Vol. 738 No. 3
8 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is committed to lobbying the US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, to ensure that there continues to be a United States Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20123/11]
During his two years as US Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly invested considerable time and energy in a range of initiatives to attract new investment to Northern Ireland and to develop relationships which I believe will continue to bear fruit in the years ahead. The successful Northern Ireland Economic Conference which took place in Washington last year is one example of the commitment and vision which he brought to the role of economic envoy. I know from my discussions with Secretary of State Clinton of her continuing high level interest in and commitment to the peace process and her ongoing support for consolidating all that has been achieved to date in transforming the situation in Northern Ireland. Indeed, following Declan Kelly's resignation in May, Secretary Clinton reaffirmed that the United States will continue to work with Northern Ireland to expand the opportunities that have been identified during his tenure as US Economic Envoy. The question of how this will be achieved is a matter for the Secretary of State. I have not discussed the appointment of a new Northern Ireland economic envoy with her.
The Government will also continue to work directly with the Northern Ireland Executive and support its efforts in any way we can, including through the North South Ministerial Council. The Government's key priorities are to strengthen the economy across the island of Ireland, as an essential component of economic recovery, to help create jobs for our people and to improve cross-Border public services such as health and education. Both jurisdictions on the island face a number of common challenges including fiscal challenges; the banking sector; NAMA and the property market; and the need to increase our competitiveness. Economic co-operation with Northern Ireland offers a significant opportunity to strengthen our competitiveness, achieve economies of scale in delivering services to communities on either side of the Border, overcome structural economic problems and tackle unemployment. I am confident that the US will continue to work with the two Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive to this end.
I thank the Tánaiste for his response. This is the third time I have raised this matter with the Tánaiste. I accept that he accepts its importance but I must express a degree of disappointment that whereas he stated correctly it is a matter for the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, as to whether such an envoy is appointed he has not actively engaged with her on the issue. I would encourage the Tánaiste to open up active negotiations because we must lobby strongly for this appointment. We might look across the Border at an unemployment level of 7.3% or 7.4% and be somewhat envious of that position but nonetheless we are conscious of the fact that within certain enclaves of the Six Counties there is endemic unemployment——
Could we have a question please, Deputy?
——and that endemic unemployment has given rise to the current difficulties. Will the Tánaiste engage more vigorously with the American Secretary of State, conscious of the fact that the appointment of an envoy would be of major benefit to the Six Counties but would also have an all-island benefit accruing from it?
First, I have met with the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, on a number of occasions since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and there is no doubt about her commitment and support for the continuing peace process in Northern Ireland and for economic development in Northern Ireland. I also conveyed to her the appreciation of the work Declan Kelly did during his term as her economic envoy to Northern Ireland. I should point out that his role was very much as an economic envoy to Northern Ireland and in the first instance it is a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive as to whether it would wish to see that role continue. If it has a view on that it has not been communicated to me.
Second, it is a matter for the United States Administration as to where, when and in what capacity envoys are appointed. I have discussed with Secretary of State Clinton the necessity, for example, to continue funding through the Ireland Funds. That is hugely important and as the Deputy is aware, there have been difficulties in regard to that. The focus and the approach I am taking on this matter is to continue to encourage the United States Administration to continue its economic support but the manner in which that is done and whether it appoints envoys is a matter for its Administration.
I thank the Tánaiste for that response. Implicit in what he is saying is his sense that there is perhaps some element of reluctance on the part of the Northern Ireland Assembly in regard to this particular matter. What level of engagement has the Tánaiste had with the Assembly and with the relevant Ministers on that matter? It would be highly desirable if we could achieve a unanimous approach to persuading the American authorities to appoint an envoy with the unquestionable benefits that would accrue from such an appointment.
There are two issues of which we must be respectful. The first is to be respectful of the position of the Northern Ireland Executive because this envoy was appointed to Northern Ireland. It was not an appointment to the island as a whole and therefore we must be first respectful of that. I have had a number of discussions with both the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister and the leaders of the political parties in Northern Ireland and this issue was not raised by them as something that needed to be pursued.
