Written Answers Nos. 27-37
27. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details on the recent trade mission that he led to Brazil; and his expectations of future bilateral relations with Brazil following his visit. [50097/12]
View answerPresident Michael D. Higgins, accompanied by my colleague, Mr Joe Costello T.D., Minister of State for Trade and Development, recently visited Chile, Brazil and Argentina. Their programme had a strong trade dimension. During the visit to Brazil, now the world’s sixth largest economy, Minister Costello led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission. The President’s visit to Brazil, and the accompanying trade mission, offered a valuable opportunity to raise Ireland’s profile in this high growth economy, which is a priority market in the Government’s Trade Strategy. Some 42 Irish businesses and third-level education institutions took part in the trade mission, spanning a wide range of sectors including telecommunications, financial services, and engineering services. Representatives of the State Agencies – Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland and Bord Bia – also participated.
The President and Minister Costello met with Irish companies and their Brazilian partners and witnessed the signings of significant contracts in the commercial and education sectors. Two Irish companies opened new facilities, substantial new export contracts were secured by participating companies, and six Memoranda of Understanding were signed between leading Irish and Brazilian Universities and Institutions of Technology. Another key event was the launch of the participation of Irish third-level institutions in a Brazilian scholarship programme that focuses on Science and Technology. Under this programme, we look forward to up to 4,000 Brazilian students studying in Ireland at undergraduate level over the next four years, as well as up to 1,500 post-graduate students.
The President and Minister had a very positive meeting with Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff during which they discussed the growing bilateral relationship, in particular as regards trade and education, as well as international developments. I am delighted to learn that the assessment of the accompanying Irish businesses, third level institutions and State Agencies of the official visit to South America is highly positive. My Department and our Embassy network are committed to supporting Irish companies and third level institutions to make advances in this exciting market. I welcome that both the Mayor and Governor of Sao Paulo have announced their intention of sending, respectively, a trade mission and an investment mission to Ireland in the period ahead. Our Embassy in Brazil will be following up on these and other initiatives so as to ensure that we build on the opportunities created by this extremely successful visit.
29. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a breakdown of the new staff recruited to work in his Department and associated agencies in 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 by grade, location, contracted hours, full time or part time, and status permanent or temporary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50057/12]
View answerDetails of the staff recruited by my Department during the period in question are provided in the following table:
2010
|
Grade |
No of officers |
Location |
Full time / Part time |
Status |
|
Intern |
7 |
Dublin |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
Minister’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Third Secretary |
9 |
Dublin |
Full time |
Permanent |
|
Third Secretary |
1 |
Limerick |
Full time |
Permanent |
2011
|
Special Adviser |
3 |
Tánaiste’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Personal Assistant |
2 |
Tánaiste’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Tánaiste’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Special Adviser |
1 |
Minister of State Creighton’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
Minister of State Creighton’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Minister of State Creighton’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Civilian Driver |
2 |
Minister of State Creighton’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
Minister of State O’Sullivan’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Minister of State O’Sullivan’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Civilian Driver |
2 |
Minister of State O’Sullivan’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Personal Assistant |
1 |
Minister of State Costello’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Personal Secretary |
1 |
Minister of State Costello’s Office |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Intern |
7 |
Dublin |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Junior Professional Intern – development |
4 |
Limerick |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Junior Professional Intern – development |
1 |
Dublin |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Junior Professional Intern – development |
3 |
Missions abroad |
Full time |
Temporary |
2012
|
Junior Professional Intern – development |
10 |
Limerick |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Junior Professional Intern – development |
2 |
Dublin |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Junior Professional Intern – development |
5 |
Missions abroad |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Intern |
11 |
Dublin |
Full time |
Temporary |
|
Press Officer – Irish Aid |
1 |
Dublin |
Full time |
Permanent |
|
Administrative Officer |
10 |
Dublin |
Full time |
Temporary for EU Presidency |
|
Clerical Officers (temp) |
8 |
Dublin |
Full time |
Temporary for EU Presidency |
In addition, temporary clerical officers were recruited on short-term contracts in 2010, 2011 and 2012 - 125 officers this year - for the Passport Service to enable it to cope with the increase in demand for passports during the peak application period. There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.
30. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his priorities for the Irish Presidency of the EU Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50175/12]
View answerThe jobs and growth agenda remains the main priority of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Tackling the effects of the financial crisis will remain an important challenge for the Union, but the focus must now shift to creating the conditions for economic recovery and job creation. Delivery on concrete initiatives, building on the Compact for Jobs and Growth is a core objective of our Presidency. During the next six months as Presidency, Ireland will also work to make progress on measures aimed at strengthening internal and external trade. A strong emphasis will be attached to enhancing the EU’s trade links with the third countries to facilitate and increase EU exports, and to boost levels of Foreign Direct Investment into the EU.
Ireland will host an informal Ministerial meeting during its Presidency focussed on EU-US trade and we hope to advance a mandate for EU-US trade negotiations. Within the EU, the Presidency will work intensively to better equip the single market to deal with rapidly growing sectors of the economy, including the digital economy. Ireland will work across a number of Councils during its Presidency to advance dossiers to stimulate growth in the digital economy in areas ranging from Cyber security, to e-Identification, and from Data Protection and to high-speed broadband rollout. Ireland will also host the annual Digital Assembly in June 2013. Fighting unemployment, and particularly youth unemployment, will also be a major priority of the Presidency and will be the main focus of a meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers in Dublin next February. The Minister for Education and Skills has also made the promotion of greater access to skills and training a major priority including through reaching agreement on the “Erasmus for All” programme.
Ireland will make sure that we use our Presidency to identify and stimulate areas of the economy that have the potential to deliver sustainable future growth and smarter jobs. For this reason the Presidency will work to make progress on reaching agreement on the EU’s Horizon 2020 framework programme for research and innovation. A further priority will be sharpening European competitiveness by working to complete the European Research Area. A number of conferences will be held during the Presidency in the innovation area, aimed at ensuring broader participation, including by SMEs, in the Union’s future research funding schemes. But Europe’s economy can only grow and develop if there is stability and consumer, business and investor confidence grows. The Presidency will work to restore stability by managing the effective implementation of the EU’s economic governance measures, and in particular the European Semester process. This, combined with existing EU programmes including the European 2020 Strategy, provides a blueprint for economic reform and growth. The Presidency will also work intensively to restore confidence to the EU’s financial services sector through building agreement on the Banking Union proposals. The Irish Presidency will work hard to ensure that the EU has a budgetary framework in place to support economic recovery, through programmes that range from Horizon 2020 to a reformed Common Agriculture and Common Fisheries Policies, that includes cohesion funding to supporting regional growth. Ireland will also place a strong emphasis on reaching agreement on the marine “Blue Economy”, and promoting growth in areas including fisheries, marine biotechnology and coastal region tourism. The Presidency will give a strong priority to securing adoption of the Action Plan under the EU’s Atlantic Strategy.
I look forward to the Irish Presidency programme being published later this year. Throughout November members of the Government will continue to meet with EU partners and with several delegations from the European Parliament for discussions in preparation for Ireland’s Presidency.
31. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost to the State of hosting the Presidency of the EU. [44571/12]
View answer32. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the budget for the Irish Presidency of the EU Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50177/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 32 together.
An overarching focus of the Government in planning for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2013 is to run an efficient and cost-effective Presidency. The Government decided in December 2011 to allocate a budget in the order of €60m over 2012 and 2013 to resource the Presidency, which excludes security costs. This budget is broadly in line with budgets for recent Presidencies and is less than the cost of the Irish Presidency in 2004 when taking all expenditure into account, the total cost was an estimated €110m.
