development, humanitarian and human rights Non-Governmental Organisations to promote a coordinated response to all forms of gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation.
Internationally, we are cooperating with United Nations agencies in a concerted effort to end the practice of female genital mutilation. Last year, the Government provided core funding of €8 million to the United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) and €3 million to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support their work on child protection, gender equality, reproductive health, maternal mortality and HIV and AIDS. These agencies operate a joint programme to counter female genital mutilation with the aim of ending the practice in seventeen countries by 2012. Ireland contributed €0.5 million to this specific programme in 2007. In addition, in 2009 a total of €1.1 million was provided specifically for support to gender equality and women's empowerment, including through support for the UN Trust Fund for actions to Eliminate Violence Against Women.
Progress is being made towards ending the practice of female genital mutilation, but detailed international coordination and consultation remains essential. On 6 February 2010, which is designated International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation, UNICEF and the UNFPA reported that there has been success in reducing the incidence of the practices in several countries where it was once prevalent. They noted that it is important to focus on encouraging change from within societies, and that where communities have chosen to make public declarations against the practice, for example in Senegal, declines of up to 65 per cent have been recorded.
International Relations
Pat Rabbitte
Question:47 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will indicate proposals he may have for deepening co-operation between Ireland and Cuba. [20951/10]
The Deputy will recall that I visited Cuba in February 2009. Yesterday, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Mr Bruno Rodriguez Parilla, reciprocated with a visit to Dublin. We discussed a range of bilateral and multilateral issues, including recent economic developments in both countries. We looked at the progress made in developing a structured framework for our future bilateral cooperation.
We examined progress in the implementation of the concrete proposals agreed during my visit to Havana last year, particularly in the field of the bio-sciences and informatics, as well as cultural and educational exchanges. We examined how we might increase trade and investment flows. Our discussion ranged over international developments in the Americas and in Europe, including EU-Cuba relations; exchanges on human rights issues and the reconstruction efforts in Haiti.
Overseas Development Aid
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:48 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take the necessary steps to introduce a clear and binding timetable with interim targets for the achievement of commitments made in relation to the overseas aid programme. [20982/10]
For 2010, the Government has provided an overall allocation for Official Development Assistance (ODA) of €671 million. Of this total, €536 million will be administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and a further estimated €135 million will come from other Government Departments, together with Ireland's share of the EU Development Cooperation budget. Based on current projections Ireland's expenditure on ODA will amount to approximately 0.52% of GNP in 2010. This level of funding confirms that Ireland remains one of the most generous donors internationally on a per capita basis.
The EU has committed to meeting the UN target of spending 0.7% of GNP by 2015. Following the budget last December, the Government committed Ireland to meeting the UN target by 2015, thereby aligning us with our fellow EU Member States. It is important to note that Ireland remains ahead of most Member States in progress towards the 2015 target and that we will exceed the interim target set by the EU of spending at least 0.51% of GNP on ODA in 2010. As we move towards 2015, the Government will make every effort, subject to the need to stabilise our public finances, to progress to the 0.7% target.
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 39.
Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 34.
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 12.
Jimmy Deenihan
Question:52 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the planned overseas development aid spending on actions to alleviate and eradicate hunger in 2010; the comparable amount spent in 2009; the way any reduction in spending on action to alleviate and eradicate hunger will be accomplished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21034/10]
Combating hunger is a cornerstone of our development programme and our foreign policy. We have undertaken to direct approximately 20 per cent of the Irish Aid budget on hunger and hunger related actions by 2012. We are firmly on track to meet this target notwithstanding the current difficult economic circumstances. Ireland's leadership in this area is recognised internationally. We spent approximately €85 million on hunger and hunger related areas in 2009 and expect to maintain a similar, or possibly slightly higher, level of spending in 2010.
In framing the aid budget for 2010, I have at all times prioritised initiatives which tackle hunger and protect the world's poorest and most vulnerable. Significant resources are currently focussed on hunger reduction initiatives in our Programme Countries, in particular Malawi, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Through our support for agencies such as UNICEF we are targeting child malnutrition, and Irish humanitarian support continues to provide emergency food relief to those with the most urgent needs. In addition, Irish Aid funding for global hunger initiatives, including pro-poor agricultural research, is expected to reach approximately €9.7m this year.
The Government is committed to giving effect to the recommendations of the Report of the Hunger Task Force which we commissioned and which was launched by the Taoiseach at the UN in New York in September 2008 in the presence of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. In particular, we continue to work on the three priority areas identified, namely: increasing smallholder agricultural productivity in Africa; targeting under-nutrition, especially maternal and infant; and promoting governance and leadership action on tackling global hunger. We are making good progress in implementing the recommendations of the Report across the Irish Aid programme. Ireland's Special Envoy on Hunger, Kevin Farrell, will report on the progress that we and our partners are making towards the end of this year.
Ireland is recognised on the international stage as being a strong leader and a credible partner in the fight against global hunger, and is a major global advocate on food security. Earlier this week we hosted, together with Concern and the UN, an important international conference on global hunger to encourage comprehensive action to tackle this scourge. Next September we will co-host with the US a major event on hunger and under-nutrition at the UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals. This event will bring together world leaders to highlight the importance of eradicating global hunger and improving nutrition in the households of the most poor. These are practical examples of Ireland shaping and influencing the international response to the scandal of world hunger.
Although global hunger, in all its manifestations and complexity, will not be easily eliminated, we can make it happen if the international community takes concerted action. We have a clear international target, the hunger target of the first Millennium Development Goal, to halve the number of hungry by 2015. The realisation of all of the other MDGs will be undermined if food, the most basic of all human needs, is not available or easily accessed by all. The Government will continue to ensure that Ireland plays its role in all efforts to eradicate the scourge of global hunger.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:53 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will consider the inclusion of Cuba in an Irish foreign aid programme. [20934/10]
The White Paper on Irish Aid sets out the principles and policies underlying the aid programme. It identifies the considerations which guide the selection of long term development partners. These include factors such as the level of poverty and the scope for Ireland to make a positive impact. It also includes standards of governance, stability and the potential of the partner government to take ownership of the country's development process. In addition countries receiving emergency assistance are assisted based on immediate needs and humanitarian principles. The concentration of Ireland's development assistance on a limited number of poor countries was seen as one of its main strengths by the OECD DAC in its 2009 Peer Review of Ireland. The Government is not considering the addition of a further programme country at this time.
The Irish Aid Programme continues to have clear focus on reducing poverty in some of the poorest countries of the world through a number of different funding channels including through the United Nations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other agencies for development programmes and projects.
Cuba has received assistance from the Irish Aid programme over the last number of years. In the aftermath of the series of devastating hurricanes which struck Cuba in 2008, Irish Aid provided emergency assistance of €150,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross in support of the Cuban Red Cross. Other Irish Aid funding to alleviate poverty in Cuba has been channelled through international agencies such as the UN and Trócaire.
Cuba itself has a strong focus on providing development assistance through the provision of technical assistance in health and education. This includes health and medical staffing to a number of countries with which Ireland has an aid programme such as Timor Leste and Zambia. Cuba was also among the first to provide assistance to Haiti following the recent earthquake.
While Cuba is included by the OECD in the list of countries where development funding can be considered as Official Development Assistance (ODA), it is classified as an upper middle income country.
Question No. 54 answered with Question No. 17.
Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 35.
Passport Applications
Seymour Crawford
Question:56 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the airlines serving the UK market to accept driving licences or other means of identity instead of a passport in view of the ongoing work to rule at the passport office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20859/10]
As the Deputy is aware there is no legal requirement for Irish citizens to have a passport for travel from Ireland to Britain. The Common Travel Area is a passport-free zone between the two islands. The area's internal borders are subject to minimal or non-existent border controls and can normally be crossed by Irish and British citizens with only minimal identity documents. The maintenance of the area involves considerable co-operation on immigration matters between the British and the Irish authorities.
In light of the present delays in the issuing of Irish passports, officials of my Department made contact with the airlines flying between Ireland and Britain and all but one, Ryanair will accept a driver's licence, as evidence of identity for travel to Britain. Ryanair informed my Department that this is their policy for travel on all of their routes across Europe and that they will not be relaxing this policy. They said that they have received representations from other EU Member States in the past to change this requirement and that they had refused these requests and therefore will not change their policy for flights between Ireland and Britain.
In respect of flights between Ireland and Britain, carriers other than Ryanair will accept documents such as:
Driver's licence with photo
International student card
National ID card / Government issued photo ID cards
Health Insurance cards with photo / Social security cards with photo
Bus pass with photo
Work ID with photo.
Aer Lingus
Travel between Ireland and the UK or UK Domestic travel
Citizens of Ireland and the UK must carry some form of official photo identification. The following forms of photo identification are acceptable:
Valid Passport
Driver's licence with photo
International student card
National ID card / Government issued photo ID cards
Health Insurance cards with photo / Social security cards with photo
Bus pass with photo
Work ID with photo
Citizens of Ireland and the UK under the age of 16, do not need a photo ID, if travelling with their parent/guardian.
Citizens of countries other than Ireland and the UK must produce a valid passport and visa where applicable, for travel between Ireland and the United Kingdom.
British Midland
Acceptable forms of photographic ID
British or Irish customers under the age of 16 who are travelling with an adult on the same booking do not need photographic identification to travel to/from the Republic of Ireland but it is advisable that they have some form of identification for example a birth certificate, bus pass or student ID.
Acceptable forms of photographic ID include:
Valid passport
Valid photographic driver's licence
Valid photographic EU/EEA or Swiss national identity card
Valid armed forces identity card
Valid police warrant card/badge
Valid airport employees security identity pass
Valid business photographic ID (Dublin only)
If making an e-ticket booking on behalf of someone else, the traveller will need to present an acceptable form of photographic ID at the Check-in Desk.
Foreign Conflicts
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:57 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the position in respect of the prospects of peace in Chad. [20947/10]
Since 2002, the political situation in Chad has been dominated by threats of armed rebellion against the government of President Idriss Déby. While the government signed an accord with civilian opposition parties in 2007, providing for a degree of political reform, armed rebel groups had remained active and intent on overthrowing the government by force. In the past year, however, the Government's success in halting a rebel advance from the east of the country seems to confirm that the Chadian armed forces have achieved military superiority.
The Government's financial and military advantage also suggests that a political change of leadership in Chad is unlikely in the immediate future. The ruling MPS party and the incumbent President Déby are expected to win in parliamentary and presidential elections which have been deferred respectively to November 2010 and April 2011 due to the slow pace of preparations.
Instability in eastern Chad is closely linked to the conflict in neighbouring Darfur. Cooperation between the governments of Sudan and Chad in addressing the causes of instability in the region is therefore vital. Relations between the two countries traditionally have been volatile and Ireland and the EU therefore gave particular welcome to the re-establishment of diplomatic and military ties between the two countries last February.
We will continue to monitor the political and humanitarian situation in Chad, and support humanitarian relief efforts, to which Ireland has contributed more than €17 million since 2007. The focus of our assistance has been on helping people forced from their homes by violence. As well as funding provided to the United Nations for coordination and the provision of food, we have supported Irish NGOs running camps and providing emergency eye care to refugees. Ireland has also provided funding to non-governmental and missionary organisations for work in areas such as gender equality.
Ireland's strong commitment to peace and security in Chad has been exemplified through our participation, since 2008, in the EUFOR and MINURCAT peace keeping operations in that country. While the Government had expected and planned for our continued participation in MINURCAT, the Government of Chad earlier this year requested the UN to withdraw the operation's military component. Ireland consequently sought assurances from the UN regarding the future of the mission and the nature of its mandate. However, it has not been possible to obtain that clarity, and the Government has taken the difficult decision to withdraw the bulk of the Irish contingent from the operation.
While discussions continue among the members of the Security Council on the mission's future, it is quite clear that its character will change significantly. Since it will no longer have the ability to ensure a safe and secure environment for refugees and displaced persons and to facilitate the free movement of humanitarian workers, NGOs and the UN, the Government sees little point in continuing our contribution to the mission. It is expected that MINURCAT will go non-operational in October and that the force will be finally withdrawn by the end of the year.
Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 41.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 17.
International Agreements
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:60 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will indicate such UN conventions and protocols that Ireland proposes to sign or ratify in 2010 or in the coming years. [20952/10]
As the Deputy will be aware, there are a large number of international agreements within the UN framework, covering a very wide range of subjects and falling within the functional responsibility of a number of Departments. The following is the present position insofar as it relates to Treaties on which my Department has lead responsibility.
Two international agreements within the UN framework for which my Department holds lead responsibility have been signed, but not yet ratified, by Ireland. These agreements are:
1. The Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes, signed 18 April 1961;
2. The Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes, signed 24 April 1963.
Ratification of these agreements is linked to the wider question of the making of a declaration by Ireland accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. The full implications of making such a declaration, and the question of what, if any, conditions or reservations should attach to it, are complex matters which require careful study, including with the Attorney General.
In addition to the above international agreements, inter-Departmental consultations on consideration of possible signature and ratification by Ireland of the Optional Protocol on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights are ongoing, with the Department of Foreign Affairs playing a lead co-ordination role. My Department intends to convene a further inter-Departmental meeting on this subject in the near future.
Overseas Development Aid
John Deasy
Question:61 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the planned official development assistance spending in each of the nine programme countries in 2010; the amount spent in each of these countries in 2009; the way any reduction in spending in each of these countries will be accomplished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21030/10]
Through the overseas aid programme the Government provides assistance to over ninety countries worldwide. Nine have been designated as Programme Countries for Irish Aid, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. These are Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia.
Irish Aid provided direct programme funding of €198 million to our nine Programme Countries in 2009. This year, €185 million is being provided. The breakdown by Programme Country is as follows:
In Ethiopia €27.84 million was provided in 2009. The programme budget for 2010 is €26.05 million.
In Lesotho, €11.42 million was provided in 2009. The programme budget for 2010 is €10.7 million.
In Malawi, €8.88 million was provided in 2009. The programme budget for 2010 is €8.33 million.
In Mozambique, €40.5 million was provided in 2009. The programme budget for 2010 is €37.5 million.
In Tanzania, €33.5 million was provided in 2009. The programme budget in 2010 is €31.3 million.
In Timor Leste, €3.42 million was provided in 2009. The programme budget for 2010 remains at this level.
In Uganda, €35.5 million was provided in 2009. The programme budget for 2010 is €33.25 million.
In Vietnam, €13.75 million was provided in 2009. The programme budget for this year is €12.75 million.
In Zambia, €23.21 million was provided in 2009. The programme budget for 2010 is €21.65 million.
The Government channels additional funding to the Programme Countries in response to emergencies and humanitarian disasters, as necessary. Significant funding is also provided each year for the activities and programmes of development Non-Governmental Organisations, and through contributions to UN and other international agencies. In the case of Timor Leste, additional funding is allocated for conflict resolution activities.
In deciding on the 2010 budget allocations to the Programme Countries we have in all cases ensured that the continuity of our programmes will be maintained. In some cases, funding timeframes have been extended and disbursement rates modified, but the planned final outputs will be delivered. We will ensure that our overall commitments to our nine Programme Countries are met.