Second, the appointment of an envoy or any diplomatic representation, whether it is in the political or economic sphere, is a matter for the Government. It is something that we must be mindful and respectful of in that this is a matter for the United States Administration. It is a matter for the Secretary of State. I have a big agenda for discussion with the Secretary of State, much of which relates to Northern Ireland and includes economic support and support for the Ireland Funds, and I am mindful of maintaining a degree of respect as to whether she wants to make a similar appointment in the future.
9 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether it is long past the time for the 44 year Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands to be ended; and his further views that admission to UN membership of a Palestinian State within the 1967 borders would send a powerful signal that this is the will of the international community. [20374/11]
10 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will be supporting the recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September; if he will put his maximum efforts into supporting the end of Israeli occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20373/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
The continuing Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territories is at the heart of the unresolved Arab-Israeli conflict. The issues which have been critical for Israel for most of its history — the existence of the state of Israel and its right to live in peace and security — have for many years been accepted in principle by most Arab and Palestinian opinion. It is the continuing occupation, and the creation and growth of illegal settlements on the occupied lands, which are now the major obstacles to peace.
I consider it an urgent priority objective, both for Ireland and the EU, to help achieve the end of the occupation and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, living in peace alongside Israel. This has been the consistent view of Irish Governments since 1980. It is long overdue, and it remains my view that there should be a state of Palestine, and very soon.
It is widely expected, if the negotiations process remains effectively suspended, that in the autumn the Palestinians will seek some form of recognition at the United Nations for Palestinian statehood. They have made clear that for them this is very much a second choice, and that what they really want to be engaged in in the autumn are serious negotiations with Israel to achieve their objective of statehood through a comprehensive agreement. They are, as I am, more interested in achieving a state that exists in reality rather than only in a United Nations resolution, which will not of itself bring that state about.
It is also important to note that the Palestinians themselves have not yet decided exactly what action they will seek to take at the United Nations. This could range from full entry as a United Nations member state to a General Assembly resolution which could take many forms. Some of these possibilities would principally involve the Security Council, of which Ireland is not currently a member.
Thus there is no proposal on the table on which we can take a view, although our general support for the establishment of a Palestinian state is well known. In discussions at EU level, however, I have agreed with the view that assuring either side now of our support would be premature and simply reduce the incentive on them to return to real talks, which is the more important objective.
As I have stated in answer to previous questions, if the issue of recognition arises at the United Nations in the autumn, the Government will consider Ireland's response very carefully. We will take into account factors such as Ireland's long-standing support for the achievement of a Palestinian state, the exact terms and nature of what may be proposed, the positions of EU partners and other friends, the progress on the wider peace process, and our assessment of the practical impact of any such decision.
I thank the Minister for his response. I know he has had a constructive meeting with Dr. Nabeel Shaath today. The members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs had a chance to meet him informally and listen to the views of the Palestinian people he represents.
The Minister agrees with me with regard to the offer of the Palestinian people to settle for a territory that comprises 22% of their homeland, which offer has stood since 1988. The refusal of the Israeli state to accept 78% of that original territory is quite incredible. For too long, the Palestinian people have had to deal with repression, particularly in Gaza in recent years. If there is a failure to reach consensus at European level and a US veto at the meeting of the UN Security Council, will we support a motion before the General Assembly calling for observer status for the Palestinians?
The Deputy will agree that we must await to see how this works out. There is no proposal on the table at present. I had a very constructive meeting today with Dr. Nabeel Shaath and he set out for me his perspective on likely developments. First, there may be an application to the UN Security Council. Ireland is not a member of the council. The issue will arise at council level as to whether some state exercises a veto on any proposal submitted. Then the question will arise as to whether a proposal should be put before the General Assembly. We must wait to see the form of such a proposal. As the Deputy indicated, there is a possibility that a proposal may be put to the General Assembly seeking observer status. We will consider that if it is made.
