Written Answers Nos. 135-150
135. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the annual saving to the Exchequer if all State agency board fees were reduced by 25% under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35805/13]
View answerThe National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is the only State agency under the aegis of my Department. No fee is payable for membership of the NESC.
Although the National Statistics Board (NSB) is not classified as an agency under my aegis, I am providing the following for the information of the Deputy. Under the Statistics Act, 1993, the National Statistics Board comprises a Chairperson and seven Board members. My functions in relation to the NSB were delegated to the Government Chief Whip, Minister of State Paul Kehoe T.D., on the 22 March 2011.
Appointments to the NSB are made in line with the provisions of Section 18 of the Statistics Act 1993. The Chairperson is eligible to an annual stipend of €8,978 and four of the seven Board members are eligible to an annual stipend of €5,985. The other members are serving Civil Servants and receive no additional remuneration for serving on the Board. The costs of the Board are met from the CSO Vote.
The following table shows the potential saving to the Exchequer if the amount of the stipend was reduced by 25%.
|
% Reduction |
Potential saving |
|
25% |
€8,229.50 |
136. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide, in tabular form, a list of all non-commercial State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36222/13]
View answerThe National Economic and Social Council (NESC) is the only State agency under the aegis of my Department.
137. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will revisit the old system of supporting Deputies helping their constituents in their passport applications in cases of emergency; if he will advise on how best to handle passport applications relating to funerals, a family illness abroad, weddings, lost passports abroad and so on under the current system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34176/13]
View answerThe Department advises people resident on the island of Ireland to apply for their passports through the Passport Express service. However the Department recognises that passport applicants may on occasion require a faster turnaround service. Priority at public counters in Dublin and Cork is given to those travelling at short notice where the fastest turnaround time for these applications is three working days. Appointments for Molesworth Street can be made at www.passportappointments.ie. Additionally an emergency same day service is also provided for those whose travel plans are necessitated by an emergency such as the death or illness of a family member. Applicants in such situations should contact the Molesworth Street or Cork public offices or the out of hours duty officer service, where, on provision of proofs of the emergency situation as detailed above, a passport will issue. The Passport Service endeavours to provide all citizens with the best possible service consistent with resource constraints. The Passport Express arrangement, which involves an element of pre-checking, is the most efficient means of achieving this. Dealing with individual applications on an exceptional basis inevitably involves a diversion of resources which results in a delay in the processing of other applications. The facility whereby applications for passports could be submitted through Members of the Oireachtas and accorded priority treatment was discontinued in 2010 and I have no plans for its reintroduction.
138. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in relation to a lost passport in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34177/13]
View answerThe Consulate in New York was been in contact with the couple in question last weekend. It transpired that their passports had not been lost but rather misplaced in their hotel room. Therefore the issuance of temporary passports to return home was not required.
139. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken to ensure that the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 is supported in the US Congress and in particular in the US House of Representatives; his views on the legislation's progress thus far; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34185/13]
View answer166. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the plight of the undocumented Irish in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35308/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 166 together.
I very much welcome the adoption earlier this month by the US Senate to approve a bill that provides for comprehensive reform of the American immigration system. This is a very positive development that takes us another step closer towards addressing the problems faced by undocumented Irish emigrants in the US and will allow them to emerge from the shadows. I strongly welcome the provisions in the Bill passed by the Senate to address the concerns of our undocumented and the specific E3 provisions for Ireland that provide extensive legal pathway for future migration flows between Ireland and the US.
I am particularly pleased that the Bill includes provisions that will allow for continuation of the summer J1 visa programme. Earlier drafts of the bill had threatened the future viability of the programme. I raised these concerns directly with Senator Patrick Leahy, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I am pleased that the Bill as passed by the Senate no longer classifies J1 summer participants as foreign workers, which would have imposed significant additional requirements on them and their potential employers. Earlier texts had also proposed a further fee of $500 to be paid by the sponsoring organisations; the Bill as passed introduces a fee of $100, and the conditions surrounding payment of this fee would allow for it to be paid by either the sponsoring organisation or the participant.
