Thursday, 18 Jul 2013

Written Answers Nos. 31-45

EU Directives

Questions (31)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

31. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Questions No. 169 of 28 May 2013 and No. 72 on 11 July 2013, if he will detail the representations received by the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels from industry stakeholders and organisations regarding the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive regarding the expansion or watering down of the Directive; if he will provide a full list of the persons and organisations from whom these representations came; the number of meetings the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union have had with stakeholders and interested parties regarding MiFID; with whom they were held and the date on which they took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36060/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance, and I would refer the Deputy to his substantive answer to No. 72 of 11 July 2013 which contains a list of representations received on the Directive, some of which were received through the Permanent Representation in Brussels. Given the extensive and routine contacts on legislative matters that officials in the Permanent Representation have and had with interested parties, including other Member States and industry representatives, particularly during our period as Presidency of the Council of Ministers, it is not possible to provide the detail requested by the Deputy in the time available. I have asked that the material be compiled for the Deputy as soon as possible.

European Council Meetings

Questions (32)

Brendan Smith

Question:

32. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions that have been held at the Foreign Affairs Council on the Israeli-Palestine conflict; if this conflict will be the subject of discussion at the forthcoming meeting of the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36071/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Foreign Affairs Council on 20 June, which I attended, discussed the broad situation in relation to the Middle East Peace Process, and in particular the prospects for the current efforts of US Secretary of State Kerry to get the parties to resume direct negotiations. Secretary Kerry has been working intensively on this issue since he took office, and is presently making his sixth visit to the region since March. He is endeavouring to get the agreement of both sides for a structure for talks and for confidence building measures on the ground to help the parties domestically, and especially the Palestinian side, to enter the process. All of us are aware of the many difficulties in this process. Secretary Kerry is strongly committed and believes that he is making progress. But he can only succeed if the parties are willing.

At EU level, we considered the prospects for talks, and what we can do both to assist in getting talks started and in bolstering them once they begin. This could include direct encouragement and support for the parties, EU actions to help build confidence on the ground and support in our political contacts with the US for what the Administration is doing on the Middle East. The Council also continued to discuss its own analysis of the situation on the ground, and in particular the EU's strong opposition to Israeli policies in the occupied Territory which are acting directly contrary to the chances of achieving a peace agreement.

As the Deputy is aware, the EU is working on guidelines for the labelling of goods produced in Israeli settlements. The European Commission will this week publish guidelines on the non-eligibility of entities in the settlements for participation in EU funded programmes. These are important steps and I believe the Council should do more to reinforce this work. I expect the Foreign Affairs Council next week will continue these discussions on the Middle East, although it is unlikely that Secretary Kerry will have reached the point of presenting his plans publicly before the Council meets.

Conflict Resolution

Questions (33, 35)

Brendan Smith

Question:

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made since the joint announcement on 7 May, by Russia and the United States, of their agreement to organise an international conference on Syria as a follow-up to the Geneva conference of June 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36072/13]

Brendan Smith

Question:

35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the ongoing conflict in Syria will be discussed at the next meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36078/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 35 together.

The conflict in Syria and the search for a political settlement will figure prominently on the agenda of the next Foreign Affairs Council, which I will attend in Brussels on 22 July. Recent diplomatic efforts, particularly the initiative of the US and Russia aimed at bringing both sides in Syria to a further peace conference in Geneva on the basis of the Geneva Communiqué of June 2012, will undoubtedly be central to our discussions.

In its May 27 Conclusions, the Foreign Affairs Council urged all sides in Syria to respond positively to the US-Russia initiative and it reaffirmed that the EU will spare no effort in helping to create the appropriate conditions for a successful convening of the conference. Under the terms of the Political Declaration adopted at the May Council, High Representative Ashton is expected to report to the Council next week on developments related to the US-Russia initiative and on the engagement of the Syrian parties. A number of preparatory meetings involving senior UN, US and Russian officials have taken place in Geneva to discuss plans for the Geneva II conference. This preparatory work is continuing, though realistically it is likely to be some months yet before any actual conference takes place.

A priority at the moment is persuading the moderate Syrian opposition to alter its current stance and agree to participate fully in any peace talks convened in Geneva. The newly elected President of the Syrian National Coalition, Sheik Jarba, has indicated he does not envisage the Coalition attending the conference prior to the armed opposition reversing its current military fortunes on the ground. Obviously, any prospects for a successful conference require the clear commitment of both the Syrian government and opposition to fully support the Geneva II initiative and engage constructively in it. Ireland and its EU partners believe that there cannot be a military solution to the conflict and that any prolongation of the fighting will only reduce the chances for a peaceful political settlement.