I believe that the Irish people can be proud that, through Irish Aid, we are delivering an internationally-recognised aid programme which is sharply focused on the reduction of extreme poverty and hunger in some of the poorest countries, especially in Africa. I can assure the House that the high standards achieved by the programme will be maintained in 2010 and subsequent years.
International Agreements
Ruairí Quinn
Question:62 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he favours a new framework programme which would ensure that all EU countries respected Cuba’s sovereignty; and whether such a programme would replace the present common position. [20935/10]
The European Union's relationship with Cuba takes place within the framework of the EU Common Position on Cuba agreed in 1996. In 2004, a Political Dialogue was established which covers a broad range of issues including human rights. Each year, the Foreign Affairs Council considers the EU's relations with Cuba and agrees Conclusions on the implementation of the Common Position.
Discussions have begun within the EU with a view to the possible elaboration of a more extensive EU-Cuba Agreement, more consistent with association and cooperation agreements which the EU has concluded with other Latin American and Caribbean States. These discussions are at an early stage and Ireland is actively engaged in the process. This was one of the issues which I discussed during my meeting with the Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parilla, which took place yesterday.
Equality Issues
Róisín Shortall
Question:63 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is concerned with the slow progress towards establishing equality for women, and in particular, their ability to own land in Zambia. [20945/10]
The issue of ensuring equality for women is a challenge facing every country in the world to a greater or lesser extent. While the situation in Zambia is of serious concern, I am confident that it is moving in the right direction, albeit slowly. Ireland is active in the drive towards greater equality in Zambia though the work of Irish Aid there. Zambia is one of Irish Aid's programme countries and we will be providing € 21.65 million in development assistance under that programme in 2010. In addition to that, we fund civil society and missionary organisations directly from Irish Aid headquarters. In 2009 nearly €3 million was provided in this way. I should point out that the Government of Zambia, with which we work closely, is committed to addressing gender inequality at all levels.
The problem with gender inequality in Zambia is that it is culturally entrenched. In general, women and girls are regarded as subordinate to their male counterparts and tend not to fare as well as men in relation to the important indicators. Boys stay in school longer than girls; HIV prevalence is higher among women than men; and a greater proportion of female headed households are extremely poor. More than 50% of women have suffered physical, emotional or sexual violence.
The difficulties faced by women in relation to land ownership in Zambia are both legal and cultural. Statutory law does allow women, whether single, married or divorced, to own and inherit land. However, culture and customary law favour male ownership, particularly in rural areas. Women are further disadvantaged in obtaining credit, largely because of the land ownership problem. More generally however, it should be noted that only about 12% of small scale farmers, whether male or female, have legal title to their land. This is due to the fact that procedures for acquiring land and title are cumbersome and bureaucratic.
Gender equality is one of the cross-cutting priorities throughout the work of Irish Aid in all countries, and as such, permeates all our work, at every level. A few examples of this are that Ireland provides funds to the UN's Joint Gender Support Programme of the ‘Gender in Development Division of Government' in Zambia; Irish Aid advocates with the Zambian Ministry of Education, which has now contributed to the setting up of an equity advisory group to address gender exclusion; and Irish Aid has supported training for 33 small and medium sized businesses for women entrepreneurs in collaboration with the Zambia Development Agency.
For its part, the Government of Zambia has committed to address gender inequality at all levels and has made some significant progress at the institutional level. A national gender policy was introduced in 2000, which, among other things, aims at improving representation of women in decision making positions and for at least 30% of land allocations to go to women. A draft Anti-Domestic Violence Bill is currently going through a national consultative process. Audits have just been completed in three of the major Ministries, Education, Agriculture and Lands, to identify how they can better contribute to women's empowerment. Zambia is now on track to reach the Millennium Development Goal target of eliminating gender disparity in primary and secondary education.
Overall, the national response has focussed on policy and institutional development and has not yet delivered significant results for women throughout the country, especially in rural areas. However, these efforts are at an early stage and it is well recognised that gender equality requires long-term and sustained strategies, along with sustained commitment and action from government. Ireland will continue to support and encourage the Government of Zambia, and indeed all the people of Zambia, in this endeavour.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 26.
Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 35.
European External Action Service
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:66 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present state of recruitment for the new European Union Diplomatic Instrument; his estimate of the likely Irish involvement; and the process of filling posts which has been used to date. [20953/10]
Considerable progress has been made towards establishing the European External Action Service (EEAS) which is an important innovation under the Lisbon Treaty to support the work of the new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton.
Ministers reached a broad political understanding at the 26 April General Affairs Council on the essential elements of a Council Decision which will establish the organisation and functioning of the EEAS. The High Representative, the Commission and the Presidency are now in discussion with representatives of the Parliament and with other stakeholders with the aim of finalising if possible the Council Decision at the June General Affairs Council.
The Treaty provides that the EEAS will comprise officials from relevant departments of the Commission and the Council Secretariat, as well as staff seconded from national diplomatic services of the Member States. The process for recruiting staff from these three sources will be laid out in the Council Decision when it is adopted. Appropriate amendments to the EU's Staff Regulations will also be required and these are being processed.
Ireland has consistently pressed for the EEAS recruitment process to be open, transparent and merit-based, while also ensuring that EEAS staffing is representative of the diversity of the Union. In light of the broad agreement at the April GAC, I am confident that the final Decision will reflect this approach to recruitment.
Irish candidates will be able to compete for positions within the EEAS on an equal footing with candidates from other Member States and from the EU institutions. My Department has sought general expressions of interest from its officers who might consider working for the EEAS and has received a very positive response.
The overall size of the EEAS is still under consideration and it will be some years before it reaches full operational strength. Staffing from the member States, including Ireland, is likely to start more slowly than from the EU institutions but a target has been set to have one third of the EEAS staff coming from the diplomatic services of the Member States by 1 July 2013. The High Representative will report shortly on how she intends to achieve this target.
Over time, I believe there will be a real benefit to the State through the experience gained by the rotation of Irish officials between the EEAS and the Irish diplomatic service. I look forward to Irish candidates of the highest calibre being recruited into the new Service.
Before the EEAS recruitment begins formally, the process of appointing Heads of EU Delegations — formerly Commission Delegations — has already been opened to candidates from the diplomatic services of the member states. I understand that a number of Irish candidates, including officers from my own Department, have applied for these posts, of which 31 are due to be filled this year. Applicants were subject to a preselection process and the remaining candidates are being assessed by interview panels on which Member States are represented as observers.
Redundancy Payments
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:67 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1. [21133/10]
My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to both the Redundancy and Insolvency Payments Schemes on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
I can confirm that my Department received a lump sum redundancy claim for the individual concerned on 1 October, 2009 and I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the claim is at an advanced stage of processing. Payment is expected to issue to the individual within the next two to three week period.
In relation to the Insolvency Payments Schemes I can confirm that Insolvency Payments Unit in my Department has, on 23 October 2009, paid a claim in respect of the individual concerned in relation to Minimum Notice.
Work Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:68 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has stamp four residency status without the necessity of a work permit in view of the fact that they have worked in this country from 2001 to 2008 at which time they were made redundant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21273/10]
The granting of temporary permission to remain in the State without the requirement for an Employment Permit (ie Stamp 4) is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Law Reform.
In the event that a non-EEA National, who is the holder of stamp four residency status is made redundant, I would suggest that they contact the Immigration Authorities of the Department of Justice and Law Reform to establish their immigration status beyond that period.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:69 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation if a person (details supplied) in County Carlow who has worked here on foot of a work permit for the past four years but was made redundant in December 2009 has an entitlement to a work permit renewal with an alternative employer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21274/10]
The position is, that if a non-EEA national on a valid employment permit is made redundant, they have a period of 6 months from the date of their redundancy to source another employer and apply for a new employment permit. In the event that they are unable to source another employer within that timeframe, they should contact the Immigration Authorities of the Department of Justice and Law Reform to establish their immigration status beyond that period.
Full details of the policy relating to employees made redundant is available on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie/labour/workpermits/redundant.htm.
Tax Code
Joanna Tuffy
Question:70 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns about the impact of a carbon tax on solid fuel in Ireland and the fact that in the United Kingdom exemptions have been made regarding this tax on solid fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21214/10]
I announced in the Budget that a carbon tax at a rate of €15 per tonne is being introduced on fossil fuels. The tax was applied to petrol and auto-diesel with effect from midnight, 9 December 2009; and applied from 1 May 2010 to kerosene, marked gas oil (also known as ‘green diesel' or ‘agricultural diesel'), liquid petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil and natural gas. The application of the tax to coal and commercial peat is subject to a Commencement Order.
Solid fuels as indicated above are subject to a commencement order; this is to allow time for issues such as fuel poverty and the sourcing of coal of a lower environmental standard from Northern Ireland to be addressed.
A number of Government Departments, including the Department of Finance are exploring options for how best to offset the impact of the carbon tax on low-income households. With regard to the sourcing of coal from Northern Ireland, work has already commenced on this matter within the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In addition, the Department of Environment, my Department and the Revenue Commissioners have met with the Solid Fuel Trade Group in this regard.
It should be noted that the UK, at present, does not have a carbon tax, per se, however, the UK Climate Change levy was introduced in 2001. It is understood that the levy is chargeable on the industrial and commercial supply of taxable commodities for lighting, heating and power by consumers in the following sectors of business:
agriculture;
industry;
commerce;
public administration; and
other services.
Taxable commodities are:
electricity;
natural gas supplied by a gas utility;
petroleum and hydrocarbon gas in a liquid state;
coal and lignite;
coke, and semi-coke of coal or lignite; and
petroleum coke.
The levy does not apply to taxable commodities used by domestic consumers, or by charities for non-business use.
Michael Creed
Question:71 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is receiving the appropriate amount of mortgage relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21102/10]
This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the administration of mortgage interest relief through the tax relief at source system.
I am advised by Revenue that following contact with the person concerned it has been established that due to an error on the part of the lender the person concerned has been receiving a smaller amount of relief than she was entitled to.
Revenue has now rectified the position and arrears due will be paid to the taxpayer through the lender in the normal way.
Flood Relief
Denis Naughten
Question:72 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 27 April 2010, if a decision has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21124/10]
Denis Naughten
Question:73 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 27 April 2010, if a decision has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21125/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.
In March this year, I announced allocations to 15 Local Authorities totalling €6.7m for flood mitigation measures to address localised flooding problems, including many areas affected by the unprecedented flood events in 2009.
My Officials have recently completed an assessment of additional information and new applications received and I will announce those details in the coming weeks. This announcement will include details of decisions made in respect of applications received from both Leitrim and Roscommon Country Councils.
Tax Refunds
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:74 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a tax refund will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21148/10]
I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they last wrote to the person concerned on 24 March 2010. A full response to that letter is awaited.
Departmental Agencies
Denis Naughten
Question:75 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the payscales that will be applicable to staff who will be employed by the National Asset Management Agency; if the scales will be linked to public sector pay rates; the duration of contracts to be offered to staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21189/10]
The National Asset Management Agency Act 2009 (Section 42) provides that all officers of NAMA are National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) employees with specified purpose contracts linked to the life of NAMA. The remuneration packages of all NTMA staff are negotiated on an individual contract basis and are confidential.
Denis Naughten
Question:76 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the steps that are being taken to deal with conflicts of interest which may arise with staff of the National Asset Management Agency and the work in which they will be involved; if consideration will be given to such matters in the recruitment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21190/10]
There is a rigorous appointment process regarding officers of NAMA by the NTMA, which fully deals with any actual or potential conflicts of interest. It is a condition of assignment as an officer of NAMA that there is no material conflict of interest. Each employee of NTMA assigned as a NAMA Officer has to complete a statement of assets, liabilities and interests where all matters are disclosed.
Furthermore, the NAMA legislation provides safeguards in the event of conflicts of interest arising after appointment to NAMA. Sections 22 and 40 of the NAMA Act 2009 provide that the Minister may remove an appointed member of the Board or the CEO if he considers a material conflict of interest has arisen. Section 43 of the Act provides that the CEO may suspend an officer of NAMA if in his opinion a material conflict of interest has arisen.
In light of these safeguards I am confident that NAMA will deal with any potential conflict of interest in an appropriate manner.
Financial Institutions Support Scheme
Joe Behan
Question:77 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Finance the precise position regarding the Government guarantee of all bank deposits; the advice he will give to persons holding investments in banks with a termination date post-September 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21195/10]
I presume the Deputy's question refers to customer deposits. The existing statutory Deposit Guarantee Scheme (‘DGS') covers retail deposits with all credit institutions authorised in Ireland (including credit unions) up to a maximum of €100,000 per qualifying depositor per institution. The DGS does not have an end-date and will continue to apply after 29 September 2010.
On-demand deposits over €100,000 and all corporate deposits are currently guaranteed until 29 September 2010 under the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee (ELG) Scheme. Term deposits made with participating institutions after they joined the ELG Scheme can be guaranteed for the full term of the deposit even if this extends beyond 29 September 2010, subject to a maximum term of 5 years. Institutions participating in the ELG scheme will be able to advise any customer whether their term deposit is guaranteed on this basis.
In the statement on the banks which I made on 30 March 2010 I announced that I will be seeking the Commission's agreement for a modified extension of the guarantee. In line with the State aid approval granted by the European Commission on 20 November 2009 in respect of the Eligible Liabilities Guarantee Scheme, the Commission is due to undertake its six-monthly review of the Scheme on 1 June next. Discussions are progressing with the Commission regarding the terms of the prolongation which will be communicated publicly once an agreement is concluded.
A list of the institutions that have joined the ELG Scheme and the dates they joined can be found on the website of the NTMA (www.ntma.ie) who act as operators of the Scheme on my behalf and can also be accessed on my own Department's website. Any new information on the Scheme will be posted on my Department's website as soon as it is available.
National Pensions Reserve Fund
Michael D. Higgins
Question:78 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Finance if it is his view that the National Pensions Reserve Fund should operate within the guidelines of ethical investment. [21211/10]
I announced, during the debate on the Investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2009 last March, that the preparation of the draft legislation provided an opportunity to consider once again the position regarding ethical investment of the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) and that I would establish an Interdepartmental Committee to examine the issues further and to report to me.
The Committee includes representatives of the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Foreign Affairs, as well as officials from my Department and representatives of the National Treasury Management Agency as Manager of the NPRF.
In its work the Committee has considered the appropriateness and possible nature of an ethical investment policy for the NPRF. The approaches to ethical/responsible investment taken in other countries have been reviewed, and submissions from a number of civil society organisations have also been considered. The Deputy will also be aware that the NPRF was a founding signatory in April 2006 to the UN-sponsored Principles for Responsible Investment which seek to integrate environmental, social and governance issues, in addition to financial issues, into investment analysis and decision-making.
I understand that the Committee's report is now complete and I will consider it in due course.
