Written Answers Nos. 155-179
155. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will develop and publish an aviation policy, setting out a clear vision for the development of this sector over the coming decade; if Cork Airport will be a central component to this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52659/12]
View answerThe primary aim of our aviation policy at present as set out in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2011-2014 is to ensure that the sector supports Ireland's economic and social goals in a safe, competitive, cost-effective and sustainable manner and to ensure maximum connectivity for Ireland with the rest of the world. Given the critical importance of the sector to the economy, I have decided to launch a review process for the development of a new civil aviation policy for Ireland. To this end I have invited representatives from all stakeholders to attend a one day conference on 3 December 2012 to launch this process. I expect to have this process concluded and the new civil aviation policy published in early 2014.
Cork airport is an important part of Ireland's civil aviation infrastructure and this will be taken account of as part of the review process. The Government has already decided that the future of Cork airport is best safeguarded by it remaining for the present as part of the DAA.
160. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects to publish the revised Ports Policy; if he will elaborate on the main themes which will feature in the document; if he will outline the role which the Port of Cork will have under the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52658/12]
View answerI expect to bring a Memorandum to Government on the matter and I aim to have the document published by February 2013. As I stated to the Deputy in October, it is my view that the existing policy requires revision to ensure that all of our ports are provided with an appropriate development framework, reflective of their particular circumstances as well as their current role and future potential from a national freight facilitation perspective. The new policy will therefore seek to provide all of our ports with a policy framework that will allow for their future development in a manner that best suits their individual circumstances.
The Port of Cork handles approximately 19% of all seaborne trade in the State and offers services in both the unitised and bulk market sectors. It is clearly therefore an integral part of our commercial port network and an important facilitator of trade from both a national and regional perspective. This will be recognised within the new ports policy.
161. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that Bus Éireann is no longer adhering to it's social charter and continues to cut bus routes in lower population areas, if he will consider selling it off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49428/12]
View answerThe provision of bus services and the routes they take are operational matters for the company in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. Bus Éireann operate a mix of services. Some of these services are commercial services (Expressway) in which they compete on the open market with private operators but do not receive a subsidy either directly or indirectly, while they also operate Public Service Obligation (PSO) services. A PSO payment is made for the company to carry out necessary bus services which would otherwise not be viable. Bus Éireann’s services were not as direct as their competion (be that other bus companies, the railways or travelling by car) and due to that, and the recession, they have lost passengers and revenue. In order to gain competitiveness they have, therefore, had to re-design their Expressway services.
I appreciate that changes to the bus services have inconvenienced some passengers. However, given the financial position that Bus Éireann and the CIÉ companies find themselves in, there is no alternative for the companies but to ensure that commercial operations operate on a commercial footing and that, unfortunately, limits their scope for changing the services. I have no plans to privatise Bus Éireann.
165. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of the number of semi State and State agency executives and employees on an agency by agency basis that have salaries of more than €100,000 per year; if he will provide this information in tabular form, detailing any additional allowances, bonuses and the annual cost to the Exchequer of any pension packages to such employees, in terms of tax reliefs or other costs; if he will provide this information for the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52251/12]
View answerThe National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), incorporating the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), is the only agency under the aegis of my Department. Three employees had salaries in excess of €100,000 per annum for each of the past three years. Of these, one is in receipt of an allowance of 16.66% of salary in lieu of superannuation. No other additional bonuses or payments were made. Details of the salaries and allowances are shown in the following table:
|
2010 |
Salary (€) |
Allowance in lieu of superannuation (€) |
Salary and Allowance in lieu of superannuation (€) |
|
Employee 1 |
146,191 |
24,355 |
170,546 |
|
Employee 2 |
102,124 |
- |
102,124 |
|
Employee 3 |
105,429 |
- |
105,429 |
|
2011 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Employee 1 |
146,191 |
24,355 |
170,546 |
|
Employee 2 |
102,335 |
- |
102,335 |
|
Employee 3 |
105,429 |
- |
105,429 |
|
2012 |
- |
- |
- |
|
Employee 1 |
146,191 |
24,355 |
170,546 |
|
Employee 2 |
102,335 |
- |
102,335 |
|
Employee 3 |
105,429 |
- |
105,429 |
166. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Taoiseach his views on whether there should be a constant review of the Constitution and that each generation should have a say on the total document; if such a move will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52252/12]
View answerThere are no plans for a referendum on the entire Constitution. I would of course point out that the Programme for Government commits the Government to bringing forward proposals for Constitutional reform in a number of areas. Four matters have already been put to the people in referendums since the Government came into office, three of them in fulfilment of commitments in the Programme. The Government also intends to hold referendums on abolition of the Seanad and on reform of our Courts system.
