Written Answers Nos. 131-152
131. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation for each region of the State the percentage of inputs that are sourced in Ireland for each of the past five years by foreign direct investment firms operating here. [17717/14]
View answerThe Forfás Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact 2012 (ABSEI), which was published recently, shows that direct expenditure by foreign firms in the Irish economy increased by 4.7 per cent to €22.9 billion from €21.9 billion in 2011. Direct expenditure is comprised of payroll costs plus purchases of Irish materials and services.
Details of the percentage spent on Irish materials and services in each of the years 2008 to 2012 is shown on the tabular statement. The ABSEI asks companies to provide an estimate of the total value of what they purchase in the Republic of Ireland. The questionnaire does not ask for further details such as the ownership or regional location of each supplier used as to do so would impose too onerous a burden on the respondents for whom the survey is voluntary.
I have asked Forfás to follow-up directly with the Deputy in relation to the data gathered as part of the ABSEI.
The Global Sourcing Project has been a major focus of the Enterprise Ireland/IDA Ireland Senior Management Team since its establishment in early 2012. Action 235 of the Action Plan for Jobs 2014 aims to progress the implementation of the agreed Global Sourcing Strategy, with specific targets set to increase global sourcing sales by EI clients through greater client introductions between foreign owned multinationals and Enterprise Ireland.
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact 2012
|
Results for all Foreign-owned client companies of the Enterprise Development Agencies (IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Udaras na Gaeltachta, Shannon Development) |
2002 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
Total Materials - Cost of materials and components used directly in the production of goods and services [exclude goods purchased for re-distribution only or any capital expenditure]. |
26,974 |
30,021 |
21,055 |
21,957 |
23,603 |
24,132 |
|
Materials sourced in Ireland - Estimated proportion of materials and components produced in Republic of Ireland |
5,911 |
2,998 |
2,383 |
2,442 |
2,779 |
3,283 |
|
Materials sourced in Ireland as a percentage of Total Materials purchased |
22% |
10% |
11% |
11% |
12% |
14% |
|
Total Services (inc. Royalties) Cost of all bought-in services, e.g. royalties, agency fees, advertising, transport, fuel, power, repairs, telephone, postage, stationery, computing services, professional fees etc. |
22,662 |
45,448 |
43,491 |
46,244 |
49,638 |
52,988 |
|
Services sourced in Ireland - Estimated proportion of services sourced in Republic of Ireland. |
10,263 |
9,863 |
9,451 |
9,428 |
10,780 |
11,058 |
|
Services sourced in Ireland as a percentage of Total Services purchased |
45% |
22% |
22% |
20% |
22% |
21% |
132. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will support in law the right of union leaders to articulate on behalf of their union members the likelihood of industrial action without fear of legal action. [17718/14]
View answerI understand that the question relates to the recent legal action initiated by Aer Lingus against the trade union SIPTU following the injunctive relief granted by the High Court in relation to the planned four-hour stoppage on March 14th last, which would have affected Dublin and Cork and Shannon Airports.
In granting the relief, the High Court concluded that an issue arose regarding the legal validity of the secret ballot organised by SIPTU and was satisfied that a serious issue to be tried existed. In addition, there was a serious issue to be tried as to whether participation in the proposed industrial action would be lawful having regard to pre-existing and extant contractual agreements governing dispute settling procedures involving the parties.
The Industrial Relations Act 1990 provides, inter alia, that trade unions, their officials and members who are engaged in industrial action are granted immunity from criminal and civil liability in certain defined circumstances. In this context, the Act requires unions to have a provision in their rule-books for the holding of secret ballots before engaging in or supporting a strike or any other form of industrial action.
I have no plans to change the existing protections in industrial relations legislation in respect of actions by trade unions and officials engaged in actions in contemplation or furtherance of a trade dispute
133. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Taoiseach the number of persons who signed off the live register in 2013; the number of persons who signed off the live register in the first three months of 2014; if he will provide a breakdown of the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17871/14]
View answerThe exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Central Statistics Office has compiled a new series, for evaluation purposes, showing estimated flows to and from the Live Register. The series is based on an analysis by the CSO of administrative data from the Department of Social Protection. Only monthly figures have been compiled so far and the analysis of net flows to and from the Live Register over the course of a quarter or year has not been compiled. The net flow over a quarter or year is not the sum of the months. Monthly statistics for 2013 and for January 2014, the latest period available, are shown in the following table.
