Written Answers Nos. 211-235
211. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the number of organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department that have vacancies on their board; the length of time any such vacancies have been unfilled; the number of vacancies that have been advertised; the number of applications to fill such vacancies that have been received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5098/13]
View answerThere are currently no vacancies on the board of any organisation or agency under the aegis of my Department.
212. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach if legislation is currently being prepared to facilitate a referendum on the abolition of Seanad Éireann; the timeframe for the publication of the legislation; when the referendum will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5220/13]
View answerLegislation to facilitate a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad is being prepared and it is intended that the Referendum Bill will be published in the next session. No decision has been taken about the date of the referendum, but it is my intention that it will take place in the Autumn.
213. Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5390/13]
View answerThe only funding provided by my Department to voluntary organisations is under the Communicating Europe Initiative. The Initiative was established in 1995 to raise awareness about the European Union and to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues.
Applications are now being invited for funding under this year’s programme from voluntary organisations, education bodies and civil society groups. The 2013 awards for funding will be made to projects which encourage citizens to actively engage and participate in the debate on their future in Europe. Priority will be given to proposals for: events which promote public conversations and debate – at local or national level; cultural and media projects that explain Ireland in Europe and Europe in Ireland- at local or national level; projects or events designed to celebrate the European Year of Citizens; events that celebrate Europe Day on Thursday 9 May.
This year’s programme was launched on 29 January last and the closing date for applications is Friday 15 February 2013. The application form is available for download at http://eu2013.ie/news/news-items/20130129governmentannouncescommunicatingeuropeinitiative2013/. Successful applicants will be notified in early March.
€150,000 will be available in 2013 under the Communicating Europe Initiative. There are no set minimum or maximum grant levels but in 2012, 23 projects from all over Ireland received support.
214. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the current status of the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership; the number of meetings held last year; the planned initiatives that are in place for this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5513/13]
View answerThe work of the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership is currently under review and any future initiatives will be informed by the outcome of that review which will be completed shortly. The last meeting of the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership Board which was chaired by the then Minister of State at the Dept. of Enterprise, Trade & Innovation took place in November, 2010. Following the recommendation contained in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure the Board of the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership has been absorbed into my Department.
215. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Taoiseach if he will outline in tabular form the total cost of all conferences and seminars attended by his Department in 2012; the purpose of each conference/seminar; the location; the number of delegates that attended from his Department/agencies or otherwise that were represented; the total cost of each conference/seminar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5643/13]
View answerThe table below provides details of all conferences and seminars attended by officials from my Department and NESDO in 2012. Occasional attendance by officials at relevant conferences and seminars is consistent with the objective in our Strategy Statement of broadening our networks to avail of a wide range of ideas and analysis, and to develop active links with the national and international policy community. In all cases, attendance is approved by the attendee's line manager in advance and is funded from within the Department's training and development budget.
|
Conference/Seminar attended by Department Officials in 2012 |
Purpose |
Location |
Number of Delegates |
Cost of conference/seminar |
|
Annual Economic Policy Conference |
Economic Theory and Policy |
Galway |
3 |
€434.00 |
|
Economic Recovery & Public Sector Reform Conference |
National and International Developments |
Dublin |
3 |
€526.50 |
|
Pathways to Work Seminar |
Economic Policy |
Dublin |
1 |
€116.85 |
|
17th Annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference |
Economic Policy |
Belfast |
1 |
€385.39 |
|
Annual Irish Competition & Regulatory Conference |
Economic Regulation Agenda and Competition and Regulation |
Dublin |
1 |
€516.60 |
|
Reputation Management in a Digital Age Conference |
Promoting and Developing Ireland's International Reputation |
Dublin |
1 |
€325.00 |
|
National Marketing Conference 2012 – Brand Ireland |
Ireland's Reputation and International Best Practice in Reputation Building and Promotion. |
Dublin |
1 |
€590.00 |
|
UCD Constitutional Studies Group Conference |
