Seamus Kirk
Question:10. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the recent trade mission to Canada; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30796/13]
View answerTrade Missions Participation
Questions (10, 47)
Pearse Doherty
Question:47. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide further details on the recent Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Canada, led by Minister of State, Deputy Costello; the objectives of the mission; the persons the trade mission met; and the suspected benefits for Ireland arising from the mission. [30783/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 47 together.
Canada, which is the world's 10th largest economy, has been identified as a priority market under the Government’s strategy for promoting trade, tourism and investment Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy. Ireland’s merchandise exports to Canada increased by 11% in 2012 to over €780 million and exports by indigenous EI client companies increased by 26% in 2012 to over €214 million.
The recent Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Canada, which I led from 10 to 13 June, was organised in close cooperation with my Department and the Embassy of Ireland to Canada. A key objective of the mission was to identify potential opportunities for Irish companies in the oil and gas industries in the province of Alberta. 15 Irish companies participated in the mission, in the engineering, construction, technology and recruitment sectors.
During the trade mission, I met with the Deputy Premier and Minister for Enterprise and Advanced Education, and the Minister for International and Intergovernmental Affairs, of the province of Alberta, as well as with a range of Irish companies and their Canadian business partners and customers. I delivered keynote addresses at business networking events organised in conjunction with the Ireland-Canada Centre of Commerce in Calgary and the Ireland-Canada Chamber of Commerce in Edmonton, and also at a Seminar on European Innovation in the Canadian Heavy Oil Industry. I also met with Irish community groups in both Calgary and Edmonton and thanked them for their work in supporting younger Irish people working in Alberta. In addition, I used the opportunities presented by engagement with the Irish-Canadian community in both cities to promote The Gathering. I also availed of media interviews to deliver key messages on the Irish economy, as well as promoting awareness of the objectives of the trade mission and of the strong Ireland-Canada bilateral relationship generally.
Among the highlights from the trade mission for a number of EI client companies were the conclusion of an agreement between PM Group and its Canadian Partner, Gas Liquids Engineering (GLE), which will see both companies working together in the gas processing industry in Europe and across the world; a long-term contract secured by Decisions [D4H] with the Government of Alberta for the provision of their innovative search and rescue software; and an event with Canadian business contacts to mark the recent opening by Tech Skills of its first office in Canada. I am confident that the contacts made and developed during this trade mission will lead to ongoing opportunities for Irish companies to increase their exports to the Canadian market and to expand their engagement with new and existing Canadian partners.
Trade missions are just one of the ways in which we aim to support the Irish enterprise sector to develop trade, tourism and investment opportunities across the globe. Our Embassy network and state agencies overseas work hard to identify specific export and investment opportunities, build extensive business and political contact networks, lobby on market access issues and promote Ireland as a destination for tourism and for study. I would add that during the recent visit to Ireland by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, which took place from 15 to 17 June, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste discussed Ireland-Canada and EU-Canada relations, including our trading and economic relationship, and they used the opportunity to update the PM on recent positive developments related to the Irish economy.
Middle East Peace Process
Questions (11)
Seán Fleming
Question:11. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he has had with his counterparts in Israel and Palestine in order to advance peace in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30814/13]
View answerWritten answers
The search for a peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Arab conflict is among my top priorities as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. In January 2012, I visited Israel, the West Bank and Gaza to see the issues on the ground and speak to leaders on all sides. I and my Department continue to avail of every opportunity to meet leaders and officials from the region, as well as EU and other leaders active on the Middle East. I have discussed the Middle East Peace Process on a number of occasions with US Secretary of State Kerry including when I met him in Washington in March, prior to the first of his recent intensive series of visits to the region. The Foreign Affairs Council which I attended on Monday had a valuable discussion on the Arab-Israeli conflict.
