Vol. 734 No. 2
1 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to have a second Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh later this year; if he will provide an up to date report on the first forum; the value and importance of the global Irish network established as a result of the first forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13969/11]
The Government will host the second Global Irish Economic Forum at Dublin Castle on 7 and 8 October, 2011. The forum will provide an opportunity for the Government to meet directly many of the most influential members of our diaspora and discuss our priorities for economic renewal, job creation and the restoration of Ireland's reputation abroad.
Formal invitations will issue shortly to members of the Global Irish Network and other invitees. Whereas the precise details of the programme and topics to be considered are currently being finalised, I can confirm that the forum will meet in several different formats, including plenary sessions, panel discussions and breakout working groups. The topics to be discussed will cover specific economic areas identified as priorities in the programme for Government. The importance of engaging the current and future generations of the global Irish and the role of Irish culture in promoting Ireland abroad will also feature as important themes.
The 2009 forum, in which I participated, led to the implementation of a series of significant initiatives across a range of areas, including business network development, innovation, tourism, the promotion of Irish culture and diaspora engagement. The report of the first forum and its two subsequent progress reports are available on my Department's website. In addition, in the context of preparing for the 2011 forum, a comprehensive review of all the recommendations was undertaken by my Department, in consultation with all other relevant Departments. A copy of this review will be circulated and made available on my Department's website.
The Global Irish Network consists of more than 300 people from 37 countries. The members include some of the most influential Irish and Irish-connected individuals abroad and they provide Ireland with an invaluable resource of international expertise from which we can draw as we work towards economic recovery. Since its establishment in February 2010, three broad functions have characterised the work of the network: an advisory and facilitation function; a mechanism for disseminating information about the Irish economy and other significant developments; and its use as a means of delivering or assisting with the delivery of specific initiatives. The members have also been an invaluable resource to our ambassadors and consuls general in their work of promoting Ireland abroad.
I thank the Tánaiste for his reply and I take it that he accepts that the establishment of this forum in the first instance and the subsequent establishment of the network was a very positive initiative by his predecessor. I compliment the Tánaiste for recently bringing the Irish ambassadors home for a detailed discussion over two days, which was a very positive initiative.
Will the Tánaiste outline the level of engagement on his part since his appointment with members of the network? In particular, when he was in the United States recently did he have the opportunity to engage with network members there? With regard to the impending forum scheduled for 7 and 8 October, what will be the significant difference between that and the previous forum? I note that the Taoiseach indicated there would be a larger number of interests involved in the upcoming event, suggesting there would be more of a follow-through on the ideas and proposals that emerged in the first forum. What steps has the Tánaiste taken to follow through on the proposals in the initial report?
I have previously acknowledged that convening the Farmleigh event and setting up the Global Irish Network was very positive and constructive. It was done by my predecessor as part of the previous Government. The Deputy knows I criticised the previous Government on many issues but this is not one of them. This was a very good initiative which was very successful. As a result of the potential generated, we have decided to convene a second event.
The upcoming event will not be in Farmleigh because the number of members of the Global Irish Network has grown since the first event, with the current number at more than 300. It is intended to hold the upcoming event at Dublin Castle. I envisage that the emphasis will be less on what we should do and more about action. There will be a more specific agenda built on what has happened since the last forum convened. As I indicated regarding actions that have been undertaken since the last forum, I will set out in tabular form each of the specific objectives and initiatives proposed by the participants at the Farmleigh forum and the action taken with each of them. I do not propose to go through it here as it would take too long.
With regard to my engagement with forum members, when I was in the United States around St. Patrick's Day there was no formal forum event but members attended various events where I was present. In recent visits to London and Paris we took the opportunity to convene members of the forum in two respects; there was a large trade gathering and we also convened groups of ten or 12 members to speak with me and representatives of State agencies about initiatives we must undertake, particularly in how to grow Irish trade abroad.
2 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the objectives of the diplomatic initiative which was announced at the beginning of April 2011, whose purpose, as understood, is to gain support across Europe for some form of renegotiation of the terms attached to bailout loans from the IMF and EU. [13981/11]
The Government is determined to restore Ireland's standing as a respected and influential member of the European Union. The diplomatic initiative announced by the Tánaiste has this as its overarching objective. It has also sought to ensure understanding of — and support for — Ireland's approach in respect of the EU and IMF programme.