Irish Constitutional Law |
Dublin |
2 |
€160.00 |
|
Justice Conference |
Social Policy |
Dublin |
1 |
€239.85 |
|
Annual Public Sector Conference |
Information Technology |
Dublin |
1 |
€350.00 |
|
Total |
€3,644.19 |
NESDO
|
Conference/Seminar attended by Department Officials in 2012 |
Purpose |
Location |
Number of Delegates |
Cost of conference/seminar |
|
Nursing Homes Conference |
Standards in Elder Care |
Meath |
1 |
€75.00 |
|
Common Cents 2012 conference |
Social Enterprise |
Dublin |
1 |
€80.00 |
|
Dublin Economics Workshop |
Economic Policy |
Galway |
2 |
€636.00 |
|
Nursing Homes Ireland Conference |
Standards |
Dublin |
1 |
€30.00 |
|
Total |
€821.00 |
216. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide clarification regarding the Government's view as to whether Scotland would or should continue to be a member state of the EU if it were to become independent; and his views on the importance of maintaining an excellent working relationship with the Scottish Government and its people. [5177/13]
View answerThe people of Scotland will vote in a referendum in 2014 on the question of independence. Until then, any question about possible independence is hypothetical. If Scotland decides to become an independent country, the matter of EU membership would be for the government of Scotland to consider in the first instance and it is not appropriate for me to say what they should do. As part of the United Kingdom, Scotland has been in the European Union for the same length of time as Ireland - 40 years this year. Ireland and Scotland share interests, concerns and positions on a range of issues, many of which are dealt with at EU level. Ireland greatly values and welcomes Scotland's contribution and presence within the EU. It is strongly in our interest that this continue.
The Government continues to value its very positive relationship with the Scottish Government. Scotland remains a key partner for Ireland politically, economically and culturally. It is a priority of the Government to build on and deepen the relationship through bilateral engagements, through the work of the Irish Consulate in Edinburgh, and through cooperation across a range of policy areas within the framework of the British-Irish Council.
217. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of his Department’s €4 million capital spending for 2013 that will go towards construction projects; the projects that are involved; the details of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5276/13]
View answerSubject to confirmation in the revised estimates process, a sum of €1.9 m has been provisionally earmarked from my Department’s capital budget for necessary maintenance and refurbishment of State owned premises in 2013. The specific list of projects which will be taken forward in 2013 will be decided thereafter on the basis of an assessment of the relative need and urgency of works at the premises concerned. The Deputy will appreciate that it is also necessary to retain a degree of flexibility in planning to ensure that capacity exists to meet unforeseen requirements that may arise during the course of the year.
218. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the work that is ongoing at North-South Ministerial Council level in respect of the northwest gateway initiative; the date when the issue is likely to be next discussed by the North-South Ministerial Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5339/13]
View answerThe NSMC most recently discussed the North West Gateway Initiative at its meeting in November 2012, and directed officials to prepare for further discussions at Ministerial level in 2013. Work is in hand to prepare for these discussions, although a date has not yet been set for the Ministerial Meeting. For my part, I would like to see the ministerial meeting take place in the near future so that this important initiative can be taken forward without delay.
219. Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of all funding programmes in his Department that community, voluntary and sporting organisations may apply to for funding; if he will provide a brief overview of each programme; the opening and closing dates of each programme; the minimum and maximum amounts of funding that may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5384/13]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a number of funding streams for which community, voluntary and sporting organisations may be eligible. The Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides funding to non-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish. The emphasis of the Emigrant Support Programme is on supporting culturally sensitive, frontline welfare services, targeted at the most vulnerable members of our overseas communities. These services have made a substantive difference to the lives of Irish communities overseas (particularly in Britain and the United States), reducing homelessness, tackling social isolation, and enabling Irish emigrants to access their local statutory entitlements.
Under the ESP grants are allocated to a range of non-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and encourage closer links between these communities and Ireland.
These grants are a key part of the Government’s approach to developing strong and meaningful links with Irish communities overseas and to securing the long term future of these communities. In recent years, as the demographic profile of our overseas communities has changed, there has also been an increased focus on funding community, heritage and capital projects. As part of this, grants have been approved for strategic capital projects.
