Written Answers Nos. 151-169
151. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, a list of all professional fees, including but not limited to legal, consultancy, IT related, advisory, advertising and accountancy; and the company name and the amount invoiced between 1 June 2012 and 31 May 2013. [34546/13]
View answerMy Department engages professional services in a number of areas where the required skills are not available in-house and it is more cost-effective to source them externally. Details of payments in the period in question are included in the following tables in respect of Vote 27 (International Co-operation) and Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade). There are also costs incurred on professional fees at missions abroad where advice is sought from time to time on a range of local matters.
|
Vote 28 1st June 2012 to 31st May 2013 |
Amount - € |
Supplier |
|
INTERPERTATION/TRANSLATION SERVICES |
1,000 |
KL COMMUNICATIONS |
|
INTERVIEW BOARD FEES |
1,800 |
MARIE CROSS Total |
|
INTERVIEW BOARD FEES |
1,600 |
MELANIE PINE Total |
|
INTERVIEW BOARD FEES |
1,200 |
SEAN MCDONALD Total |
|
TRAVEL CONTRACT MANAGEMENT FEE & INSURANCE |
9,299 |
CLUB TRAVEL Total |
|
LEGAL EXPENSES (excl. SETTLEMENT COSTS) |
29,063 |
STATE CLAIMS AGENCY Total |
|
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING (INC. PHOTOS) |
694 |
IRIS OIFIGIUIL Total |
|
LEGAL FEES |
4,296 |
ROSLING KING SOLICITORS |
|
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING (INC. PHOTOS) |
6,192 |
TRUVO Total |
|
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING (INC. PHOTOS) |
430 |
BANK OF IRELAND Total |
|
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING (INC. PHOTOS) |
400 |
INSTITUTE OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS |
|
OTHER PROFESSIONAL FEES |
221 |
ICC INFORMATION LTD Total |
|
OTHER PROFESSIONAL FEES |
200 |
ADRIENNE CANDY & ASSOCIATES Total |
|
OTHER PROFESSIONAL FEES |
500 |
AVONDALE MEDIA SERVICES Total |
|
OTHER PROFESSIONAL FEES |
2,700 |
HOLGER LONZE PRES. AWARD |
|
OTHER PROFESSIONAL FEES |
16,920 |
BRONAGH HINDS & KAREN McMINN |
|
OTHER PROFESSIONAL FEES |
6,150 |
VERMILLON DESIGN PRES.AWARD |
|
OTHER PROFESSIONAL FEES |
19,770 |
SPEAR DESIGN PRES. AWARD |
|
OTHER PROFESSIONAL FEES |
8,940 |
SPEAR DESIGN PRES. AWARD |
|
OTHER PROFESSIONAL FEES |
3,435 |
SPEAR DESIGN PRES. AWARD |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
1,624 |
BCT COMMUNICATIONS LTD Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
2,487 |
BRIDGE INTERPRETING Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
16,250 |
CENAD Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
874 |
CORE FINANCIAL SYSTEMS LTD Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
800 |
CW SYSTEMS INTEGRATION Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
2,000 |
EMCO CUMARSAID TEO Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
990 |
EMERGENCY CARE PRODUCTS Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
8,480 |
HIGH PERFORMANCE Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
6,115 |
ICS SKILLS TRAINING & CERTIFICATION Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
12,083 |
INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
1,200 |
MELANIE PINE Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
2,691 |
P L & ASSOCIATES Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
7,245 |
PATRICK SUTTON T/A COMMUNICATE Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
7,116 |
SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL & AFRICAN STUDIES |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
1,000 |
SURESKILLS Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
2,400 |
THE IRISH TIMES Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
14,050 |
TIGER CONSULTING Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
200 |
TRISH MURPHY Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
1,173 |
VERSION 1 SOFTWARE Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
14,530 |
WRIGHT CONSULTANCY Total |
|
TRAINER FEES & TRAINING MATERIALS & EQUIP |
1,036 |
EUROPUS TEO Total |
|
TRANSLATION SERVICES |
41 |
WORD PERFECT TRANSLATION SERVICES LTD Total |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
179,340 |
B T IRELAND Total |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
350 |
BLUEWAVE TECHNOLOGY Total |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
14,421 |
CORE FINANCIAL SYSTEMS LTD Total |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
263,801 |
ISAS Total |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
176,825 |
IT ROLLOUT CONSULTANCY Total |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
282,010 |
JK NETWORK ARCHITECTURE DESIGN LTD Total |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
1,026 |
MONGEY COMMUNICATIONS LTD |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
3750 |
WARD SOLUTIONS Total |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
107,972 |
ZERO DOWNTIME LTD Total |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
3,882 |
FUSIO |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
250 |
LGMA |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
2,909 |