In addition, the Constitutional Convention will hold its inaugural meeting on Saturday next, 1 December. Over the next year, the Convention will consider a wide range of questions: reducing the Presidential term of office to five years and aligning it with the local and European elections; reducing the voting age to 17; review of the Dáil electoral system; giving citizens resident outside the State the right to vote in Presidential elections at Irish Embassies, or otherwise; provision in the Constitution for same-sex marriage; amending the clause on the role of women in the home and encouraging greater participation of women in public life; increasing the participation of women in politics; removing the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution; and such other relevant constitutional amendments that may be recommended by the Convention.
The Government has formally committed to giving a public response, through the Houses of the Oireachtas, to each recommendation from the Convention within four months of receiving it, and we will arrange for a debate in both Houses on that response. If we accept a recommendation that the Constitution should be amended, our response will include a timeframe for the holding of the necessary referendum.
167. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department, or in bodies which fall under the remit of his Department, whose annual remuneration including salary, pension and benefits at 31 December 2011 fell into bands of €400,000 and above, between €300,000 to €399,999, between €200,000 to €299,999 and between €150,000 to €199,000; and if he will provide a breakdown of the positions held by the staff in the relevant pay brackets. [52566/12]
View answerNo member of staff in my Department is paid more than €200,000 per annum. The pay for the Secretary General of my Department has been reduced to €200,000 per annum compared to €285,000 per annum which was payable previously for this position. The pay for the Second Secretary General post in my Department is €188,000 per annum. The two most senior Special Advisers in my Department are paid €168,000 per annum compared to amounts of €222,000 and €213,000 per annum which were payable to the two most senior Special Advisers in the last administration.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), incorporating the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), is the only agency under the aegis of my Department. The highest paid official in NESDO is the Chief Officer, who is also a Director of NESC. He is paid €146,191 per annum and an allowance of €24,355 for superannuation in lieu of pension. It should be noted that the pension related deduction is payable on all of the salaries mentioned above.
168. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he has made any contacts requesting staff whose annual salary is in excess of €200,000 in his Department or in any body under the remit of his Department, to waive 15% of their salary or such amount in excess of €200,000 whichever is the lesser; if he has, the date on which he first made this contact; the number of staff whose annual salaries were in excess of €200,000 at that date; the number of staff who acquiesced to the request for the waiver; the number of staff who refused the request for the waiver and the number of staff who have not responded to the request for the waiver. [52567/12]
View answerThere are no staff whose annual salary is in excess of €200,000 in my Department or in the National Economic and Social Development Office, the only body under the aegis of my Department.
169. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the number of new State agencies, forums and task forces that have been established in 2012; the number of new employees there are as a result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53703/12]
View answerNo new State agencies, forums or task forces were established under the aegis of my Department in 2012.
170. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet all Eurogroup Foreign Ministers and EU Foreign Ministers in advance of the EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52253/12]
View answerWith Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union starting in just under five weeks, I will continue to discuss the priority issues for our Presidency with our partners. At all my meetings I shall emphasise that the main focus of the Irish Presidency will be on measures to create jobs and restore growth in Europe. I will also take the opportunity to discuss the busy foreign policy agenda that Ireland, working closely with the European External Action Service (EEAS), will face during its Presidency in 2013. In recent weeks I have held discussions with Catherine Ashton, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, on plans for Ireland’s Presidency and in particular the Foreign Affairs Council agenda.