Since 2004, the total budget for the Department of Foreign Affair’s ESP, which supports Irish welfare, culture and heritage organisations abroad, has been in excess of €104 million. Despite the difficult financial situation we face, the Government has maintained funding under the ESP at a level of €11,595,000 for 2013.
The 2013 grant round will be open from 16 January and will run until 20 February.
The ESP does not have a minimum or maximum amount of funding that may be applied for.
The Reconciliation and Anti-Sectarianism Funds assist individuals and organisations involved in reconciliation and anti-sectarianism work and encourage and facilitate better relations within and between the traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain. Funding is provided on a one-year basis for project-based activities. Funding is not provided to cover salaries, overseas travel, events which have already taken place, or for capital costs.
Approximately 140 grants are awarded per year to support projects which best fit the eligibility criteria of the Funds. The total amount available for 2013 is €2.7 million. There are no set maximum or minimum grants; the average grant awarded is €15,000-€20,000. Information on the funds, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Department’s website. Application forms can also be downloaded from the site.
Applications are accepted throughout the year, and are assessed during two funding rounds. The closing date for receipt of applications for consideration in the first round of funding in 2013 is Friday 1st March, and the closing date for the second round is Friday 27th September.
The Government’s aid programme, managed by Irish Aid, provides funding to NGOs, educational institutions and community and voluntary organisations implementing development education programmes in Ireland.
The Development Education Annual Grant is provided to organisations engaged in promoting understanding of, and engagement with, global development and justice issues in Ireland. Initiatives funded are aimed at deepening understanding of global poverty and encouraging the Irish public to take action for a more just and equal world. All development education approved programmes and projects have a strong focus on achieving results in the youth sector as well as in the adult and community sector.
Each year, a call for proposals is issued for the Development Education Annual Grant. The 2013 call for proposals opened on the 21st of December 2012. The closing date for expressions of interest was 15th January 2013. Applications from organisations which completed an expression of interest form by the deadline must be received by Friday 8th of February 2013. The minimum grant that organisations may apply for through the Development Education Annual Grant is €10,000 and the maximum grant is €200,000. The next call for proposals will issue in late 2013.
220. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide information on the countries that receive overseas aid from Ireland; the amount of aid provided to each of those countries; if he will outline the programmes on which aid money is spent in each country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5455/13]
View answerIreland’s assistance is directed to development programmes and emergency humanitarian assistance in over eighty of the world’s least developed countries. In addition to bilateral funding administered directly by Irish Aid, we implement programmes through trusted partners such as Non Governmental Organisations, Missionary Organisations, UN Agencies and other International Organisations engaged in development cooperation Irish Aid focuses in particular on a number of Programme Countries, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. These are Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia in sub-Saharan Africa, and Vietnam in Asia. Timor Leste has now ceased to be a Programme Country. In these countries we aim to build Government capacities to deliver essential services, 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.
Final programme budget allocations for Irish Aid’s Programme Countries in 2012 were as follows:
|
Programme Country |
Budget Allocation (€000s) |
|
Ethiopia |
25,770 |
|
Lesotho |
7,440 |
|
Zambia |
14,580 |
|
Malawi |
12,500 |
|
Mozambique |
37,000 |
|
Tanzania |
29,728 |
|
Timor Leste |
3,510 |
|
Uganda |
16,000 |
|
Vietnam |
12,000 |
|
Total Programme Countries |
158,528 |
Comprehensive details of Ireland’s total development assistance across all recipient countries, and major development NGOs and international organisations, are published in the Irish Aid Annual Report. Details of the most recent Report, for 2011, are available on the Irish Aid website at www.irishaid.ie.
221. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans, if any, to discuss with the United States authorities, the proposed new Immigration Reform Bill; the way this proposal could benefit the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5524/13]
View answer228. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the progress being made in the USA by Prsident Obama and the Congress in regularising the status of our immigrants in the USA who still have illegal status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5947/13]
View answer230. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with reference to US President Barack Obama's speech regarding immigration reform which was delivered on 29 January at Las Vegas, Nevada, if he will provide an update on his continuing work to support Irish citizens who live without documentation in the USA. [5975/13]
View answer231. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will comment on the communications with the US authorities on the plans for comprehensive immigration reform announced last week; if progress had been made on the E3 Visa Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6069/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 221, 228, 230 and 231 together.