I pay tribute to hard work and persistence of Senators Leahy, Schumer, McCain and other members of the US Senate bipartisan group who brought forward the original proposals. I also welcome the considerable bipartisan support that has emerged in support of the Senate bill and hope that this bodes well for its further prospects.
The prospects for a successful outcome remain uncertain as the focus now moves to the House of Representatives. To reinforce Ireland’s interest in the issue, I visited Washington DC last week where I met with a range of Senators and Congressmen and Congresswomen from both parties. I met with a range of the most significant Congressional leaders on immigration issues from both sides of the US political divide, including Chairman Peter King (R-New York) and Cong. Richard Neal (D-Massachusetts) of the Friends of Ireland Congressional Group; Cong. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin), Chair of House Budgetary Committee; Cong. Bob Goodlatte (R-Virginia), Chair of House Judiciary Committee and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D- Calif) and Senator Patrick Leahy and Senator John McCain among others. I also raised immigration reform at senior official level in the White House. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my appreciation for the active support we continue to receive from a number of Irish community organisations, some of whom I met during my Washington visit. In pressing to secure a solution for the undocumented, we continue to work closely with them. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Emigrant Support Programme, has provided funding to a number of organisations active in this area.
We will closely follow developments over the coming weeks, and will co-ordinate closely with our friends in Congress, the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Irish community groups in the US.
140. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position on the new policy for international development, One World, One Future; the priority areas for engagement; if the new policy will mean more effective use and deployment of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34186/13]
View answer141. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position on the new policy for international development, One World, One Future, the public consultation process in developing this policy and for gauging the reaction thereto; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34187/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
On 5 May 2013, The Tánaiste and I launched One World, One Future - Ireland’s Policy for International Development.
This new policy emanates from a commitment in the 2011 Programme for Government to review the 2006 White Paper on Irish Aid. The review examined the progress made by the aid programme over the past 6 years and reassessed the changing context, in Ireland and overseas, in which we operate. A comprehensive public consultation process reached over 1000 people directly, through public meetings throughout the country and overseas. It involved meetings with NGOs, members of the Oireachtas, the Private Sector, Diaspora groups and other stakeholders. It also encouraged interested parties to submit written submissions. Over 160 of these were received and are now available on the Irish Aid website. The review process has been widely recognised as good practice in participatory policy making.
One World, One Future sets out the framework for Ireland’s engagement in international development over the coming years – a framework which will help bring greater coherence to our work, and enable us to better plan for and measure more comprehensively the results which our development efforts are achieving.
It defines our vision of a sustainable and just world where people are empowered to overcome poverty and hunger and fully realise their rights and potential. It identifies three clear goals: (1) reduced hunger and stronger resilience; (2) sustainable development, inclusive economic growth; and (3) better governance, human rights and accountability.
It also sets out 6 priority areas for action around which we will plan and manage our resources: a) Global Hunger b) Countries that are fragile c) Climate Change and Development, d) Trade and Economic Growth, e) Essential Services, f) Human Rights and Accountability.
Given our leading role on hunger, it is perhaps not surprising that this framework places achieving Food and Nutrition Security centre stage, but we are also signalling an evolution in our approach by increasing our focus on responding to situations of fragility, giving even more attention to human rights, ensuring that greater emphasis is placed on inclusive and equitable economic growth and promoting more rounded relationships with our Key Partner Countries by bringing economic and political relations further into the dialogue.
One World, One Future, has been very positively received by Irish Aid partners. Civil Society organisations have welcomed the renewed focus on Human Rights, Climate Change and addressing inequality. African governments have welcomed the emphasis placed on more rounded partnerships based on mutual respect and mutual interest.
Moving this policy forward is a major priority. Over the coming weeks and months, I will consult with our stakeholders and with members of the public once again. They have played an important role in developing this Policy and their views as to its implementation are equally important.
142. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is any assistance his Department can offer the family of an Irish citizen (details supplied) on life support in a foreign hospital who are trying to have him repatriated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34340/13]
View answerThe person referred to by the Deputy first came to the attention of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 24 June 2013, when a family friend contacted the Embassy of Ireland in Kuala Lumpur and our Honorary Consul in Bangkok. My Department has been providing consular assistance through our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the Honorary Consul in Bangkok and the Consular Assistance Section in Dublin and will continue to do so for as long as required. Our Honorary Consul in Bangkok is in direct contact with the family. My Department does not have funds to assist with medical repatriations.
143. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will meet the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective, as requested, 19 of whom face prosecution for engaging in a peaceful protest contrary to EU rights to assembly. [34373/13]
View answerThe matters to which the Deputy refers pertain to the arrest of a number of persons by the PSNI. I am advised that these persons have been charged subsequently with criminal offences by the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland. Under the Hillsborough Agreement, of which the Irish Government is a co-guarantor, responsibility for policing in Northern Ireland is now a devolved matter. The Chief Constable is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board which has cross community representation. As part of the Good Friday Agreement, a Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland was established to provide independent and impartial investigation of the new police service. Complaints of alleged misconduct by the PSNI can be made to the Police Ombudsman, who in turn is accountable to the Northern Ireland Assembly, through the Minister for Justice.
As is the case in this jurisdiction, the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland is independent in the exercise of its functions. In these circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to seek to influence any of these bodies in their decision making.
144. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, the name, costs, date of commission, date or expected date of publication and name of the external consultant of all external reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011. [34404/13]
View answerMy Department is responsible for two Votes – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Co-operation). The Department commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and particularly where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagements these consultants/experts may prepare reports and other documentation for the Department. In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed - and continues to inform - my Department’s policies, allowing for more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.
The following tables set out the details of external reports commissioned under Vote 28 and Vote 27 since March 2011.
External Reports commissioned under Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade)
|
Date of Commission |
Experts/Consultants |
Matter Reported On |
Cost (€) |
Date of publication |
|
06.09.2012 |
Mike Williams |
Evaluation of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation |
€12,246.64 |
Expected July 2013 |
|
16.11.2012 |
PA Consulting Group |
Evaluating the value of the economic relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland. |
Irish contribution of €72,494.48 represents 50% of costs, balance paid by UK government |
Expected July 2013 |
|
11.02.2013 |
Bronagh Hinds & Karen McMinn |
1325 Mid-term Progress Report on implementation of Ireland’s National Action plan for UN Security Council Resolution 1325, 2011-2014. |
€16,920.12 |
10 June 2013 |
|
06.05.2011 |
Peter Mc Evoy |
Evaluation of a number of Organisations funded by the Emigrant Support Programme(ESP) |
Not finalised. Maximum budgeted for is €15,000. |
Not Published |
External Reports commissioned under Vote 27 (International Cooperation)
|
Date of Commission |
Experts/Consultants |
Matter Reported On |
Cost (€) |
Date of Publication |
|
28.04.2011 |
Kevin Moore |
Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment |
€13,581 |
Not Applicable – see footnote* |
|
28.04.11 |
Paul Sheane |
Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment |
€9,965 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
Stefanie Meredith |
Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries. |
€10,100 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
Samia Saad |
Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries. |
€9,198 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
Paud Murphy |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
€9,064 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
80:20 |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
€9,870 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
Eilis Murray |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
€6,068 |
* |
|
05.05.2011 |
ISOS |
Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work). |
€42,247 |
* |
|
01.06.2011 |
Bernard McLoughlin |
Review of the Irish Aid Centre, Dublin |
€6,143 |
* |
|
01.06.2011 |
Cathal Higgins |
Preparation of a report on the programme of education sector budget support towards school infrastructural development in Karamoja region and skills development in the oil sector (Uganda) |
€5,000 |
* |
|
12.09.2011 |
Humanitarian Policy Ltd |
Review of Security Policy & Practice among Irish Aid Humanitarian Partners |
€33,930 |
* |
|
12.08.2011 |
Mike Williams |
Review of Humanitarian Programme Plan for Irish Aid |
€18,742 |
* |
|
09.01.2012 |
Cathy Roche |
Review of the Our World Awards 2005-2011 |
€6,300 |
* |
|
18.05.2012 |
Everywhere Consulting |
Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Humanitarian Hub at Shannon Airport |
€40,584 |
* |
|
01.06.2012 |
Fintan Farrelly |
Review of the Irish Aid Strategic Environmental Partnership Programme |
€6,000 |
* |
|
01.11.2012 |
John Paton |
Africa Strategy Scoping Exercise |
€9,900 |
* |
|
01.11.2012 |
Mike Williams |
Review of Misean Cara |
€15,099 |
* |
|
01.03.2013 |
Bronagh Hynes & Karen McMinn Consultants |
Report on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security |
€11,193 |
* |
|
01.02.2013 |
Mary Jennings |
Review of HRD (Human Rights and Democratisation) Scheme Irish Aid Palestine |
€15,500 |
* |
|
01.04.2013 |
ASTEC Global Consultancy Ltd |
Review of Irish Aid Financial Policies and Procedures |
€33,000 |
* |
*Reports commissioned by the Department in relation to Irish Aid matters are generally for internal management usage and not for publication. However, many are published on the Irishaid.ie website or, in appropriate cases, can be made available on request.
145. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Ireland, the EU and the UN are staying silent about the overthrow of an elected president in Egypt; his views on what will happen to the democratic process in view of the military coup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34420/13]
View answerI am following events in Egypt with great concern. I very much regret the loss of lives, estimated at around 100 persons, and the many casualties since the onset of the current crisis. Incidents such as the heavy loss of life outside the Republican Guard HQ in Cairo on 7 July must be thoroughly and impartially investigated. It is not correct that Ireland, the EU and the UN have stayed silent about this crisis. In my own public comments, I have remarked that no one who truly holds to democratic values can view with equanimity what was, to all intents and purposes, a military takeover. I continue to believe that, as a matter of principle, a military intervention of this kind which sets aside a country’s established constitutional and democratic order cannot be condoned. EU High Representative Ashton issued a declaration on 14 July, on behalf of the 28 member States, which made clear the EU’s deep concern at recent developments in Egypt. This declaration stated that the military must accept and respect the constitutional authority of the civilian power as a basic principle of democratic governance and that it was of the utmost importance that Egypt should return rapidly to a legitimate government and democratic structures. I note that UN Secretary General Ban has also expressed deep concern about events in Egypt following the 3 July suspension of the Constitution and the removal from office of President Morsi and his government.
The immediate priority is for all political actors in Egypt to show restraint, to refrain from any recourse to violence and to dedicate themselves urgently to the task of charting a political way forward which must be respectful of the aspirations and orientations of the entire population.
Ireland and its EU partners believe that the only solution to the situation we are facing in Egypt is to promote a fully inclusive process of political dialogue and reconciliation aimed at the swiftest possible restoration of democratic rule and civilian-led Government, following free and fair legislative and Presidential elections. The interim President, Mr. Al-Mansour, has proposed a road-map for the restoration of the constitution and of normal democratic government, which now needs to be discussed and agreed by all parties in Egypt. It is also essential for all actors and those now in positions of responsibility in Egypt to commit to, and to ensure, the full protection of basic human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law.
The interim Presidency and all those in positions of influence must reach out to all political forces, without exception, and must ensure all strands of Egyptian society can contribute to the building of a genuine democracy and improved economic circumstances. Conciliatory moves to defuse the current crisis, including the release of those detained for political reasons, are also essential.
As I have stated previously, Egypt and its people are experiencing a difficult transition to democracy. Ireland and its EU partners are fully committed to providing whatever support we can to assist the Egyptian people along this path.
146. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider prioritising sending experienced election observers and agents on further election observer missions as part of the EU and OSCE missions when requested to select persons from the approved roster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34442/13]
View answer147. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline upcoming election observer missions that his Department intend to send delegations to, including observers for missions organised by the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34454/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains a roster of observers for election monitoring missions. We aim to ensure that Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international observation missions for both elections and constitutional referendums. Irish observers participate primarily in missions organised by the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). However, they have also participated in missions organised by the Council of Europe, the United Nations and the Carter Centre.