The EU’s key priority at this point is to support the efforts of Secretary Kerry to bring the two parties back to substantial negotiations aimed at concluding a comprehensive agreement. Ultimately this is the only way the overall conflict, and the many problems caused by the occupation, will be ended. In advance of any proposals from the US, the Council considered how the EU can best support what may well be the last feasible chance to achieve a two-state solution to the conflict. This could take the form of direct political support and encouragement, and parallel EU actions in support, such as the capacity building in the Palestinian administration which we have engaged in for some years. We noted also that over the past year the viability of the two-state solution has been further eroded.
Recalling in particular the Conclusions which we reached in May and December 2012, we expressed our concerns about developments on the ground which are working to make the two-state solution impossible. This is a theme which I have continually addressed and kept to the fore in EU discussions. I have been a strong advocate of the need for an early review by the Foreign Affairs Council of the issues which we addressed in the May 2012 Conclusions. I am firmly of the view that actions on the ground are threatening the prospects for a peace agreement based on the two-state solution and that the EU must make its position in this regard very clear.
Humanitarian Aid
Questions (12, 18)
John McGuinness
Question:12. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures that are in place to ensure that all funding granted through Irish Aid is spent in a manner which is effective and accountable; the actions he will take to ensure that all organisations funded reflect Ireland’s strong record on human rights, peace and reconciliation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30805/13]
View answer
Bernard Durkan
Question:18. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to be satisfied regarding the degree to which international aid reaches those for whom it was intended worldwide; the extent to which continued monitoring takes place in respect of locations in relation to which concern has been raised in this regard previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30749/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 18 together.
As Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland’s Official Development Assistance, I am very conscious of the need to ensure that our development assistance is spent effectively, is fully accountable and that it makes a real difference to the lives of the world’s poorest people.
The overarching objective of the aid programme is to contribute to the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger in the world. To be certain that our assistance is targeted at those most in need and delivered in the most effective manner, we work through a variety of delivery channels in partnership with national governments, local communities, NGOs, and key multilateral partners such as the United Nations. Each of these partners is fully accountable to my Department for any funds received.
All proposals for funding are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff or independent experts using clear criteria, including quality of intended impact, sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency in the use of resources.
Irish Aid Programmes in receipt of funding are subject to regular internal and external monitoring and are evaluated and audited by independent experts. The independent Evaluation and Audit Unit of my Department evaluates the performance of Irish Aid under its work programme and regularly reviews risks associated with the implementation of programmes. This year the Unit has prioritised the assessment of all internal control systems governing the management of the Aid Programme. Evaluations and audits are also regularly reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of my Department.
In addition a comprehensive system of external audit is in place in the Department. Audits are carried out on an annual basis by independent auditors of international accountancy firms and the national audit offices of our partner Governments. Oversight of the audit function is by the Department’s independent Audit Committee which provides an independent appraisal of the Department’s audit and evaluation function.
The Comptroller & Auditor General reviews the operation of the Department’s Internal Audit function and places reliance on its work for the purpose of its annual report. This report is in turn examined by the Public Accounts Committee.
I believe that the strong focus on appraisal, regular review, independent evaluations and audit provides assurance that all Irish Aid funds are very closely monitored and used for the purposes intended.
The recent case in Uganda is a clear indication of the need for continuous vigilance. The report into the events in Uganda contains a number of recommendations for improving the monitoring and oversight of Irish Aid spending. I have accepted all of the recommendations of the Uganda report. I have welcomed the swift action of the Government of Uganda in reimbursing in full all misused funds and the prosecutions which are underway. I wish to assure Deputies that all oversight systems are currently being reviewed in the light of the report and will be strengthened, where necessary, if any deficiencies are identified.
Ireland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and to the advancement of peace and reconciliation is a cornerstone of our foreign policy and a key priority of Ireland’s new Policy for International Development ‘One World, One Future’. We believe that sustainable development can only be achieved when there is a strong foundation of human rights, peace and security. In line with our new policy we are committed to reinvigorating our approach to human rights by ensuring that the human rights principles of non-discrimination, equality, empowerment and participation are integrated across all our development efforts and organisations that we fund.