The welfare of the Irish abroad in general and especially the position of undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States remains an important priority for the Government. A resolution of the situation for undocumented Irish migrants will continue to be an important priority for the Government in our ongoing contacts with the US Administration and Congress.
The advice of Ireland’s friends and contacts within the US Administration and Congress has long been that comprehensive reform of the US immigration system and procedures is likely to be the only manner by which such a resolution can be achieved. The prospects for such reform have advanced in the wake of President Obama’s re-election. The emphasis he placed on immigration reform in his inauguration address as well as his subsequent speech on the issue on 29 January sent a very positive signal in this regard. The indications of emerging bipartisan support for reform in Congress is also encouraging.
Through our Embassy in Washington and in close liaison with Irish-American community representatives, our contacts with the US Administration and Congress continue with a view to ensuring that the interests and concerns of undocumented Irish immigrants are captured in any future legislative deal in this area that emerges. In this regard, I raised the issue with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during our bilateral meeting on 6 December last and recalled our strong support for comprehensive immigration legislation and the passage of E3 visas for Irish citizens. I will also hold a series of telephone discussions with key US Senators over the coming days. The Taoiseach also discussed immigration reform when he spoke with President Obama to congratulate him on his re-election and wrote to him on 30 January to thank him for the priority being attached by the US Administration to the issue.
Much further debate and discussion is likely to be required within the US political system before the shape of any legislative deal is clear. It is therefore not possible at this stage to identify an exact timescale in which these may become clear but the area will continue to receive the Government’s close attention over the period ahead.
222. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the details of discussions, if any, he has had to date with the British Government in relation to a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5525/13]
View answerA Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland which would reflect the principles of mutual respect for the identity and ethos of both communities and parity of esteem, as well as the ECHR, is an important provision of the Good Friday Agreement. As recent events have shown, these rights remain as important to a peaceful future as they did when the Agreement was approved by the people of Ireland, North and South, almost 15 years ago in 1998. The Government remains committed to ensuring the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement including the Bill of Rights. In this context, it remains a subject of discussion, both with the British Government and with the political parties in Northern Ireland
223. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the possibility of an IN/OUT EU Referendum in the UK; if a contingency plan is being considered in the event of an EU exit by the UK; if he is conscious of the impact on economy here that such a development could have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5608/13]
View answerThe UK’s relationship with the European Union is a matter, in the first instance, for its Government and people. I would, however, hope to see it continue to play a full and active part into the future. Like all Member States, the UK gains from its membership of the European Union, not least through unfettered access to a Single Market of more than 500 million people. At the same time, the UK it also makes a valued contribution to our Union of 27 – soon to be 28 – Member States. The EU is stronger for having the UK as a Member State. From a national perspective, having the ability to work together within the Union on the many issues on which we are of like mind - the single market, trade to name just two – amplifies the impact of our excellent relationship generally.
Both nationally, and as Presidency, the Government’s focus is on ensuring that the Union is properly equipped to meet the challenges of the future. This is a shared interest among all EU partners. To this end, much work has already been done together in the face of the unprecedented economic challenges we have faced. We are primarily focused on getting on with the job of meeting those challenges, and are determined not to be distracted from that task.
As the Union has grown larger, we have also become more flexible – not everyone is in the euro or participates in Schengen. But we need to ensure that flexibility doesn’t become fragmentation – in designing banking union we have been careful not to erect barriers between those inside the euro area and those outside. We have also been careful to protect the single market. That must continue to be our approach in the future as we can work together for a better stronger Union, including one with a reinforced economic governance
224. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline in tabular form the total cost of all conferences and seminars attended by his Department in 2012; the purpose of each conference/seminar; the location; the number of delegates that attended from his Department/agencies or otherwise that were represented; the total cost of each conference/seminar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5637/13]
View answerMy Department attends and participates in conferences and seminars both in Ireland and abroad on a regular basis. It has not been possible, in the time allowed, to account for every conference or seminar attended in 2012. The following is a list of conferences/seminars attended where the fee was paid by the Department’s Training Units.