Last month, I met Mr. Fabius the French Foreign Minister on 6 October, Mr. Westerwelle the German Foreign Ministers on 25 October and Mr Wammen, the Danish European Affairs Minister on 12 October, and addressed a meeting of the Secretaries General of EU Foreign Ministries that was held in Dublin in advance of the Presidency. I also met Mr. Clegg, the British Deputy Prime Minister, where we had useful bilateral discussions on a number of issues including European issues and our forthcoming Presidency.
This week I have a busy schedule of engagements with representatives of the European Parliament which culminates with a Government meeting with the EP Conference of Presidents. Other engagements include meetings with delegations from the S&D and EPP groups of the European Parliament. The OSCE Ministerial Council next week also affords me the opportunity to meet with a number of my counterparts and arrangements for a number of bilaterals are currently being finalised. I am also meeting the Cypriot Foreign Minister on 19 December 2012. In January the College of Commissioners will come to Dublin to meet the Government.
Next month I will attend the General Affairs and Foreign Affairs Councils and will have the opportunity to meet my counterparts. On 19 November I attended an informal dinner with President Herman Van Rompuy which focused on preparations for the European Council on 22-23 November. I will now be meeting with President Van Rompuy on a regular basis in light of my role as incoming Chair of the General Affairs Council.
171. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an overview of his negotiations on the State's contribution to the European Union budget in 2014 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52454/12]
View answer172. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to ongoing negotiations of the European Union budget between 2014 and 2020, if he has adopted a position similar to that of Britain and sought a real-terms freeze on the EU budget between 2014 and 2020. [52455/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
In the negotiations on the EU Budget Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) Ireland has argued for a properly funded and properly functioning EU, with the right mix of priorities, fair allocation of resources and a focus on jobs and growth. Ensuring a properly-funded Common Agricultural Policy is central to this. Negotiations on the MFF have been taking place since June 2011, when the European Commission presented its proposals. Negotiations have taken place at official level and in the General Affairs Council. Most recently, the European Council met on 22 and 23 November to try to reach agreement.
While a final deal was not reached, it was agreed that President Van Rompuy and President Barroso should continue work and pursue consultation in the coming weeks to find a consensus over the Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2014-2020. It was also agreed that bilateral talks between President van Rompuy and members of the European Council and the constructive discussion within the European Council had shown a sufficient degree of potential convergence to make an agreement possible in the beginning of next year. The Taoiseach will make a statement to the Dáil on the outcome of the European Council on 28 November.
173. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has policy regarding importation of sandblasted denim, and his plans to ban their importation. [52288/12]
View answerThe matter concerned falls within the responsibility of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
174. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to his comment that Ireland cannot act unilaterally to ban illegal Israeli imports, his response to Ireland's obligations to uphold and promote international human rights and humanitarian law; his views on the legal opinion provided by EAPPI (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52378/12]
View answerI am fully conscious of Ireland’s obligations under international law, including human rights and humanitarian law. My Department has received and examined a number of legal opinions on this issue commissioned by NGOs. The legal issues which they raise had already been considered by my Department in advising me on this issue. I remain satisfied that a ban on settlement products can only be introduced, both legally and practically, at EU level
175. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of all countries whose Governments receive overseas aid from Ireland; the amount of aid each of these Governments received in 2011 and to date in 2012 from the Irish State; the specific purposes of aid funding provided to each of these countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52476/12]
View answerIreland’s aid programme prioritises the fight against global poverty and hunger. The programme is central to our foreign policy, has an enviable international reputation and enjoys consistently high levels of public and political support.
In 2011 Ireland provided €657 million to Official Development Assistance (ODA). This funding was directed to development programmes and to providing life saving emergency humanitarian assistance in over eighty of the world’s least developed countries. The majority of this assistance was delivered through trusted partners - the UN system, International Development Organisations and Non Governmental Organisations and Irish Missionary Organisations.
Ireland also has long term, strategic development partnership programmes with a small number of developing countries, called Programme Countries, namely; Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia in sub-Saharan Africa, and Timor Leste and Vietnam in Asia. Timor Leste will cease to be a Programme Country in 2013. In these countries we aim to build government capacities to deliver the essential services that their populations need – mainly in the areas of health, education and food security. We also work in cross cutting sectors such as governance, gender equality, the environment and HIV and Aids, building systems of accountability that will ensure lasting development results.
