Wednesday, 20 Feb 2013

Written Answers Nos. 79-87

Human Rights Issues

Questions (79)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in conjunction with his EU and UN colleagues, it has been found possible to engage with the authorities in Pakistan in the aftermath of the shooting of a person (details supplied) with a view to establishing support for the views she holds and has highlighted; if the authorities in her home country are amenable to the cause to which she is espoused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9268/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I refer the Deputy to my reply of 16 January concerning this matter. The Deputy will be aware that there was widespread revulsion at the attempted murder of Malala Yousafzai last October. The shooting was condemned by the High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission, Catherine Ashton, and the Secretary General of the Nations, Ban Ki-Moon. I too expressed and continue to express my utter condemnation of this appalling act. Like many others, I admire Malala Yousafzai’s courageous efforts to promote the fundamental right to education and her efforts to achieve education for women and girls in Pakistan and other regions worldwide.

During Pakistan’s most recent UN Universal Periodic Review in October 2012, Ireland urged the Government of Pakistan to give consideration to adopting measures to protect individual and minority rights in line with its Constitution and with international human rights standards and conventions. We also recommended that the Government of Pakistan invite the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders to conduct an independent visit to Pakistan.

The EU engages in regular dialogue with Pakistan on human rights and democratic principles, including the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The EU has called on the Pakistani authorities, at the highest level, to adopt measures to protect individual and minority rights in line with the Constitution and with international human rights standards and conventions. In particular, High Representative Ashton, met Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in December 2012 to discuss a range of issues, including an exchange on the case of Malala Yousafzai.

The Government of Pakistan has confirmed to my Department that the views espoused by Malala Yousafzai, in the words of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, represent Pakistan’s future and Pakistan’s hope. The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari and his daughter, during a visit to Britain recently, visited Malala Yousfazai in hospital in Birmingham, while undergoing treatment for and recuperating from her injuries. I am also informed that Malala Yousafzai is applauded and supported by all political parties in Pakistan.

The Government of Pakistan, to underline its support for the views espoused by Malala Yousafzai has, I understand, appointed her father as Education Attaché at the Pakistani Consulate in Birmingham, and that by these acts there is a clear message of Pakistani Government support for equal access to education for boys and girls.

Western Balkans Issues

Questions (80, 81, 82)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

80. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his EU colleagues continue to encourage and support the peaceful evolution of structures in the Western Balkans with particular reference to ensuring compliance with the EU acquis communautaire, in preparation for EU membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9269/13]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

81. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which EU enlargement continues to remain a central issue at EU Council meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9270/13]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the priority list in respect of EU enlargement; the degree to which the various preparatory procedures have been complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9271/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 to 82, inclusive, together.

EU enlargement is a priority for the Irish Presidency. We see it as a vital tool for promoting reform, democracy and stability in Europe, and we are working to facilitate and advance the process for all candidates and prospective candidates.

At the December 2012 General Affairs Council there was substantive discussion on enlargement, and the European Council Conclusions of 14 December 2012 allow for further discussions at Council on the enlargement agenda during our Presidency. The Conclusions reaffirmed the EU perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans. Notably, they invited the Commission and EEAS to report back to Council later this year on progress on reforms in Macedonia, Serbia, Albania and Kosovo, with a view to the Council possibly taking decisions on the opening of accession negotiations with Macedonia and Serbia, granting of candidate status to Albania, and the opening of Stability and Association Agreement negotiations with Kosovo.

In addition to working to facilitate such decisions at Council if the Commission and EEAS report positively, the Irish Presidency will continue to pursue other priorities on the enlargement agenda, including overseeing the final monitoring report on Croatia, progressing negotiations with Iceland and Montenegro, and working to reinvigorate Turkey’s accession process. The EU also continues to encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the necessary reforms to enable it to progress on its EU path.

The proposed Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2014-2020 includes provision for IPA II, the Instrument of Pre-Accession Assistance. This is a continuation of the Instrument that has been in place since 2007 which assists candidate and prospective candidate countries in preparing for accession, including by way of institution building and adoption of the EU acquis.

Exports Growth

Questions (83)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

83. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade based on the performance over the past two years, the countries in Europe or worldwide that present the best prospects for increased trade with this country in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9272/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland’s exports have performed well over the past two years. The total value of merchandise exports in 2012 was €92 billion, representing an increase of 3.1% on the 2010 figure (€89 billion), while services exports for the first nine months of 2012 reached €66 billion; an increase of 23% on the same period in 2010 (€54 billion). In terms of our merchandise trade with Europe, over the past two years, exports have increased by 3% with notable growth in exports to Switzerland (37%), Germany (20%), Poland (11%), Great Britain (7.4%), Netherlands (7%) and Belgium (3%). Outside of European markets, there was significant growth in merchandise exports to, inter alia, Canada (24%), Russia (20%), India (15%) and Japan (20%).