So far in 2013, Ireland has participated in election observation missions in Jordan, Armenia, Kenya, Paraguay, Pakistan, Albania and Mongolia. The Department decides on a case by case basis which election observation missions Ireland should participate in. Currently, there are no outstanding invitations from international bodies for Irish participation in election observation missions, although notifications are expected from both the EU and the OSCE over the coming months.
When it is decided to nominate observers to a particular mission, the Department seeks expressions of interest from all observers on the election roster. A list of suitably qualified observers is drawn up, taking into account the specific criteria for the mission, including local or regional experience, and language proficiency. Gender balance and length of time since serving on a mission are also key factors in the selection process. Following completion of the internal selection process, a draft list of nominees is submitted for Ministerial approval.
In the case of European Union election observation missions, the final selection of observers from the list of approved nominees submitted by the Department rests with the European Commission. In the case of OSCE election observation missions, all the observers nominated by the Department are usually selected.
I am confident that the establishment this year of the new election observation roster, comprising 200 highly qualified individuals with a strong mix of skills and experience, will ensure that Ireland can consistently nominate the best qualified people for election monitoring missions. At this point, I do not envisage changes to the procedure by which members of the new roster will be nominated for missions.
148. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a cost benefit analysis of Ireland's membership of the Asian Development Bank has been carried out in view of the fact that the new development policy is facilitating membership of the African Development Bank; the amount our membership has cost since 2006; the impacts Ireland's membership has had on poverty eradication; the way his Department measure the efficacy and relevance of our membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34500/13]
View answerThe Minister for Finance has the lead responsibility in Government for Ireland’s membership of the Asian Development Bank. Ireland joined the Bank in 2006, in line with the Government’s Asia Strategy to increase Ireland’s engagement in Asia. Ireland’s ‘paid-in’ subscription on joining the Bank in 2006 was €8.4 million. Ireland also contributed €1.6 million to two trust funds of the Bank, the Gender and Development Cooperation Trust Fund and the Governance Cooperation Trust Fund. All of this funding was provided from non-voted Central Fund expenditure, under the authority of the Minister for Finance. In 2011, the Minister for Finance decided that Ireland would contribute to the Bank’s Capital Increase, which involves further contributions of €8 million over ten years. In addition, since joining the Asian Development Bank, Ireland has contributed €51million from Central Fund expenditure to the Asian Development Fund which provides concessional loans and grants to the poorest countries in Asia. In 2012, Ireland, through the Department of Finance, pledged to contribute €20 million to the tenth replenishment of the Asian Development Fund, to be provided over nine years. The first instalment was provided to the Fund this month. All these contributions are counted as part of Ireland’s overall Official Development Assistance.
Ireland’s relationship with the Asian Development Bank is managed by the Department of Finance. The Bank’s operation is reviewed at its annual meeting, at which Ireland is represented by officials of the Department of Finance. There is ongoing review of the work of the Bank by its Internal Evaluation Department, which independently and systematically evaluates Bank policies, strategies and operations. This process is important in providing feedback on the effectiveness of its operations and the achievement of development outcomes. The most recent Annual Evaluation Review, for 2013, is available on the Bank’s website, at www.adb.org/site/evaluation.
The Asian Development Bank is also regularly reviewed by the Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN), of which Ireland is one of seventeen members. MOPAN assesses the organisational effectiveness of the major multilateral organisations which its members fund. The most recent MOPAN review of the Bank’s work, in 2011, noted that it is implementing reforms to improve its organisational effectiveness, especially in relation to making transparent and predictable aid allocation decisions, presenting information on performance and monitoring external results. The Government’s new Policy for International Development, “One World, One Future”, confirms the strong focus of Ireland’s development assistance programme on some of the poorest countries and communities in sub-Saharan Africa. In line with this commitment, we will explore any potential benefits of membership of the African Development Bank, particularly in the context of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Africa Strategy, and in consultation with the Department of Finance.
149. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of the fees and expenses paid to each member of each State board to include the chair and board member and the number of members on each State board under the aegis of his Department. [34514/13]
View answerThere are no State Bodies under the aegis of my Department.
150. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the annual salary of all non-commercial State-sponsored bodies chief executive officers under the aegis of his Department. [34530/13]
View answerThere are no State Bodies under the aegis of my Department.