To this end the Government is engaging at senior levels with fellow EU member states. We are making clear the economic and financial realities confronting us and the steps we have taken to get the public finances in order, to repair the banking sector and to restore growth. We are emphasising our determination to see this process through to a successful conclusion and we count on the continuing solidarity of partners. We seek to inform and to persuade, pointing to the benefit for the eurozone and EU as a whole of Irish success.
There are three tracks. First, members of the Government avail of every appropriate opportunity to meet their EU colleagues and representatives of the European institutions; second, there is our embassy network in EU capitals; and third, we look to keep EU diplomatic representatives in Dublin fully briefed.
The Deputy will be aware that a team from the ECB, European Commission and the IMF team completed in mid April the first quarterly review of progress in implementing the support package. This review endorsed the decisive actions by the Government to take control of our banking sector and to address our public finances. The Government has achieved its objective for this review and successfully negotiated the inclusion in the revised memorandum of understanding of a number of the programme for Government commitments, including the jobs initiative, the reversal in the reduction in the national minimum wage and the comprehensive spending review. We will continue work under the initiative and messaging will be adapted to take account of further developments in the eurozone.
I am sure the Tánaiste and the Ministers of State have read international reports on what has happened in Ireland by the likes of Mr. Joseph Stiglitz, Mr. Paul Krugman and Mr. Bill Black, who I have mentioned quite a bit recently. They are very well respected in America for having seen what was happening for what it was but there are others who have contributed reports. These people are clear in contending that the ECB and IMF package is an injustice. Core states such as Germany, France and others are punishing peripheral states——
As we only have a short time I ask the Deputy to ask a question.
I will get straight to the issue. My interpretation of the diplomatic issue when it was announced was that I saw it as countering the narrative sent out that Ireland was reckless, feckless and irresponsible and therefore we must now be prudent and have austerity to cleanse us of all that. It is critical that we lean on those esteemed international views to counter the narrative and tell the truth about what happened here. The vast majority of Irish people were failed by those in authority and those whom they trusted at the time. This Government has such a strong mandate because it promised to right all those wrongs. What are we doing strategically in terms of our European and international partners, including the other 186 members states of IMF? What have we done to engage with the IMF in terms of its regulatory role and what are the timeframes and objectives of this initiative?
While one can point to any number of economists who hold a certain opinion, it is equally possible to find a tranche of economists, both domestically and internationally, who will set out an entirely different view. It is prudent for the Government to assess the differing growth perspectives for the economy and make a judgment on that basis. We required the intervention of the EU and the IMF last November through no fault of the vast majority of citizens of this State. Everybody is paying a heavy price but we have no alternative. I am not aware that the Deputy's party is proposing any magical solution. In opposition, Fine Gael and the Labour Party made it clear that while the terms and conditions of the EU-IMF package may not be fully palatable, there was no alternative to it and on that basis we are determined that the State will rise to the challenge. Despite the scaremongering and views to the contrary, it is clear that we are on course to meet our objectives of making repayments.
The Deputy referred to the core countries. Clearly the various states are at different economic stages and some economies are doing better than others. While Ireland's economy was forging ahead, other member states were not doing as well. Solidarity is required but we must also understand the position of other member states. That is the basis for European partnership even if a considerable number of people would like to forget it. Our intention is to counter the negative perceptions held about Ireland but, by and large, the opinions across the European Union and beyond is that we are performing well in terms of meeting our targets.
We are unfortunately saddled with the need to rely on external support because of the reckless policies of the previous Government but the terms and conditions involved are going to make it difficult to grow the economy. The need for a better deal was clearly outlined in media reports when the Tánaiste launched this initiative. I would have thought the intention behind it was to secure a better deal for Ireland, but the Minister of State is arguing that we are doing well and should talk up Ireland.
The Tánaiste will be aware of certain media reports that have caused alarm. Wikileaks released information regarding his private comments to the US embassy on the Lisbon treaty which differed from his public approach at the time. It is important that he makes it clear to the Irish people that what is being stated in public in this diplomatic initiative is the same as what is being said in private to those in power.