1E Ltd Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
2,635 |
AMS LTD Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
2,263,980 |
BEARING POINT Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
31,096 |
BUSINESS & SCIENTIFIC Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
35,469 |
BUTLER AGENCIES Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
158,808 |
CORE FINANCIAL SYSTEMS LTD Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
81,191 |
CORE INTERNATIONAL LTD. (IRL) Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
23,639 |
CW SYSTEMS INTEGRATION Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
57,263 |
DELL COMPUTER Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
176,451 |
INTEGRITY SOLUTIONS LTD Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
2,539 |
KROLL ONTRACK Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
23,678 |
MICROMAIL Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
79,704 |
MICROSOFT Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
70,388 |
ORACLE EMEA LTD Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
830 |
PAESSLER AG Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
6,356 |
REPLIWEB INC Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
369,236 |
SAGEM IDENTIFICATION Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
13,442 |
SOFTWARE ONE UK LTD Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
35,000 |
SOFTWORKS COMPUTING Ltd Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
10,801 |
STREAMING LTD Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
13,670 |
SURFBOX ORMONDE TECHNOLOGIES LTD |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
3,943 |
SYSTEM DYNAMICS Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
6,751 |
SYSTEM VIDEO Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
17,639 |
VERSION 1 SOFTWARE Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
20,178 |
WARD SOLUTIONS Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
45,113 |
WORLDREACH SOFTWARE CORPORATION |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
1,781 |
YCACQUIRERSYSTE Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
9,852 |
ZERO DOWNTIME LTD Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
21,392 |
ZINOPY Total |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
3,630 |
DIARMUID P KELLY & ASSOCS Total |
|
PREMISES PROFESSIONAL FEES |
3,800 |
KEYTRAINER IRELAND LTD Total |
|
PREMISES PROFESSIONAL FEES |
719 |
NIFAST Total |
|
PREMISES PROFESSIONAL FEES |
6,150 |
KEELVAR SYSTEMS LTD Total |
|
PREMISES PROFESSIONAL FEES |
6,150 |
THE SIA MANAGEMENT COMPANY LTD Total |
|
Vote 27 - 1st June 2012 to 31st May 2013 Description |
Amount - € |
Supplier |
|
TRAVEL CONTRACT MANAGMENT FEE & INSURANCE |
18,705 |
CARLSON WAGONLIT IRELAND |
|
TRAVEL CONTRACT MANAGMENT FEE & INSURANCE |
7,489 |
CLUB TRAVEL |
|
TRAINER FEES |
2,113 |
CORE FINANCIAL SYSTMES |
|
TRANSLATION SERVICES |
1,082 |
WORD PERFECT TRANSLATION LTD |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
15,989 |
ISAS INFORMATION SECURITY & ASSURANCE SERVICE |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
119,049 |
SABEO CONTRACTING SERVICES |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
177,399 |
TERMINAL 4 SOLUTIONS |
|
ICT OUTSOURCING |
75,585 |
MAXMEDIA |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
142,613 |
CORE FINANCIAL SYSTEMS |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
7,600 |
DATA COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED |
|
SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE (I.T.) |
35,420 |
EQUINITI ICS LIMITED |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS-FEES |
15,683 |
AISLING SWAINE CONSULTANCY LTD |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
7,093 |
ANNEMARIE CUNNINGHAM |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
1,400 |
BERNARD MCLOUGHLIN |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
2,673 |
BERNARD WOOD + ASSOCIATES LTD |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
3,053 |
DR MARGARET FITZGERALD |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
76,704 |
EMMA WARWICK |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
15,791 |
FITZPATRICK ASSOCIATES |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
1,800 |
GERALD CAWLEY |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
15,600 |
GRACE KELLY HARTNETT |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
3,690 |
HUNTER MCGILL |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
53,625 |
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION DEV |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
143,160 |
ITAD LTD |
|
Vote 27 - 1st June 2012 to 31st May 2013 Description |
Amount - € |
Supplier |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
4,200 |
JIM KINSELLA |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
3,800 |
MAIRTIN O FAININ |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
6,642 |
NICHOLAS FREELAND |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
30,466 |
NUIM CENTAL ACCOUNT |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
3,025 |
PROF HELEN O'NEILL |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
4,800 |
RODNEY RICE |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