My Department, through Irish Aid and the Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Units, has significant experience in supporting peace and reconciliation efforts in a number of developing countries including Timor Leste, Sierra Leone and Liberia. A priority in the Policy for International Development is to build on this considerable experience and deepen our efforts in Fragile States. We will be strengthening our work in this area over the coming months.
Human Rights Issues
Questions (13)
Pádraig MacLochlainn
Question:13. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason two of Irish Aid's key partner countries, Ethiopia and Zambia, have so far failed to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict; and if the Ethiopian and Zambian governments have outlined a timetable in which they will work towards ratifying the OPAC. [30765/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2000, focuses on the involvement of children in armed conflict in an effort to strengthen implementation of the Convention and increase the protection of children during armed conflicts. The Protocol became legally binding on 12 February 2002 and, to date, more than 100 countries, including Ireland, have ratified it. The Protocol requires States which ratify the Convention to “take all feasible measures” to ensure that any members of their armed forces under the age of 18 do not take a direct part in hostilities.
The two countries to which the Deputy refers, Zambia and Ethiopia, have already signed and ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child. They have also signed the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict. However, neither country has yet ratified the Protocol, or established a specific timeframe for such ratification.
In both countries, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has raised the issue of ratification with the relevant authorities, and will continue to do so, with the support of our Embassies in Addis Ababa and Lusaka. Ethiopia and Zambia are both key partner countries for Ireland’s development assistance programme, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. In keeping with our partnership approach, I have asked our Ambassadors to raise the issue of the Optional Protocol with the authorities in both countries and to encourage them to ratify it.
Ireland continues to engage on the protection of children's rights including through the core work of the Irish Aid programme. The central priority of our aid programme is the elimination of extreme poverty and the fight to end hunger and under-nutrition. We are also implementing major programmes to improve child and maternal health and increase access to and quality of education, including in Ethiopia and Zambia. More generally, Ireland is a strong contributor to the work of UNICEF.
In Ireland’s new policy for international development, “One World, One Future,” we have pledged to increase our engagement on the issue of children in armed conflict, and we are actively examining options for strengthened action in this area.
Human Rights Issues
Questions (14)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:14. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the high rates of gender based violence in Sierra Leone; the specific projects and programmes Irish Aid is implementing and supporting, to assist the survivors of gender based violence and tackle this pervasive human rights abuse, in Irish Aid’s newest key partner country. [30764/13]
View answerWritten answers
Sierra Leone’s protracted civil war, in which 50,000 people died, fostered widespread abuse of human rights. Women suffered the brunt of the conflict, and experienced some of the most horrific acts of violence during the war. While Sierra Leone has made considerable progress towards peace and sustainable development since the end of the war in 2002, the country continues to suffer from a high incidence of sexual and gender-based violence. The most common forms of gender-based violence in Sierra Leone are domestic violence, sexual assault, physical violence against women and girls, female genital mutilation, and early and forced marriage.
The Government of Sierra Leone is making solid progress towards protecting, promoting and fulfilling human rights, and developing systems of good governance in terms of institutions and laws. The Government has established a Human Rights Commission and an Anti Corruption Commission, and has passed laws against sexual offences, domestic violence and child abuse. A national gender strategic plan and an action plan on gender-based violence are in place. However, implementation of these laws and strategies is, as yet, limited due in large part to resourcing and capacity challenges faced by the Government.
Gender-based violence is a significant contributory factor to poverty and ill-health worldwide and prevents many people, the vast majority of whom are women, from reaching their potential. As the Deputy may be aware, the Government is one of the key drivers behind the Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence in which former President Mary Robinson plays such a prominent role. Tackling gender-based violence is a priority for Ireland’s aid programme, including in its newest Key Partner Country, Sierra Leone.
