Written Answers Nos. 110-127
110. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas maidir leis na rialacháin atá sínithe aige le deánaí i dtaobh pleanáil teanga faoi scáth Acht na Gaeltachta agus, go háirithe, cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ó thaobh iad a chur i bhfeidhm, agus cé acu leagan a ghlacfar mar an leagan údarásach de na rialacháin, an leagan Béarla nó an leagan Gaeilge. [44231/13]
View answerGlacaim leis go bhfuil an Teachta ag fiosrú faoi na rialacháin a shínigh mé ar an 17 Meán Fómhair 2013 chun na critéir pleanála teanga a fhorordú faoi alt 12 den Acht Gaeltachta 2012. Beidh na critéir seo riachtanach agus mo Roinnse ag déanamh measúnú amach anseo ar na pleananna teanga a ullmhófar do na Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta, do na Líonraí Gaeilge agus do na Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta sula ndéanfar iad a fhaomhadh.
D'fhógair mé níos túisce i mbliana go mbeidh 26 Limistéar Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta faoi leith ann chun críche an phróisis phleanála teanga sa Ghaeltacht faoin Acht. Tuigtear dom go bhfuil bailchríoch á chur ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i gcomhar le mo Roinnse ar shainiú na dtoghrann éagsúil a bheidh i gceist sna 26 Limistéar Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta. Dá bhrí sin, tá súil agam a bheith in ann na chéad fhógraí a dhéanamh i gcás 3 Limistéar Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta faoi alt 7(3) den Acht roimh dheireadh na bliana. Ina theannta sin, tuigtear dom go mbeidh Foras na Gaeilge ag fógairt Scéim na Líonraí Gaeilge sa chéad ráithe de 2014. Tá Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge ag leagan amach córas trédhearcach faoina roghnófar eagraíochtaí chun pleananna teanga a ullmhú agus a fheidhmiú i gcomhar leis an bpobal sna ceantair éagsúla.
Ina theannta sin, tá mo Roinnse ag obair ar threoirlínte, i gcomhar le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta agus le Foras na Gaeilge, a leagfaidh síos próiseas trédhearcach d'ullmhú, d'fheidhmiú agus do mheasúnú na bpleananna teanga sna limistéir, sna bailte agus sna líonraí, rud a chabhróidh leis na heagraíochtaí pobail agus iad ag tabhairt faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga ar an talamh. Tá súil agam go mbeidh na treoirlínte seo foilsithe roimh dheireadh na bliana fosta.
Tuigtear dom gur leagadh an leagan Gaeilge agus an leagan Béarla de na Rialacháin atá luaite ag an Teachta os comhair Thithe an Oireachtais ag an am céanna. Tá iarrtha agam ar oifigigh mo Roinne an cheist áirithe atá tógtha ag an Teachta maidir leis an leagan údarásach a shoiléiriú agus a chíoradh le hOifig an Ard-Aighne.
111. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Taoiseach the number of Bills his Department has published since March 2011; the number of regulatory impact assessments that his Department has published since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44098/13]
View answerThe Thirty-second Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Eireann) Bill 2013, was published in June 2013, further to a commitment in the Programme for Government. A regulatory impact analysis (RIA) is normally required for all primary legislation but there are certain exceptions to this rule which are set out in the relevant guidelines. As the Bill concerned involved amending the Constitution for the purpose of abolishing the Seanad rather than significantly impacting on the regulatory environment a RIA was not completed in keeping with precedents for Bills of this nature.
112. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the name and current salary of each political staff member appointed by him. [44101/13]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy in relation to the name and current salary of each staff member I appointed, is set out in the table below.