Overseas Development Aid
Liz McManus
Question:79 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance his plans to implement the pledge of €100 million for climate finance; if he will ensure that this fund will not be taken from the overseas aid commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21216/10]
As the Deputy is aware Ireland pledged a voluntary contribution of €100m over the period 2010-12. The total voluntary contributions pledged from all EU Member States amounts to €7.2bn over 2010-12.
The disposition of this sum will be settled in the context of the current estimates process.
Proposed Legislation
Deirdre Clune
Question:80 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to address the concerns expressed by credit unions and the Credit Union Development Association regarding amendments the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010 will make to section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997; the concerns the credit unions have expressed regarding the way they will reschedule loans under the new legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21218/10]
I am aware of concerns expressed by credit union bodies, including the Credit Union Development Association, regarding the Section 35 proposals associated with the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010. These concerns are primarily focussed on the provisioning elements of the proposals. However, the proposals overall represent a balanced approach to the need to facilitate members while at the same time ensuring the stability of credit unions.
The Registrar of Credit Unions will take a pragmatic approach to the implementation of the new Section 35 requirements and has set out for the credit union representative groups further clarifications relating to the conditions. These include transitional arrangements for a 15% provisioning requirement to 30 September 2011, trial periods, exceptions with regard to top-up loans and relaxation of the 100% provisioning requirement in respect of rescheduled loans which have missed two or more payments. The new provisions will be implemented in a balanced and proportionate manner and their effect on credit unions will be closely monitored.
Concerns have also been raised in relation to the need for the Registrar of Credit Unions to consult with the representative bodies before introducing requirements. As a matter of general practice, the Registrar consults with the credit union representative bodies before introducing regulations or requirements in relation to any aspect of credit union regulation and I understand that he intends to continue with this approach. However, the independent position of the Registrar of Credit Unions in carrying out the duty of financial regulation is not open to question and the Registrar has the statutory powers and responsibility to introduce, if necessary without consultation, regulatory requirements in the interests of the well-being and stability of the sector. For this good reason, a requirement for the Registrar to consult with the sector is not included in the legislation.
During the second stage reading of the Central Bank Reform Bill 2010, I assured the House that the Registrar of Credit Unions will adopt a balanced and proportionate approach in the application of the loan provisioning requirements which are proposed. The transitional arrangements as proposed by the Registrar will be introduced. These will help ease the position for credit unions in the current financial year and the next financial year ending in September 2011. They will also allow time for credit unions to adjust to the new regime.
I would like to reiterate that there is a balance to be struck between meeting members' needs to reschedule loans and ensuring the stability of the credit union sector overall. It is in the interests of every credit union in the country that the stability of the sector is safeguarded. The proposals being brought forward in connection with the Bill will achieve this fundamental aim.
Driving Tests
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:81 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the efforts made to date to secure an alternative driving test centre for Skibbereen, County Cork, in view of the fact that the existing centre has been damaged due to flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21221/10]
A trawl of local Estate Agents has been carried out and a list of potentially suitable alternative locations for a Driving Test Centre is being compiled. An inspection of these properties will be undertaken by OPW personnel in the near future.
In the meantime, the Driving Test Centre in Skibbereen continues to operate from its existing premises having relocated to 1st floor offices.
Tax Collection
Simon Coveney
Question:82 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the amount collected from carbon tax to date in 2010; the total amount expected in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21254/10]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the total receipts from the carbon tax for the period January to April 2010, in respect of petrol and auto-diesel only, is €53.1 million, i.e. €48.4 million from the carbon charge and an estimated €4.7 million in respect of VAT.
It is estimated that the carbon tax, inclusive of VAT, will yield approximately €250 million in 2010. The revenue will, amongst other things, be used to boost energy efficiency, to support rural transport and to alleviate fuel poverty.
Pension Provisions
Róisín Shortall
Question:83 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 29 April 2010, if he will clarify whether he did review the specific pension arrangements of top management within the covered institutions as recommended by the Covered Institution Remuneration Oversight Committee; and if so the outcome of that review. [21263/10]
Róisín Shortall
Question:84 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his policy in respect of the practice of paying pension cash allowances to senior management in the covered institutions as identified by the Covered Institution Remuneration Oversight Committee; if he will confirm that this practice is continuing in respect of individuals in two banks (details supplied); the steps he will take to address this breach of the salary cap of €500,000 and the disregard of his instruction that this practice should cease immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21264/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together.
In my earlier reply of 29 April 2010 to the Deputy, to which she refers, I set out the actions taken by me in response to the recommendations of the Covered Institutions Remuneration Oversight Committee (CIROC) and also where the Government went beyond those recommendations with the introduction of a salary cap of €500,000 with any deviation from this only in exceptional circumstances and with my approval.
As I explained, it is a matter for the remuneration committees of the covered institutions to ensure that these recommendations are being adhered to; however it is possible that in some cases the remuneration committee maybe restricted because of contractual arrangements entered into with individual senior executives prior to the publication of the CIROC report. I have no legal power under the applicable legislation to force new agreements in such cases for the duration of the existing contracts.
On the issue of "pension cash payments", CIROC stated that: "We have become aware of a practice in which cash allowances were paid to compensate for the effects of the "pensions cap" imposed by the Finance Act, 2006. Pension schemes should reflect public policy and tax law and it is unacceptable that arrangements should be put in place which would be inconsistent with the intent of the relevant legislation."
I advised the Deputy in my earlier reply that I specifically informed the affected institutions that this practice should cease immediately and I have followed up to ensure that this has happened. At two of the covered institutions payments continue to be made because of pre-existing contractual arrangements to four individuals. In all cases reductions in base salary and/or the "pension cash payment" have been made.
Furthermore, last year, in the light of discussions between my Department and the Revenue Commissioners on this aspect of the Report, the matter was taken up by the Commissioners with the institutions involved, with a view to ensuring that the practices concerned are in compliance with pensions tax provisions and with tax law generally.
I understand that following the completion of the Revenue Commissioners enquiries, the Commissioners are satisfied that the practices concerned did not contravene the legislation and that the cash payments involved were made subject to the requirements of tax law.
It should be noted that a primary purpose of the limit on tax relieved pension funds introduced in Budget and Finance Act 2006, was to dissuade employers from making excessive tax relieved pension contributions on behalf of favoured employees. This was achieved by imposing a penal rate of tax on the value of pension benefits ultimately drawn down on retirement by such individuals in excess of the cap. The results of the Revenue Commissioners' enquiries would indicate that the 2006 legislation is operating as intended.
Beyond the review of the "pension cash payments" for top management, I have included the provision in the Subscription Agreements for State capital investment in the relevant covered institutions to specifically preclude any pension improvement for senior managers without prior consent. No other formal review is currently underway, but the matter will be kept under review in the light of experience.
Financial Institutions Remuneration
Róisín Shortall
Question:85 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if all senior management in Anglo Irish Bank are in compliance with the €500,000 salary cap; if none of these individuals is in receipt of pension cash allowances or bonus payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21265/10]
A new senior management team has been appointed to the bank. The salaries of all these are in compliance with the €500k salary cap. None are in receipt of the pension cash allowances and no bonuses are being paid or are planned to be paid.
State Banking Sector
Róisín Shortall
Question:86 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the person who is the accounting officer for Anglo Irish Bank in respect of accountability to Dáil Éireann and the expenditure of public money. [21266/10]
The term "Accounting Officer" in Government accounting terms is specific to the officer responsible to the Oireachtas for having the account of expenditure and receipts of "voted expenditure" prepared and presented for audit. The Accounting Officer, usually the Secretary General or Head of the Department or office in question, may then be called to appear before the Public Accounts Committee of the Dáil to give evidence about the Account and in relation to any other account that the Department or Office is required to prepare.
The capital injections provided to Anglo Irish Bank do not fall to be accounted for in the Appropriation Accounts and as such there is no Accounting Officer, similar to other commercial Semi State bodies. The responsibility, in a commercial bank, for preparing accounts for audit, complying with the requirements of Company Law, financial regulation etc. and accounting for the operation of the bank generally, rests with the Board of the Bank.
Róisín Shortall
Question:87 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the action he has taken to end expenditure on corporate entertainment within Anglo Irish Bank. [21267/10]
While as Minister and Shareholder I am concerned with all aspects of the bank, operational issues, including decisions in relation to corporate entertainment, are matters for the Board of the bank.
The bank has informed me that, as part of an ongoing cost review, the bank has significantly reduced the level of expenditure on corporate entertainment and corporate hospitality activity over the last two years. Existing hospitality and sponsorship contracts have been renegotiated where possible and others have not been renewed. Currently, such expenditure is limited to instances where the Bank has contractual obligations.
Information on such cost reduction is contained in the Bank's Annual Report and Accounts 2009.
Child Abuse
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:88 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the follow up in the case of support or assistance following alleged child abuse (details supplied) in County Kildare; when this urgent matter is likely to be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21138/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:94 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the follow up in the case of support or assistance following alleged child abuse (details supplied) in County Kildare; when this urgent matter is likely to be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21137/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 94 together.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Denis Naughten
Question:89 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding funding when a person (details supplied) ceases their entitlement to nursing home subvention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21087/10]
An additional €97 million was provided for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in Budget 2010. The additional funding brings the total budget for long-term residential care in 2010 to €979 million (subhead B12 in Vote 40 refers). This is effectively the budget for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme albeit that transitional arrangements must also be facilitated from within the subhead, i.e. people in contract beds or people who choose to remain on subvention.
Where the situation referred to by the Deputy arises, funding would cease to be drawn from the subhead in respect of the particular person. Thereafter, the funding would become available within the subhead to support applicants to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.
Denis Naughten
Question:90 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding available for the Fair Deal scheme in 2010; her plans to review the level of funding available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21088/10]
An additional €97 million was provided for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in Budget 2010. The additional funding brings the total budget for long-term residential care in 2010 to €979 million (subhead B12 in Vote 40 refers). This is effectively the budget for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme albeit that transitional arrangements must also be facilitated from within the subhead, i.e. people in contract beds or people who choose to remain on subvention. The funding for the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the annual Estimates process.
Denis Naughten
Question:91 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if a situation arises in which nursing home beds are not available in an area, she will provide funding under the Fair Deal scheme, or any other scheme, to assist with the cost of private care in the person’s own home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21089/10]
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme provides financial support for individuals who require long-term nursing home care. It is not possible for funding from the budget for the scheme to be used to provide care in a person's own home. Care in the home is facilitated through community supports such as Home-Help, Home Care Packages, Meals-on-Wheels, and Day/Respite Care.
The HSE National Service Plan 2010, approved in March last, commits the Executive to provide 11.98 million Home-Help hours nationally this year to over 54,000 people. In addition, the current Service Plan is designed to deliver Home Care Packages to around 9,600 people at any one time, or to some 13,000 clients over the course of the year. It also provides for 21,300 Day Care places, which cater for up to 80,000 people.
Hospital Information Systems
James Reilly
Question:92 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the obsolete 20-year old Beaumont Hospital Information System and its reliability, capacity constraints, capability and cost of maintaining and supporting such an old system; if this system is a risk to patient safety and the timely delivery of patient services and is such an old system inhibiting the efficient management of this large north Dublin hospital which serves a wide catchment area with hundreds of thousands of potential patients; the action she will take to address this deficiency in such a major health provider; the funding that she will make available; the cost to install a modern suitable system for this flagship hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21096/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply current information in relation to the detailed future plans for the Hospital Information System in Beaumont Hospital. The latest information available to my Department confirms that major clinical departmental components of the present HIS are due for replacement under ongoing national initiatives. I am also aware that discussions are currently underway between the Executive and the hospital in relation to the best means of addressing the modernisation of other aspects of the HIS and that proposals will brought forward when this process is concluded. The investment costs of all approved HIS related developments at the hospital will, in line with ICT developments throughout the public health sector, be met through the HSE's capital ICT funding envelope.
Children in Care
Joe Carey
Question:93 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 2 December 2009, when the Health Service Executive will issue a direct reply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21104/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action in the public service by members of IMPACT, the HSE are not in a position to provide a response to this Parliamentary Question within the normal timeframe.
Question No. 94 answered with Question No. 88.
Departmental Correspondence
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:95 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she and or her Department have received correspondence from an association (details supplied) in relation to musculoskelatal disorders and the impact on the Irish labour market; her plans to address these matters at an early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21139/10]
My Department has received a copy of the ‘Fit For Work — Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Irish Labour Market' report referred to by the Deputy and has met with representatives of the organisations involved. I understand that these organisations have also recently presented on the subject to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Innovation and that the matter has been progressed with the HSE and the Department of Social Protection. I am now considering all the aspects of the report relevant to my Department and will be making an appropriate response in due course.
Medical Cards
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:96 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; when this matter is likely to be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21140/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Hospital Services
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:97 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when hip surgery procedures and operations will be undertaken at Naas General Hospital, County Kildare; her plans to address this matter at an early date in view of the number of persons on waiting lists for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21141/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:98 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when hip surgery procedures and operations will be undertaken at Naas General Hospital, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21142/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Health Services
Willie Penrose
Question:99 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is prepared to have an assessment carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21183/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course. I would also recommend that you inform the parent or GP that it is open to them to contact their local services directly.
Hospital Services
Willie Penrose
Question:100 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath admitted to the ear, nose and throat department of Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, County Offaly, for assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21184/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Hospital Accommodation
Willie Penrose
Question:101 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will provide the necessary resources to ensure the upgrading of the physical infrastructure at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Athlone, County Westmeath to ensure that it complies in full with the regulation. [21202/10]
I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Medical Cards
Bobby Aylward
Question:102 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange to have a medical card issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [21230/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Swimming Pool Projects
Joe Costello
Question:103 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are any funds available in her Department for the refurbishment of swimming pools as in the case of a pool (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [21233/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not provide funding for the refurbishment of swimming pools. However, capital grants are provided to local authorities to build and renovate public swimming pools through a scheme managed by the Department of Tourism, Culture & Sport. Civil groups and private organisations can apply through their local authority for funding under this scheme.