I call the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, for a brief reply.
Perhaps she can interpret the question on behalf of the Tánaiste.
I will try to respond to the reference to the objectives of the diplomatic initiative. We have already succeeded in meeting some of our objectives, as I pointed out in my initial response to the Deputy's question. There has been a significant change to the memorandum of understanding, which we were told last year was not possible. This shows that the Government can affect change through inventiveness and creativity even within the restraints and parameters of the IMF programme. There is scope for the Government to put its stamp on the programme by encouraging job creation and growth and 2011 will be the first year of growth in the past four years. That in itself is quite an achievement and, as the Deputy is aware, our exports are performing well and there is considerable positivity around.
In respect of the other terms and conditions of the package, we are actively seeking better pricing and a reduction in the interest rate. We want parity with the other two member states, Portugal and Greece, which are involved in EU-IMF programmes. This is a priority for the Government. The Tánaiste has engaged in a significant level of bilateral work. He visited Paris to meet counterpart, Alain Juppé, while the Minister for Finance met his counterpart, Christine Lagarde. I have met my French, Polish, Slovak and Greek counterparts and have visited Berlin. Ours is a very determined and proactive approach.
3 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that the shooting dead by Israeli security forces of at least 13 civilians during the Naqba Day protests was heavy-handed; if he will be raising the issue with the Israeli ambassador in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14103/11]
On Sunday, 15 May there were apparently co-ordinated demonstrations to mark Naqba Day by Palestinians and others in the Occupied Territories and neighbouring countries. On the Lebanese and Syrian borders with Israel and the occupied Golan, groups of some hundreds broke away from larger demonstrations and tried to break through the Israeli border fences. Israeli forces opened fire and 14 demonstrators were killed, ten from Lebanon and four from Syria. There were other incidents on the borders of the West Bank and Gaza and at the Israeli embassy in Cairo.
It is clearly a matter of concern where numbers of demonstrators are killed in circumstances like this and I would, on the face of it, agree with the Deputy that this action seems heavy handed. Demonstrations should not end up in deaths and this applies both to security forces and those organising the demonstrations. Frankly, however, we have no clear picture of what took place, in particular where or why troops opened fire. In Lebanon, UN troops were on the scene and will be submitting a report on what happened. It is also true to say that in Lebanon and certainly in Syria, it would normally be very difficult for such large numbers of demonstrators to make it to the border, which is a very sensitive military zone, and there must be a suspicion that some people may have been deliberately encouraging a confrontation with Israel.
I entirely sympathise with the deep frustration of Palestinians who feel that history is moving all around them in the Middle East while their plight remains unresolved but clearly trying to storm a tense and sensitive military border which has been the site of numerous deadly attacks is very unwise and risks further tragedies and I am also concerned about those who perhaps cynically misdirect the frustrations of ordinary demonstrators in this way.
The human rights organisations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called on Israel to launch a thorough and independent inquiry into the killings of the protestors. The Middle East director for Human Rights Watch, Sarah Lee Whitson, stated: "In a too-familiar pattern, Israeli troops responded to stone-throwing youths with live bullets, with predictably deadly consequences... The evidence shows a disturbing disregard for protesters' lives." There is nothing unusual about protests being organised. Protests are regularly organised and advertised in Dublin.
The Deputy should ask a question.
The notion that kids who throw stones could end up dead is unacceptable. If riots in Dublin resulted in two deaths, the reports would be all over the world's media and there would be uproar. Does the Tánaiste not think he should express to the Israeli ambassador his disquiet over the death of 13 or 14 people?
It is not okay for 14 people to be killed in a demonstration. It is not okay in any circumstances. I do not condone that in any way. I made it clear in my reply to this question that demonstrations should not end with people dying. I do not care what force was involved. People involved in a demonstration should not be killed.
UN troops were on the scene in Lebanon. UNIFIL and UNDOF troops were present on the Lebanese border and it is possible that UNDOF troops may also have been nearby in Golan. I understand the Lebanese Army was responsible for decisions on that side. It is expected that there will be a report from the UN troops present about what happened. When it becomes available, I will give it a great deal of attention. The matter will be discussed between Ireland and Israel but I would like to see the report first.