The salary cost for Special Advisers employed in my Department is €557,788. The comparative full year figure for Special Advisers employed in this Department in 2010 is €1,072,920.
|
Name |
Title |
Salary |
|
Mark Kennelly |
Chief of Staff |
€156,380 |
|
Andrew McDowell |
Special Advisor to the Taoiseach |
€156,380 |
|
Paul O'Brien |
Special Advisor to the Taoiseach |
€81,676 |
|
Angela Flanagan |
Special Advisor to the Taoiseach |
€81,676 |
|
Mark O'Doherty |
Special Advisor to Chief Whip |
€81,676 |
|
Sarah Moran |
Personal Assistant to the Taoiseach |
€74,973 |
|
Theresa Diskin |
Personal Assistant to the Taoiseach |
€67,074 |
|
Gerard Deere |
Personal Assistant to the Taoiseach |
€65,000 |
|
Miriam O'Callaghan |
Personal Assistant to the Taoiseach |
€65,186 |
|
John Lohan |
Personal Secretary to the Taoiseach |
€42,760 |
|
AnneMarie Durcan |
Personal Secretary to the Taoiseach |
€42,760 |
|
Claire Urquhart |
Personal Secretary to the Chief Whip |
€46,935 |
|
Colum Coomey |
Personal Assistant to the Chief Whip |
€47,304 |
|
Feargal Purcell |
Government Press Secretary |
€115,431 |
|
Cathy Madden (on maternity leave) |
Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of Government Information Service |
€93,297 |
|
Derek McDowell |
Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of Government Information Service |
€93,297 |
|
Joanne Lonergan |
Assistant Government Press Secretary |
€87,258 |
113. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach if he has had any correspondence with Ian Paisley Jr., MLA regarding the case of a person (details supplied); the action he will take on the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44154/13]
View answerThere have been a number of contacts over the years to my Department in relation to this case from the family in question and from public representatives acting on their behalf, including correspondence from the person referred to by the Deputy. I formally responded to this correspondence on 28th May, 2012.
114. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide the full-year effect of all expenditure reductions for his Department as set out in the expenditure report 2014, as provided for in the expenditure report 2013. [44753/13]
View answerThe total allocation for my Department in the Estimates set out in the Budget Book for 2014 is €17.931 million. This is an overall decrease of 19% on the 2013 Revised Estimate allocation. The administrative budget has decreased by 13% and programme budget by 30%.
115. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will review the fees charged and the timeframe involved for processing of passport applications in respect of applications submitted through ordinary post in comparison with those submitted through passport express; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44423/13]
View answerSince 30 June this year it has no longer been possible for citizens residing on the island of Ireland to submit passport applications by regular or registered post. All such postal applications must now be submitted through the passport express service operated on behalf of the Passport Service by An Post and by the Post Office in Northern Ireland. This service, which involves a pre-checking facility designed to reduce the possibility for errors in the application, has a ten working day turnaround. For citizens resident on the island of Ireland, this is the cheapest and most efficient means of processing their passport application. Passport applications received from addresses on the island of Ireland by regular and registered post are returned to the applicant with the advice that they be resubmitted through the passport express service.
I announced this measure in this House in May of this year as part of program by the Passport Service to improve the quality of service to the public. Information on this and other changes to application procedures was advertised in the national press, carried on many radio stations, highlighted on the Passport Service website and through social media channels.
116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the impact the €14.1 million reduction in the Irish Aid programme budget will have on its programmes, projects and services; the programmes, projects or services that will be cancelled as a result of this reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44589/13]
View answer117. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is still committed to the 0.7% of GNP target for overseas development aid; if he will seek to achieve this target by 2015 as set out in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44590/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland's overseas aid programme and to its place at the heart of Ireland's foreign policy. Last week's Budget demonstrated that we have broadly stabilised the funding for overseas development assistance despite the very difficult economic circumstances. This will enable Ireland to maintain our leading role in contributing to the fight against extreme poverty and hunger in the world, in policy terms and through the achievements on the ground of our internationally recognised aid programme. For 2014, the Government is providing some €600 million for Official Development Assistance (ODA). This will represent a small reduction on spending in 2013. Detailed financial allocations across the aid programme for 2014 will be finalised over the coming months. I am confident the small reduction on the 2013 allocation can be managed in a way which will not affect our central priorities and core programmes.
The Government's new policy on International Development, 'One World, One Future', focuses sharply on the poorest countries and communities in sub-Saharan Africa and on three goals: reducing hunger, building sustainable growth and good governance. It provides a clear framework for the prioritisation of activities and the allocation of resources to maximise impact, strengthen accountability and demonstrate value for money over the coming years. The new policy also reconfirms our commitment to achieving the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product for ODA, when economic circumstances permit.
118. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will immediately intervene to assist a Kerry-based company (details supplied) that is in danger of demise and which has submitted claims for the return of Belgian excise duty for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, to the total sum of €103,760.00; if he will ensure that this company, which employs over 40 persons, is reimbursed these moneys and allowed to remain viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44612/13]
View answerI share the concerns of the Deputy and fully understand the frustration of the company at the long delay in reimbursing excise duty due to them for the years in question. I am particularly concerned by the risk which this delay poses to the viability of the company, and the livelihoods of all involved. At my request, the Irish Embassy in Brussels contacted the Belgian authorities, and by way of follow up, our Ambassador met today with senior officials of the Belgian Customs Service to directly express our concern about the situation and to highlight the serious impact of this on the company's operations. The senior officials advised our Ambassador that Customs will shortly be in contact with the company concerning these claims.
I have asked the Embassy to keep me advised of developments and I will contact the Deputy as soon as there is further information to report.
119. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the names of all applicant countries for membership of the EU; the attitude of this State to each application; the progress made by the EU with each application and the expected date of accession in each case, if known; the effect these accessions will have on Ireland's membership of the European Parliament; the steps being taken by the Government to protect Ireland's interest at EU level with reduced representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44678/13]
View answerThere are currently six countries that have formally applied to join the EU and are in varying stages of the accession process: Turkey, Montenegro, Iceland, Serbia, Macedonia and Albania. Two countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, are in the pre-accession phase. Ireland is a strong supporter of EU enlargement and we believe it remains one of the EU's most successful policies, fostering peace, stability and prosperity in our neighbouring regions. We support the efforts of those who have made applications to join the EU and encourage them to fulfil the necessary conditions for membership, in particular the Copenhagen criteria (democracy, the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights and a functioning market economy) as well as the conditions of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
In terms of the progress of each country, the European Commission has recently published its annual Enlargement progress reports. Accession negotiations with Turkey, stalled for some time, were reinvigorated under Ireland's EU Presidency earlier this year and agreement was reached to open a new chapter in the negotiations. While the handling of the Gezi Park protests raised concerns, it is clear that the EU has a key role to play as an anchor for reform in Turkey through its continued engagement in the accession process.
Montenegro has seen progress on its path towards EU membership, following the launch of accession negotiations last year. First steps have been completed and two chapters (science and research; education and culture) have been closed. The focus is now on opening two key areas in the negotiations: judiciary and fundamental rights, and justice, freedom and security.
This past year has seen real progress by both Serbia and Kosovo on their respective European paths. In June, there was agreement to open accession negotiations with Serbia by January of next year at the latest and the agreement to open negotiations with Kosovo on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, aimed at bringing it closer to eventual membership of the EU.
The European Commission has recently recommended, for the fifth time, that accession negotiations be opened with Macedonia (which has already been granted candidate status) but it remains to be seen if Member States will agree to do so. The European Commission has also recommended that Albania be granted candidate status, following positive developments, such as cross-party support for key reforms and further steps in the fight against corruption and organised crime. It will now be for EU Member States to assess if sufficient progress has been made to grant candidate status.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a lack of political will to implement reforms is hampering the country's EU progress. Bosnia and Herzegovina have negotiated a Stabilisation and Association agreement with the EU, but this has not yet entered into force. Finally, there has been no recent progress by Iceland following the decision of the Icelandic government to put its accession negotiations with the EU on hold. Given the varying pace of progress in each country and the conditions-based nature of the EU accession process, it is not possible to predict when each country will accede to the Union.
The redistribution of seats in the European Parliament in advance of the 2014 elections, which resulted in the loss of a seat for Ireland, was necessary to take account of the recent accession of Croatia and to keep the overall number of MEP seats within the maximum of 751 seats set down in Article 14 of the Treaty. The decision of the European Council applies for the 2014-2019 term only and will be revised on the basis of an initiative to be presented by the European Parliament before the end of 2016. Ireland's position is that we would have significant concerns if future seat re-distributions continued to be only at the expense of small and medium-sized Member States, as was the case on this occasion.
Building on the success of the Irish Presidency of the Council, the Government is committed to maintaining a high level of engagement with the European Parliament, including regular presence by Irish Ministers at plenary sessions in Strasbourg for meetings with a wide range of MEPs and our own MEPs. This enhanced level of engagement aims to ensure that Ireland's national interests are represented and communicated to the key decision-makers in the Parliament, and this will include promoting our interest in a fair representation for Ireland when current seat allocations are reviewed again following the election of the new Parliament in May 2014 and in the context of any further enlargement of the EU.
120. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the full-year effect of all expenditure reductions for his Department as set out in the expenditure report 2014, as provided for in the expenditure report 2013. [44747/13]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for Vote 27 – International Cooperation - and Vote 28 - the Departmental Vote. Vote 27 delivers on Ireland's global development commitments, focusing on hunger and poverty, and largely relates to programmes administered by Irish Aid. Vote 28 funds the Department's activities in promoting Ireland's economic and trade interests in Europe and internationally; in advancing reconciliation and cooperation on this island; contributing to international peace, security and human rights; providing consular and passport services for Irish citizens, and engaging with Irish communities abroad.
As indicated in the Expenditure Report 2014, gross total expenditure envisaged for the Department in 2014 is in the sum of € 693 m, consisting of € 687 m in current expenditure and € 6.5 m in capital expenditure. This represents a reduction in overall terms of € 22 m compared with the Estimates for 2013, as revised in accordance with the Comprehensive Review during the year. The main elements in the reduction in funding relate to the provision for development cooperation under Vote 27; the ending of provision for the EU Presidency following its successful completion this year, under Vote 28; and reductions in pay affecting staff across both Votes in accordance with the Haddington Road Agreement.
121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to appoint a resident ambassador to the Holy See; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44884/13]
View answerThe Government appointed the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as non-resident ambassador to the Holy See, thereby ensuring that contact with the Holy See is maintained at the highest possible diplomatic level. Ambassador Cooney travels to Rome regularly and I am satisfied that the current arrangement for Ireland's representation at the Holy See is the most effective possible in light of the resource constraints faced by the Department.
122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to extend the Irish diplomatic and consular representation in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44885/13]
View answerIreland's diplomatic network includes 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions and 10 Consulates General and other offices. In addition to their country of residence, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a concurrent basis which enhances the cost-effectiveness of our external representation. Our missions abroad work very closely with the state agencies in the promotion of exports, tourism and inward investment. They perform also a wide range of functions in support of Ireland's foreign policy interests. These include representing and advancing government policies with other states and in international organisations, in particular the EU and the UN; economic and cultural promotion; frontline consular and passport services to citizens overseas; engaging with and supporting Irish communities and with programme management, particularly in Irish Aid priority countries.
The scale and presence of our diplomatic network is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. Any decision to adjust the state's external representation in the coming year will have regard to national priorities and available resources.
123. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of ambassadors assigned on a full-time basis and on a part-time basis to international organisations; the names of such organisations; the status of our representation at each one; the proposals he has to review such assignments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44886/13]
View answerIreland is committed to upholding a multilateral approach to international relations, based upon the equality of states and the rule of law. This commitment has been expressed through our membership of, and active participation in, international organisations such as the European Union and the United Nations. Membership of these organisations has enabled us to promote the interests, values and objectives which we, as a people, have traditionally held to be important.