Hospital Accommodation
Noel Ahern
Question:104 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the position regarding reports of Beaumont Hospital Dublin closing two wards of 60 beds and confirm if this is so; the reason the decision was necessary; the budget to the hospital in 2009 and 2010; the number of beds in the hospital and make up of same; the number of beds allocated to consultants for private use; the number of high dependancy or ICU beds; the current waiting list for surgery and her views on the comment by senior staff that they are only catering for emergencies and cancer; when a person (details supplied) who is awaiting an operation will receive surgery. [21238/10]
I have been assured that Beaumont Hospital will meet its service plan targets for 2010. These involve treating the same number of patients this year as last but with less reliance on in-patient stays. In turn this will involve reducing inappropriate hospital admissions, more same day of surgery admissions, more day care cases, earlier discharges and reductions in waiting times for elective surgery. The planned changes announced by Beaumont are designed to allow it deliver its service plan targets while remaining within budget. For example, the increase in day case activity and the reduction in beds occupied by long-stay patients means the hospital can treat the same number of patients as previously with less in-patient beds. Beaumont has also assured my Department that neurosurgery, transplantation and cancer services will not be affected by the changes. I regret that due to industrial action I am not in a position to provide a substantive response to the remainder of your Parliamentary Question. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Health Service Staff
Noel Ahern
Question:105 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the situation regarding the special teams set up in 2009 to deal with swine flu outbreak; the level of staff involved in these teams at their highest point; the staff still involved; when will they be disbanded; the person who will give the order or direction to wind down or disband; and if she will report on the backlog at the Health Service Executive appeals system including area medical offices and medical review committees which reportedly are in arrears due to withdrawal of swine flu staff. [21239/10]
The public pandemic vaccination campaign came to an end on 31st of March, 2010. Following a full assessment of the current situation, the risks of a second wave, the availability of vaccine and other factors, the National Public Health Emergency Team decided, following advice received from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee that those in the "at risk" groups should continue to be vaccinated. This means that up to September 2010 the vaccine will continue to be made available to those in the "at risk" groups including all those travelling to the southern hemisphere during the upcoming influenza season but this will be done through GPs and Maternity Units. With regard to the other issues raised, I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the details requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Health Services
Noel Ahern
Question:106 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the recent cutbacks in dental services to medical card holders; the advice that should be given to persons in urgent need of treatment for gum disease and so on who are refused free treatment and unable to pay the relevant fees; if alternative help or service is available from community welfare officers, Health Service Executive dental service, Dublin Dental Hospital or elsewhere; if matter can be clarified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21241/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Noel Ahern
Question:107 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the Health Service Executive dental service; the annual cost of same; the staff levels of dentists, nurses, other staff involved; the level and numbers of patients treated; the average daily number of patients treated per dentist; the average cost taking into account all overheads of each treatment visit; if an analysis of the system has been completed and cost comparison done with the private dentist system; if details of the comparison can be outlined; the reductions in cost that have been budgeted for in 2010 with the Health Service Executive service; the reason the more efficient private dentist scheme has been forced to produce the savings. [21242/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Health Surveys
David Stanton
Question:108 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 420 of 8 July 2008, if she plans to conduct a baseline health study for the Cork Harbour region; the progress made regarding same in the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21244/10]
The Government has considered the outcome of the site investigations at the former Irish Steel/Ispat site at Haulbowline which were undertaken by environmental consultants on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Government decided that the Office of Public Works would chair a working group to develop a structured and coherent approach to the further management and development of the site with Cork County Council continuing to discharge site management responsibilities on an agency basis. I understand that this Group has now being convened by the OPW. In the light of the Government decision, it is not proposed to conduct a baseline health survey for the Cork Harbour region.
On the matter of human bio-monitoring referred to in my response to the Deputy's earlier question, I can now confirm Ireland has joined an EU wide consortium in relation to two human bio-monitoring (HBM) projects. The objective of this consortium is to develop a coherent approach to HBM in Europe. The consortium has applied to the European Commission for funding in respect of two projects. The first project will concentrate on developing harmonised protocols in order to ensure comparison of subsequent data. The second project will involve a pilot project using the protocols developed in the first project. It is expected that the outcome of the consortium's application will be determined shortly.
Inter-Country Adoptions
Pat Breen
Question:109 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the situation regarding inter-country adoptions from Kazakhstan; if adoptions have ceased; if so, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21260/10]
The Adoption Bill, 2009, is designed to give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. The new legislation, which incorporates the provisions of the Hague Convention, is designed to provide a framework to ensure that appropriate procedures have been followed and that all adoptions are effected in the best interests of the child. Future intercountry adoption arrangements will be governed by the terms of the Adoption Bill 2009 when enacted. Kazakhstan is not a signatory of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption. Once the new legislation is enacted therefore, inter-country adoptions from Kazakhstan will only be possible if Kazakhstan ratifies the Convention or if a bilateral agreement between the two countries is concluded. At present there are no plans to open negotiations on an bilateral agreement with Kazakhstan.
Health Services
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason back to school allowance was not awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21271/10]
I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply the information requested. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.
Residency Permits
Willie Penrose
Question:111 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21253/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to by the Deputy was admitted into Ireland under Government decision as a programme refugee in 2006. I have further been informed by INIS that the person referred to made an application for Family Reunification on 15 September 2009 in respect of his wife. This application will be considered by INIS and a decision will issue in due course. All applications are generally dealt with in chronological order.
Visa Applications
John O'Mahony
Question:112 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in processing a visa application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21116/10]
I am advised by the Visa Section of my Department that there is no record of an application matching the details provided by the Deputy.
Garda Vetting Services
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:113 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a Garda vetting application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21119/10]
The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) provides employment vetting for a large number of organisations in Ireland registered with the Gardaí for this purpose and which employ persons in a full-time, part-time, voluntary or training capacity to positions where they would have substantial, unsupervised access to children and/or vulnerable adults. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that a vetting application in respect of the person referred to has been received by the Vetting Unit, the application is being processed at present and a response will issue in due course.
Garda Reserve
Joe Costello
Question:114 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who were recruited to the Garda Reserve since the body was set up; the average length of time for applicants to become members; the delay in processing an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21123/10]
There are 557 Garda Reserve members at 30 April 2010. Since the Garda Reserve was established in 2006, 40 Garda Reserve members have also moved on to become trainee full-time members. All applications to join the Garda Reserve are processed in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Garda Síochána (Reserve Members) Regulations, 2006. The length of time for processing applications can vary depending on the number of applications on hand. I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the application in respect of the person referred to is currently being processed and a decision will be made by the Garda Commissioner in due course.
Prison Staff
Paul Kehoe
Question:115 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 195 of 3 March 2010, when a response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21129/10]
I refer further to my reply to Question 195 of the 3rd March 2010.
I wish to advise the Deputy, that following the receipt of sanction from the Minister for Finance, a recruitment process commenced in February of this year. Candidates for this process were drawn from those who successfully completed a written examination and were placed on a panel for the position in 2008.
The recruitment process involves the holding of competitive interviews, medical and health assessments, and security clearance of prospective candidates.
It is expected that this 2008 panel will be adequate for the current recruitment needs of the Irish Prison Service, and there are no plans to advertise for further applicants.
Garda Vetting Services
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:116 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce legislation for the vetting of small public service vehicles licence holders based on the private security authority model including the strict vetting of all periods of time a prospective licence holder has spent living in jurisdictions outside of the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21132/10]
The legislation regarding the granting of public vehicle licences and any changes to it are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport.
The legislation provides that the Garda Commissioner shall not grant a licence unless he is satisfied that the character and previous conduct of an applicant are such that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.
Applicants originally from outside the State are required to provide relevant police certificates of character and provide details of any convictions received for offences outside the jurisdiction. An Garda Síochána then carry out enquiries through the appropriate channels, with the written consent of the applicant. If written consent is not given, a licence will not be granted unless An Garda Síochána is satisfied that a full enquiry has been made in respect of the applicant with the police in the jurisdictions were the applicant has resided.
Child Abuse
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:117 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the follow up in the case of support or assistance following alleged child abuse (details supplied) in County Kildare; when this urgent matter is likely to be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21136/10]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question Number 200 on 29 April, 2010.
Citizenship Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to applications for citizenship in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21149/10]
Valid applications for certificates of naturalisation on behalf of the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in January & February 2010.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Additional resources have been allocated to the Citizenship Division of my Department in order to reduce backlogs and provide a better quality service to all applicants. This has had a positive impact on processing times and has enabled certain categories of applicant to be dealt with more expeditiously. These include refugees, spouses of Irish citizens and minors.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if leave to remain and residency will be given in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21150/10]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No 115 of Thursday, 22 April 2010, and the written Reply to that Question.
The current position in the State of the person concerned is that an application to revoke his Deportation Order has been submitted on his behalf, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This application is under consideration at present and the Deputy can be assured that the person concerned will be notified of the outcome of this application as soon as a decision has been reached. In the meantime the person concerned is required to comply with all reporting requirements placed on him by the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:120 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will indicate when the position regarding an application for leave to remain here will be addressed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21151/10]
The Deputy will be aware of the history of this case from my replies to previous Parliamentary Questions. The person concerned does not have any pending application for leave to remain. The person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order following a comprehensive examination of his asylum claim and of his application to remain temporarily in the State. In addition he has been evading his deportation since 10 August 2004 and should therefore present himself to the Garda Authorities without any further delay.
As a matter of policy, I do not intend to reward persons who have failed a very fair and comprehensive asylum process, and who have thereafter proceeded to evade their deportation for several years, by granting such persons residency in the State. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there has been a change in the circumstances of the person concerned, or new information has come to light which has a direct bearing on his case, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of his Deportation Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.
The effect of the Deportation Order is that the person concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.
The enforcement of the Deportation Order remains an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.
Asylum Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:121 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to an application for subsidiary protection in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the exact nature of the grounds on which application for asylum and refugee status was originally refused; if he will outline the report which set out these grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21163/10]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No. 124 of Thursday, 22 April 2010, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
The Deputy might wish to note that it is not the policy of my Department to comment on individual asylum claims. However, the Deputy can be assured that all asylum applications, including the one lodged by the person concerned, are considered by two statutory independent refugee status determination bodies, namely the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. In assessing each individual asylum application or appeal, the bodies referred to must, in accordance with their statutory remit, have regard for the specific claims made by the applicant, as measured against objective, reputable, up to date information relating to the applicant's country of origin and, where doubts exist, the benefit of the doubt is applied in favour of the applicant. I understand that copies of the determinations made by the two bodies were sent to the person concerned and copies were also sent to his then legal representatives so the person concerned can see from those documents the basis for the conclusions reached in his particular case.
Overall, I am satisfied that the State has a very fair and comprehensive mechanism in place for the consideration of all asylum applications and, as such, I am satisfied that the asylum application made by the person concerned was given the fullest consideration before a final decision was taken.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency and leave to remain in the State on humanitarian grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21164/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 20 May 2004. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 24 April 2008, 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 not have a Deportation Order made against him. In addition, he was 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). Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.
The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Citizenship Applications
Willie Penrose
Question:123 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation in respect of a persons (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21207/10]
Valid applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in December 2007.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of both applications has commenced and the files will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Willie Penrose
Question:124 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to have an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21209/10]
A valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in November 2007.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that processing of the application is at an advanced stage and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Visa Applications
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:125 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will address the situation regarding a visa in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2. [21236/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the person referred to in the question has been granted further permission to remain in the State.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:126 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has stamp four residency status without the necessity of a work permit in view of the fact that they have worked in this country from 2001 to 2008 at which time they were made redundant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21272/10]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 25 June 2001. He was given permission to remain in the State until 2 June 2009 and has remained in the State since that date without permission.
In accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 18 May 2010, 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 submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him.
The 15 working day period referred to in my Department's letter of 18 May 2010 expires on 11 June 2010. It is open to the person concerned to make representations within that period. In any event, the case of the person concerned will not be further processed until the 15 working day period referred to has elapsed.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if status of residency allows persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9 to work or study whether they qualify for citizenship on the basis of residency here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21288/10]
The persons concerned claimed asylum in this State on 2 July 2001 and had their claims examined by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner who recommended that the persons concerned should be recognised as refugees.
Based on this recommendation the persons concerned were issued with formal declarations of refugee status by letters dated 29 July 2002. This communication also advised the persons concerned of their rights and entitlements accompanying refugee status in the State. The persons concerned continue to hold the status of refugees in the State.
Valid applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in August & December 2009.
All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 26 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale.
The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.
Asylum Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency or asylum in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21289/10]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No 221 of Wednesday, 14 October 2009, and the written Reply to that Question.
The position in the State of the person concerned now falls to be considered for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) 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 application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21290/10]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No. 231 of Tuesday, 11 May 2010, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in regard to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21291/10]
I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his earlier Parliamentary Question, No 202 of Thursday, 21 January 2010, and the written Reply to that Question.
The position in the State of the person concerned now falls to be considered for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) 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 application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding residency and stamp four in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21292/10]
The person concerned has been granted Leave to Remain in the State, on Stamp 3 conditions, for the period to 14 June 2010. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 19 November 2009.
The decision to grant such status to the person concerned was arrived at following the consideration of his case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). This decision would have taken account of all matters relating to the person concerned which were submitted to me for consideration, including his personal and family circumstances.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or intended residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21293/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person in question has permission to remain in the State up to 12 February 2011. This permission was granted in 2001 under the scheme then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish born children and may be renewed by the person concerned at his local immigration office 2 weeks prior to the above date.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:133 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when stamp four or alternative residency authorisation will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21294/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person in question has lodged an application to remain in the State. This application is currently under consideration and a decision will issue to the person concerned in the near future.
Asylum Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the historical position in respect of residency status to date in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath who is anxious to ascertain their entitlement to seek employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21295/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 29 October 2004. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. On 17 January 2007, two minor children of the person concerned arrived in the State, were reunited with their mother and included as child dependants in her asylum application meaning that any decision made in relation to her applied equally to them.
Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 15 November 2007, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her children. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her children should not have Deportation Orders made against them. In addition, she was notified of her 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 initiated Judicial Review proceedings in the High Court, challenging the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in her case. The Judicial Review proceedings were withdrawn on 5 October 2009 meaning that the earlier decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and the Minister stood.
The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State 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 application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:135 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Laois will obtain employment or start a business on foot of his current or expected residency status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21296/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 12 December 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 29 January 2010, 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 a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was 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 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 application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Given that the person concerned has no legal basis to remain in the State at present, the issue of an entitlement to obtain employment or set up in business does not arise at this time.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21297/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person in question was granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 scheme and this permission expired on 24 February 2010. However, I am also informed that the person concerned was not registered by the Garda National Immigration Bureau when he presented at his local office immigration office last February. His status in the State is currently being examined by officials of my Department.
Asylum Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21298/10]
The person concerned claimed asylum in this State on 15 September 2008 and the claim was examined by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner who recommended that the person concerned be recognised as a refugee.
Based on this recommendation, the person concerned was issued with a formal declaration of refugee status by letter dated 20 April 2009. This communication also advised the person concerned of the rights and entitlements accompanying refugee status in the State. The person concerned continues to hold the status of refugee in the State.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21299/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person in question has permission to remain in the State until October 2010 on work permit conditions.
Asylum Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or intended status in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21300/10]
The person concerned applied for asylum on 19 September 2006. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 9 July 2007, 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 a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was 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 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 application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. The Deputy can be assured that all representations submitted, including those relating to the family and domestic circumstances of the person concerned, will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding residency and leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21301/10]
The case of the person concerned was examined 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. Consideration was given to representations submitted on her behalf by her legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 23 September 2009, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed a Deportation Order in respect of her. Notice of this Order was served by registered post requiring her to present herself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau in order to make arrangements for her removal from the State. She failed to present and was classified as evading her deportation. She should, therefore, present herself to the GNIB without any further delay.
