Tuesday, 4 Mar 2014

Written Answers Nos. 1-22

Employment Data

Questions (1)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

1. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach if community employment scheme and JobBridge participants are included in the employment statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10323/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State.

Participants on the following Activation Programmes are classified as employed in the QNHS. Back to Work Schemes:

Back to Work allowance scheme - Employee strand.

Back to Work Enterprise allowance scheme -self employed strand.

Short-term Enterprise Allowance.

Other Activation Programmes:

DSP Part-time Job Incentive.

TUS - Community Work Placement Initiative (2011).

JobBridge (2011).

Community Employment Schemes.

Participants on the following Activation Programme are classified as unemployed in the QNHS:

FAS Full Time Training for Unemployed People.

Those on Back to Education courses - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS); Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) - may engage in employment. Depending on their labour force situation they are classified based on the ILO labour force definition used in the QNHS.

Tourism Data

Questions (2, 3)

Michael McGrath

Question:

2. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach the top ten most visited non-English speaking countries by Irish citizens. [10683/14]

Michael McGrath

Question:

3. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach the top ten non-English speaking countries of origin of tourists to Ireland. [10684/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.

Table 1 shows the number of overseas trips to Ireland by country of residence (top ten non-English speaking countries) for the years 2012 and 2013.

Table 1: Overseas trips to Ireland by County of residence (top ten non-english speaking countries) for the Years 2012-2013	-	000
Area of Residence	2012	2013
Overseas Trips to Ireland
Germany	448	483
France	396	434
Spain	253	263
Italy	252	234
Poland	169	160
Netherlands	143	155
Belgium	87	100
Switzerland	81	77
Sweden	75	76
Norway	51	53
Source: Overseas travel - Central Statistics Office	-	-

Table 2 shows the number of outbound trips by Irish residents to the ten most visited non-English speaking countries.

Data for 2013 will be available at the end of April 2014.

Table 2: Outbound travel by Irish residents to the ten most visited non-English speaking countries, 2012	-
	000
Outbound Trips	2012
Spain	1,407
France	602
Portugal	358
Italy	345
Germany	164
Netherlands	116
Poland	65
Austria	58
Belgium	55
Denmark/Finland/Sweden	53
Source: Household Travel Survey - Central Statistics Office	-

Consultancy Contracts Expenditure

Questions (4)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

4. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will indicate, in tabular form, the total expenditure by his Department on external consultancy advice services, including legal services, in 2011, 2012 and 2013; if this spend is in line with the overall value for money objective of his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10356/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The table below provides the total expenditure by my Department on external consultancy advice services from 2011 to 2013.

Year	Total Cost - €
2011	€13,370
2012	€27,100
2013	€53,974

The majority of expenditure in 2012 and 2013 related to the EU Presidency. All expenditure is in line with the overall value for money objective of my Department. No expenditure was incurred on legal services.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (5)

Seán Fleming

Question:

5. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach if he is satisfied with the number of women currently serving on State boards under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10357/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

In accordance with Government policy, I support the objective of ensuring that State boards have at least 40% representation from each gender.

In relation to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) appointments are made in accordance with the provisions of the NESDO Act 2006 as amended by the NESC (Alteration of Composition) Order 2010. Currently 26% of the members of the NESC are women. Most of the members of the NESC are appointed on the basis of nominations received from business and employer organisations, ICTU, farming and agricultural interests, the environmental sector and the community and voluntary sector. These sectors are encouraged to reflect gender balance when making their nominations.

Under this legislation, the Taoiseach may also appoint eight independent members. Since March 2011, I have appointed 8 such members, comprising four women and four men, following careful consideration of the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise relevant to the functions of the Council as required by the legislation.

The Taoiseach may also appoint 6 public servants, typically at Secretary General level, from my own Department and from the Departments of Finance, Education and Skills, Environment, Community and Local Government and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to ensure NESC's work is integrated with Government policy-making.