Ireland has been famous for its neutrality for a long time. We were right to agree with the imposition of sanctions against Syria, even though some people might think I would not favour that. However, I still do not understand why the Israeli ambassador has not been spoken to by the Government to express our disquiet because what happened is unacceptable.
I have no difficulty conveying our disquiet to the ambassador but I would like to have a much clearer picture of what took place in the incident, which is why I consider that getting the report from the UN troops is important.
4 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will clarify the exact role of his Department in relation to its trade function; if it is a promotional function; and if the policy function continues to rest with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. [13970/11]
Following a Government decision on 24 May, the transfer of trade promotion functions from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to the Department of Foreign Affairs took place yesterday. The transfer gives my Department the lead role in trade promotion. The transfer of functions will, on a practical level, give my Department responsibility for the management of the export trade council to be established, following a commitment in the programme for Government, and for the joint economic commissions Ireland maintains with a number of countries.
Management of the trade council, which the Minister will chair, will give my Department a key role in implementing aspects of the trading and investing in a smart economy strategy. It will also mean a closer relationship with Enterprise Ireland, particularly in trade missions led by the Minister and myself. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation retains lead responsibility for trade policy, which includes representing Ireland's trade interests in the context of the EU common commercial policy and at the World Trade Organisation.
The promotion of Ireland's economic interests has always been a core strand of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Department and the embassy network have been particularly active in efforts to restore Ireland's international reputation, which has been affected by the economic and financial crisis and to support the export-led growth which is crucial to our recovery.
Ireland still has many challenges to face as we seek to return to growth and Irish companies are turning to both emerging and more established markets for new opportunities. Embassies can, by virtue of their status, gain access to the highest levels of government, media and business in host countries, thus providing a platform to promote Ireland and Irish companies. The enhanced role in trade promotion for my Department should provide a renewed emphasis for this work and help facilitate a stronger relationship with all Departments and agencies responsible for supporting the growth of Irish exports.
I congratulate the Government on pursuing this initiative, which was commenced by the previous Government. It makes sense that the Department and our embassies, in particular, would have a critical role to play as promotional agents and a shop window for Ireland. I am unimpressed at the diary of trade missions in which Ministers are proposing to take part but perhaps there are plans we have not heard about. Will the Minister of State elaborate on that?
The establishment of an export trade council is a key element of the programme for Government. While we support this, I was a little concerned by a reply to a parliamentary question by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, in which he suggested there may be no need for the council. He stated: "The Government is conscious of the need to avoid establishing new groups and bodies unless absolutely necessary and, therefore, will consider whether any amendments to the membership and terms of reference are needed to realign the existing foreign trade council with the objectives of the Government". Will there be an export trade council or not? The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation seems to be at odds with the Minister of State and this is not the first area of divergence we have discovered within Government. Will the Minister of State chair the council, if it is established?
I welcome the Deputy's support. There will be more trade missions and they will be announced as they arise.
I assure the Deputy there will be an export trade council under the aegis of my Department and it will be chaired by the Minister. It will have some of the characteristics of the foreign trade council that was under the aegis of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The programme for Government contains a strong commitment to including private sector exporters as well as relevant Ministers and agencies and their voice will be important on the council. It is intended that the council will have a view on trade missions and it will have a role in advising how the Department can best advance trade throughout the globe.
Earlier the Taoiseach, the Minister, the Minister of State and I addressed ambassadors who have returned from all over the world in our Department. Various agencies were represented at that gathering. We will bring all these strengths together and adopt a more co-ordinated approach to this work, which they have always done. We are strongly of the view that it will be a positive contribution to rebuilding Ireland's reputation and trade.
I thank the Minister of State but I urge her to add impetus to the foreign trade drive, particularly in regard to China and other BRIC countries. Given policy will rest with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and promotion will rest with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, there may be a lack of clarity on the formulation of policy. What administrative structures will be put in place to ensure such difficulties do not arise?