Since 2006, Ireland has provided over €2.1 million to the International Rescue Committee for its gender-based violence and women’s empowerment programme in Sierra Leone. I had the opportunity to visit this programme while in Sierra Leone last year and saw first-hand how Ireland’s contribution is helping to support activities focused on prevention of gender-based violence through awareness raising and training of women, school-children, and men, and economic empowerment of women. Our support has also allowed the International Rescue Committee to engage with the Government of Sierra Leone in order to build capacity of the Ministry for Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs and to advocate for increased attention to issues affecting women and girls.
Ireland is also providing €1.4 million to the United Nations Development Programme for its programme, which seeks to improve the access to justice for gender-based violence survivors in Sierra Leone.
Ireland is committed to supporting the recovery efforts and successful transition of countries emerging from conflict or significant and protracted humanitarian crises. The recent announcement that Sierra Leone will become one of Irish Aid’s nine Key Partner Countries is testament to this commitment. Ireland will further strengthen its support for long-term reconstruction and development in Sierra Leone, working in close collaboration with the Sierra Leonean Government and other partners such as United Nations agencies and NGOs.
European External Action Service
Questions (15)
Micheál Martin
Question:15. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the European External Action Service is effective in its mandate as the European Union's diplomatic corps; his views on the European Parliament’s report that criticises the EEAS over its management structure and appointment system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30798/13]
View answerWritten answers
The European External Action Service (EEAS), established by Council Decision in 2010, is the European Union’s diplomatic service which has been created to support the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). At present, it numbers some 3400 staff, spread between the Brussels Headquarters and 141 EU Delegations throughout the world. Under the leadership of the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, the EEAS has achieved much during its first two and a half years in operation. From a CFSP perspective, this period has been a very busy one, and the Foreign Affairs Council, which HR Ashton chairs, has taken important decisions in relation to major foreign policy issues, not least the crisis in Syria, the nuclear issue in Iran and various African conflict situations. There have been significant breakthroughs in areas such as the Belgrade/Pristina dialogue and important developments also on policy issues such as the ‘comprehensive approach’ to crisis management. Operationally, good progress has also been made in meeting the challenge of establishing a new institution, which comprises staff from the EU Commission, the General Secretariat of the Council and national diplomats seconded from the Member States.
As a new institution however, the EEAS is very much a work in progress. The 2010 Council Decision included a specification that HR Ashton would prepare a Review of the “organisation and functioning” of the Service by mid-2013. This is an important process, which provides an opportunity to take stock of progress achieved to date and to identify those areas which might be improved. While the Review is led by the High Representative, Ireland has taken an active interest in the process, contributing to consultations at senior political and official level. Other EU member States and key interlocutors such as the European Parliament and the EU Commission have also contributed to it. The Review was the subject of discussions at the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers which I co-hosted with HR Ashton in Dublin Castle in March (and to which I was particularly pleased to welcome representatives from the Parliament and the Commission for that discussion).
The recently-published report from the European Parliament makes a number of recommendations across a range of areas, including in relation to management and recruitment issues. Ireland shares many of these views. We too wish to see progress towards achieving improved member State representation and gender balance within the EEAS and we welcome the advances that are being made to achieve this. Indeed, the one-third target, as set out in the original 2010 Decision, for the participation of nationals of EU member States has almost been reached and this is to be commended. Commenting on the Parliament’s report, HR Ashton concurred with many of the points made in it and congratulated the rapporteurs, Elmar Brok and Roberto Gualtieri, for their “thoughtful and balanced” contribution.
I expect that the High Representative will take account of the various contributions – including from the European Parliament and member States – in the Report which she will present in the near future. I look forward to considering her recommendations in due course.