|
Cost (€) |
Purpose |
Location |
No. of Delegates |
|
12.5 |
History Conference: Reflecting on a decade of War and Revolution in Ireland 1912-1923: Historians and Public History |
Dublin |
1 |
|
25 |
SDLP Conference: Job Creation and the Island Economy |
Armagh |
2 |
|
18.5 |
SDLP Annual Conference |
Armagh |
1 |
|
74.22 |
Political/Trade event |
Beijing |
1 |
|
30 |
Irish Centre for European Law Conference: Arguing EU Law, International Law and Constitutional Law Before National Courts |
Dublin |
1 |
|
70 |
Irish Georgian Foundation Seminar: Access to Historic Buildings |
Dublin |
1 |
|
100 |
Academic & Special Libraries Annual Seminar |
Dublin |
1 |
|
100 |
Diplo Foundation Conference: Innovation in Diplomacy |
Malta |
1 |
|
120 |
Irish Centre for European Law Conference: Public Procurement Conference |
Dublin |
1 |
|
120 |
The Sanctuary Annual Conference |
Dublin |
1 |
|
200 |
Seminar on use of Payroll software |
Dublin |
1 |
|
220 |
Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland: Series of 5 seminars |
1 |
|
|
239.85 |
eprocurement and einvoicing Conference |
Dublin |
1 |
|
275 |
Report Writing Seminar |
Dublin |
1 |
|
291.04 |
Institute for Security & Resilience Studies Conference: Building an ethos of Resilience - a new Manifesto for Business |
London |
1 |
|
295 |
Green Public Procurement Seminar |
Dublin |
1 |
|
295 |
Workforce Planning in the Public Sector Seminar |
Dublin |
1 |
|
295 |
Effective Meetings Seminar |
Dublin |
1 |
|
351 |
Conference on Economic Recovery and Public Sector Reform |
Dublin |
2 |
|
497.96 |
17th Annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference 2012 |
Belfast |
2 |
|
1652.91 |
European Academy of Taxes, Economics and Law: European Seminar "Performance Audit in the Public Sector-Planning, preparing and carrying out value for money audits |
Berlin |
1 |
|
1,923.66 |
XIX International AIDS Conference |
Washington |
2 |
|
638.05 |
International Partnership for Microbicides Donor Conference |
Washington |
1 |
|
944.11 |
University of Ulster - Transitional Justice |
Ireland |
1 |
|
600.00 |
Institute of Internal Auditors Annual Conference |
Ireland |
1 |
|
381.51 |
Economics Association of Malawi (ECAMA) Annual Conference |
Malawi |
1 |
|
306.16 |
Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa - Conference |
South Africa |
1 |
|
456.97 |
National Board of Accountants and Auditors in Tanzania - Annual Conference |
Tanzania |
2 |
225. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of money spent on administrative costs for all Irish Embassies by his Department in the past two years. [5793/13]
View answerThe total administrative cost of Irish missions abroad was €52.23m in 2011 and €51.66m in 2012. This was a year-on-year reduction of €0.57m for the diplomatic network of 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral Missions and 10 Consulates General and other offices overseas. Three diplomatic missions – Embassies to the Holy See and Iran, and our Irish Aid office in East Timor - were closed during 2012. The figures do not include the costs of the Irish based staff as these are a charge on the overall budget of the Department rather than on a specific Mission. Ireland’s missions abroad perform a wide range of functions in pursuit of Ireland’s foreign policy interests. These include representing and advancing government policies with other States and in international organisations, in particular the EU and the UN; economic and cultural promotion; frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; engaging with Irish communities and harnessing the resource they offer in assisting economic recovery; and programme management, particularly in Irish Aid priority countries.
226. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of former public servants recruited before 6 April 1995 who are currently receiving a public sector pension including both pensions funded by the Exchequer and through the Local Government Fund, and those pension schemes for which he has responsibility; the age profile of those public servants; if he will provide in tabular form the numbers of public sector pensioners in the following parameters between €1,000 intervals up to €20,000 and those on more than €20,000. [5892/13]
View answerWith regard to the staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the calculation and payment of superannuation benefits is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Staff of the former Agency for Personal Service Overseas (APSO) were integrated into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2003. Two former APSO staff and a spouse of a deceased APSO staff member are in receipt of public sector pensions paid by my Department. The requested information in respect of those pensions is set out in the table below.
|
Number |
Age Profile |
Annual Pension (range) |
|
1 |
Over 60 |
€19,001 – €20,000 |
|
1 |
Over 60 |
€5,001 - €6,000 |
|
1 |
Unknown |
€0 - €2,000 |
227. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the overseas aid budget will be protected in the forthcoming EU Budget; if he will lobby European leaders to ensure the protection of overseas development funding during budgetary negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5910/13]
View answerNegotiations on the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2014-2020, the MFF, have made substantial progress. At its meeting on 22-23 November 2012, the European Council gave a mandate to President Van Rompuy and President Barroso to pursue work on the MFF, with a view to reaching agreement at the beginning of 2013. President Van Rompuy now hopes to close negotiations at the meeting of the European Council on 7-8 February. The Irish Presidency will support President Van Rompuy in his efforts to secure a deal on the MFF.
The EU and its Member States are collectively the largest provider of development assistance in the world, providing over 55% of global ODA. This will remain the case under the next MFF. The strength of the development budget enables the EU to implement large scale projects and to respond effectively to humanitarian crises when they emerge. It also confers great legitimacy on the Union when it calls on all international donors, including new and emerging partners, to raise their level of ambition and to increase their ODA efforts to a level similar to the EU, thus contributing their fair share to the global development efforts.
In the course of the MFF negotiations, Ireland has sought to ensure that a fair proportion of the EU budget is allocated to development assistance. We have pointed out that this will allow the EU to continue playing a leadership role, to engage effectively when humanitarian crises emerge and to target extreme poverty and hunger. Given the financial constraints across the EU there has been pressure from Member States to seek reductions across every Heading of the MFF. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that development funding in the next MFF will be at a higher level than for the current 2007-2013 MFF.
229. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address the issue of medicines, supposedly being exempt from the sanctions imposed on Iran, but prevented from getting into Iran because of banking sanctions, an issue causing considerable difficulties for the civilian population; if he will pursue this as a breach of human rights and through his place on U.N. Human Rights Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5954/13]
View answerThere are no sanctions on the provision of medicines or humanitarian goods, or indeed on the great majority of normal commercial goods, to Iran. Sanctions have been placed on some Iranian financial institutions because of their involvement in supporting the nuclear and military programmes, or their involvement in evading sanctions or money-laundering. While this has meant some inconvenience for non-sanctioned commerce, there are specific exemptions in place in the financial sanctions in both the EU and the US for transactions relating to medicines. There have been anecdotal reports in some media about possible shortages of some medicines in Iran. I would indeed be deeply concerned if I felt this was due to sanctions, but no real grounds have been advanced for concluding thus. There has been, and continues to be, considerable discussion and work within the EU on monitoring and fine-tuning the sanctions to ensure this does not occur, and both in the EU and the US the details of sanctions and controls have been adjusted to avoid possible problems which were foreseen. This process will continue, and Ireland will continue to play an active role in these discussions, based on ensuring that all legitimate trade with Iran is facilitated and all necessary humanitarian exemptions are provided.
There are a number of very important points which also need to be remembered in relation to this issue. The sole purpose of sanctions is to persuade Iran to negotiate seriously on the issues of concern in relation to its nuclear programme. It is open to Iran to do so at any time.
Iran has simply refused to respond seriously to either the international community or the IAEA despite nine years of efforts to engage with them diplomatically.
Sanctions have been slowly and reluctantly applied as a result of this intransigence. Their aim is to avoid a possible nuclear arms race in the Middle East, or actual warfare aimed at preventing this. The motivation for the sanctions thus could not be higher.
Shortages of medicines or other goods in Iran, which are attributed to sanctions, may also be due to the collapse in value of the Rial, which is itself more likely due to long term economic mismanagement, or to the priority given by the Iranian Government to continued massive military and nuclear expenditure.