There will be close co-operation between the two Departments. There will be a service level agreement with Enterprise Ireland and my Department will have a working relationship with all the agencies. The EU Commission has competency for multilateral negotiations and, therefore, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will engage in that aspect of the trade brief. Promotion will rest in my Department.
That concludes priority questions, as Deputy Finian McGrath is not present. We will move on to Question No. 6.
I was given permission by the Ceann Comhairle's office to take Deputy McGrath's question.
I am sorry; I was not aware of that. We will take Question No. 5 then.
5 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the international campaign to lift the blockade of Cuba as imposed by the United States of America. [14109/11]
Ireland's position on the United States trade embargo of Cuba is long standing and well known. Ireland and other EU member states support an annual draft resolution at the UN General Assembly introduced by Cuba rejecting the extra-territorial effects of the US embargo.
We and our EU partners are not persuaded that the continued US embargo on Cuba is contributing in a positive way to the democratic transition in Cuba; this position has been expressed on many occasions in contacts with the United States. I am aware that opinions in the US on this issue are divided. Cuba remains an important domestic political issue in the United States, involving the views of many displaced Cubans who have taken refuge there. However, this is an issue which will have to be worked out within the United States itself, and not on this side of the Atlantic.
With the release this year of all 75 political prisoners incarcerated in 2003, the possibility for a new phase in Europe's relationship with Cuba has been opened up. EU-Cuba co-operation in a number of fields such as food security, climate change and the environment have been resumed, a political dialogue with an emphasis on human rights has been instituted, and we are currently examining how the EU might deepen the bilateral relationship further. The outcome of the recent congress of the Cuban Communist Party suggests that considerable reforms are being considered within Cuba, which will open up possibilities for further co-operation between Europe and Cuba.
Independent of any development in the relationship between the United States and Cuba, the European Union and Ireland will continue to bilaterally develop our own contacts with Cuba in accordance with our own criteria, with a particular emphasis on social and economic development and human rights.
I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for his indulgence. Unfortunately, Deputy Finian McGrath's mother passed away last night and he is unable to take this question today. I extend my condolences to him and his family.
I thank the Tánaiste for his response and for restating this country's support of the annual resolution at the UN on the embargo on Cuba. Perhaps the Tánaiste could go further.
It is interesting to note that the EU has taken a great interest in how the Cubans are dealing with human rights issues within Cuba but there seems to be a great reluctance to look at how the United States of America is dealing with the human rights of the Cuban people by continuing to enforce the embargo which is having a considerable impact on the Cuban economy and the health and wealth of the Cuban people. Given that George Shultz, the former US Secretary of State, said in June 2009 that the embargo had been a failure by every measure, would the Tánaiste use the close contacts that are available and have been highlighted this week through WikiLeaks and the American Embassy to convey the views of the Government that the Americans should finally lift the embargo once and for all and use those back channels through which the Americans get much information about the State?
I join Deputy Pringle in expressing my sympathy to Deputy Finian McGrath. I had not known of his bereavement. I am sorry to hear of it.
Deputy Pringle asked about the European Union position on Cuba. The common position was adopted in 1996 in the context of the EU's commitment to a democratic transition in Cuba. It provided a framework for co-operation with Cuba on a range of social, economic and human rights issues. Progress on achieving the goals set out in the Common Position are examined regularly by the EU General Affairs Council.
With regard to our own intentions on bilateral co-operation with Cuba, there have been a number of discussions with Cuban officials with a view to concluding a bilateral co-operation agreement which would bring together Irish and Cuban interlocutors to develop economic, cultural, scientific and other ties. There are a number of promising areas of co-operation including in the biotechnology field which could be facilitated by a bilateral agreement. There are also strong tourism and cultural ties reflected in the recently held Irish cultural week and the CeltFest music festival which has been held two years in a row to considerable local acclaim.
In the coming weeks, political consultations will be held with Cuba in Dublin with a view to advancing our dialogue and to examining future co-operation. Our position on the United States trade embargo is well known. It is a matter that has been communicated directly to the United States and does not need to be mediated through WikiLeaks or anywhere else.
I join in the expressions of sympathy to Deputy Finian McGrath. His late mother often reminded me that she was the midwife where I was born at the Grove Hospital in Tuam. She was a lovely woman.