On 13th October, 2009, the person's two children claimed asylum. The person's legal representative was notified by letter dated 21st October, 2009 that an undertaking had been given not to enforce the Deportation Order signed in respect of her until the children's asylum application had been processed.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding long-term residency, stamp four and leave to remain in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21302/10]
The person concerned has been granted Leave to Remain in the State for a three year period to 17 November 2012. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 18 November 2009. Given that the daughter referred to had been included as a child dependant in her mother's original asylum application, any decision made in relation to the mother applied equally to this daughter.
Citizenship Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when travel documents will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21303/10]
I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that their Travel Document Unit has issued correspondence to the legal representative of the person referred to by the Deputy on 13 May 2010 requesting that a new application for a travel document accompanied with the requisite supporting documentation be submitted to that Unit for consideration.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21304/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person in question has lodged an application to remain in the State. This application is currently under consideration and a decision will issue to the person concerned in the near future.
Refugee Status
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will authorise extended residency on compassionate grounds in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21305/10]
The person concerned claimed asylum in the State on 12 August 2005 and had the claim examined by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, who recommended that the person concerned should be recognised as a Refugee. Based on this recommendation, the person concerned was issued with a formal declaration of refugee status by letter dated 16 August 2006. This communication also advised the person concerned of the rights and entitlements accompanying refugee status in the State. The person concerned continues to hold the status of refugee in the State. All refugees are required to register on an annual basis, unless otherwise directed.
Citizenship Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the daughter born to a Dutch citizen here is entitled to an Irish passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21306/10]
Section 6A of the Act, as inserted by section 4 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 2004 provides that a person born in the island of Ireland shall not be entitled to be an Irish citizen unless a parent of that person has, during the period of 4 years immediately preceding the person's birth, been resident in the island of Ireland for a period of not less than 3 years or periods the aggregate of which is not less than 3 years. The section does not apply to certain persons including those born to parents one of whom is at the time of the persons birth an Irish citizen, British citizen or a person entitled to reside without restriction.
For the purpose of calculating reckonable residence under section 6A certain residence is excluded from consideration including unlawful residence, residence covered by a permission granted under Section 4 of the Immigration Act, 2004 for the purpose of study and residence covered by a provisional permission granted pending determination of an asylum application. Upon application for a passport, the Passport Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs assesses the child's entitlement to citizenship based upon the parent's reckonable residency. If the parents do not have sufficient residency the child does not have an entitlement to citizenship. It remains open to the parent of the child to make an application for a certificate of naturalisation on their behalf under section 15 of the 1956 Act, when the child has 5 years reckonable residency in the State.
Residency Permits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21307/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person in question was granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 scheme in 2005. This permission was renewed in 2007 and is currently valid up to 5 October 2010. The person concerned should present to her local immigration officer 2 weeks before that date for registration of her future permission to remain in the State.
Citizenship Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date in the application for residency or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21308/10]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the person in question was granted permission to remain in the State in September of 2000 under the scheme then in place for the non-EEA parents of Irish born children. This permission is valid up to 13 September 2010 and may be renewed at her local immigration office 2 weeks prior to that date. I am informed that while there is an application on hands for naturalisation of family members, no valid naturalisation application has been received from the person concerned.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the likely residency status in the case of a person who has worked in this jurisdiction continuously for the past four years but was recently made redundant; if in such a case, a stamp four or other long-term residency status will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21309/10]
I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the residence status of a foreign national can only be considered by reference to the particular circumstances of the case. It is not therefore possible to give an indication of the likely residence status which would be granted without reference to the particular circumstances of the individual concerned.
However, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the administrative arrangements that have been put in place to address the situation whereby employment permit holders have been made redundant. These administrative arrangements "New provisions for Non-EEA workers who are made redundant" are available on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie). Further information on the operation of these arrangements is also available on the website of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (www.entemp.ie).
In general, a person who has been living and working legally in the State for less than 5 years on the basis of an employment permit and who has been made redundant may be granted a six month grace period during which time they can seek to find another employer. The labour market needs test will not be required in respect of employment permit applications made on foot of these arrangements. The administrative arrangements also include special provision for those who have been working for 5 years with an employment permit whereby such persons may be exempted from the requirement to hold an employment permit and may be granted a stamp 4 permission.
Applications for long term residency are considered in respect of persons who haveresided legally (as per endorsements in passport) for a period of 60 months or longer on the basis of Work Permit, Work Authorisation, or Working Visa conditions. An exemption from Work Permit requirements is considered at the same time. However, if the Deputy has a specific case in mind and wishes to furnish the particulars, officials in the Immigration Division of my Department will be happy to advise.
Human Rights Issues
Chris Andrews
Question:149 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied) in view of the fact that the roadmap for the accession of Israel to the OECD Convention, adopted by the OECD Council in November 2007, stated that Israel must demonstrate a commitment to pluralist democracy based on the rule of law and the respect of human rights. [21122/10]
The matter to which the Deputy refers is not a proposal of the Israeli Government. The Bill in question has been sponsored by a group of some twenty members of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. The Israeli Government declined to take this up as a Government Bill. It is understood that this Bill has not had a first reading in the Knesset. Ireland's Embassy in Tel Aviv together with EU partners are aware of the proposed Bill, and will continue to closely monitor developments in this regard, as well as any other threats to the operation of NGOs working on political and human rights issues.
With regard to Israel's accession to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), on the basis of formal opinions and all other relevant technical information, the Secretary-General of the OECD recommended to the OECD Council that Israel be invited to accede to the Organisation. The 31 member countries of the Council of the OECD, including Ireland, accepted that recommendation at its meeting on 10 May.
Passport Applications
Finian McGrath
Question:150 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [21134/10]
I am happy to inform the Deputy that Passports were issued by the Passport Office in Balbriggan to both the named persons on Friday 14 May, 2010. An Post have confirmed the delivery of these to the persons in question on the following Monday, 17 May, 2010.
Visa Applications
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a visitor’s visa will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21147/10]
I am informed that no visa application has been received in respect of the person named by the Deputy. If an application and supporting documentation is received it will be processed in the normal way.
Foreign Conflicts
Pat Breen
Question:152 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views regarding the ongoing situation in Bangkok, Thailand; and if he will report on the efforts being made at EU level to broker a peace agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21196/10]
The Government is extremely concerned about the recent surge in violence in Thailand, including the army assault on the protesters' encampment in central Bangkok early on the morning of 19 May. This has resulted in five deaths and dozens of injuries, in addition to the thirty-six deaths which have already occurred since 13 May. The protests have been led by the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship, also known as the "red-shirts", and have been underway since 13 March. The "red-shirts" are supporters of the former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted after a military coup in September 2006. They regard the current Government as illegitimate and have called for the dissolution of Parliament and for new elections.
Following negotiations between the Government and protesters earlier this month, it appeared that a compromise between the parties had been reached, with Prime Minister Abhisit proposing a "reconciliation plan" and offering to hold elections in November. However, the Prime Minister's offer was conditional on the protesters ending their occupation of the main shopping district in Bangkok. For their part, the protesters vowed to remain in the encampment until the Prime Minister set a specific date for dissolving Parliament. With neither party prepared to compromise, the Government has now intervened to close the encampment. I very much regret the loss of life involved, on both sides.
The EU recently expressed grave concern about the situation in Thailand, urging both sides in the conflict to negotiate and to solve the political crisis through peaceful and democratic means. The "red-shirts" had appealed for EU observers to be sent to Thailand but the Thai government had insisted that it had the situation under control and did not need external assistance.
Replying to a Parliamentary Question on 30 March, I welcomed talks which had taken place between the Prime Minister and the "red-shirt" protesters and I expressed the hope that these talks would lay the foundation for broader dialogue on the range of issues which divide Thailand. I remain of the view that, if political stability is to be achieved and if Thailand is to successfully address the many challenges it faces, it is vitally important for the parties there to engage in dialogue and to work with each other in a spirit of peaceful, national reconciliation. The Government believes that the crisis can only be resolved through peaceful and democratic means. Together with our EU partners, we will do all in our power to promote this outcome.
Passport Validity
Jack Wall
Question:153 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding passport recognition (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21219/10]
An Irish passport is valid for travel up until the date of expiry. In general, a passport should not expire during the proposed term of any visit. However, some countries require a minimum validity on passports to enter their jurisdictions. The Spanish Embassy in Dublin have confirmed that an Irish passport is valid for travel to Spain and the Canary Islands until the date of expiry in the document.
European External Action Service
John Deasy
Question:154 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way he proposes to ensure that the proposed European external action service cannot spend foreign development aid moneys on other areas of foreign policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21226/10]
The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty has resulted in significant changes in the organisation and architecture of the European institutions. These include the creation of a full-time President of the European Council, the establishment of the new post of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the creation of a European External Action Service (EEAS), which is intended to support the work of the High Representative.
Given the central role that the EEAS is to play in the EU's external relations, under the responsibility of the High Representative, Ireland and some of our EU partners have been working to ensure that the position of development policy is maintained in the context of a more coherent and integrated EU foreign policy. In particular, we have wanted to ensure that effective development programming is achieved across the EU external actions, with no loss of commitment to poverty reduction and to aid effectiveness.
Political agreement has been reached by the Member States on the proposal of the High Representative to achieve a coherent balance of programming responsibilities between the External Action Service and the Development Commissioner. The proposal explicitly notes that the Commission will be involved in all stages of the programming cycle and that all programming decisions to be taken will be prepared through Commission procedures and submitted to the Commission for decision. In this context, the Development Commissioner will have the right of veto over all programming decisions, including for the European Development Fund and the Development Cooperation Instrument. These are the primary EU financial instruments for the disbursement of development funding.
Furthermore, in response to proposals made by some Member States, including Ireland, the revised draft Council Decision, to be submitted to Ministers in the coming weeks, now refers specifically to Article 208 of the Lisbon Treaty, which places development at the centre of EU external policy. There is also an explicit statement that the "EEAS should promote the fulfilment of the objectives of the European Consensus on Development and the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid".
In line with the spirit and ambition of the Lisbon Treaty, I am confident that, with the cooperation of the High Representative, the Development Commissioner and the Member States, the new arrangements on the functioning of the External Action Service should lead to the more effective integration of development into the EU's broader foreign policy, while continuing to ensure that funds allocated for development are disbursed effectively in pursuit of the EU's development goals.
Human Rights Issues
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the international community continues to monitor the situation in Iran with particular reference to the prosecution of peaceful protestors, including prominent academics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21275/10]
Ireland and its E.U. partners continue to monitor closely the situation in Iran, including the prosecution of academics, students and others who protested peacefully following the 2009 Presidential election. I am gravely concerned about the detentions of these protestors, the denial of education to students found to be involved in the protests, and the mass trials and summary executions which followed the 2009 protests.
I have reported to the House on a number of occasions (most recently PQ 16557/10) on my concerns regarding the case of Dr. Kian Tajbakhsh, a dual US-Iranian national arrested in July 2009. Dr. Tajbakhsh's case was heard by an appeals court on 10 February and his sentence was set at five years for a variety of charges linked to the post-election disturbances in Iran. These charges have been strenuously denied by the US Government, which has called for his release. In a statement on Dr. Tajbakhsh's case on 1 December 2009, the EU Presidency described the case as "deeply worrying".
The latest reports are that Dr. Tajbakhsh was released on bail on 13 March for the Iranian New Year and allowed to return to his family and that his release period was further extended in early April. It remains to be seen whether he will be permitted to leave the country. The Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which represents US interests in Iran, continues to work strongly on this case.
On a positive note, I welcome the release earlier this week of French academic Clothilde Reiss, who had been detained in Iran since last July and convicted of a number of serious offences after taking photographs of opposition demonstrations. Ireland raised Mme. Reiss' case directly with the Iranian authorities and added our voice to the many others calling for her release.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government and its E.U. partners will continue to monitor closely all suppression of dissent by the Iranian authorities. Senior officials of my Department have raised Dr. Tajbakhsh's case directly with the Iranian Ambassador to Ireland and have made clear our concerns at his sentencing. We will continue to bring cases such as Dr. Tajbakhsh to the attention of the Iranian authorities. We will also avail of every opportunity to express our concerns about human rights in Iran, both nationally and in an EU and international context.
Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 20.
Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 26.
Overseas Development Aid
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:158 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation affecting the ten African countries most seriously threatened by hunger, war, genocide and human rights abuses; the extent to which the international community continues to assist or influence in a positive way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21278/10]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he and his EU and UN colleagues continue to monitor the situation in the various trouble zones on the continent of Africa with particular reference to addressing the issues of famine, war and genocide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21281/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 161 together.
As I have stated on several previous occasions in answer to very similar questions, it is not the policy of the Government to list countries most seriously affected by such issues as famine, war, genocide or human rights abuses, which are issues that affect many countries in Africa and elsewhere, and I shall therefore not focus on individual countries.
With regard to the issue of hunger and famine, it is estimated that more than a billion people today do not have enough food. Ireland is responding to this challenge, working bilaterally in our programme countries with our EU and partners, and at a global level through the UN agencies. Since the publication of the report of the Hunger Task Force in September 2008, Ireland's focus on hunger reduction has become a cornerstone of Irish Aid's development programme. In particular, efforts are concentrated on the three priority areas identified in the report, namely: increasing smallholder agricultural productivity in Africa; targeting under-nutrition (especially maternal and infant); and promoting governance and leadership action on tackling global hunger. Nowhere is this work more challenging than in countries affected by conflict where it is critically important to move quickly with large-scale emergency food assistance in order to save lives.
Irish Aid is committed to responding to emerging global hunger issues. Funds are targeted at a number of different agriculture, food security and nutrition interventions. Food assistance and therapeutic care save lives when starvation has already caused malnutrition but it is also vitally important to focus on prevention — to reach vulnerable groups through nutritional interventions which have long-term positive effects. This means a particular focus on women and young children. Best practice and scientific research demonstrates that by intervening as early and aggressively as possible during the short interval from pregnancy to 24 months of age leads to greater reductions in child under-nutrition than later interventions aimed at reversing under-nutrition.
With regard to security, UN and EU peacekeeping missions in Africa have a role in stabilising former and current conflict zones. Members of the Irish Defence Forces have participated in numerous UN and EU peacekeeping missions in Africa, including in the Congo, Eritrea, Liberia and most recently in Chad.
Situations which fully conform to an internationally accepted definition of genocide are thankfully extremely rare. Nevertheless, there are a number of current situations in Africa which give rise to extreme concern. The UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide is mandated to alert the international community to the potential of genocide in a particular country or region, and to make recommendations on actions to prevent or halt genocide.
Human rights concerns remain central to our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland monitors closely the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world, on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official and non-governmental organisations.
Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this either bilaterally, through the EU, or through action at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council, including, in the case of the latter, through the new Universal Periodic Review process whereby the human rights performance of each UN State is reviewed.
Active participation in multilateral organisations such as the EU, the UN and the Council of Europe provides opportunities for Ireland to voice its concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for the violation of human rights.
For example, together with our EU partners, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court's Prosecutor has opened investigations into a number of country situations and we will continue to monitor this work closely.