In relation to the National Statistics Board (NSB), four positions on the Board are currently filled. Of these, one, the Chairperson, is a woman. The three remaining members are, in accordance with legislation, an Assistant Secretary from the Department of the Taoiseach and an Assistant Secretary from the Department of Finance, and the Director General of the CSO on an ex officio basis.

There are currently four unfilled positions on the Board, which will be filled shortly. Expressions of interest were invited for positions on the NSB, these were advertised on the websites of the Department of the Taoiseach and the NSB.

Semi-State Bodies

Questions (6)

Seán Fleming

Question:

6. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach the number of employee share ownership plans in operation in the commercial semi-State sector under the remit of his Department; his views on whether they offer good value to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10358/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

There are no commercial semi-State sectors under the remit of my Department.

Departmental Agencies Staff Remuneration

Questions (7)

Seán Fleming

Question:

7. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach the implications for agencies funded by his Department that fail to comply with consolidated public sector pay scales by continuing to make top-up payments to staff; when he expects this issue to be definitively resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10922/14]

Written answers

The Taoiseach

The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the body corporate for the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), the only State Agency under the aegis of my Department. No top-up payments were made to staff in NESDO.

Common Foreign and Security Policy

Questions (8)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

8. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Irish arrangements for the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management under the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10946/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM) is responsible for advising the Political and Security Committee (PSC) on the civilian aspects of crisis management. CIVCOM plans and monitors the progress of EU civilian crisis management missions established in the framework of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The Committee meets twice a week. Ireland is represented at CIVCOM by the Deputy Representative to the Political and Security Committee.

Civilian crisis management missions (CSDP Missions) are established by the European Union, in order to prevent the initiation or renewal of conflict and to help societies or fragile states to recover from violent conflict. Civilian operations can pursue both short-term measures to bolster peace and security as well as complementary longer-term activities to strengthen the rule of law, democracy and human rights; to build capacity within civil societies and state institutions; and generally to engender the stable conditions necessary for sustainable development to take place. Reflecting the range of tasks undertaken by civilian peace operations, a variety of expertise is called for, in the form of: police officers; rule of law experts such as judges and prosecutors; prison officers and customs officers; diplomats; human rights experts and gender experts; and also technical experts from the military in relation to security sector reform, disarmament or as agreement observers.

Ireland makes an active contribution to the development of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy by contributing civilian personnel to EU CSDP Missions. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade currently deploys ten civilians to EU CSDP Missions in Georgia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Palestine, Djibouti and Somalia. Two more civilians will be deployed to Missions in Afghanistan and Niger in the coming weeks. Six members of an Garda Síochána are also deployed to the CSDP Mission in Kosovo.

Election Monitoring Missions

Questions (9)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

9. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 11 February 2014, if he will provide details of the election missions in which the OSCE specified that a second relevant local language, other than Russian, would be desirable for missions in 2013 and 2014 and the language in question for each mission; if marks were awarded to applicants claiming to have such languages as part of the assessment process; if he will detail the way language abilities claimed by applicants were tested as part of the selection process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10361/14]

Written answers

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

Further to my replies to two Parliamentary Questions on this matter last month, I can confirm that Ireland nominated observers for eight OSCE monitoring missions between 1 January 2013 and 28 February 2014. The missions were to Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. As set out in a previous reply, English is the primary language used on OSCE Missions, and knowledge of a second relevant language is usually indicated as desirable. For all eight missions since the start of 2013, the OSCE stated that ‘command of the English Language is essential and knowledge of local languages is desirable, but not essential’.

Ireland’s Election Observation Roster services both EU and OSCE-led election observation missions. Since the start of 2013, we have provided observers for eleven EU monitoring missions. For six of these, the observers were required to have fluency in a language other than English.

I regard it as important that language proficiency was one of the four criteria for the selection of roster members. All applicants for the new roster were required to set out their language proficiency in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Arabic. Applicants could also indicate their proficiency in other languages. Candidates were asked to indicate their levels of proficiency, what formal study had been undertaken, and their usage of the languages. Although language skills were not tested orally, it is important to note that the EU carries out spot checks on language proficiency among candidates nominated to take part in election observer missions.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (10)

Finian McGrath

Question:

10. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support President Maduro in Venezuela in preserving peace in South America. [10393/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am concerned about the situation in Venezuela, in particular at the reports of deaths, casualties and detentions arising from the unrest there. I urge the full, impartial investigation of incidents in accordance with due legal process.