We will continue to discuss this issue with our EU partners. The Foreign Affairs Council is to meet next Monday and I will be attending. I expect this issue will be discussed at the meeting. I am also taking the opportunity to discuss the issue bilaterally with other Foreign Ministers, and did so last Friday when I met the German Foreign Minister, Mr. Westerwelle.
Over the years, I have always heard the Minister speak in a very fair manner about the Middle East. I hope this does not stop. The argument for giving Palestine a more fair deal than it is receiving at present is pretty obvious.
I was reading this morning that Israel holds the world record for violating UN Security Council resolutions. It has violated 30, which is incredible. The Palestinian people are living in unbelievable conditions, as the Minister knows, and there is no justice. The Minister implied US President Barack Obama is not in a position to offer support at present because he is in re-election mode and depends too much on the Israeli lobby in the United States. If there is a General Assembly vote, will the Irish Government vote in favour of a Palestinian state? If not, will the Minister state categorically that we are absolutely in favour of Palestine having its own state and that Israel must start negotiating to move out of the occupied territories?
I can state now Ireland is in favour of Palestine having its own state and that it wants to see that state living in peace with Israel. We want to see an agreed negotiated settlement of the entire conflict in the Middle East. My efforts on behalf of this country, which will be very much furthering a consistent policy followed by successive Governments over a long period, will be to help to secure such a negotiated settlement.
I cannot anticipate what resolution will be put before the General Assembly. Deputies will understand that until we see the terms of the resolution, it will not be possible to make a decision on how we will respond to it. I have indicated very clearly the positive approach Ireland is taking to the idea that there should be a Palestinian state. I will continue to work at European Union level to encourage EU colleagues and High Commissioner Catherine Ashton, who has been very active in this area, to continue to work to secure EU input.
It has been said, correctly, that a UN resolution endorsing the existence of a Palestinian state in its own right would not achieve conflict resolution in the region. As Deputy Wallace pointed out, Israel holds the world record for ignoring UN Security Council resolutions. However, does the Minister, whom I know cannot see the future and does not have a crystal ball, agree that when the proposal is put before the UN Security Council and the US exercises its right to veto, the Palestinians will put forward a proposal on observer status? They have immense international support. Some 120 countries around the world support the objective of achieving a Palestinian state and the vast majority of them will support the granting of observer status if the United States decides to block the right to recognition.
Does the Minister agree that even the achievement of observer status would represent a loud and clear signal to the Palestinian people that the international community respects their right to nationhood and will not ignore the ongoing occupation of their territories?
In 1998, there were approximately 190,000 Jewish settlers living in the West Bank; today, there are over 500,000. That is an horrific statistic. There is aggression and settlements continue to be built. This is the context that makes it timely for the international community to say decisively once and for all that it recognises the Palestinians' right to having their own nation, freedom and independence.
I have been to the West Bank and am familiar with the extent of the occupation and the way in which the settlements have developed. While we may speculate as to what will happen at the meeting of the Security Council if a resolution is presented thereto, none of us can say for certain at this point that there will be a veto. There are interventions that could occur between now and September. As I mentioned, the European Union has a role. I am advocating an active role for the Union. The Quartet had a meeting on Monday. Although it issued no statement, discussions are continuing.
It is unwise at this point to start writing the script for what may happen in September. A lot could happen between now and then. The Government will play a very constructive role in the discussions leading up to the meeting in September, particularly those at EU level.
I just wish to make the point that the most——
A question.
The most optimistic time we have seen was when Rabin was in power and we had the Oslo agreement. The United States was bypassed because like the situation now they were not in a position to support it. Rather than relying and depending on the United States initiative, is it possible to make the European voice stronger and lobby more from Europe? Europe's voice needs to be more independent from the United States and Europe should pressurise the United States into doing the right thing.
I very much agree with this point of view. It is the approach that I am taking, and I encourage the European Union to take a more active role in this area. Given the political considerations that come into this question, particularly in the United States, there is scope for the European Union to have a far more proactive role. Again, we must bear in mind that various member states of the European Union have varying positions, some of which are based on historical experience which we must take into consideration and understand. I believe the European Union can take a greater leadership role. Catherine Ashton in her capacity as the High Representative has been taking a much more active role on this issue. I will continue to encourage her to do so.
11 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the date for the establishment of the Export Trade Council; the terms of reference for the council; if he will discuss the proposed membership of the council with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20124/11]
Following the recent transfer of certain trade promotion functions from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade now has responsibility for the establishment and management of the export trade council. The Tánaiste intends to convene the first meeting of the new council, which he will chair, later this month. As Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development, I look forward to supporting the Tánaiste in the work of the council which will strengthen co-operation and co-ordination across all Departments and State agencies involved in the promotion and development of trade and exports. It will oversee the progressive implementation of the recommendations set out in Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy published last autumn and included in the programme for Government commitments.
The Tánaiste intends to confirm the terms of reference for the export trade council, which will reflect these objectives, at the inaugural meeting. The Government is conscious of the need to avoid establishing new groups and bodies unless absolutely necessary and the Tánaiste has therefore decided that the export trade council will subsume the existing foreign trade council, established by the previous Government under Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy. In addition to the Departments and State agencies represented on the previous council, the Tánaiste will, in accordance with the programme for Government, invite private sector participation in the work of the new council, particularly from individuals who have experience in the export sector. Provision for such participation will be made in the terms of reference. The Tánaiste's decision to chair the new council himself is a reflection of the importance which the Government and all of us must attach to export-led recovery as the key to economic recovery.
The Tánaiste and I will be happy to discuss the work of the export trade council, once it is established, with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade.
I thank the Minister of State for her response. I welcome the fact that we will not see the establishment of a second body to function in this particular area. The subsuming of the foreign trade council into the new export trade council is to be welcomed.
In the spirit of what was instigated by the former Minister, Eamon Ryan, in broadcasting legislation whereby he began the process of consulting with committees in advance of the appointment of boards or agencies, a matter alluded to on many occasions in the House by the Taoiseach who has given undertakings that prior to constituting State boards committees would be consulted, will consultation take place with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on the terms of reference and membership of the proposed trade council?
It is difficult to be overwhelmed by what is proposed by the Government at this stage on overseas trade missions. They are very important. Is the Tánaiste awaiting the appointment of the trade council before he embarks on overseas trade missions? With all due respect, the less we see of him in the House in the weeks and months ahead the better because we believe he will be a very good ambassador for the country on trade missions. We want to hear of him visiting many countries and doing the promotional work that so badly needs to be done.
I know the Tánaiste and I will be happy to engage with the committee. We do not want to delay the establishment and we have agreed it will be established by the end of the month. The final arrangements are being put in place. An important difference is that as well as State agencies and Ministries, individuals directly involved in exporting will be on the council. There is a time factor involved in engaging with the committee prior to the first meeting of the export trade council. However, the Minister and I will be happy to engage with the committee on an ongoing basis.
With regard to trade missions, I am sure the Tánaiste takes the compliment the Deputy offered. Information on trade missions is given to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Such information from Enterprise Ireland has been conveyed on a number of proposals for this year. Any time the Minister, the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, and I are abroad on Government, development or European business we have ensured the work we do has a trade element. Trade missions will be jointly informed to the two Departments and will be led by Ministers or Ministers of State. I assure the Deputy that we will all work very hard along with our embassies and State agencies to ensure we develop in every corner of the world every trading opportunity we can for the country.
12 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on diverting funds from bilateral aid programme to an emergency programme that would resuscitate discussed boreholes in the Horn of Africa, thus providing immediate clean water to ten million people facing starvation in the drought ridden region; if he will recruit unemployed Irish engineers to volunteer their services to this emergency appeal; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the cost of drilling and maintaining a functioning borehole capable of serving a village of several hundred people is as low as $6,500. [20376/11]
The Government has been following the humanitarian crisis across the Horn of Africa for many months. At the beginning of 2011, in anticipation of a severe crisis, we pre-approved humanitarian funding of €4 million for UN agencies and NGOs working in the region.
Approximately 12 million people in five countries are now being affected by the most severe food crisis in the world today. To compound the situation, access for aid agencies to much of Somalia — one of the worst affected countries — remains extremely dangerous as a result of the conflict there. Last week, as the situation deteriorated, I approved the release of a further €500,000, to support emergency feeding programmes run by Concern and Trócaire in Somalia and Kenya. My officials, including our embassy in Addis Ababa, are in daily contact with partner agencies across the region to assess the needs on the ground and the possibilities for further Government support.
In addition to humanitarian assistance, Ireland also has major bilateral development programmes with Ethiopia and Uganda, two of the countries most affected by the current crisis. These long-term development programmes are making a vital contribution to the fight against poverty and hunger for some of the poorest communities in Africa. Any diversion of funding from these programmes would undermine the progress being made in health care, education and other basic services.
Provision of clean water and decent sanitation is a central element of our response to emergencies and is also crucial for long-term development. So far this year, Irish Aid has provided more than €1.4 million in direct emergency support for NGOs providing water and sanitation in the region. This includes the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of boreholes, wells and other vital water points.
Irish Aid also regularly deploys engineers to humanitarian emergencies through the Rapid Response Corps. At present, 155 highly-skilled volunteers are registered with the Corps, 11 of whom are working with humanitarian organisations in the Horn of Africa in response to the current crisis. They include a number of engineers and an expert in water and sanitation programming.
I thank the Minister of State for her response. From a previous discussion, I know she has been focusing on this issue.
I commend the work of the non-governmental organisations in co-ordinating an emergency response to this extremely serious crisis as it develops. The Minister of State will share my concern arising from criticism made of providing direct aid to governments over the years and the impact this approach may have had. While I do not attribute abuse and corruption to Ethiopia or Uganda, there has been clear evidence that many of the governments which have received direct aid have been responsible for abuse and corruption. Such criticism does not apply to aid being provided to NGOs, which have done tremendous work.
Will the Minister of State consider diverting funds to establishing a programme to resuscitate abandoned boreholes using the expertise of some of the many construction workers on the live register who have worked on boreholes? Could we think outside the box, perhaps by working in partnership with the non-governmental organisations which, as the Minister of State noted, are already doing some work in this area? It strikes me that we must be able to make a more constructive, planned and thoughtful contribution than simply channelling money through governments. I ask the Minister of State to consider such a response in co-operation with the NGOs.
Most of the funding to the Horn of Africa is allocated directly to non-governmental or United Nations organisations. Any money allocated directly to governments, largely the Governments of Uganda and Ethiopia, is directly programmed for specific areas and is not paid into a central government fund. While I appreciate that boreholes and access to water are crucial, practice has shown that the best way to deploy people is through the NGOs, given the considerable experience they have acquired in these areas, or the rapid response corps. As I indicated, 11 members of the rapid response corps are in the Horn of Africa and a number of others are waiting to travel. I will raise the point made by the Deputy in my discussions with NGOs to ascertain if it is possible to deploy more people. It is important, however, to continue to act in an organised and effective manner. As the Deputy will be aware, Somalia is a particularly dangerous country and we must ensure people are safe.
I thank the Minister of State for her offer to discuss my proposal with the NGOs. We must respond to the current crisis and the NGOs, which I again commend, are best positioned to provide a response. Nevertheless, there is scope for strategic thinking about how we could deploy some of the many people on the live register with specific skills in this area to address the need to find and develop water infrastructure in the long term. This is not a one-off problem but one which will arise repeatedly in future. The United Nations has stated that focusing on the development of agriculture and water infrastructure is the best means of assisting the countries in question in the long term.
As part of the review of the White Paper on Irish Aid the Minister of State is about to commence, will she engage immediately with the NGOs to determine what we, as a Government, can do to access the skilled labour force that is available? The Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, has noted my wishful thinking.
I thank the Deputy for his co-operative approach to helping the Government. It is extremely important that we do whatever we can in this area. A number of representatives of the United Nations are in the region and our embassy in Addis Ababa has been reporting back directly from them on the current position. I, too, commend the non-governmental organisations on the fantastic work they are doing. We will continue to take on board any suggestions the Deputy may make.