In developing a sustainable approach which properly addresses the root causes of famine, war, genocide and human rights abuses, 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, hunger and famine, conflict, security and human rights abuses stands the best chance of facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of people in Africa.
Human Rights Issues
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:159 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he and his colleagues at EU and UN level continue to monitor the situation in Burma; the extent of any recent positive interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21279/10]
As Deputies will be aware from previous statements in this House, the Government has long been deeply concerned about the situation in Burma. We are very actively engaged at EU and international level in monitoring the situation in that country and in efforts to support the Burmese people in their struggle for justice, democracy and development.
The situation at present is particularly difficult and I regret that there is very little of a positive nature, in terms of the situation and initiatives, on which I can report. The Burmese authorities are pushing ahead with plans to hold elections later this year. Despite a broad view that the terms of the discredited 2008 Constitution virtually precluded the possibility of credible elections, the international community felt it important to do all in its power to urge the regime to conduct elections, and an electoral process, in a way which would be free, fair, inclusive and transparent. We also made clear the need for all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, to be released without delay and for a process of national dialogue and reconciliation, involving all opposition and ethnic groups, to be initiated in advance of the elections. Ireland, the EU, the UN and even a number of ASEAN Members played an active role in such efforts. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was particularly clear in articulating international expectations during his visit to the country last July.
As Deputies will be aware, however, none of this has happened. Instead of being given her freedom, Aung San Suu Kyi's detention was extended for a period of 18 months in August last year, to ensure that she would not be in a position to contest the elections or lead her party in them. Few other political prisoners were released. No effort was made to initiate national dialogue. Military offensives against a number of other ethnic groups continue, designed to crush their resistance in the lead-up to the elections.
The electoral laws issued on 10 March by the Burmese authorities demonstrated unequivocally that there is no interest on their part in listening to what their own people or the international community have been saying in terms of the elections, and no intention to permit an electoral process which might be deemed credible or legitimate by any objective standards. Instead of providing for an inclusive process, which would permit opposition and ethnic groups to participate freely, the electoral laws demonstrated that the elections would be run entirely on the regime's terms and that the regime intended to control every aspect of their preparation, their outcome and the future government that will emerge from them.
The most serious consequence of these electoral laws are the restrictions placed on the registration of political parties and individuals, which have effectively forced Aung San Suu Kyi and her NLD party, who have done much to promote justice, democracy and reconciliation in Burma, out of the process,. While this is a deeply troubling development, Aung San Suu Kyi's, and the NLD's decision not to participate in the elections is one we must respect. We will continue to support her in whatever way we can.
In terms of interventions and initiatives in relation to the current situation in Burma, Deputies will be aware that the Obama Administration made a decision to increase its engagement with the Burmese regime, with a view to determining if such a course might help to achieve the objective of dialogue and credible elections. While US Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell has paid two visits to Burma in this context, the second last week, and although he succeeded in meeting separately with Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her NLD party, he was unable to make any progress on the agenda of electoral inclusiveness, credibility and legitimacy. The US are not optimistic that the regime will change its position between now and the time of the elections. They will, however, continue to engage with Burma and its regime, while keeping sanctions intact.
The EU plans a similar approach. The European Council agreed last December that, while maintaining its sanctions policy, the EU should send an exploratory, official-level, mission to Burma to examine the possibilities for a more pro-active EU role there. Given the range of negative developments in Burma, I called for a discussion on the situation in Burma and the EU's response to it to take place at the April Foreign Affairs Council. At that Council, we highlighted our very serious concerns at the current situation and, as regards the proposed EU Mission, urged that this be very carefully considered, planned and targeted, with precise terms of reference to be prepared. While there may be grounds for re-assessing the advisability of such a Mission at all, I believe that we should listen to the strong message coming from Aung San Suu Kyi in favour of international engagement.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 45.
Question No. 161 answered with Question No. 158.
Common Foreign and Security Policy
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent that he and his EU colleagues continue to observe, monitor and support the situation in the western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21282/10]
Together with its EU partners, Ireland attaches considerable importance to achieving stability in the Western Balkans. A significant factor in building stability is the EU perspective for the countries of the region. The June 2003 European Council in Thessaloniki agreed that the future of the countries of the Western Balkans was in the EU. The European Union's Stabilisation and Association process provides the framework for cooperation on economic, political and legal matters aimed at bringing the Western Balkan countries towards EU standards and principles in order to meet EU accession requirements.
The Spanish Presidency is organising a high-level conference of EU and Western Balkans leaders in Sarajevo on 2 June. It is expected that representatives of the US, Russia and Turkey will also be present. The conference will be an important opportunity to advance the European perspective of the region.
There has been a series of positive developments in the Western Balkans over the past six months. In December 2009, Justice Ministers of the countries in the Schengen Agreement area granted visa-free travel to citizens of Serbia, Montenegro and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The European Commission continues to work with Bosnia Herzegovina and Albania to assist those countries in meeting the Schengen criteria for visa-free travel. This may be achieved in the coming months. Also in December, EU Foreign Ministers agreed to implement the Interim Agreement on Trade aspects of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia.
Relations between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have been improving in recent months. Turkey is playing an important role in this regard. In February, Bosnia appointed an Ambassador to Serbia for the first time in three years. On 31 March 2010, the Serbian parliament adopted a resolution condemning the massacre of 8,000 Muslims in Srebrenica by Bosnian-Serb forces in 1995. Serbian President Tadic and Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan will make a joint visit to Srebrenica in July to participate in commemoration ceremonies for the 15th anniversary of the massacre.
I met with the Serbian Foreign Minister in December, and he reiterated the intention of Serbia to prioritise its policy of EU membership. At the end of December, Serbia applied to join the EU.
An EU/US initiative on Bosnia and Herzegovina last October brought local party leaders together to discuss necessary political reforms. While these talks were not immediately successful, the EU continues to engage in efforts to secure political progress, including the transition from the Office of the High Representative to a reinforced EU Special Representative. EU Ministers pledged in January to remain fully engaged with the leaders of Bosnia Herzegovina to secure political progress in advance of the elections. In this regard, I had a very useful discussion with the Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Sven Alkalaj, during his official visit to Dublin on 31 March. In the run-up to next October's general election in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU will monitor events in the country closely.
With respect to Kosovo, the EU and the international community will continue to build on the progress towards stability which is underway in the country, as evinced most clearly by the peaceful conduct of the local elections in November last. The advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legality of Kosovo's declaration of independence is expected before the end of the year. In this context, the EU will work closely with the governments of Serbia and Kosovo to seek pragmatic solutions to allow them both to move forward towards eventual EU membership and enhanced regional co-operation.
Debt Relief
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the full extent of debt written off by the International Monetary Fund and or developed countries in respect of the poorer countries in the past ten years; the precise degree to which this corresponds with commitments entered into; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21283/10]
In 2005, the leaders of the G8 countries, at their Summit in Gleneagles, agreed to establish the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI), 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 came into effect on 1 July 2006, and provides for cancellation of eligible debt from the World Bank, the African Development Fund and the IMF for many of the world's poorest and most indebted countries, 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 overall aim is to relieve these countries from the burden of servicing debt and assist them in making progress on the UN Millennium Development Goals.
To date, the total debt relief provided by the international community to eligible countries under both of these international initiatives has been $102.4 billion, of which $ 3.35 billion has been provided by the IMF, in line with the commitments into which it entered.
Ireland is recognised internationally for the role we are playing in focusing on the reduction of global poverty and hunger and making international aid more effective for developing countries. We have strongly supported initiatives to ease or cancel the debt burden. 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.
The Government's debt policy strategy was prepared jointly by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Finance, and was launched in 2002. It supports the total cancellation of the debts of the world's poorest countries. A joint review of the strategy is currently being undertaken by the two Departments and an updated debt strategy is currently being drafted.
False Passports
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:164 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish passports known to have been used illegally by persons inside or outside this jurisdiction in each of the past five years to date in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21284/10]
Records of the number of Irish passports identified as having been used fraudulently are only available from 2008. These figures are:
|
Year |
Number |
|
2008 |
59 |
|
2009 |
25 |
|
2010 to date |
10 |
The Passport Service takes the issue of passport fraud very seriously. Dedicated teams, in each of the Passport Offices, work to identify potential fraud at the time of application. These teams work closely with each other, with An Garda Síochána and with the Passport Services of other jurisdictions, particularly the British Identity and Passport Service. The Passport Service computer system provides the teams with a range of reporting tools to assist in this regard. It is intended that the system will be further extended later this year to include a facial recognition component which will be a major advance in the capture of potential fraudulent applications. The Service is also looking to develop a certified training programme, to be delivered by one of the Institutes of Technology, to increase the skill level of staff working in this specialised area.
The Passports Act, 2008 formalised and codified passport legislation and introduced a series of offences for passport fraud. In March 2009, the first prosecution under the Act was taken against an individual. The person pleaded guilty to the charge of having, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, in his possession or control a passport that is, and that he knew to be, a false passport. The person was sentenced to nine months imprisonment with six months of the sentence suspended.
The introduction of the new APS passport in 2005 and the addition of a biometric feature in October 2006 has greatly enhanced the security of the Irish passport and made it much more difficult to counterfeit. The old pre APS passports are being phased out over the next five years. Given the number of pre APS passports still valid (approximately 2 million), it would not be possible to recall all these documents before their expiry date. Allowing such passports to continue in circulation is in line with international practise.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 40.
Swimming Pool Projects
Joe Costello
Question:166 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if there are any funds available in her Department for the refurbishment of swimming pools and in the case of a pool (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21234/10]
The management of this swimming pool, and any decision on the reopening of the pool, is entirely a matter for its Board of management. I understand that the pool is closed to the public at present pending a decision on its refurbishment, and that the Board of management is at present awaiting a report on the extent and cost of this refurbishment.
The current round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, operated by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport provides grant aid to a maximum of €3.8m to Local Authorities, towards the capital cost of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools. Where a project is being undertaken by an organisation other than a local authority, the project must be considered, supported and submitted by the relevant local authority. The current round of the programme closed to applicants on 31 July 2000 and no application was received from Dublin City Council by that date on behalf of the pool in question. Under the programme, 45 pools have been opened throughout the country with a further 12 pools at various stages of development. No decision has been taken on the timing of a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. When a new round of the Programme is launched it will be open to all Local Authorities and voluntary organisations which have the support of a local authority to submit an application under the terms that will apply.
Legal Costs
Brian O'Shea
Question:167 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the estimated cost to the State of a court case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21262/10]
I am advised by the Chief State Solicitor's Office that details of the costs of this case will not be available until the matter of costs is ruled upon by the Court at a later date.
Social Welfare Benefits
Michael Creed
Question:168 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to rent allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21095/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
James Bannon
Question:169 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in relation to their farm assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21178/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Social Welfare Benefits
Michael Creed
Question:170 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to financial assistance with their mortgage repayments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21099/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:171 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason payment of jobseeker’s allowance has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21143/10]
The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance on 15 January 2010, his claim has been awarded and he received his first payment on 13 May 2010. There is a sum of €163.00 due to the person in respect of his first week's payment and this amount will be included in his payment due on 25 May 2010. The person concerned is paid the maximum personal rate of €196.00 and the maximum qualified adult rate of €130.10 which amounts to a total weekly rate of €326.10 and this rate has not been reduced since the date of the award.
Pension Provisions
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:172 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow qualifies for social welfare credits and or State pension in view of the fact that they are currently in receipt of disability benefit; if he will review this person's entitlement to State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21145/10]
The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years; have at least 260 paid contribution weeks, from employment or self-employment, since entry into insurance; satisfy the yearly average condition.
The person concerned applied for State Pension (Contributory) in February 2010. His claim was disallowed on 25th February 2010, on the grounds that he does not satisfy the contribution condition as he only has a total of 109 paid contributions.
In cases where social insurance credits are allocated to an individual's record while they are in receipt of a social welfare payment, the credits are generally allocated at the same rate and class as the individual's last paid contributions. As the person concerned last paid contributions were at a modified rate, the PRSI credits assigned to their record are also at a modified rate and as such are not reckonable when calculating entitlement to State Pension (Contributory).
A completed application for Household Benefits was received in this Department from the person concerned on 18 March, 2010. A means assessment form was issued to him and on receipt of the information requested, his entitlement will be examined and he will be notified of the outcome without delay.
Social Welfare Benefits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:173 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the established practice of allowing jobseeker’s allowance to part-time retained firemen, has been discontinued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21146/10]
The person concerned submitted an application for jobseeker's allowance with effect from 10 July 2009. Following an investigation of his circumstances in November 2009, he was assessed with means in excess of the statutory limit for this payment. In March 2010 the person concerned indicated his wish to appeal against the means assessment and his file was referred to a social welfare inspector who undertook a review of his means. The case has been referred to a deciding officer for a decision and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.
Social Welfare Appeals
Michael Ring
Question:174 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [21173/10]
The person in question was notified on 7 th December 2009 of the decision that the child did not meet the medical criteria to qualify for domiciliary care allowance and informed that she could appeal this decision by writing to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. As far as the Department is aware no appeal has been registered in relation to this case.
James Bannon
Question:175 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused a disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21181/10]
The person concerned applied for disability allowance on 16 October 2009. His claim was assessed by a Medical Assessor who asked that further medical evidence be provided in support of the claim. Following receipt of this, the Medical Assessor deemed that the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The person was refused payment and was notified of this decision by letter on 26 April, 2010 and of his right of appeal, within 21 days, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The person appealed this decision on 11 May 2010 and submitted further medical evidence in support of his appeal and the appeal has been forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Michael Ring
Question:176 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a domiciliary care allowance will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [21198/10]
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Pension Provisions
Michael Ring
Question:177 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the hardship caused to this person and in view of this person’s ill health. [21222/10]
A claim for State Pension (Contributory) submitted by the person concerned is currently being processed. He will be notified of the outcome of a decision on his entitlement in due course.
Social Welfare Appeals
James Reilly
Question:178 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been taken off disability allowance against the advice of their doctor; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that they have been waiting since September 2009 to receive the results of their second appeal; when they may expect the results of this appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21246/10]
Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, she was examined by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. There has been a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There has been an increase of a further 46% in the number of appeals received in the first quarter of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Róisín Shortall
Question:179 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection the circumstances under which a person is allowed to retain a social welfare payment pending an appeal of the decision to deny them that payment by a deciding officer and specific statutory provision, if any, allowing the retention of such payments; if operational guidelines apply to these circumstances. [21256/10]
The role of a statutorily appointed deciding officer is to decide entitlement to statutory social welfare schemes. There is no provision in social welfare legislation that allows retention of a payment by a person where a deciding officer has decided that they are not entitled to same. Accordingly, there are no statutory provisions allowing the retention of any such payment pending the outcome of an appeal.
Customers whose claims are disallowed, who are disqualified from payment or who are awarded social welfare at a reduced rate are informed that, if they have any new facts or evidence that has a bearing on their case, they should send it in the first instance to the Deciding Officer for re-examination and, if appropriate, for revision of the decision. They are informed that this right is in addition to their right of appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. They can seek a Deciding Officer Review before making an appeal, or can do both concurrently. It is open to a person to apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance while their appeal is being processed.