1,862 |
RONAN TIERNEY |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
14,950 |
TONY TAAFFE |
|
CONSULTANCY COSTS - FEES |
20,021 |
VICKY DILLON |
152. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of all third level courses, training programmes and courses and accompanying cost for the 2012-13 academic year 1 September 2012 to 30 June 2013 provided for employees of his Department. [34562/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table:
Expenditure on Third Level Courses and Training Programmes Sept 2012 to June 2013
|
Nature |
Cost - € |
|
Third Level (Refund of Fees Scheme) |
67,006 |
|
Language Tuition |
143,134 |
|
Other Courses & Programmes |
47,880 |
|
Total |
258,020 |
Refunds of fees arise in cases where staff of the Department undertake qualifying third-level courses in their own time and receive financial assistance under a scheme sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly encourages and supports its staff in this regard, particularly where courses are directly relevant to the work of the Department. Courses currently funded include public policy & management, international law, aspects of development cooperation, international relations and European affairs.
Given the nature of diplomatic service my Department also makes a significant investment in language tuition. Expenditure under this heading was higher than usual in 2012 in the lead-up to Ireland’s EU Presidency, when additional courses on chairing meetings and negotiation skills were also provided. Other courses and training programmes regularly delivered include a comprehensive pre-posting training programme with modules on trade promotion, economic themes, provision of consular services, personal safety, public diplomacy and human rights. Training is also routinely provided for staff in key areas such as management development, performance management, leadership, positive working environment, macro-economics, communication skills, social media and customer service. In-house expertise is used wherever possible.
153. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the annual saving to the Exchequer of a 20% reduction to all professional fees, including but not limited to legal, consultancy, IT-related, advisory, advertising and accountancy; the company name and the amount invoiced between 1 June 2012 and 31 May 2013. [34578/13]
View answerFurther to my reply to Question No. 151, the total amounts spent on professional fees including but not limited to legal, consultancy, IT related, advisory, advertising and other external service provision in the period between 1 June 2012 and 31 May 2013 are as follows:
|
Votes |
Amount |
|
Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade): |
€4,859,005 |
|
Vote 27 (International Cooperation): |
€1,033,082 |
|
Total Both Votes: |
€5,892,087 |
|
20% of Total: |
€1,178,417 |
154. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, the annual saving to the Exchequer of a 1%, 5%, 7%, 10%, 12%, 15%, 17% and 20% reduction to travel and expenses for his Department. [34594/13]
View answerA breakdown of the Department’s administrative budgetary allocation for 2013 was published in the Revised Estimates Volume which shows the Department’s allocation for Travel and Subsistence as follows:
|
Votes |
Amount |
|
Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) |
€6.382 m |
|
Vote 27 (International Cooperation |
€2.2 m |
|
Total: |
€8.582 m |
The percentages specified would be equivalent to the following:
|
2013 allocation |
1% |
5% |
7% |
10% |
12% |
17% |
20% |
|
8,582,000 |
85,820 |
429,100 |
600,740 |
858,200 |
1,029,840 |
1,458,940 |
1,716,400 |
155. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, the annual saving to the Exchequer of a 5%, 7%, 10%, 12%, 15%, 17% and 20% reduction to training and development for his Department. [34610/13]
View answerExpenditure on Training and Development in my Department in 2012 was €503,045. Based on that figure, the percentage reductions specified by the Deputy would result in the following outcomes:
|
- |
5% € |
7% € |
10% € |
12% € |
15% € |
17% € |
20% € |
|
Resulting reductions in expenditure |
25,152 |
35,213 |
50,304 |
60,364 |
75,456 |
85,517 |
100,608 |
156. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, the annual saving to the Exchequer if all his special advisers' pay was capped at the first point of the principal officer grade; and if he will provide a list of all salaries, post-implementation of the Haddington Road agreement paid to his special advisers. [34626/13]
View answerDetails of the salaries paid to my Special Advisers, which are commensurate with the responsibilities attaching to their positions, are provided in the following table.
|
Position held |
Annual Salary with effect from 1 July 2013 |
|
Chief Adviser - Office of the Tánaiste |
€156,380 |
|
Economic Adviser - Office of the Tánaiste |
€144,550 |
|
Special Adviser - Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade |
€81,676 |
|
Special Adviser – Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade |
€75,647 |
With effect from 1 July 2013, the first point of the Principal Officer standard scale is €75,647.
157. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, the commitments in the programme for Government within his remit; if the commitment has been met or is in the process of being met; the estimated time for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34681/13]
View answerI have set out in the following table the current status of each of the recommendations in the Programme for Government for which the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has primary responsibility. Those commitments which continue to be in progress represent sustained and ongoing actions, rather than discrete undertakings for which a completion date is envisaged.
Further consideration of the proposal to transfer the Passport Service to the Department of Justice and Equality is on hold pending the introduction of a number of service enhancements, which my Department is undertaking as part of the Government’s Integrated Reform Delivery Plan. Considerable progress has been made to date in delivering these enhancements.
A feasibility study was carried out during 2012 into the development of a humanitarian hub at Shannon Airport. The conclusion from this assessment was that there is limited feasibility to the idea of developing the airport in the manner in which was envisaged in the Programme for Government commitment. This view is based on an assessment of costs and benefits and is a result of consultation with a large number of international humanitarian actors and potential end users of such a hub. This will therefore not proceed and this action is completed.
Jobs Programme
|
IN PROGRESS |
Initiate a long-term strategy to develop new markets in emerging economies |
Increasing Exports
|
CURRENT STATUS |
- |
|
COMPLETED |
We will establish an Export Trade Council to strengthen cooperation and coordination across all key departments and agencies involved in promotion and development of trade and exports, whose membership will be divided equally between government and private sector representatives who have experience in establishing and growing export-oriented business. |
|
COMPLETED |
We will position Ireland to develop better trade relationships with emerging economies, including the establishment of local trade and investment teams. These teams will execute detailed local market plan, with progress against targets reviewed annually. |
|
COMPLETED |
We will develop cultural and diplomatic links with emerging markets including a scholarship scheme. |
|
IN PROGRESS |
We will actively develop the export of educational services. |
Innovation and Commercialisation
|
IN PROGRESS |
We will progressively implement the recommendations in the Trading and Investing in the Smart Economy Report |
The National Parliament and the European Union
|
CURRENT STATUS |
|
|
COMPLETED |
We propose that the week in which the 9th May, “Europe Day” falls will be the occasion for a week-long parliamentary debate on Ireland’s priorities within the EU. The debate will review the national progress in implementing the current year’s work programme and focus on identifying the major issues of concern to Ireland for inclusion on the following year’s EU Draft work Programme. |
Passports, Citizenship, Immigration and Asylum
|
CURRENT STATUS |
- |
|
PENDING |
Consideration will be given to transferring the passport service from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Department of Justice to operate as an Independent Executive Agency under the aegis of that Department. |
Foreign Affairs, ODA and Defence
|
CURRENT STATUS |
- |
|
IN PROGRESS/COMPLETED |
We will ensure that our diplomatic network aids the repair of our reputation through a transparent and responsible approach to winning inward investment and we will recall Ireland’s Ambassadors within 100 days of this new government for briefings on a new approach to promoting and marketing Ireland as a country to do business in. |
|
COMPLETED |
We will review the 2006 White Paper on Overseas Development Aid. |
|
IN PROGRESS |
In times of humanitarian crises, we will unite NGOs that provide humanitarian aid to create a single appeals mechanism for national fundraising and public response. This will maximise publicity for the cause, the receipt of emergency funds and ensure the effective and co-ordinated dispersal of emergency aid. The State will financially support these NGOs in their response. |
|
IN PROGRESS |
We are committed to the 0.7% of GNP target for Overseas Development Aid. We will seek to achieve this by 2015. |
|
COMPLETED |
We will position Ireland, in particular Shannon airport, to become an international hub for the storage and distribution of emergency humanitarian supplies. |
|
IN PROGRESS |
We will seek to establish a Civilian Corps, which could allow some job seekers use and share their skills in developing countries while retaining some job seeker’s benefit. |
|
COMPLETED |
We will enforce the prohibition on the use of Irish airspace, airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with the dictates of international law. |
158. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide, in tabular form, the names of all external public relations, communications consultants and organisations used by organisations or agencies within the remit of his Department since 9 March 2011; the details of the services supplied by each; the expenditure on each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34697/13]
View answerThere are no organisations or agencies under the aegis of my Department.
159. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland attended a Friends of Syria meeting in Tunisia and the person who invited the State. [34825/13]
View answerI represented Ireland at the first International Conference of the Friends of the Syrian People held in Tunis on 24 February 2012. I did so at the formal invitation of the Tunisian Government. During my visit to Tunis, I held bilateral meetings with President Marzouki of Tunisia and with the then Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr; I also delivered our national address at the Conference.
160. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the issues discussed at the recent North-South Ministerial Council; the proposals for follow-up action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34911/13]
View answerThe most recent meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in plenary format was held in Dublin Castle on 5 July 2013. At the meeting, discussions covered a wide range of financial, economic and EU matters, including the economic challenges faced in both jurisdictions, the work being undertaken to address the global economic crisis, bank restructuring and NAMA. The success of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU and progress made on key issues of mutual interest North and South was acknowledged, as was the co-operation between our administrations during our Presidency term, which had seen Northern Ireland Executive Ministers involved in Presidency-related events and our Ministers briefing their Executive counterparts on Presidency-related issues at NSMC meetings.
There was particular welcome for the provision of €150 million in the EU’s Multi-annual Financial Framework towards a new PEACE programme, the achievements in regard to Common Agriculture Policy Reform and Common Fisheries Policies and the impact of transnational EU programmes.
We thanked the Executive for the provision of meeting facilities and staff by the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels and for the provision of seconded staff from the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
The Plenary also saw a discussion on the levels of youth unemployment in both jurisdictions and the action being taken to tackle this issue. Ministers considered the opportunities for collaboration to address this important matter including through the EU’s new Youth Guarantee and to work with relevant stakeholders to maximise the impact of the Youth Guarantee.
We welcomed the success of the G8 Summit which had acted as a showcase worldwide and discussed how its positive impact and the potential of major tourism events including ‘The Gathering’ and Derry UK City of Culture 2013 can be maximised.
There was also a discussion on the opportunities for both administrations to co-operate in developing trade opportunities in, and building business links with developing markets such as China, Brazil and India. The role of the Irish Embassy network in supporting the Northern Ireland Executive during trade visits was acknowledged.
In addition, there was agreement to co-operate on the new Building a Prosperous and United Community economic package for Northern Ireland which followed the Together: Building a United Community strategy.
Ministers noted the commencement of the consultation with key stakeholders in the North West on the future development of the North West Gateway Initiative and that a report on the outcome of this exercise will be brought to a future NSMC Institutional meeting.
With regard to the St. Andrews Agreement Review we noted that Term of Reference One of the Review is now largely complete; that senior officials from both administrations have met and initiated a work programme to take forward Terms of Reference Two and Three; on expanding the areas of North-South co-operation, and that they will conclude their work and present a report with proposals to the next NSMC Institutional meeting in the autumn.
The plenary was characterised by excellent exchanges with our Northern colleagues on topics of mutual interest and we will continue to work with them to identify additional opportunities where there is scope for further North-South economic co-operation.
161. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the interaction that the Irish Consulate General had recently with the Governor of West Virginia in the United States; if he will outline other related events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34939/13]
View answerAs part of the Government’s economic promotion efforts led by Ambassador Collins in Washington, the Consulate General in New York has undertaken a series of visits to the States for which it has consular responsibility. These visits are aimed to broaden the Consulate’s economic networks and include outreach to key local leaders, networking with the local Irish communities, and briefings for the media on the Government’s work to restore Ireland’s economy. In connecting with the Irish community in West Virginia, which is very well established and includes a sizeable Scots-Irish element, every opportunity was taken to promote The Gathering. The visit of the Deputy Consul General to West Virginia, from 8th to 11th July included each of these elements. The Deputy Consul General paid a courtesy call on the Governor of West Virginia, Earl Ray Tomblin, which provided an opportunity to update the Governor on the economic situation in Ireland and also to explore possible areas of collaboration. The Governor has visited Ireland on a number of occasions, most recently in 2009 when he visited Belfast, Dublin and a number of other locations. The Governor expressed interest in visiting Ireland again on a future occasion with a view to enhancing the business links, which include investments in West Virginia by a number of Irish companies. The Deputy Consul General also visited the principal institutions of higher learning in West Virginia to encourage collaboration with Ireland, both in terms of students travelling to Ireland for their overseas study and in the area of research and development. His visit provided him with an opportunity to follow-up on the recent visit to Ireland by a group of fifty business students of the University of Charleston, who had spent time in Dublin and Limerick where they connected with a number of their university counterparts. He also met with the leadership of the leading educational institution in the state, West Virginia University, which has a number of collaborative agreements with Irish counterparts and are keen to develop these further. The West Virginia University is in the midst of substantial capital development and has already been working to build on what it views as many similarities with the Irish university sector and areas of potential collaboration. Similarly, the Wheeling Jesuit University is in development phase and is interested in seeking closer international collaboration. There is potential to develop research collaboration given that the University is host to the National Technology Transfer Centre.
The Deputy Consul General met with members of the Irish community in Charleston and Wheeling, mainly Irish by heritage as their ancestors came to West Virginia in the post-Famine period. He also met with some of the Irish-born religious who have played a role in the development of the education and health sectors in West Virginia. Their contribution is widely acknowledged by West Virginians of all faiths.
In his outreach to the media in West Virginia, the Deputy Consul General met with the editors of the main business news publications, and briefed them on the economic recovery in Ireland and highlighted Ireland’s attractions as a location for West Virginia’s companies to access the European Union market.
162. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has sought and received legal advice outside the Office of the Attorney General; the number of times advice was sought per year in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the costs of outside legal advice per year in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34983/13]
View answerMy Department generally seeks advice on domestic legal matters from the Office of the Attorney General. Depending on the subject matter, litigation is dealt with on my Department’s behalf by the Attorney General’s Office, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office or the State Claims Agency who engage lawyers to act for the Department where necessary, including for personal injuries claims and other matters. The costs of any external solicitors or counsel engaged for such matters are not charged to my Department’s Votes. The Chief State Solicitor’s Office provides legal advice in relation to commercial contracts and public procurement matters and the Department has not engaged external private sector legal advice on these matters for any of the years 2011 to 2013, inclusive.
The Department’s Missions abroad engage local legal advisers from time to time to deal with a range of miscellaneous matters. The costs incurred are relatively small and gathering and compiling the detailed data requested by the Deputy in the time available is not possible.
163. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the need to put in place adequate funding to enable the Narrow Water bridge project proceed to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35100/13]
View answerOn 9 July Louth County Council announced that the Narrow Water Bridge project was on hold. Consultations are under way between the SEUPB and the relevant stakeholders, and I shall await the outcome of these consultations before considering any further action.
164. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 562 of 9th July 2013 the procedure of notification that is required to be given to Ireland when aircraft enters Irish airspace, passes through Irish airspace or lands in Ireland carrying Heads of State or Heads of Government from other nations on military of State aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35141/13]
View answerThe provisions of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 apply in relation to Heads of State or Heads of Government who are passing through Irish airspace on board military aircraft. Advance notification of such requests is provided by the accredited Embassy of the country whose military or government aircraft is due to pass through or land in Irish airspace and such requests are submitted through diplomatic channels. Permission for such aircraft to overfly or land in the State is subject to assurances that the aircraft are unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives, do not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question do not form any part of military exercises or operations.
165. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action that can be taken by the Government regarding a recent decision by the Spanish supreme court to remove a memorial to the International Brigades who fought in the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35191/13]
View answerI am aware of the decision in June of the Superior Appeal Court in Madrid to instruct the public Madrid Complutense University to remove the monument to the International Brigades which was installed inside its grounds on 22 October 2011. The ruling of the Superior Appeal Court was that the installation of the monument was illegal as the University had never sought the relevant urban planning permission. The original decision to locate the monument at the University was, I understand, inspired by the fact that some of the heaviest fighting in 1936 between Nationalist and Republican forces in Madrid took place in the grounds of that University. I am aware that there are other existing monuments to the International Brigades in Spain, including in the Madrid region in the area around the Jarama river, south of the city, where one of the most important battles took place. I understand that the ruling of the Appeal Court is final and that there is no further judicial appeal. While, like many other people in this country, I personally regret the decision, it is not possible for the Irish government to intervene in an internal matter which arises from a judicial ruling relating to the application of Spain’s planning laws.
167. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will list all the Twitter accounts for which officials in his Department have had and currently have responsibility for monitoring and updating. [35408/13]
View answer@dfatirl is the official Twitter account of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is managed by the Department’s Press Office. Other Department accounts:@Irish_Aid - provides information about Ireland’s overseas aid programme; @dfatravel – provides information on consular and passport matters, including travel advice;@DisarmamentIRL – provides information on Ireland’s work on disarmament and non-proliferation issues.
Ireland’s Diplomatic Missions on Twitter: Europe - @irlembberlin - Embassy of Ireland, Berlin; @IrelandRepBru - Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union, Brussels; @IrelandEmbGB – Embassy of Ireland, London; @IrishEmbBelgium – Embassy of Ireland, Belgium; @IrishEmbVilnius - Embassy of Ireland, Lithuania;@IrlEmbMadrid – Embassy of Ireland, Madrid; @IrlEmbParis – Embassy of Ireland, Paris; @IrlEmbRome - Embassy of Ireland, Rome; @IrishEmbFinland – Embassy of Ireland, Helsinki; @IrishEmbSweden - Embassy of Ireland, Stockholm; @IrishEmbMalta - Embassy of Ireland, Valletta.
The Americas - @IrelandEmbUSA – Embassy of Ireland, Washington D.C.; @IrelandAtlanta - Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta; @IrelandBoston – Consulate General of Ireland, Boston; @IrelandChicago – Consulate General of Ireland, Chicago; @IrelandinNY – Consulate General of Ireland, New York; @IrelandSanFran - Consulate of Ireland, San Francisco; @IrishEmbMexico - Embassy of Ireland, Mexico.
Asia-Pacific - @IrishEmbJapan – Embassy of Ireland, Tokyo; @IrishEmbKorea – Embassy of Ireland, Seoul; @irlembaustralia - Embassy of Ireland, Canberra;@IrelandSydney – Consulate General of Ireland, Sydney.
Middle East - @IrelandEmbUAE – Embassy of Ireland, Abu Dhabi.
Africa - @IrelandinZambia - Embassy of Ireland, Lusaka.
Irish Ambassadors on Twitter: @DanMulhall – Ireland’s Ambassador in Berlin (moving to London September 2013); @EamonnMcKee – Ireland’s Ambassador in Seoul (moving to Tel Aviv August 2013).
168. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position on a passport application in respect of a person (details supplied); if he will expedite the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35435/13]
View answerA passport for the person in question was issued by the Department on 8 July, 2013 and was dispatched by diplomatic bag to our Embassy in Helsinki on 11 July 2013. The applicant in question should contact the Embassy to arrange collection early next week.
169. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 10 July 2013, the position regarding the issuing of a second passport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35442/13]
View answerThe issuance of second passports with concurrent validity is tightly controlled so as to minimise the scope for fraud and identity theft. As outlined in Question No. 64 of 10 July 2013, the Passport Service does operate a system to provide a second passport to Irish citizens who travel regularly to countries where possession of an entry/exit stamp or visa from another state would likely prevent a person’s entry into that country. Each case is examined individually and the applicant must demonstrate a compelling need for a second passport based on regular travel to the particular country in question. In most such cases, the second passport is required for business purposes and in such cases applicants are required to include a letter from their employer detailing the circumstances of their case and to provide sample travel plans which show travel into the countries concerned. The Passport Service does not issue second concurrent passports for once off or infrequent holiday travel to a destination where such issues arise. In such cases, passport holders are advised to renew their passport before travelling to a country where they might be refused entry. If, on the other hand, a passport holder wishes to renew their passport before the 10 years' validity has expired they are only required to complete the standard application form and submit their current passport.