Promoting a power-sharing agreement between the Syrian authorities and the opposition is clearly the only way to end the violence and to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for peace and democracy. Ireland and its EU partners will continue to work hard to achieve these vital objectives.

Humanitarian Aid

Questions (34)

Brendan Smith

Question:

34. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up to date position on the honouring of pledges made in Kuwait to provide adequate humanitarian assistance to Syria and the surrounding region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36073/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello)

At the High Level Donor Pledging Conference for Syria in Kuwait City on 30 January 2013, pledges made came to a total of approximately US$1.54 billion. By 16th July, about 65 per cent of these pledges, or $996 million had been committed. Twenty six out of 43 donors have fully met their pledges.

I am pleased to confirm that Ireland's pledge of €4.7m has been fully met and surpassed. Ireland's total contribution in response to the Syria crisis now stands at €9.8m, marking us out as one of the most generous donors on a per capita basis. Ireland's support has been provided through trusted UN agencies, NGO partners and the Red Cross to deliver life saving humanitarian assistance in Syria and neighbouring countries, particularly Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.

Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 33.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (36)

Brendan Smith

Question:

36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the expenditure profile for his Department up to the end of June 2013. [36079/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Monthly profiles for expenditure and receipts are in place in my Department and performance against profile is reported regularly to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and published by the Department of Finance as part of the Monthly Exchequer Statement. The Monthly Exchequer Statement for June has been published on the website of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In some areas, expenditure and receipts are evenly distributed throughout the year. In other areas there are considerable variations that are foreseeable. The profiles as far as possible takes account of known variations.

At the end of June, my Department had spent €314m out of a total net voted allocation for 2013 of €670m. This represents 46% of the net annual allocation. It is expected that the year-end out-turn will be close to or within the overall net voted amount. At the end of June, receipts classed as Appropriations-in-Aid were ahead of profile, largely due to increased passport fee receipts.

Information and Communications Technology Issues

Questions (37)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

37. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is preparing his Department to adapt to and make maximum use of next generation technologies in information and communications in order to enhance its internal functioning and interaction with citizens; his plans to conduct a risk analysis in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36105/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department is committed to maximising the use of available information and communications technology to enhance interaction with the citizen and the internal functioning of the Department and this is reflected in the ongoing investment in ICT. It is my Department's strategies, objectives and business process improvement initiatives which drive the selection, development and types of technologies most appropriate. Mobility is a particular requirement and officers across the organisation have remote access to Department services via tablet and smartphone devices.

My Department's public diplomacy initiatives are supported by extensive use of social media tools and the development of its websites and related services for which there is a programme under way; a new website promoting the Irish Aid programme was launched at the end of 2012. The Passport Service pilot on-line Appointment Booking Service was a success and this is now being upgraded further to make it easier for customers to engage with the Service. A Delegate Accreditation and Event Management service, available to all Departments, was put in place by my Department to support events held in Dublin under Ireland's recent Presidency of the EU. All new projects undertaken by the Department require approval of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, a process which includes a risk assessment around introducing new technologies and services.

My Department publishes all tenders on www.e-tenders.gov.ie, ensuring next generation technologies are part of future developments.

Consular Services Provision

Questions (38)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

38. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the capabilities of the State's emergency consular assistance team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36159/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has responsibility for the provision of consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad. Consular Services Division is the lead Division in relation to the response to consular emergencies and the provision of travel advice. The Development Cooperation Division which, inter alia, manages the Government's overseas aid programme, is also concerned with protection issues, particularly in relation to the deployment of Irish aid agencies and individual aid workers in the developing world where, inevitably, they will often find themselves in sensitive situations on account of the nature of their humanitarian work.

The Department has in place a "Response Plan in the event of a Consular Emergency Abroad", which details the step-by-step approach that will be followed in the event of a serious emergency overseas involving Irish citizens. This envisages, inter alia, the possible deployment of the Emergency Civilian Assistance Team (ECAT) as part of the response to such an emergency. ECAT provides "surge capacity" to support and complement the work of Consular Division, for more specialised tasks in areas of fragility, conflict and instability particularly in the developing world. Members of ECAT, who serve in a voluntary capacity, have training in stress management, security awareness, negotiation and mediation.