Foreign Conflicts
Questions (16)
Dessie Ellis
Question:16. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the Tamil Political Prisoners in Sri Lanka March 2013 report produced by the Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice, which investigated the arbitrary detention of Tamil political prisoners and the prison conditions they face; and if he has raised the issue with the Sri Lankan authorities. [30759/13]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the report released by the Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice in March. I am deeply concerned by the accounts of human rights abuses of prisoners incarcerated in connection with the conflict in Sri Lanka. Ireland along with our partners in the EU believes that genuine reconciliation among all groups and communities in Sri Lanka is essential and requires justice and accountability.
Ireland’s Ambassador to India, who is accredited to Sri Lanka, discussed the peace and reconciliation process with the Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka in December of 2012 and again with the Minister of External Affairs in February of 2013. These discussions included issues around the treatment of prisoners incarcerated in connection with the conflict.
In an address I gave to the 22nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council I highlighted the current human rights situation in the country and in particular the need for accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Also during this session of the Council, members passed a resolution calling upon the Government of Sri Lanka to take meaningful action on reconciliation and accountability and specifically expressed concern about continued reports of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture and other human rights violations.
As mentioned in the report, Sri Lanka regrettably rejected a number of recommendations made by the international community during the Universal Periodic Review of the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka. However Ireland’s recommendations that the Government of Sri Lanka take steps to ensure that all detainees are afforded a fair trial within a reasonable time period, and second, that the Government of Sri Lanka inform the Council of implementation of recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, were both accepted by Sri Lanka.
Ireland, together with our international partners, will continue to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to adhere to its international obligations and respect the human rights of all its citizens, through our accredited embassy in New Delhi and the relevant multilateral channels.
Northern Ireland Issues
Questions (17)
Barry Cowen
Question:17. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the most recent discussions he has had with parties in Northern Ireland regarding advancing a shared future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30791/13]
View answerWritten answers
On 29 April 2013 I met with Secretary of State Villiers and with the First Minister and deputy First Minister in Belfast in quad formation. Separately, on the same date, I met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister on North South Institutional matters. In both meetings, the then absence of an agreed strategy to provide a framework for a stable, shared society for the people of Northern Ireland was discussed.
I welcome, therefore, the publication on 23 May 2013 by the NI Executive of a new strategy ‘Together: Building A United Community’. The publication of the strategy is an important acknowledgement of the ongoing blight of sectarianism across communities in Northern Ireland and recognition that building a shared society will require a comprehensive response across political, economic, civic and social life.
I welcome in particular the proposal to establish an All-Party Group, with an independent Chair from outside of the political parties, to consider and make recommendations on difficult matters including parades and protests; flags, symbols, emblems and related matters; and the past. I understand that progress is being made on this on an all-party basis and that the All-Party Group should be operational within the coming weeks.
Building relationships between divided communities takes time and sustained effort and will need to be at the core of the work of the NI Executive, NI Party Leaders and the NI Assembly for some time to come. The Government will continue to support all efforts by the Executive and political leaders in Northern Ireland to promote reconciliation. The priority now, in my discussions with the Parties in Northern Ireland, is to encourage and support them in implementing the Strategy and the work of the All-Party Group to its fullest extent, both in terms of promoting an ethos of respect and reconciliation and in implementing fully the individual practical proposals as set out in the Strategy.
I am particularly pleased that progress has been made in the draft Multi-Annual financial framework for a Peace Programme which I believe will play a critical role in supporting this Strategy. The Government will also continue to support reconciliation in other ways, including through the Reconciliation and Anti-Sectarianism Funds, which provide grants to organisations involved in reconciliation work on a cross-community and cross-border basis. We will also continue to support commemorative initiatives and events in Northern Ireland which foster reconciliation and mutual understanding among the different communities on the island.
We are committed to advancing all aspects of North South relations in close cooperation with the Northern Ireland Executive and to developing an ever-deeper partnership with the British Government. In respect of each of these levels of engagement, the work of my Department and across Government is informed by a common purpose of contributing to building united, reconciled and prosperous communities across this island.