Iran continues even now to devote enormous resources to a secret nuclear programme and the massive enrichment and stockpiling of uranium for which it has no civilian use and which returns no revenue whatever to Iran.
232. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance in view of Ireland's new membership to the Asia Development Bank and its contribution of €20 million to the bank, the projects that have been funded with the €20 million and the level of engagement from Irish businesses that exists with the Asia Development Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5244/13]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to the contribution of €20m (over a nine-year period beginning in 2013) which Ireland has pledged to the current replenishment of the Asian Development Fund (ADF), the concessional lending arm of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) of which Ireland has been a member since 2006. The ADF assists development in the poorest countries of Asia and the Pacific by providing low-interest loans and grants to fight poverty. ADF operations provide infrastructure and services to boost economic growth; assist countries with fragile and conflict-affected situations; and expand the access of the poor, women, and children to quality education and health care, reliable supply of electricity and clean water, and economic opportunities. ADF also helps these countries improve their institutional capacities and implement needed reforms. In conjunction with the Asian Development Bank, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, my Department supports the promotion of business opportunities for Irish enterprise in the recipient countries. Procurement contracts with ADB are generally awarded on the basis of international competition which is open to firms and individuals from any ADB member. I understand that there is considerable interest among suppliers, contractors and consultants from Ireland and in this regard a Business Opportunities Seminar was hosted by Enterprise Ireland in Dublin in October 2012. Further information regarding the involvement of Irish businesses in ADB loan and technical assistance projects is available on the Bank’s website www.adb.org.
233. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if there will be any exemptions for persons paying management fees to property management companies in the forthcoming Local Property Tax Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5911/13]
View answerThe Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 provides for a number of specific exemptions from the charge as well as the possibility of deferring the charge in certain cases of hardship. Exemptions from or deferral of the Local Property Tax only apply in the circumstances provided for in the legislation. A requirement to pay management fees is not relevant in determining liability. Accordingly, whilst those who are liable for management fees to property management companies may be exempt from LPT for another reason, or may be entitled to avail of a deferral arrangement under the provisions contained in the legislation, there is no specific exemption for the payment of management fees.
Revenue from the local property tax will accrue to local authorities and will support the provision of local services. Local authorities provide a broad range of services in the public realm which benefit the wider community, the proper functioning of which are important for the wellbeing of every community and household. These include - fire and emergency services; road maintenance and cleaning; street lighting; spatial and development planning and other similar services; regulatory and inspection functions and business support services, as well as libraries, parks, and other recreation and cultural public amenities.
The benefits of these services accrue to all members of society, including those who pay management fees.
234. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if the recent figures released by the Revenue Commissioners and reported in the media, which indicate that seizures of illicit tobacco have fallen by 56% in the past four years, is related to the reduction in the number of gardaí working on this area of investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5921/13]
View answer286. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Finance if the recent figures released by the Revenue Commissioners and reported in the media, which indicate that seizures of illicit tobacco have fallen by 56% in the past four years, is related to the reduction in the number of staff working in the customs section of the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5917/13]
View answer287. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the overall staffing levels in the customs section of the Revenue Commissioners for each of the past five years; the number of staff in the Revenue Commissioners working to combat the illicit tobacco trade in each of the past five years; the impact of any reductions in staff numbers during this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5918/13]
View answer288. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Finance in view of the reduction in the seizures of illegal cigarettes made by the Revenue Commissioners in recent years, the additional measures that will be undertaken to combat the illicit tobacco trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5919/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 234, 286, 287 and 288 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and for tacking the illicit trade in tobacco products, that they attach a high priority to dealing with this criminal activity. Their “Strategy on Combating the Illicit Tobacco Trade (2011-2013) which is published on the Revenue website (www.revenue.ie) includes a range of measures designed to complement each other in targeting the supply and demand sides of the market for illicit tobacco products.
This multi-faceted strategy includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and detection technologies, and optimum deployment of resources at both point of importation and within the country to intercept and seize contraband products and to prosecute those involved.
Interception of illicit tobacco products is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages. Revenue officers also target the illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises.