I join with the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton in calling for calm and in condemning intolerance and any recourse to violence by the parties involved. The right to freedom of expression, association and assembly must be upheld. As the EU High Representative has stated, it is incumbent on the public authorities there to ensure that all citizens can exercise these rights freely.

Ireland and the European Union call upon the Government and opposition to pursue a comprehensive dialogue aimed at meeting the legitimate concerns of the people of Venezuela.

Trade Relations

Questions (11)

Michael McGrath

Question:

11. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will identify and list who our likely top ten future non English-speaking trading partners will be in the short to medium term; and what is being done to facilitate the learning of the languages of those countries here. [10679/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

A list of our current top ten non English-speaking trading partners is set out below.

My Department, in close collaboration with the Department for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, co-ordinated the review of the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy which was published in February 2014. The review identifies 27 ‘High Value Markets’ and ‘Other Established and Developing Markets’, eight of which are in Latin America, Africa and Asia (Brazil, South Africa, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea). The review also allows for further scope for cultivating and developing trade and investment relationships with high growth markets in Asia, South America and Africa, with the introduction of seven ‘Exploratory and High Potential Markets’ including, Turkey, Nigeria, Mexico, Vietnam, Chile, Indonesia and Thailand. In addition, the recent announcement of the expansion of the Embassy network* is specifically designed to support greater levels of trade and inward investment.

The Department of Education and Skills have advised that there are a range of languages available for the Leaving Certificate in our schools. In addition to English and Irish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Arabic are available. There are also a suite of non-curricular EU languages such as Polish, Latvian and Lithuanian which students from those countries can present for in the Leaving Certificate. There is a Chinese module available as an option for the transition year programme and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is currently finalising a short course in Chinese language and culture for the new Junior Cycle, following its evaluation of submissions received as an outcome of a consultation process which finished last month.

The Government recently launched the Action Plan for Jobs (APJ) 2014, the third instalment of this plan. Under the APJ, the Government has committed to develop and publish a languages education strategy, including foreign language education, which will support Ireland’s ability to win business abroad and create jobs at home. Under the oversight of the Export Trade Council, which I chair, we will continue in 2014 to boost bilateral trade and investment with emerging markets, as well as Ireland’s key established markets.

*Embassies: Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Jakarta), Croatia (Zagreb), Kenya (Nairobi) and the reopening of the Embassy in the Holy See.

Consulates General: Hong Kong, Austin and Sao Paulo.

-	Services Exports - 2012	€ - million
-	Country	-
1	Germany	8,032
2	France	5,593
3	Italy	5,383
4	Netherlands	3,902
5	Japan	2,713
6	Spain	2,666
7	China	2,397
8	Switzerland	2,146
9	Belgium	1,820
10	Sweden	1,773

-	Merchandise Exports - 2012	€000
-	Country	-
1	Belgium	13,618,721
2	Germany	7,461,015
3	Switzerland	5,070,306
4	France	4,348,405
5	Netherlands	3,291,522
6	Spain	2,765,850
7	Italy	2,656,383
8	Japan	2,084,681
9	China	1,564,942
10	Sweden	803,961

-	Merchandise Exports - 2013	€000
-	Country	-
1	Belgium	11,220,636
2	Germany	6,571,857
3	Switzerland	5,115,882
4	France	4,016,437
5	Netherlands	3,670,647
6	Spain	2,693,463
7	Italy	2,290,718
8	Japan	1,692,054
9	China	1,418,175
10	Sweden	822,340

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (12)

Michael McGrath

Question:

12. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will identify and list the ten most important foreign languages used in the conduct of Ireland's diplomatic relations. [10680/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department attaches a high priority to language proficiency and it is regarded as an important skill in a diplomatic officer’s career development and the conduct of their duties, in particular when posted to one of our missions abroad. French is accorded a high priority, given its importance in the EU context and in the conduct of diplomacy generally, closely followed by German, Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. Other important languages for our diplomatic officers would include Italian, Polish and Japanese.