An effectively managed Presidency will deliver long-term reputational benefits for Ireland. Short-term benefits include significant stimulus for the local economy from an influx of up to 15,000 delegates, press and representatives of NGOs who will use local services including hotels, restaurants, taxis etc. over the six month Presidency period. The use of Dublin Castle and a small number of other state-owned venues mainly in Dublin to host most Presidency meetings will reduce venue hire, transport and set-up costs, not to mention significantly reducing the “carbon footprint” of the Presidency.
The procurement of most logistical requirements for the Presidency is being centralised to reduce costs, reduce administrative burden, and increase efficiencies. Procurement is being carried out on a collaborative basis involving principally my Department, the Department of the Taoiseach, the National Procurement Service and the Office of Public Works. Purchasing is being conducted in a transparent and competitive basis in compliance with relevant EU and national rules.
33. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of the recent trade mission that he led to Malaysia; and the expected economic outcomes of the trade mission. [50098/12]
View answerThe Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, TD, made an official visit to Malaysia from 24-28 October. This was followed by a visit to Vietnam from 28-31 October. Malaysia is a priority market under the Government’s Strategy and Action Plan for Irish Trade, Tourism and Investment to 2015 which sets out the overarching framework for rebuilding and repositioning Ireland for strong export-led growth. In 2011, Malaysia was Ireland’s 6th largest trading partner in Asia with merchandise trade valued at €694.51 million. Exports were valued at €463.39 million; imports at €228.15 million. The Minister’s visit took forward bilateral consultations which I held with my counterpart the Malaysian Minister for Foreign Affairs during his visit to Ireland in March 2012.
While in Malaysia, the Minister was invited to attend the Asia Pacific Ireland Business Forum and delivered the keynote address. This Business Forum brought together some 200 business leaders from leading Irish and international companies throughout the region and was focused on opportunities for expanding trade and investment links between Ireland and Asia. A number of Irish Ambassadors and representatives from the State Agencies were invited to and also participated in the Forum.
In addition to participating in the Business Forum, Minister Costello also undertook a range of engagements in Malaysia. These included meetings with his counterparts in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade. The Minister marked also the 25th anniversary of ESB International’s presence in Malaysia, and met the Irish Chambers of Commerce from the region. Minister Costello visited the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland campus at Perdana University, where Malaysian students follow the RCSI syllabus. Finally, Minister Costello attended the annual Asian Gaelic Games in Kuala Lumpur, which featured the participation of 1,000 players and supporters from across Asia and the Gulf region.
This visit provided a significant opportunity to focus attention on the growing trade and investment opportunities which exist in a key regional market, as well as to engage further with important interlocutors to further enhance Ireland's bilateral relations with Malaysia. Together with my colleagues, I am committed to deepen engagement with Malaysia, to encourage the growing Irish presence in Malaysia, and to expand links with the Malaysian and wider business community in the ASEAN region notably in the education and tourism sectors.
34. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline any expected economic benefits arising from the Africa Ireland Economic Forum hosted by his Department; and his plans to increase trade with Africa in 2013. [50102/12]
View answerIn September 2011, I launched the new Africa Strategy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the first Africa Ireland Economic Forum in Dublin. The Strategy builds on Ireland’s longstanding relationship with Africa, based on political support and the Irish people’s commitment to working to end poverty and hunger in some of the poorest countries on the continent. It explicitly recognises the role which greater economic and trade cooperation can make to relations between Ireland and Africa, and to development in Africa. The second Africa Ireland Economic Forum was held in Dublin on 22 October 2012. It was attended by over 250 people, including representatives from 160 Irish companies as well as officials and business representatives from 25 African countries. The theme of the Forum was “Building on Success” and participants heard from a wide range of Irish businesses who have successfully engaged in the African Market. I addressed the Forum and held discussions with many of those present, from Ireland and from Africa. I am confident that the Forum and the work of my Department and our Embassies abroad are giving added impetus to the development of trade and investment between Ireland and Africa.