In Programme Countries, which are at the very core of our aid programme, Ireland seeks to shape and influence development in a way which will ensure that development assistance as a concept will be obsolete within a generation. We are witnessing human progress and growth rates in our Programme Countries and indeed in Africa, which would have been considered impossible only 10 years ago. There is, of course, much more to be achieved and there is still an enormous burden of poverty, but real and tangible progress is being made. Ireland has played it’s part in this positive change.
In 2011 Programme Countries received approximately €180 million of which two thirds was delivered through Government systems at national, regional and local level. Comprehensive details of how Ireland’s total ODA, including this funding, was spent is available in the Irish Aid Annual Report. I am making arrangements for the 2011 Report to be sent to the Deputy. For 2012 we have allocated €178 million to Programme Countries and most of this has been disbursed. The full details of all expenditure will be available in the 2012 Annual Report which will be published in the New Year.
The Government is proud of our aid programme and its achievements. We are determined to maintain and build on its high international reputation, and ensure it continues to build the foundation of real change, future prosperity and well being in the lives of many of the world’s poorest people.
176. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of the Irish overseas aid budget provided in direct aid to foreign Governments; the amount provided to non-governmental organisation; the factors that are considered when deciding which funding stream is more appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52477/12]
View answerThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is a central element in our foreign policy. The programme is recognised internationally for its high quality, its strong focus on the fight against poverty and hunger, and its concentration on the poorest countries and communities of sub-Saharan Africa.
In 2011, €657 million was provided by the Government in Official Development Assistance (ODA).Of this total, approximately €520 million, representing 79% of total ODA, was managed by my Department through Irish Aid. The remaining €137 million (including Ireland’s contribution to the EU development cooperation budget) was overseen by other Government Departments.
Irish Aid provides assistance to developing countries either directly through bilateral assistance, or indirectly, through multilateral organisations. Irish Aid delivers bilateral ODA through a variety of channels. These include working in cooperation with Governments, local authorities, local communities, Non Governmental Organisations and international organisations.
A key element of Ireland’s bilateral assistance is our support for long term strategic partnerships with selected countries to support programmes for reducing poverty and advancing national development. The Programme Countries benefiting from this support are Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia. The programme in Timor Leste will conclude in 2013.
When deciding the most appropriate delivery channel for particular aid interventions, Irish Aid takes into consideration the stability of the political environment, the reliability, accountability and transparency of government systems and the existence of effective and accountable locally-based and international Non Governmental Organisations. In 2011, €121.6 million (or 27% of bilateral ODA) was directed through Government systems in Programme Countries. The oversight, implementation and the impact of Irish Aid funded activities is closely supervised by staff based at our Embassies and offices. In addition, all proposals for Irish Aid funding in Programme Countries are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as by the Programme Appraisal and Evaluation Group which includes external appraisal.
In 2011, €167 million (or 37% of bilateral ODA) was directed though Non Governmental Organisations including missionary organisations. Support was directed to these organisations following a full assessment of their capacity to manage and account for Irish Aid funds received and agreement about what results will be achieved as a result of this assistance.
The aid programme seeks to achieve a balance of delivery systems to ensure it remains effective. NGOs are supported because they work closely with local communities and groups. They also work closely with government systems in order to provide and supplement national services such as health, education and agricultural extension. Governments are supported because they have responsibility for implementing programmes and strengthening institutions that will have a lasting impact on reducing poverty. To achieve effective results in development it is important to work with NGOs, governments, local authorities and specialised organisations to bring about the lasting change necessary of development aid to become unnecessary. This is the outcome to which we are all working.
177. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of Irish overseas aid that was provided in development aid in 2011 and to date in 2012; the amount that was provided in emergency aid in 2011 and to date in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52478/12]
View answerIn 2011, Ireland provided a total of €657 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA). Approximately €520 million was administered by my Department through Irish Aid with the balance consisting of ODA eligible contributions by other Government Departments and Ireland’s share of the EU development cooperation budget.