Social Welfare Benefits
James Reilly
Question:180 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the assistance that can be offered to provide accommodation to an unemployed person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21258/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy about the specific case above. However, in general the following criteria with regards to housing needs assessment apply to applicants for rent supplement:
In order to qualify for rent supplement a person must have been residing in private rented accommodation or accommodation for homeless persons or in an institution (or any combination of these) for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for Rent Supplement.
Where the applicant has been residing in private resident accommodation the person must have been able to reasonably afford the rent at the commencement of the tenancy and has experienced a substantial change in their circumstances where they are now unable to pay the rent.
A person may also qualify for rent supplement where an assessment of housing need has been carried out within the 12 months preceding the date of claim and the person is deemed by the relevant local authority to be eligible for and in need of social housing support.
Where a person does not fulfil the above criteria they are generally requested to apply for an assessment of eligibility for social housing support with the local housing authority in the area where the person intends to reside. Only when the person has been assessed as being eligible for and in need of social housing support, does the person become eligible for consideration for rent supplement.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when rent support will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this matter will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21268/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason back to school allowance was not awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21270/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will set aside and refer to the appeals officer the decision by the deciding officer to refuse carer’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21310/10]
I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for the person concerned has not been registered. However, because of the large number of appeals currently being lodged, there is a backlog in the Office in registering appeals. If the appeal has been submitted in recent weeks the appeal will be registered and acknowledged in due course. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address this backlog in registration.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
Pensions Provisions
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies or has an entitlement to contributory pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21311/10]
The qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) require the applicant to:
have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years
have at least 260 paid contribution weeks, from employment or self-employment, since entry into insurance
satisfy the yearly average condition.
The Department does not have any record of a claim for State Pension (Contributory) made by the person concerned. On receipt of a completed application form, the entitlements of the person concerned will be fully examined, and she will be notified of the outcome without delay.
Social Welfare Benefits
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when rent support will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21312/10]
Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 12 May 2010, if correspondence (details supplied) from the Health Service Executive was or will be taken into consideration in relation to an application for child benefit in respect of a person in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21316/10]
The correspondence referred to from the Health Service Executive (HSE) was not taken into consideration in relation to the application for Child Benefit from the person concerned. Habitual residence condition decisions made by any Deciding Officer are based on the officer him/herself being satisfied that the HRC conditions are met.
As outlined in reply to PQ, Reference No. 17546.10, Child Benefit applications were received in August 2007 and August 2008 from the person concerned and both were disallowed on the grounds that she did not satisfy the HRC. She was notified of the decisions in writing and advised of the right to appeal. No appeals were received.
Planning Issues
Michael Creed
Question:187 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the critical importance attached in the revised programme for Government 2009 of the forestry sector, he will clarify the situation as provided for under the new planning and development Act with regard to planning charges for forestry roads associated with clear felling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21091/10]
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 amends the current exemption in relation to forestry works by—
(i) requiring planning permission for any access point of a private forest road onto a public road, and
(ii) providing for the possibility of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on private forest roads.
The exemptions for thinning, felling and replanting, maintenance, etc., under the current Act will be maintained under the Bill.
The proposed amendment in the Bill providing for EIA on private forest roads arises directly from the recent ECJ determination (Case 427/07), which found that Ireland's transposition of the EIA Directive was deficient on the grounds that it did not provide for the possibility of EIA on private roads. My Department, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel are currently examining whether an amendment to the Planning Bill could be introduced, as an alternative, to enable the requirements of the EIA Directive to be fulfilled through a separate forest consent process which will be prescribed by way of EC Regulations to be made by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
There are no plans to introduce planning charges relating to forestry roads, irrespective of whether section 4 of the Bill, as drafted, is enacted.
Climate Change Convention
Liz McManus
Question:188 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the recent United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change climate discussions in Bonn, Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21118/10]
The recent round of negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change took place over the three days 9 to 11 April 2010. This session was an agenda setting exercise for the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention and the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol, and did not include a Ministerial segment.
The session was successful, in that the Ad Hoc Working Group on long-term cooperative action adopted conclusions on the organisation and methods of its work in 2010, and the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Kyoto Protocol adopted conclusions on its work programme for 2010. Copies of both sets of conclusions (FCCC/AWGLCA/2010/3 and FCCC/KP/AWG/2010/3) are available on the Convention website — www.unfccc.com.
Fire Stations
Brian O'Shea
Question:189 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of the new fire station for Waterford city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21177/10]
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. The Department's role is one of supporting and assisting fire authorities in delivering fire services through the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme and through setting general policy.
I recently notified Waterford City Council of approval to proceed with final designs for the new City fire station. The matter will be further considered in the Department on receipt of the final designs and other documentation requested.
Housing Aid for the Elderly
Noel Ahern
Question:190 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the disabled person grant or housing grants for elderly scheme; the local authorities which are currently operating the scheme in full; those which have suspended applications or are operating a restricted service; if he has issued any direction or instruction to local authorities regarding this scheme which is largely funded by his Department. [21240/10]
In order to facilitate the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability, a revised suite of Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes was implemented on 1 November 2007. These schemes are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department, together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of these schemes, including the assessment and approval of applications and the payment of grants to individual applicants, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. The new schemes target the available resources to those in most need, streamline operational and administrative procedures and ensure equity and consistency of operation across all local authority areas.
Having regard to the continued priority which the Government attaches to these schemes and following a comprehensive assessment of the overall level of demand for grant assistance this year, I approved a record Exchequer allocation of €80 million to the local authorities on 5 March, 2010. Over the period 1 January 2010 to 17 May 2010, around 15% of the overall allocation, amounting to €12.179 million, has been recouped by my Department in respect of some 2,145 individual grant payments under the various grant measures. So far no local authority has drawn down the full allocation for 2010 and my Department has not been formally advised of any local authorities having discontinued the schemes in their areas.
To support the implementation of the grant schemes, my Department issued detailed administrative guidance on the operation of the schemes to all local authorities. Local authorities have discretion in determining the eligibility of works or adaptations for grant assistance, having regard to the particular needs of individual applicants. In order to ensure that the available funding is spent as effectively as possible, local authorities are asked to target the grant assistance at essential works and to prioritise applications on the basis of medical need.
My Department continually monitors expenditure by local authorities under the schemes with a view to reallocating the available funding in the event of any savings arising in a particular local authority. Where allocations are likely to be either less than or surplus to requirements, local authorities have been asked to advise my Department accordingly, in order to facilitate the reallocation of any unspent funding and to obtain optimum effectiveness from the funding available. Local authorities have also been requested to set aside part of their allocation to deal with any emergency applications which might arise throughout the year.
Health Surveys
David Stanton
Question:191 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 27 November 2008, the action that he has taken in relation to progressing a baseline health study of the Cork Harbour region following the discovery of possible cancer causing chemicals in toxic waste at Haulbowline, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21245/10]
The Government has considered the position in relation to the former Irish Steel/Ispat site at Haulbowline noting the outcome of the site investigations and the recommendations of the environmental consultants.
The Government decided that the Office of Public Works would chair a working group to develop a structured and coherent approach to the further management and development of the site, with Cork County Council continuing to discharge site management responsibilities on an agency basis. The Group has now been convened by the OPW.
Regarding the issue of any studies in regard to human health the Government noted the outcomes of the independent and rigorous assessment of site conditions on Haulbowline. This comprised three distinct modules:
1. assessment of any health or environmental risks posed by current site conditions;
2. assessing quality of surface water, marine sediment and mussel bivalves in the vicinity; and
3. ambient air monitoring.
The consultants had available the advice of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Marine Institute and the Health and Safety Authority.
Ambient air monitoring was undertaken in accordance with relevant national and international occupational exposure limit values, finding that air quality complied with all relevant standards and guidelines, including in Cobh which was the main population centre monitored, and that there is no occupational risk to human health from airborne substances. Similarly, the assessment of water, sediment and mussel samples employed the relevant applicable screening criteria and found no identifiable risk to the residents of Cork Harbour.
In the case of assessing the health and environmental risks posed by potential contaminants in the waste material on the East Tip itself the screening was undertaken using human health generic assessment criteria which are derived from guidance issued in the UK. These criteria were considered most appropriate for the site, are conservative for on-site exposures for current land use, and did not suggest a risk to the health of people on site undertaking normal activities or to those in the Cork harbour area including the Naval Base.
Local Authority Housing
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the terms and conditions of the various housing schemes currently being promoted throughout the various local authorities; the likely cost to the local authorities or the Exchequer in the short or long-term in respect of each scheme; the degree to which the cost of housing units is determined by the market currently or otherwise; the length of tenancy or lease before purchase is facilitated in specific schemes; if due regard is being had for the impact on first time buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21287/10]
Local authorities operate a wide range of housing programmes for households of varying income levels, including supports to facilitate home-ownership amongst low-income to modest income groups who cannot access housing on the open market. Details of the range of schemes in place are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
The total allocation for the various housing programmes in 2010 — voted and non-voted — is €1,874m. The provision for 2011 and subsequent years will be determined in the context of the Estimates for Public Services for those years.
Addressing housing need remains a high priority for the Government. While ensuring that we can deliver across the full range of needs, the scale and composition of the public housing programme in the years ahead will be dependent on a number of factors, including the level of available funding, the comparative cost effectiveness of the various means of delivering social housing and the evolution of the housing market generally.
I am determined to ensure that the programme is framed in a manner which continues to optimise the delivery of social housing. To achieve this, it is essential that we tailor the use of available Exchequer supports to prevailing market conditions, and explore alternative solutions to address housing needs, having full regard to the sustainable communities philosophy outlined in the Government's housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities .
Inland Fisheries
Phil Hogan
Question:193 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when snap net fishing for salmon will be open on the Rivers Nore and Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21225/10]
The Salmon and Trout Conservation (Draft Nets and Snap Nets) Bye-Law No. 872, 2010 provides details of those rivers, which are open for commercial (draft net and snap net) fishing during the 2010 season.
In regard to the River Nore, the snap net fishery has been opened since 12 May. However, the River Suir (including Clodiagh and Lingaun waters) is below its conservation limit and will remain closed for commercial fishing during the 2010 season.
Telecommunications Services
Joe Carey
Question:194 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available to the population of Tulla, County Clare under the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21107/10]
Joe Carey
Question:195 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available to the population of Quin, County Clare under the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21108/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
Neither area cited in the Deputy's Question has been designated for inclusion as part of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS).
Prior to the commencement of the NBS a detailed mapping exercise was carried out to help determine those areas that would be included in the scheme and those which, by virtue of being already substantially served by existing broadband suppliers, were to be excluded.
EU State aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers operating. Accordingly, the NBS is prohibited from providing a service in served areas where to do so would give rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion.
That mapping exercise found a number of broadband suppliers were already active in the areas referred to in the Deputy's Question and consequently the localities were excluded from the Scheme. Details of broadband services available in each county can be found on ComReg's website at www.callcosts.ie
It continues to be a priority of the Government that there will be broadband coverage across the entire country. However, despite Government and private investment in broadband, I am aware that there continues to be a small percentage of premises throughout the country that will not be capable of receiving broadband services. This is primarily due to technical and other reasons (suitability of a telephone line, distance from an enabled exchange, no line of sight etc.).
The European Commission has set aside a portion of the European Economic Recovery Programme (EERP) funding for rural broadband initiatives. My Department is currently considering the design and implementation of a scheme which would use this funding to address the issue of basic broadband availability to un-served rural premises outside of the NBS areas. This work will include the identification of premises not capable of receiving broadband. It is hoped to commence this scheme in late 2010 and have it completed by 2012. As the scheme is only at the design stage, there is no application process at this juncture. Information in relation to acceptance of applications and the process of qualification under the scheme will be made available in due course when the scheme is launched.
Grant Payments
Finian McGrath
Question:196 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [21112/10]
The Home Energy Saving scheme (HES) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). All grant applications, including any subsequent appeals are dealt with by SEAI and my Department has no role in the decision-making process.
Notwithstanding this, I am informed by SEAI that on this occasion, payment was declined to the homeowner as works were completed prior to grant approval being received. The specific sequence of events was as follows: Application received 17th February 2010; Letter of Offer issued 24th February 2010; Works completed 2nd January 2010 as indicated on the Declaration of Works received from the applicant at time of grant claim.
SEAI cannot pay grants for work carried out prior to application, as the scheme is designed to stimulate and incentivise investment as distinct from rewarding past investment. The fact that the works were already undertaken before application was made would mean that neither the homeowner nor the contractor can be bound by the terms of the scheme. SEAI informs me that the applicant would have been made aware of this in the application form and application guide and would have signed a form accepting this fundamental condition, which in effect voids the grant offer. Unfortunately there are no grounds for appeal and SEAI cannot pay the grant.
Natural Gas Grid
Thomas Byrne
Question:197 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the efforts that are being made to assess demand for natural gas in the town of Kells, County Meath; when persons will be able to avail of natural gas connection; and if this connection would be extended to Carlanstown, County Meath. [21194/10]
The development and expansion of the natural gas network is in the first instance a commercial matter for Gaslink, which is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain a system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is a statutory, independent body, has, since 2002, been charged with all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no direct statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.
The CER, in 2006, approved a new network connections policy, which created the opportunity to reassess the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be satisfied as a prerequisite. This is to ensure that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the actual consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. The policy allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.
Gaslink recently announced the connection of Kells and three additional towns to the gas network. The announcement follows the completion of Phase 3 of the New Towns Study carried out by Gaslink. The study is a comprehensive assessment of 39 towns not already connected to the national gas network. The study was approved for publication by the CER following detailed economic analysis based on the criteria outlined in the CER's Connection Policy.
Timing and roll-out to the four towns will be on a phased basis and will be dependent on demand, interest and industrial/commercial development in each town. Gaslink is working with local authorities, businesses and developers in each of the towns to ensure that natural gas flows to these towns as soon as economically viable. Gaslink will continue to review towns which did not qualify for connection under the Study and other towns on an ongoing basis. The key factor which would qualify a town or group of towns in any future review would be a significant increase in demand for natural gas, probably resulting from the addition of a new large industrial or commercial facility.
Onshore Exploration
Enda Kenny
Question:198 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if any onshore exploration licences have been granted since 2007; if he expects to grant new licences in the near future; the tax treatment that will be applied to new licences for onshore drilling and extraction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21255/10]
No petroleum authorisations in respect of the Irish onshore have been granted by my Department since 2007. The last onshore authorisations were two Onshore Petroleum Exploration Licences granted in 2005 and those licences have now expired.
In March of this year, I announced a competition for Onshore Licensing Options over areas in the North West Carboniferous Basin and in the Clare Basin. The acreage on offer covers an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometres over parts of counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Monaghan, Roscommon and Sligo in the North West Carboniferous Basin and parts of counties Clare, Cork, Limerick and Kerry in the Clare Basin. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 11th June 2010.