As the Deputy is aware, the Government Trade Strategy identifies 27 priority markets, including those with the best prospects for increased trade. Local market teams headed by our Ambassadors are in place in these markets and their work is overseen by the high level Export Trade Council, which I chair. I can ensure the Deputy that my Department and the Embassy network will continue to prioritise our work to support the growth of Irish exports.

It should be noted that, while the markets listed above have all shown impressive growth in recent years, previous years’ export figures may not be indicative of future export prospects. There are many factors that affect exports such as the prevailing global macroeconomic and policy environment, the impact of EU Free Trade Agreements, currency and oil price fluctuations, as well as other unforeseen factors.

EU Membership

Questions (84)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which contingency plans are in preparation in the event of the United Kingdom opting out of the European Union with particular reference to trade between this country and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9273/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The 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 and this is something which I and my Ministerial colleagues continue to communicate in our contacts with the British government. 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 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 and trade liberalisation to name just two – amplifies the impact of our excellent relationship generally.

British-Irish relations are at a stage of maturity, friendship and mutual cooperation unparalleled in our history but it is important that the very settled nature of the relationship is not taken for granted. We continue to engage with our British counterparts at all levels across a range of areas of importance both here and in the UK. These areas are identified in the joint statement on the future of the British-Irish relationship issued by the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Cameron in March 2012, and include continued cooperation on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, addressing global issues such as climate change, poverty and hunger, and working closely together as partners within the European Union. We also closely monitor all political developments within the UK on an ongoing basis.

A key priority for us is, of course, to deepen the economic relationship between our countries, for the benefit of all our citizens. The UK is Ireland’s largest trading partner and that trade underpins the jobs and livelihoods of a significant proportion of our workforce. The total value of merchandise exports to the UK last year was €15.2 billion. This represents a 6.8% increase on exports in 2011.

The Embassy of Ireland in London and our Consulate General in Edinburgh work very closely with the State business development agencies, all of whom have representation in the British market. All are fully committed to supporting Irish business in the UK. Our Local Market Team sets out a strategic plan annually for promoting trade, tourism and investment and our Ambassador in London is responsible for ensuring its implementation and reporting back to the Export Trade Council, which I chair.

Following on from the joint statement, a joint evaluation of the British-Irish economic relationship is now underway, with consultants working to examine the depth of interdependence between the economies and to identify common strategic challenges and opportunities to be addressed.

Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 16.

Trade Promotion

Questions (86)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which it is expected to use the St. Patrick's feast day celebrations worldwide to promote the national image and explore and expand trade and commercial activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9275/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

St. 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. This year, as with previous years, it is the intention of the Government to maximise all opportunities generated by Saint Patrick’s Day, including the traditional programme of ministerial travel, to promote our national image and our trade and commercial interests. Our Embassy network will prepare targeted programmes focused on promoting Ireland’s trade, tourism and investment objectives for travelling Ministers, making the most of their presence to raise the profile and coverage of events and secure high-level access. Examples of events that Ministers will engage in include meetings related to trade, tourism and investment opportunities, media interviews, networking events, and bilateral meetings with national, regional and local Ministers, along with other high profile events such as Greening ceremonies.

The promotional efforts of my Department will, of course, not be limited to the small number of countries that receive ministerial visits; our entire Embassy network across 58 countries will work hard to ensure that Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations are utilised fully in support of our economic and reputational interests.

The Trade and Promotion Division of my Department will develop a set of key messages tailored to Saint Patrick’s Day, in cooperation with the relevant state agencies, which will be circulated widely and which our Embassy network and travelling Ministers will be able to draw on to spread a positive message about Ireland’s recovery and future prospects.

Irish Communities Abroad

Questions (87)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

87. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which it is expected his Department can interact and engage with the Irish diaspora in the context of St. Patrick's Day festivities worldwide with the objective of ensuring that they are not forgotten; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9276/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

One of the key priorities for our Missions abroad is to engage on an ongoing basis with Irish communities. St. Patrick’s Day provides an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with Irish communities around the world. St. Patrick’s Day provides an invaluable opportunity to further deepen this interaction. Each Ministerial programme during the period will include substantive Irish diaspora elements across all sectors including elderly Irish, recent emigrants, Irish business networks and cultural groups. In addition to the Ministerial Programmes, each of our Missions undertakes extensive Irish community programmes during the March period.

Building a strategic relationship between Ireland and its diaspora is a core priority for my Department. Since 2008, the Emigrant Support Programme has provided grants of €66 million to our people abroad, particularly our most vulnerable Irish emigrants. The Government has also intensified its engagement with the business community through the Global Irish Network. A decision has recently been taken to convene a third Global Irish Economic Forum in October of this year.