Written Answers Nos. 38-42
38. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that North Korea's recent nuclear test is likely to result in the imposition of new or tightened sanctions by the international community; and if he has discussed the issue with his EU counterparts. [8854/13]
View answer49. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in relation to the recent nuclear weapons tests by North Korea, he proposes to have the matter discussed at the next EU foreign affairs council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8918/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 49 together.
I issued a statement on 12 February condemning in the strongest possible terms the decision by the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea to test a nuclear explosive device earlier that day. This action directly threatens peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and is a clear violation of North Korea’s international obligations under UN Security Council Resolutions 1718, 1874 and 2087. It has been the position of successive Irish Governments that nuclear weapons have never and will never guarantee the security of any nation. The existence of these weapons threatens security. Following this test, the international community has been united in its strong disapproval of this action. There has been strong condemnation to this effect by the EU, the US and China. The UN Security Council has also strongly condemned the test. The members of the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2087 on 22 January which expressed the Council's determination to take significant action in the event of a further test. In line with this commitment, following this latest nuclear test, the members of the Security Council have begun work on appropriate measures in a Security Council resolution. The EU Foreign Affairs Council of 18 February agreed unanimously that additional restrictive measures be taken against North Korea. Together with my EU colleagues, I agreed to further strengthen sanctions against North Korea by adopting EU autonomous measures which are in addition to those contained in Resolution 2087. These further measures in particular concern trade in conventional weapons involving North Korea and in relation to the export to North Korea of certain key components for ballistic usage. At the Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland together with our EU partners further called on North Korea to re-engage constructively with the international community, in particular with the members of the Six-Party Talks, and to work towards lasting peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The EU stands ready to continue to work with its partners in support of these objectives.
41. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the travel plans of Ministers have been finalised for Saint Patrick’s Day this year; the countries that each Minister will visit; and the expected cost of these trips. [8849/13]
View answerSt. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland's economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country. Ministerial visits around this period are organised to ensure we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland’s trade, promotion and investment interests and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery. The programme of ministerial travel is drawn up by the Trade and Promotion Division of my Department in consultation with the Embassy network and the State agencies. The final programme is close to being concluded and will be announced in the coming days. In terms of the cost of ministerial visits for St. Patrick’s Day, the Department of each travelling Minister will be responsible for its own costs. This year, as with previous years, we have issued guidelines to the Embassy network to ensure visits are undertaken in the most cost-efficient way possible.
42. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he proposes to hold with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State to advance the Bill of Rights as proposed in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8947/13]
View answerThe Government remains firmly committed to ensuring the full and effective implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, including the provision relating to a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement sets out that a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland would include rights reflecting the principles of mutual respect for the identity and ethos of both communities and parity of esteem, alongside the rights contained in the European Convention on Human Rights. A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland drawn up by agreement between the main parties of the Assembly could set out precisely and formally the rights upon which a shared future for the people of Northern Ireland can be based. I urge all the parties in the Assembly to engage in constructive discussion with a view to reaching agreement on the substance of a Bill of Rights. In contact with the British administration, we continue to stress the importance of ensuring that a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland takes account of the separate and specific context of Northern Ireland. We will continue to engage with the British Government on this issue, which is one of a number of areas where full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has yet to be achieved.