A recent study by Barclays Bank of 200 companies in Ireland has found that some 91% of respondents believe that there is untapped potential for Ireland in Africa. These findings echo the reports from our eleven Embassies in Africa which all report increased interest in bilateral trade between Ireland and Africa. I visited a number of African countries earlier this year and was impressed by the rapid pace of change at a political and economic level and the strong entrepreneurial spirit that I witnessed. We will continue to pursue a strong trade promotion agenda in key growth markets across Africa in the coming months. This week the Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D., is travelling on trade promotion business to South Africa and Nigeria, two markets where Irish exports increased in 2011 by 9% and 40% respectively. He will also travel with officials from Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia on the first ever trade focussed visit from Ireland to Ghana.
35. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the increased support for Catalan self-determination, if he supports the right of the Catalan people to self-determination within the European Union. [50093/12]
View answerIt is a matter for the people of any country of the European Union to establish the arrangements for their own democratic governance and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on that process in any one country.
36. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the programme for Government commitment to discontinue the use of Shannon Airport by the United States military will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48507/12]
View answerNo commitment has been made in the Programme for Government to discontinue the use of Shannon Airport by the United States military. What the Programme states is that “we will enforce the prohibition on the use of Irish airspace, airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with international law”. Arrangements for the overflight and landing of US military aircraft at Shannon Airport have been continuously in place under successive Governments for over fifty years. There are no plans to change these arrangements, which are fully consistent with Ireland’s obligations under successive Resolutions of the UN Security Council.
37. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures he has taken in conjunction with his EU counterparts regarding Iranian efforts at nuclear armament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50189/12]
View answer49. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent comments of the Israeli Prime Minister that he is ready to order a unilateral strike on Iran; his views on the possible implication of these comments. [50096/12]
View answer57. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support a peaceful resolution to the Iran, Israel and USA disagreement on nuclear power and weapons. [50458/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 49 and 57 together.
The EU and others have been engaged for almost eight years in efforts to negotiate with Iran a solution to the issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. The EU High Representative, Cathy Ashton, has led negotiations for the E3+3 group (UK, France, Germany, US, Russia and China) with Iran at three negotiating sessions this year, as well as a number of ancillary meetings.
I am satisfied that the EU, along with its other partners, is doing everything it can to encourage Iran to change its course and to negotiate seriously so as to address the major concerns existing regarding its nuclear programme. Regrettably, this has included the necessity to impose several rounds of EU sanctions. A further round of sanctions was agreed at the Foreign Affairs Council in October.
The E3+3 have shown both great patience and creativity in seeking every avenue for agreement. I believe that there are those in Iran who also wish to reach agreement. However, the regime as a whole has thus far regrettably failed to respond and engage in serious negotiation. I very much hope that they will do so soon. Following the US election, it is likely that a fourth round of talks may be convened in the next few months. But if Iran shows no willingness to negotiate, further meetings are likely to serve little purpose. Ireland has shared the widespread international concerns about the nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. These concerns are felt most strongly by other states in the region, not confined to Israel alone. There can be no doubt that this issue has increased instability and could even conceivably lead to conflict in an already very troubled region.
Israel in particular has stated clearly that it considers itself actively under threat from Iran. It points to statements about Israel by Iranian leaders, Iran’s supplying of rockets to militant groups who use them to attack Israeli civilians, and alleged Iranian involvement in terrorism against Israelis in other countries. Israel has stated that it will not accept Iran developing a nuclear weapon, and is prepared to use military force to prevent this. I am aware that both Israeli and Iranian leaders have sometimes used directly threatening language, for either domestic or external effect. I have made clear our view that an attempt by any country to resolve this issue by military means could be hugely destabilising in the Middle East and lead to unknown consequences.
I will continue, as I have always done, to advocate strongly that the issues arising in connection with Iran’s nuclear activities can only be resolved through diplomatic negotiations and not by any other means.