Translation Services Expenditure

Questions (13)

Michael McGrath

Question:

13. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will set out in tabular form the amount spent on translation services in respect of each required language in his Department. [10681/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Expenditure by my Department on translation services is set out in the table below for the period from 1 January 2013 to date.

The upgrading of departmental websites and associated online services included once-off translation of a large volume of content on the website from English to Irish. Website and online translation costs over the period in question were €79,816. Other translation services included translation of official publications and documents into Irish. From time to time the Department’s Missions abroad may also incur some small local translation costs.

Translation	€	Purpose
English to Irish	79,816 10,088	(i)Website related translations. (ii) Translation of official documents and publications including passport and protocol related translations
English to French	2,468	Translation of miscellaneous documents including  Ireland in Brief
English to German	1,102	Translations for Ireland in Brief
English to Italian	200	Translations for Ireland in Brief
English to Greek	889	Translations for Ireland in Brief
English to Mandarin	1,012	Translations for Ireland in Brief
English to Korean	1,050	Translations for Ireland in Brief
English to Polish	1,059	Translations for Ireland in Brief and Yeats travelling exhibition
English to Turkish	368	Translations for Ireland in Brief
English to Vietnamese	151	Translations for Ireland in Brief
English to Czech	483	Translations for Ireland in Brief
English to Portuguese	344	Translation of Strangers to Citizens travelling exhibition
Arabic to English	1,199	Translation of legal documents
Total	100,229	-

Human Rights Issues

Questions (14, 16, 21)

Seán Crowe

Question:

14. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the passing of Uganda's anti-gay bill into law will change Irelands diplomatic relationship with Uganda; if it will affect Irish Aid's programme in Uganda; and if he has discussed the issue with the Ugandan authorities since the bill became law. [10791/14]

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

16. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he plans to take after the passage of the anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda; if he will consider withdrawing our foreign aid that goes into the country; his plans to withdraw our ambassador or close the Embassy in Kampala; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10809/14]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

21. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to raise the matter of the introduction of anti-gay legislation in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10991/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 16 and 21 together.

I am seriously concerned about the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill by the Ugandan Parliament and its subsequent signing into law by President Museveni. I have made it clear, including in direct talks with President Museveni, that the enactment of this draconian legislation will affect our valued relationship with Uganda.

This legislation is in clear conflict with Uganda’s binding international obligations to uphold human rights. It is in contravention of the principle of non-discrimination in the Ugandan Constitution, in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, both of which have been ratified by Uganda. It is the responsibility of the Ugandan Government to uphold its international obligations to treat all citizens equally, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, has been actively engaged with the Ugandan Parliament and President Museveni in efforts to halt this regressive and discriminatory legislation since it was first proposed in 2009. We have engaged intensively since the Bill re-entered Parliament unexpectedly in December 2013. The new law is a threat to Uganda’s gay community and an affront to all those who value tolerance, respect and the dignity of all people. It will also undermine public health in a very practical way, including the efforts to combat the scourge of HIV/AIDS in Uganda.

The Government has consistently supported the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and we are strongly committed to combating all human rights violations against individuals on any basis. Our commitments in this area are fundamental to our foreign policy and our aid programme.

It is important to emphasise that no funding from Ireland’s aid budget is provided by way of direct support to the Government of Uganda, with the exception of the Office of the Auditor General, for its important work on fighting corruption. Our support to the poorest and most disadvantaged people in Uganda is provided through trusted non-Government channels. In this way, we are directly targeting the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society, including people living with HIV/AIDS, those experiencing chronic poverty in Karamoja, and those who are being subjected to Gender Based Violence.

Our foreign policy approach, our aid programme and our international reputation give Ireland a strong voice, in close co-operation with other partners, on vital human rights issues. We will continue to work internationally and in Uganda to promote human rights, including LGBTI rights, and to support human rights organisations and institutions, many of which are operating in very difficult environments. We strongly urge the Ugandan authorities to abolish all laws that contravene human rights obligations, including this regressive new legislation.