Rockall Island

Questions (39)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

39. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on recent work by the Embassy of Ireland in Copenhagen, Denmark with the Danish authorities regarding Rockall Island; if any recent discussions have been held, in view of the fact that Denmark is a party to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf and given its responsibility for the foreign affairs of the Faroe Islands, whose deadline for submission to the commission is in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36160/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

As I have explained in previous replies to parliamentary questions in respect of maritime claims in the Hatton-Rockall area, Rockall itself is of no relevance in the delimitation of maritime boundaries. Denmark (on behalf of the Faroe Islands), Iceland, Ireland and the UK all make claims to continental shelf in the Hatton-Rockall area. Ireland and the UK have reached agreement on the delimitation of the boundary between them but those claims are not accepted by Iceland or Denmark, which make their own claims.

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea requires any State Party making claims with respect to areas of continental shelf more than 200 nautical miles from its coast to submit its claims for examination to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf within ten years of the Convention entering into force for that state. The Convention was ratified by Denmark on 16 November 2004 and it entered into force for Denmark on 16 December 2004. As has been indicated in previous replies, Denmark has submitted its claim with respect to Hatton-Rockall (the submission was made on 2 December 2010). Ireland and the UK have also submitted claims (both claims were lodged on 31 March 2009), but Iceland has not done so. The Commission's rules of procedure prevent consideration by the Commission of a submission relating to a disputed area without the consent of all the states concerned and Iceland does not currently consent to the consideration of these submissions.

The four countries have met frequently since 2001 in an effort to resolve the overlapping claims issue, but have been unable to reach agreement. The Government continues to work for the creation of conditions that will permit consideration of its submission as soon as possible.

EU Presidency Issues

Questions (40)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

40. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on progress made in regard to the access process for Montenegro during the Irish EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36186/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I refer the Deputy to the comprehensive report Results of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union which was laid before this House on 2 July, 2013, and which covers the achievements of the Presidency for Montenegro and all other countries in the accession and pre-accession process.

EU Presidency Issues

Questions (41)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

41. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on progress made regarding the EU's neighbourhood policy during the Irish Presidency, specifically regarding Armenia, Georgia and Moldova; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36187/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I refer the Deputy to the comprehensive report Results of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union which was laid before this House on 2 July, 2013, and which covers the achievements of the Presidency.

EU Presidency Issues

Questions (42)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

42. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on progress made during the Irish Presidency on ensuring the EU speaks with one voice to strengthen its role in international organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36188/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Lisbon Treaty which entered into force on 1 December 2009 restructured the working methods of the EU at a multilateral level in terms of co-ordination and representation. In particular, it called for EU Member States to co-ordinate their actions when participating in international organisations. This responsibility now rests with the European External Action Service, under the authority of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who seeks to coordinate member State positions on all issues, including EU statements, draft resolutions presented by third countries, and EU positions on its own initiatives.

Since the adoption of Resolution A/65/276 in May 2011, the EU has gained enhanced observer status, upgrading the status of the European Union's participation in the United Nations, and allowing EU representatives to present common positions of the Union to the Assembly. This development has significantly increased the EU's profile in international organisations. During its Presidency, Ireland worked closely with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the EEAS to promote greater effectiveness and coherence in EU external policies, including at the UN and in other international organisations. This included helping to ensure that the EU spoke with one voice in international negotiations, including at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague, and at the negotiations on an Arms Trade Treaty in New York in March. During its Presidency, Ireland also took up its seat on the UN Human Rights Council, and worked closely with the EU delegation in co-ordinating EU positions on key human rights issues.

With our EU partners, we remain committed to ensuring that the EU speaks with one voice with a view to strengthening its international role and profile.

EU Presidency Issues

Questions (43)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

43. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on progress made during the Irish EU Presidency on supporting crisis management operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36189/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

During Ireland's Presidency of the EU, our main objective in the area of the Common Security and Defence Policy was to support the European External Action Service and the High Representative in their work in responding to crises as they arose. Two new CSDP Missions were launched during the first half of 2013: the European Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) and the EU Border Assistance Mission in Libya (EUBAM Libya).

EUTM Mali was launched in February for the purpose of supporting the training and reorganisation of the Malian Armed Forces. Eight members of the Defence Forces have been deployed to EUTM Mali. EUBAM Libya was launched in May to support the Libyan authorities in improving and developing the security of Libya's borders. In addition to the ten individuals already deployed with EU civilian CSDP Missions, Ireland deployed three further people to EU CSDP Missions in the first half of 2013. The Missions involved were in Afghanistan (EUPOL Afghanistan), Georgia (EUMM Georgia) and the regional maritime training mission in the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean (EUCAP Nestor).