Licensing Options, if any, awarded as a result of this competition will be for a maximum period of two years and will be subject to an agreed work programme, which will not include exploration drilling. At the end of the Option period, the holder must apply for a Petroleum Exploration Licence or surrender the acreage.
Should exploration under a Licensing Option, or under any subsequent Exploration Licence, lead to a commercial discovery, the 2007 Licensing Terms for Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production will apply. The 2007 Terms provide for a profit resource rent tax of up to 15% in addition to the 25% corporate tax rate currently applying and will ensure a return to the State of up to 40% in the case of more profitable fields.
Grant Payments
Michael Creed
Question:199 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications received in his Department under the scheme for compensation for vegetable growers; if, in view of the financial situation which growers find themselves, and in view of the fact that field inspections were complete in February 2010, he will make arrangements for payment of all approved applicants immediately in order to enable these growers to finance this year’s planting programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21084/10]
As at the closing date of the 19 February 2010, some 359 applications which related to potato and/or field vegetable crop losses were received. Following a preliminary examination, some 20 claimants were deemed ineligible under the EU State Aid rules which require that the losses suffered must exceed 30% of the grower's average of production in the 3 previous years. All the remaining 339 applicants were inspected during February and into the first 3 weeks of March. The purpose of these inspections was to verify the areas of the crops affected and the extent of the losses claimed. A total of 255 growers were deemed eligible, following these inspections.
All of the remaining eligible applicants were then written to requesting them to supply documentation to confirm their financial losses. As this documentation is received it is being examined to determine the exact level of the losses incurred by the grower. It is expected that payments will commence shortly to growers cleared for payment.
Afforestation Programme
Michael Creed
Question:200 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the forestry section of his Department is satisfied with the management of private forestry whose planting has been grant aided by the State with regard to proper management of forestry thinnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21093/10]
My Department actively encourages forest owners to thin their crops, where silviculturally appropriate. Not all forests are suitable for thinning. If a forest is exposed to high winds or located on unstable soils, the risk of thinning may outweigh the advantages. Thinning can not only improve the quality of the final crop trees, it can also provide a source of intermediate income for forest owners.
In recent years my Department, in conjunction with COFORD, has funded a number of projects aimed at encouraging the development of wood energy supply chains. These projects have a two-fold purpose, firstly to provide a market for the increasing level of thinnings from grant-aided plantations and secondly to develop the supply of wood biomass to the renewable energy market. The increasing demand for energy wood is providing a vital market for small diameter logs from thinning operations and this demand has stimulated increased management and timber output from private forests.
My Department has also provided start-up funding to a number of forest-owner producer groups to encourage private forest owners to work collectively in the management of their forests and marketing of forest products, with a particular emphasis on thinning operations.
In addition the forest road scheme operated by my Department provides grant aid for the construction of forest roads which will facilitate the extraction of timber from thinnings in private forests in a cost-effective manner. This scheme is open and applications are currently being processed.
Grant Payments
Michael Creed
Question:201 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the availability of grants from his Department for forestry roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21094/10]
Funding is currently available for the Forest Road Scheme and applications are being processed in the normal way.
Michael Creed
Question:202 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has had his application for installation aid rejected; if, in the circumstances, he will review this decision and approve payment to the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21103/10]
The person concerned is an applicant under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. His application was rejected as certain requirements, notably concerning the lease, were not met. Under the terms and conditions of the Scheme a lease must run for at least seven years from an applicant's set-up date and this was not the case for this application. Further submissions regarding the application were received, however the issue with the lease was not addressed. Following a review by an Officer of my Department the original decision was upheld.
Michael Creed
Question:203 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in payment of a 2008 REP scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21109/10]
Payment will issue to the person named within ten working days.
Bobby Aylward
Question:204 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment under the suckler cow scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [21130/10]
The person named has 14 animals for consideration under the 2009 Suckler Welfare Scheme. The Terms and Conditions of the Suckler Welfare Scheme (section 8.5.2) clearly states that for herds of more than 10 suckler cows a gradual weaning procedure must be followed. It is open to the farmers to wean at pasture or indoors but the calves must be weaned in at least 2 separate groups with each group being removed at a minimum interval of 5 days. A copy of the Terms and Conditions is issued with the application form to each farmer, and in signing the application form the applicants agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
The applicant originally declared a weaning date of 23rd September 2009 and has since amended the weaning date for some of the calves. However, having carefully considered the amendment received my Department cannot accept it as it is inconsistent with the information already provided by the applicant. Consequently, a letter has issued to the applicant advising him of my Department's decision in his case.
Food Labelling
Pat Breen
Question:205 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures being taken to address the problems experienced by lobster and crab fishermen in Ireland in view of the fact that products processed here, which have been imported from the US and Canada, are being sold as EU products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21212/10]
Under EU legislation (Council Regulation 104/2000 and Commission Regulation 2065/2001) fishery products, including Lobsters must be labelled with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation catchment, common name and species name. The food business operator must also be in a position to trace the fishery product (Lobster) one step back in the supply chain, and ensuring that all labelling information from the supplier is maintained during the forward selling process, including, to the consumer. The main legislation covering the labelling, presentation and advertising of food in Ireland is EU Directive 2001/13/EC, European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2002 (SI483/2002) and EU Directive 2003/89/EC which states that the consumer must not be misled with regard to labelling. It would therefore be contrary the food labelling regulations for imported US/Canadian lobster to be labelled as originating in the EU. Origin labelling does bring its own complexities with provisions in customs legislation for imported foods to undergo ‘substantial transformation' to assume the origin of the country where that processing occurred.
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is responsible for verification of accurate labelling in seafood establishments up to but not including retail. Such checks including accurate origin labelling, are incorporated into ongoing official controls at those establishments. The SFPA maintains a confidential helpline whereby information on potential non-compliances in seafood sector can be confidentially passed on for investigation by the appropriate agency.
Responsibility for the enforcement of food labelling legislation in retail outlets rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Checks on compliance are incorporated into routine inspections of retail establishments. These inspections are carried out by the Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) in the Health Service Executive (HSE) operating under a service contract with the FSAI.
Fisheries Protection
Pat Breen
Question:206 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures being taken at EU level to protect the Irish lobster and crab fishing industry from an outbreak of parasites which has occurred in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21213/10]
The bacterium Aerococcus viridans var. homeri causes a disease called Gaffkaemia. This disease is endemic to the lobster (Homarus americanus) populations of North America and it has been reported that the level of infection in wild populations can range from 0-40%. The disease has also been reported in European waters, firstly back in 1996 and on several occasions since then.
The European legislation which covers diseases of aquaculture animals is Council Directive 2006/88/EC on animal health requirements for aquaculture animals and products thereof, and on the prevention and control of certain diseases of aquatic animals. Annex IV, Part II of the Directive lists the diseases which must be controlled under the Directive. The crustacean diseases which are listed are Taura Syndrome, Yellowhead Disease and Whitespot Disease. The criteria used to select the diseases to be listed are outlined in Annex IV, Part I of the Directive. According to the EU Commission, Gaffkaemia does not fulfil the criteria for listing. It should also be noted that a similar set of criteria is used by the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health), and the disease is not listed by that organisation either.
Council Directive 2006/88/EDC has been transposed by S.I. No 261 of 2008. The crustacean diseases to be controlled at national level reflect those outlined in the Directive.
Grant Payments
Martin Ferris
Question:207 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied). [21227/10]
My officials have asked the person named for record sheets and a copy of a lease. His application cannot be processed further until these are received.
FÁS Training Programmes
Róisín Shortall
Question:208 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the specific training services geared specifically to the needs of lone parents seeking work. [21261/10]
All lone parents who present to FÁS Employment Services are provided with a one-to-one guidance interview with an Employment Services Officer. As part of this process, lone parents are advised on suitable labour market opportunities, such as current job vacancies, training/employment programme places, or may also be referred to other FÁS supports.
The Social Inclusion Model, which is a new support model to help people overcome barriers and increase their opportunity to access training and employment programmes and ultimately the open labour market is currently being tested by FÁS with lone parents.
This Model is an inter-agency approach (involving FÁS, Department of Social Protection, Irish Vocational Educational Association and Lone Parent organisations) that includes outreach information and recruitment and basic IT training.
Also included in the model is a part-time "Paving Your Way to Work" programme concerned with the provision of information supports regarding welfare to work, budgeting, personal coaching and training, education and work options aimed at individuals who are parenting alone who want to get a job or improve their job prospects and who need to access a wide range of information and/or learn new skills through training and/or to return to education in order to achieve this.
Institutes of Technology
Brian Hayes
Question:209 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for voluntary early retirement from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009, on behalf of full-time and permanent lecturer staff, that were sent for approval to her Department, by the 13 institutes of technology; the breakdown by college of these applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21083/10]
Brian Hayes
Question:210 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for voluntary early retirement that resulted in applicants, full-time and permanent lecturer staff, being granted voluntary early retirement and years added on from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009; the breakdown of the successful applicants by college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21097/10]
Brian Hayes
Question:211 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications for voluntary early retirement resulting in applicants, full time and permanent lecturer staff, being refused voluntary early retirement with years added on in the year from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009; the breakdown of the applicants by college; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21101/10]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 to 211, inclusive, together.
During the period in question, my department received proposals from Institutes of Technology for a total of 38 voluntary early retirements in respect of permanent whole time lecturers. The breakdown by college was: 2 from Sligo IT, 5 from IT Tralee, 17 from Waterford IT, 6 from Athlone IT and 8 from Dundalk IT.
Up to 31 December, 2008 a total of 16 of the proposed retirements with added years were sanctioned. The proposals approved were from the following Institutes Of Technology: 1 from Sligo IT, 1 from IT Tralee, 8 from Waterford IT and 6 from Athlone IT.
The Minister for Finance, in his supplementary budget speech of 4th April 2009, announced that a new Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) was to be introduced and that it would be the only voluntary early retirement scheme that the Government intended to make available in the civil and public services.
School Staffing
Brian Hayes
Question:212 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills the number of teachers currently employed within primary and post primary schools; if she will confirm that an additional number of teachers — 600 at primary, 330 at post primary and 150 from the recent Government agreement — will be employed from September 2010; the additional cost per annum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21105/10]
The public sector numbers for 31 March 2010 were 31,860 primary teachers and 27,860 post-primary teachers.
While education cannot be entirely spared in terms of decisions made in order to control expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long term, it has been protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure
For September 2010, the estimated additional teacher requirement is of the order of 600 additional teaching posts at primary and 330 at Post Primary for September 2010. In addition to these estimates, calculated on the basis of demographics and the continued growth in provision for children with special educational needs in schools, the final 150 posts from the revised programme for Government will also be allocated.
The full year cost for the provision of these teaching posts in 2011 will be over €50m.
My Department is keeping projections for future enrolment under constant review.
Departmental Staff
Finian McGrath
Question:213 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will support a matter (details supplied). [21135/10]
I understand that the income levy certificates have issued on a phased basis over the last week to approximately 100,000 teaching and non-teaching staff both serving and retired who are paid through my Department's centralised payroll system.
School Placement
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if the National Education Welfare Board has sought or obtained a school place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21152/10]
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) with statutory responsibility to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The remit of the Board was extended in 2009. The extended remit brings together the Visiting Teacher Service for Travellers (VTST), the Home School Community Liaison Service (HSCL) and the School Completion Programme (SCP) as well as the National Educational Welfare Service (EWS) under one common management team.
The NEWB's network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) is one of the key means by which the Board ensures that each child attends and benefits from education. Key aspects of the role of an EWO is to advise parents in relation to the procedures for enrolment in schools and assist parents where they are experiencing difficulties in finding school places.
In response to the matter raised I can inform the deputy that the NEWB has advised my Department that the parent(s) of the child in question has not made contact with the NEWB to seek assistance with securing a school place for this child.
To be of assistance with this matter the NEWB has provided my officials with details of the relevant EWO who is available to assist the parents in securing a school place. Officials in my Department will arrange to have these details forwarded directly to the Deputy.
Psychological Service
Willie Penrose
Question:215 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will take immediate steps to have detailed psychological assessment carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21182/10]
As the Deputy will be aware all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved and paid for by NEPS.
In common with many other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention.
I have made enquiries with my Department's National Educational Psychological Service in relation to the pupil referred to in the Deputy's question and can confirm that while the NEPs psychologist assigned to the relevant school is aware of the case, no approach has been made by school authorities in relation to the current assessment or review of the child. The NEPS service is available to provide any relevant assistance requested by school authorities in this instance and I would suggest that the child's parents raise the matter with the school principal.
Special Educational Needs
Emmet Stagg
Question:216 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the policy in regard to special education and the provision of resource hours to include Down’s syndrome as a low incidence disability in its own right (details supplied). [21220/10]
The Deputy may be aware that my Department has put in place a range of teaching and care supports for pupils with special educational needs. These include the provision of additional teaching and/or special needs assistant support in schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs, including Down's Syndrome.
All primary schools have the benefit of additional Learning Support/Resource Teaching support through the General Allocation System. One of the benefits of the general allocation system is that it has put support teaching resources in place in schools on a more systematic basis and enables them to support pupils with high incidence special educational needs immediately. Some pupils with Down's Syndrome, based on their psychological assessment, have been assessed as having a high incidence special educational need.
Other pupils with Down's Syndrome fall within the low incidence range of special educational needs. The National Council for Special Education will sanction additional teaching hours where a primary school pupil has been assessed as being within the low incidence category of special need. The General Allocation Model is only available in primary schools. Second level schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs are also allocated additional teaching hours. The number of additional teaching hours sanctioned ranges from one-and-a-half hours to five hours per week depending on the pupil's special educational needs.
Special needs assistant posts are allocated to schools to support students with care needs. Funding has been made available for specialist furniture and/or assistive technology if this is required. My Department can also fund special school transport arrangements.
I have no plans to alter the current policy for the allocation of special educational needs supports.
Schools Building Projects
Dan Neville
Question:217 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [21223/10]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school was approved a devolved grant to build an additional two classrooms to meet the school's most immediate needs. The school was advised of this by letter from my Department on 7th May 2010.
In relation to the learning support resource teacher, the general allocation model was introduced in primary schools in September 2005 to ensure that each school has learning support/resource teaching support available to meet the needs of children with high incidence special educational needs.
Schools decide themselves how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils and how to adjust their support in line with the changing needs of pupils as they mature. The Department provided a circular SP ED 02/05 to schools to assist them in deploying the General Allocation Model resources.
In that context, I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers did make an application for resource teaching. However, the application had insufficient information so the school were requested to re-submit their application.
When the additional information is received the application will be considered further.
Swimming Pool Projects
Joe Costello
Question:218 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if there are any funds available in her Department for the refurbishment of swimming pools as in the case of a pool (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21231/10]
My Department's capital funding is made available for school and college buildings. Funding is not available from my Department for investment in the refurbishment of swimming pools, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, which are not part of school or college facilities.