In working to protect and promote human rights, we also want to ensure that the poorest of the poor are not penalised for the faults of their Governments, and we will always work to find ways of delivering assistance effectively for the benefit of the poor.

A review of the future of Ireland’s partnership with Uganda has been planned in the coming period, and this will provide us with the opportunity to consider what we have achieved so far, and how we should work for the benefit of the people of Uganda in the future.

Syrian Conflict

Questions (15)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

15. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent air raid that killed 26 people across Syria on 24 February 2014, on rebel-held towns two days after the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an end to the shelling and aerial attacks; the representations he has made to the EU and the UN in relation to Syria since the UN Security Council resolution was passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10803/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the reports of attacks on 24 February 2014 on the towns of al-Neshabieh, close to Damascus, in which 2 women and 10 children were killed, al-Hosn, in Homs province, where 6 people died, the town of Talbiseh in which 4 children died, and further reprehensible use of barrel bombs against the civilian population of Aleppo which resulted in the deaths of four children.

All these attacks were clearly undertaken by the Syrian state forces, and involved the use of air force and artillery units.

These attacks were in outright violation of UN Security Council resolution 2139, which expressly demands that all such attacks against civilian populations should cease. I have repeatedly condemned attacks by both sides against civilians, and I reiterate Ireland’s demand that the Security Council refer these criminal acts to the International Criminal Court.

Compliance with Resolution 2139 will obviously be one of the major topics for discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council on 17 March. I warmly welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2139 in a statement I issued on 24 February, having urged such decisive action on the Council’s part for some time now, and emphasised that it is now critical that the terms of this binding resolution are fully implemented by all sides, and especially the Syrian authorities.

Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 14.

Military Aircraft Landings

Questions (17)

Seán Crowe

Question:

17. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a US military plane had to make an emergency landing at Shannon Airport on Monday 24 February; if there were any munitions, explosives, or other hazardous materials on board this aircraft; and if the plane was engaged in military operations or exercises at the time. [10812/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I can confirm that my Department was notified that a US military aircraft had to make an emergency landing at Shannon Airport in advance of its arrival there on Monday 24 February. Confirmation was provided by the US Embassy that no munitions, explosives or hazardous material was on board, and the aircraft was not engaged in military exercises or operations.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (18)

Derek Nolan

Question:

18. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make inquiries or obtain information from the Spanish Government on an Irish man (details supplied) who died during the Spanish Civil War in view of the fact that the Spanish authorities are now considering excavating battle sites from this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10823/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have asked the Irish Embassy in Madrid to make contact with the relevant Spanish authorities to establish the position in relation to the matter which the Deputy has raised.

The Embassy would of course be happy to speak to the family of the Irish man in question should they wish to make direct contact.

Departmental Agencies Staff Remuneration

Questions (19)

Seán Fleming

Question:

19. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the implications for agencies funded by his Department that fail to comply with consolidated public sector pay scales by continuing to make top-up payments to staff; when he expects this issue to be definitively resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10916/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

There are no State agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (20)

Brendan Smith

Question:

20. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the most recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the need to establish, without further delay, the civic forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10969/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I support the establishment of a Civic Forum which would provide for a broad range of voices on community relations and stimulate informed public debate in relation to key societal challenges. On my regular visits to Northern Ireland, I continue the practice of engaging with civil society representatives.

In my ongoing contacts with the Secretary of State, including on 6 February last, I raise full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, including the establishment of a Civic Forum.

In the context of the North-South Ministerial Council, most recently at our Plenary Meeting on 8 November 2013, the Government expressed support for the re-establishment of the Civic Forum as a valuable and, as yet, unimplemented provision of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Government is of the view that a strong and resilient civic society can play an important role in providing positive and constructive challenge to the political process and in building a more reconciled and prosperous Northern Ireland.

Question No. 21 answered with Question No. 14.