Listed are those missions which represent Ireland at international fora. Where the Ambassador is also accredited on a bilateral basis to the country in which the international organisation is based, this is indicated.
|
Location of Mission |
Area of Responsibility |
|
Brussels |
Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union (EU) Delegation of Ireland to the Political and Security Committee of the European Union |
|
Brussels |
Liaison Office of Ireland to the Partnership for Peace Ambassador is also Ambassador of Ireland to Belgium |
|
The Hague |
Accredited to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). In addition, the mission represents Ireland at the International Criminal Court (ICC), the ICTY and the Special Court on Lebanon, while also covering developments at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). Ambassador is also Ambassador of Ireland to the Netherlands |
|
Paris |
Permanent Delegation to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The mission is also accredited to the UN Education, Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO), the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). |
|
Strasbourg |
Permanent Representation of Ireland to the Council of Europe |
|
Vienna |
Permanent Mission of Ireland to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) |
|
Vienna |
Permanent Mission of Ireland to the International Organisations in Vienna, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Ambassador to the International Organisations in Vienna is also Ambassador to Austria |
|
Geneva |
Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations |
|
New York |
Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations |
124. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the actions taken to block the illegal entry of cigarettes and tobacco into the Irish market. [44206/13]
View answer125. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on what is being done to disrupt trafficking of cigarettes and tobacco into Ireland. [44207/13]
View answer126. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the amount of illegal tobacco and tobacco products that has been seized by the Garda and customs officers in each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44208/13]
View answer127. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons that have been either fined or jailed for illegal trafficking of cigarettes or tobacco in each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44209/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 to 127, inclusive, together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and for tackling the smuggling and sale of illicit tobacco products, that they view this criminal activity as a very serious matter, and that combating the illegal tobacco trade is, and will continue to be, a high priority for them. Their "Strategy on Combating the Illicit Tobacco Trade (2011-2013)" includes a wide range of measures that are designed to identify and target those engaged in the supply or sale of illicit tobacco products, with a view to seizing the illicit products and prosecuting those responsible. This multi-faceted strategy includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, the use of analytics and detection technologies, and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources at both point of importation and within the country.
Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence, and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages. Revenue enforcement officers also target this illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises. Revenue and An Garda Síochána also carry out regular multi-agency operations, particularly in relation to large maritime importations and in checks at inland markets. There is extensive cooperation with An Garda Síochána in combating the illicit trade, and the relevant agencies in the State also work closely with their counterparts in Northern Ireland, through a cross-border group on tobacco enforcement, to target the organised crime groups that are responsible for a large proportion of the illegal tobacco market. The Revenue Commissioners assure me that they are committed to maintaining their extensive programme of action against all stages of the supply chain for illicit tobacco products, and that they will continue to make every effort to ensure that those involved in the illicit trade are brought to account before the Courts for their criminal activities.
Details of cigarettes and tobacco products seized during the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, are set out in the following table.
|
- |
Cigarettes |
- |
Tobacco |
- |
|
Year |
No. of Seizures |
Quantity (million) |
No. of Seizures |
Quantity (kilograms) |
|
2009 |
10,610 |
218.5m |
1,171 |
10,451 |
|
2010 |
9,026 |
178.4m |
1,171 |
3,367 |
|
2011 |
10,581 |
109.1m |
1,500 |
11,158 |
|
2012 |
8,108 |
95.6m |
1,395 |
5,277 |
The numbers of convictions in the years in question, for offences concerning the smuggling or sale of illicit tobacco products, that resulted in either fines or custodial sentences are given in the following table, together with details of the numbers of custodial sentences imposed.
|
Year |
No. of Convictions (Fines or Custodial Sentences) |
Custodial Sentences* |
|
2009 |
164 |
45 (21) |
|
2010 |
138 |
21 (13) |
|
2011 |
161 |
45 (28) |
|
2012 |
132 |
47 (20) |
(*Figures in brackets indicate the numbers of custodial sentences that were suspended)