The total of €657 million in 2011 includes approximately €81 million provided through various Emergency and Recovery funding channels. Irish Aid responded directly to emergency and humanitarian crisis situations throughout the world including Somalia, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Funding in excess of €20 million was provided through contributions to common humanitarian and pooled funds. This enabled us to provide a rapid response, through trusted and accountable implementing partners, to emergency and crisis situations in countries where there is no direct Irish Aid presence or where such agencies bring additional value and experience.
For 2012 the Government has allocated an estimated €639 million to Ireland’s ODA programme. My Department will administer €514 million of this total. It is anticipated that this allocation will be fully spent by the year end and that the funding provided for emergency and recovery assistance will be broadly in line with the 2011 level. However final figures will not be available until after the year end.
A detailed breakdown of Ireland’s ODA is published each year in the statistical annexes to the Irish Aid Annual Report. The annexes provide a comprehensive analysis of Ireland’s ODA, including the developing countries supported; the areas or sectors in which we engage, and the partner organisations implementing our development programmes. I am arranging for a copy of the most recent publication to be sent to the Deputy.
178. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects the €4 million in overseas aid which was misappropriated in Uganda to be returned to the Irish taxpayer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52479/12]
View answer179. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether that the misappropriation of overseas aid from Ireland which occurred in Uganda could not happen again and has not happened in other countries to which Ireland provides overseas aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52480/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 179 together.
I am deeply concerned about the recent misappropriation of €4 million of Irish development funding in Uganda. Ireland has no tolerance for fraud or any other form of financial irregularity in relation to our development programme. I have suspended approximately €16 million of Irish development assistance which was due to be channelled through the Government of Uganda systems in 2012. I initiated an immediate investigation into the misappropriation of funds by the Office of the Prime Minister which has been undertaken by a team from the Evaluation and Audit Unit of my Department. The team’s report which I have now published found that this fraud was very sophisticated and well thought out involving a high level of collusion at a senior level and that the level of collusion was exceptional and could not reasonably or normally have been anticipated. I have strongly emphasised that Irish funding has to be repaid by the Uganda Government and that all necessary actions be taken by the Ugandan authorities to pursue those guilty of this crime.
Our Ambassador in Kampala and the Director General of Irish Aid met with the Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Finance and Economic Development of Uganda to underline my deep concerns and to insist that the misappropriated funds be restored by the Ugandan authorities. The Government of Uganda has expressed their own deep concern at the impact of this corruption scandal on Uganda’s international reputation and has taken some concrete actions in response. The Ugandan Government have since confirmed that: all Irish Aid misappropriated funds will be reimbursed; that the officials against whom financial impropriety has been established will be fully prosecuted; and that measures will be undertaken to tighten their internal controls.
I welcome this commitment and have directed our Ambassador to work with the Ugandan authorities to ensure that the misappropriated funds are refunded to Ireland. Discussions are underway with the Ugandan Minister for Finance and Economic Development and with the other development partners affected by this fraud, namely Denmark, Norway and Sweden in this regard. Our funding remains suspended until this issue is fully resolved.
Ireland’s aid programme is strongly focused on the poorest people and communities in sub-Saharan Africa and we have strong systems in place for the oversight and monitoring of our aid funding. All of our aid programmes are regularly examined and evaluated to ensure we achieve effectiveness and value for money. This is done through: auditors based in our Embassies; the evaluation and audit team at headquarters; international accountancy firms whom we commission to carry out audits; the national audit offices of our partner Governments; and my Department’s Audit Committee - which provides an independent appraisal of Irish Aid’s audit and evaluation and also meets with the Comptroller and Auditor General and publishes an annual report on its work. However, it is clear that notwithstanding all these ‘checks and balances’ that aid programmes through Governments and other channels in developing countries can be very challenging. We are currently examining our systems in all Programme Countries with a view to ensuring that they are fit for purpose and that there are no issues in relation to fraud or malfeasance.
I am committed to ensuring that we learn from this to strengthen our systems of risk identification, management, monitoring and audit in the future to minimise the potential for the misuse of funds.