In carrying out this important work Revenue works in close cooperation with other relevant agencies, both nationally and internationally. There is extensive cooperation between Revenue and An Garda Síochána, and the agencies concerned in the State and in Northern Ireland work closely together, through a cross-border group on tobacco enforcement, to combat the organized crime groups that are responsible for a large proportion of the illegal tobacco market. In addition, cooperation takes place with other Revenue administrations and with the European Anti-Fraud Office, OLAF, in the ongoing efforts to tackle the illicit trade in tobacco products at international level.
Considerable success has been achieved in combating the illegal trade. Details of the quantities of cigarettes seized each year since 2005 are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Quantity of cigarettes seized (millions) |
|
2005 |
51.3 |
|
2006 |
52.3 |
|
2007 |
74.5 |
|
2008 |
135.2 |
|
2009 |
218.5 |
|
2010 |
178.4 |
|
2011 |
109.1 |
|
2012 |
95.6 |
The quantity of cigarettes seized in a given year can be influenced significantly by the occurrence of a particularly large seizure or seizures. For example, the quantity of cigarettes seized in 2009 includes one seizure of some 120 million cigarettes that were uncovered on a vessel at Greenore, Co. Louth. This was the largest seizure of cigarettes ever recorded by any EU country, and it would be unrealistic to gauge the numbers of seizures in subsequent years by reference to this exceptional event.
Revenue is committed to ensuring that the highest possible levels of seizures of illicit products are achieved on an ongoing basis and will ensure that this work continues to have the high priority that has been accorded to it to date.
There has been considerable success also in detecting and prosecuting those involved in the illicit trade. In 2012, there were 57 convictions for tobacco smuggling, resulting in fines of €93,550 and 26 custodial sentences, 7 of which were suspended. There were, in addition, 75 convictions connected with the sale or keeping for sale of unstamped tobacco products, resulting in fines of €153,050 and 21 custodial sentences, 14 of which were suspended.
Revenue is conscious that those involved in the illegal trade in tobacco are constantly striving to avoid detection by seeking out new ways of smuggling the illicit product and putting it on the market, and that its own response needs to be agile and adaptive in combating this criminal activity to take account of this.
In relation to staff numbers I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, that they are a fully integrated tax and customs administration and that it is not possible to disaggregate resources deployed exclusively at any given time on customs work or on policing illegal cigarette smuggling. Revenue currently has approximately 2,000 staff engaged on activities that are dedicated to target and confront non-compliance. These front-line activities include anti-smuggling and anti-evasion, investigation and prosecution, audit, assurance checks, anti-avoidance, returns compliance and debt collection.
The Revenue Commissioners are subject to the Employment Control Framework staffing reductions imposed since 2009. Revenue’s overall staffing levels have reduced from a total of 6,581(FTE) at the end of 2008 to its current level of 5,745 (FTE). Notwithstanding this reduction, Revenue staff resources assigned to compliance activities have been maintained at around 2,000. The Revenue Commissioners have accorded a very high priority to the tackling of the illicit tobacco trade and they are committed to ensuring that despite the staff reductions that this enforcement work will continue to be resourced to the maximum extent possible.
235. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if there is any evidence that the formal programme of assistance with the EU/ECB/IMF of December 2010 or any of the supporting documents included a condition by the Troika or a commitment from the Government that all remaining unguaranteed senior bondholders in the covered institutions will be repaid in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5100/13]
View answerThere is no specific reference to this in the programme documentation. However, as outlined previously, the Government considered burden sharing with unguaranteed bondholders in Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC). The Government always stated that we would not act unilaterally and we would only proceed with the agreement of the ECB and our EU partners. In this regard, as you are well aware and as I have set out on numerous occasions, the Government raised this issue with the ECB upon entering Government and I also had formal meetings with the ECB and EU Commission to discuss this specific issue.
As stated at various times and particularly in September 2011, our European partners have expressed strong reservations about burden sharing for senior bond holders in Anglo Irish Bank/INBS (now IBRC).
The value of the support that we are receiving from our European partners would outweigh any short term gain from imposing burden sharing on the remaining unguaranteed senior bonds in the face of European opposition to such a move. This is particularly the case given the majority of unguaranteed senior bondholders in IBRC were repaid during the previous Government’s period in office.