We also sought to support the work of the High Representative in preparing for the European Council discussion on defence issues in December by hosting a series of informal meetings at Ministerial and official level. We cooperated with the European Parliament and the European External Action Service in the organisation of a conference on the role of the EU as peacemaker and mediator. A seminar on cooperation between regional organisations and the UN in the areas of crisis management, peace support and peace enforcement operations was organised under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Defence. These meetings allowed member States to exchange views on how to strengthen CSDP and how to improve the availability of the required military capabilities for international crisis management. I hope that the outcome of these discussions will assist the High Representative in developing proposals and actions on which she is due to report in September.

Work undertaken during our Presidency on developing a new set of Crisis Management Procedures aimed at streamlining the process of planning and deploying CSDP Missions in the future is close to finalisation. In the area of EU-UN cooperation, good progress was made on the Plan of Action aimed at enhancing EU CSDP support to UN peacekeeping. In January, a contract to establish a warehouse capable of delivering warehoused assets at short notice to CSDP Missions was signed.

Northern Ireland Marching Season

Questions (44, 58)

Brendan Smith

Question:

44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the work of the Parades Commission; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns in some communities about proposed parades and the potential for violence; if he is satisfied that all efforts are being made, with all relevant parties, to ensure a peaceful season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36199/13]

Brendan Smith

Question:

58. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the work and remit of the Parades Commission is the subject of discussions at the North-South Ministerial Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36568/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 58 together.

I am very well aware of the long-standing concerns of some communities in Northern Ireland over parading and the potential for violence arising there from. It was to alleviate those concerns that the Parades Commission was established under the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 with independent and quasi-judicial status. I recognise that certain Parades Commission determinations are controversial but that is inevitable given the nature of its role. In the absence of political and local agreement in Northern Ireland to resolve contentious parades, a regulatory mechanism is essential in this area.

Last year the Commission dealt with over 4,000 parade related applications, of which it made determinations on 146 contentious parades. As a quasi-judicial public body the Commission's activities do not fall within the agreed areas of co-operation addressed by the North South Ministerial Council. Successive Irish Government have fully supported the Commission in its difficult work and have consistently called for its legally binding determinations to be respected and upheld.

I have been in contact with Secretary of State Villiers and Minister Ford over the weekend in relation to the deplorable violence which broke out after the 12th of July parade in Belfast. I have expressed the Irish Government's appreciation to Minister Ford for the work of the PSNI in protecting communities from this violence in very difficult circumstances. The attacks on the police which have led to over sixty arrests and over seventy officers being injured are unacceptable and shameful.

The determinations of the Parades Commission are legally binding and respect for the rule of law must be upheld. The Secretary of State and I are at one in our commitment and determination to uphold the law, support the police and the further development of the process of peace and reconciliation in Ireland. I will be meeting with Secretary of State Villiers next week to further discuss parades and other issues of concern.

I welcome the initiative on the part of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to set up an all party group under the chairmanship of Dr Richard Haass to consider a number of outstanding issues in relation to the peace process and parading is one of those. I would call on all concerned to engage constructively in the process.

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (45)

Brendan Smith

Question:

45. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions he has had on the need to introduce an Irish language Act in Northern Ireland, as provided for in the St. Andrews Agreement; if he has had recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and with members of the Northern Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36202/13]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In ongoing contacts with the British government, I continue to stress the importance of implementation of all aspects of the Agreements. I am firmly of the view that an Irish Language Act should be introduced in Northern Ireland. All parties to the Good Friday Agreement recognised the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity in Northern Ireland. In the St. Andrews Agreement, the British government committed to introducing an Irish Language Act and to working with the Northern Ireland Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish Language.

Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Last year the Northern Ireland Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA launched a public consultation process on strategies for the Irish language and Ulster Scots. A summary of the responses to the consultation process were published on 3 July 2013.

Officials in my Department maintain regular and ongoing contact with the Irish language community in Northern Ireland including those involved in cross community Irish language activity. I will continue to press in my discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive the urgent need to address this issue and to legislate for an Irish Language Act. Officials in my Department will continue to monitor this matter in their ongoing contacts with the Northern Ireland Office.