Tribunals of Inquiry Recommendations

Questions (22)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

22. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to implement the recommendations of the Moriarty tribunal since its publication nearly three years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10355/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

In response to the Deputy's question the Moriarty Tribunal pointed out problems to be addressed in our system of financial regulation.  Poor supervision, an overly-deferential attitude by regulators, poor assessment of risks and a lack of follow-through on enforcement, all played a part in the financial crisis. 

This Government has undertaken a number of significant reforms since the financial crisis towards building a strengthened regulatory framework for the Irish financial services sector and to respond to the shortcomings identified.

In 2011 the new Fitness and Probity regime was rolled out by the Central Bank in accordance with the provisions of the Central Bank Reform Act 2010. The regime provides for new powers to be exercised by the Central Bank to ensure the fitness and probity of nominees to key positions within financial service providers and of key office-holders within those providers.

Following on from the Central Bank Reform Act, 2010, the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 enhances the Central Bank's regulatory powers, drawing on the lessons of the recent past in Ireland and abroad. It strengthens the ability of the Central Bank to impose and supervise compliance with regulatory requirements and to undertake timely prudential interventions.  The Act also provides the Central Bank with greater access to information and analysis and underpins the credible enforcement of Irish financial services legislation in line with international best practice.

The reforms introduced under the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 are complemented by a number of strategically important reforms at EU level in financial services. Under our presidency, agreement was reached on the single supervisory mechanism, one of the main cornerstones of Banking Union which will provide for the European Central Bank to act as supervisor for systemic important banks throughout the Union. Agreement was also reached on the Capital Requirements package which will ensure that European banks hold enough good quality capital to withstand future economic and financial shocks.

These legislative reforms have been supplemented by a significant increase in regulatory activity by the Central Bank with a corresponding increase in staff numbers and skill levels. The Central Bank of Ireland's Enforcement Priorities for 2013 highlight the importance of enforcement within its risk-based regulatory framework (PRISM). PRISM represents a challenging and proportionate risk-based system of supervision for all financial institutions operating in Ireland. The Central Bank's Strategic Plan 2013 2015 also sets out a strategy of assertive risk-based supervision underpinned by a credible threat of enforcement.

In response to the Tribunal recommendations I have considered the provision of tax relief for donations to political parties and have decided against introducing such relief. The Electoral (Amendment) (Political Funding) Act 2012 provided for changes to the Electoral Act, 1997 and imposed new limits for donations. Donations to individuals exceeding €600 must be declared and donations exceeding €1,000 in any one year may not be accepted. Political party donations greater than €1,500 must be declared and donations greater than €2,500 in any one year may not be accepted. These limits, in themselves, should act to deter any attempts by wealthy individuals to influence political activity.

The Office of the Revenue Commissioners have provided me with the following information in relation to Revenue issues raised in the recommendations of the Moriarty Tribunal.

Recommendation: Independence of the Revenue Commissioners - Section 101 of the Minister and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011 has placed on a statutory basis the independence of the Revenue Commissioners in the exercise by the Commissioners of their statutory functions under the various taxation and customs enactments. This has given effect to the recommendation of the Report of the Tribunal into Payments to Politicians and Related Matters (that is, the report of Mr. Justice Moriarty), that the principle or convention of the independence of the Revenue Commissioners be placed on the more robust status of a legislative provision.

Recommendation: Representations to Revenue by Office holders - In relation to this proposal I as Minister for Finance remain of the view that this recommendation could best be considered in the context of the Government's overall approach to political and parliamentary reform. Representations are a valid part of the political process. The Government may wish to consider whether this recommendation should be confined to Revenue, or to Office holders, or whether the Commissioners decision to publish data on the volume of representations made by each Deputy is an adequate response.

Recommendation: Transmission to other agencies of information obtained by Revenue under bilateral agreements - This recommendation has been considered. These agreements are international treaties which are very precisely drawn as to the purpose for which information may be used and would not permit such transmission. However if opportunities arise in the future, the Commissioners will consider the matter further. The Deputy will appreciate that Revenue is not in a position to comment on matters relating to individuals for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality.