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Wednesday, 19 Feb 2014

Written Answers Nos. 66-71

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (66)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated death toll in respect of the civilian populations at the top ten conflict locations worldwide in the past five years; the extent to which such facts continue to be used by the international community to bring about a replacement of violence by constructive dialogue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8582/14]

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Written answers

There is no general agreement on which of the world’s many conflicts would constitute the top ten and accordingly it is not possible to produce the figures requested by the Deputy in regard to the estimated death toll in respect of the civilian populations over the past five years.

Considerable ongoing efforts are being made by the international community, in which Ireland is actively engaged, to resolve, and where possible prevent, conflicts, using the available instruments to foster constructive dialogue and encourage peaceful, negotiated solutions to political differences.

Foreign Policy

Questions (67)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

67. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which, in the course of the ongoing foreign policy review, it is intended to have special regard for new trade opportunities; if consular or other diplomatic appointments are likely to remain a feature of the need for establishment of new markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8583/14]

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Written answers

A key aspect of Ireland’s foreign policy and external relations, and the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is the promotion and development of our trade, tourism and investment, in keeping with the Government’s Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy. The embassy network is strongly focussed on implementing this Strategy, together with the State Agencies. This aspect of our foreign policy will be an important theme in the Review of Foreign Policy and External Relations.

The Government initiated a review of the Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy in January 2013. A Review Group was established comprising representatives of the relevant Government Departments and State agencies, chaired by my Department, in the context of the Export Trade Council’s role in overseeing and monitoring the Strategy.

The Review Group has examined a number of key elements and the outcome will include findings on a number of areas including high-level numerical targets; sectors; implementation and coordination; and priority markets. The section on priority markets reflects current thinking on ‘trade opportunities’ in new and emerging markets.

These findings, which are scheduled for official launch on 24 February, will be reflected in the Review of Foreign Policy and External Relations, in keeping with the Government’s commitment to drive Ireland’s economic recovery which has been export-led.

Furthermore, the Government decision last month to extend the embassy network, with the opening of eight new missions, was designed to support our trade and inward investment. The central role played by the embassy network and our diplomats abroad in promoting Ireland’s economic recovery will be reaffirmed in the outcome to the Review. I will continue to keep our diplomatic and consular network under review in light of emerging needs and opportunities in the period ahead.

Overseas Development Aid Oversight

Questions (68, 69, 78)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

68. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which his Department continues to compare the effectiveness of bilateral and general aid in developing countries with particular reference to the strength of administration in the recipient countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8584/14]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

69. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the practice of aid for trade has become obvious throughout Africa; if specific countries appear particularly vulnerable in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8585/14]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

78. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts continue to be made to ensure that international aid goes directly to those for whom it was intended; that administrative costs are kept to a minimum; and that issues relating to misspent or unaccounted for aid are adequately addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8594/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68, 69 and 78 together.

As Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland’s Official Development Assistance, I am very conscious of the need to have a high level of assurance that our development assistance is effective, reaches its intended beneficiaries and makes a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest people.

Programmes in receipt of Irish Aid funding are subject to regular internal and external monitoring to ensure that our support is reaching its intended beneficiaries and that the planned objectives and goals of the Irish Aid programme are being achieved. All proposals for funding are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff using clear criteria, including quality of intended impact, sustainability, cost effectiveness and efficiency in the use of all resources, including administration costs. The programmes are subject to regular internal and external monitoring and are evaluated and audited by independent experts, as well as by my Department’s Evaluation and Audit Unit.

To ensure that our assistance is targeted at those most in need and delivered in the most effective manner we work through a variety of bilateral and other aid delivery channels in partnership with national Governments, local communities, NGOs, and key multilateral partners such as the United Nations. Each of these partners is fully accountable to my Department for all funds received, including those spent on eligible administration costs.

In line with best practice and with recommendations from the OECD for improving the accountability of all development financing, Ireland strongly supports the strengthening of partner country capacity and delivery systems. We provide assistance to national Government oversight institutions, such as the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committees of national Parliaments, to ensure Governments are held to account for the effective expenditure of public funds, including overseas development assistance. Our management and oversight systems are continually under review to ensure that Irish development funding goes to those most in need, and that we meet the highest standards of accountability.

Providing quality assistance is also about ensuring that we use our aid to strengthen country capacity to deliver sustainable social and economic development. Poverty in many countries is extensive and we know that development assistance alone cannot address all needs. To achieve a sustainable solution to poverty, countries need to generate their own revenues through increased economic activity based on equitable economic growth, improved employment and better trading opportunities.

The approach of leveraging aid for trade is recognised as an effective component of international development. It is a strategy that is increasingly valued by countries throughout Africa and is a feature of our work across all of our Embassies in Africa.

Ireland’s Policy for International Development One World, One Future recognises the importance of trade for increasing the returns to productive enterprise in developing countries. This is in line with our Africa Strategy which sets out a comprehensive framework for Ireland’s economic, political and development relations with African countries over the coming years and includes strengthened trade, investment, and people-to-people links.

Colombian Peace Process

Questions (70)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

70. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community continues to remain engaged with and supportive of the peace process in Colombia; the extent to which dialogue remains ongoing between the parties there and the international community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8586/14]

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Written answers

I strongly support the Colombian peace process and hope that the negotiations underway will bring an end to the long conflict there which has caused much suffering.

During the course of 2013, negotiators reached agreement on the land reform and political participation elements of their agenda. Discussions are now focused on the theme of seeking a solution to the problem of illicit drugs. I welcome indications from the parties to the peace talks of progress under this agenda item.

The peace process is also supported by the European Union and the wider international community. The European Union has made clear its readiness to provide support for activities in Colombia that promote peace, truth, justice, reparation and reconciliation. Ireland fully supports this approach.

In November 2013, the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon also welcomed progress achieved and wished the delegations further success in reaching agreement on the remaining items on their agenda.

Ireland will continue to follow closely developments on the Colombian peace process, and to support a negotiated solution to the conflict in Colombia.

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 8.
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