The series is for evaluation purposes only and, while every effort has been made to reconcile these figures with the official Live Register total, where any discrepancy may exist the official Live Register figures are considered the correct figures.
Table 1 - Live Register, Stayers, Joiners and Leavers, January 2013 to January 2014
|
- |
Live register (Persons) |
Stayers (Persons) |
Joiners (Persons) |
Leavers (Persons) |
|
2013M01 |
429,230 |
399,530 |
29,710 |
24,180 |
|
2013M02 |
428,730 |
401,710 |
27,020 |
27,450 |
|
2013M03 |
424,890 |
395,620 |
29,270 |
33,070 |
|
2013M04 |
417,600 |
394,680 |
22,920 |
30,140 |
|
2013M05 |
421,350 |
383,580 |
37,760 |
33,970 |
|
2013M06 |
435,370 |
395,540 |
39,830 |
25,770 |
|
2013M07 |
441,960 |
408,300 |
33,660 |
27,030 |
|
2013M08 |
434,890 |
406,280 |
28,610 |
35,610 |
|
2013M09 |
408,660 |
381,700 |
26,950 |
53,160 |
|
2013M10 |
396,460 |
368,320 |
28,150 |
40,290 |
|
2013M11 |
391,530 |
359,570 |
31,950 |
36,830 |
|
2013M12 |
395,410 |
372,790 |
22,620 |
18,700 |
|
2014M01 |
399,300 |
366,440 |
32,860 |
28,960 |
134. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of each of the solicitors and barristers who received payments from the Office of the Chief State Solicitor during each of the past five years; the amount each individual received for their services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17304/14]
View answerThe details requested by the Deputy are available in the table.
135. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the total legal costs incurred by his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and estimated in 2014. [17363/14]
View answerThe total legal costs incurred by my Department from 2011 to end 2013 is provided in the table:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2011 |
43,535 |
|
2012 |
241,676 |
|
2013 |
Nil |
A total of €10,000 has been spent in legal costs in 2014. There are a small number of cases where costs may arise but it is not possible to estimate at this time. The table does not include any costs that have been incurred in relation to the Moriarty Tribunal.
136. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach the total external public relation costs incurred by his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and estimated in 2014. [17379/14]
View answerThe total expenditure on external public relations incurred by my Department from 2011 to 10 April 2014 is detailed in the table:
|
Year |
€ |
|
2011 |
nil |
|
2012 |
26,631 |
|
2013 |
49,054 |
In 2014 my Department spent a total of €4,705 on public relations in relation to the Constitutional Convention and will spend a further €5,000.00 in 2014.
137. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 25 March 2014, if he will request the Central Statistics Office to compile data on the number of employees currently on zero hour contracts in order to inform policy on job creation; and if he will provide more information on the extent of the use of these contracts. [17427/14]
View answerAs set out in Section 13 of the Statistics Act 1993, the Director General of the Central Statistics Office shall have the sole responsibility for and be independent in the exercise of the functions of deciding – (a) the statistical methodology and professional statistical standards used by the Office; (b) the content of statistical releases and publications issued by the Office; and (c) the timing and methods of dissemination of statistics compiled by the Office.
The CSO has advised me that data is collected in the Quarterly National Household Survey on general conditions of employment, such as temporary/permanent, full-time/part-time, casual/seasonal, and related information regarding duration of employment and usual/actual hours worked. The CSO does not collect specific contractual information. There are currently no plans to alter this approach.
138. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on meetings he held with tobacco industry representatives during his St. Patrick's Day mission to the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17447/14]
View answerDuring my recent visit to the United States for St. Patrick's Day, I did not have any meetings with tobacco industry representatives. I did meet with business representative groups such as the Irish Chamber of Commerce USA and the US Chamber of Commerce, but tobacco-related issues did not feature in our discussions. The main focus of our engagement was in relation to Ireland's economic recovery and ongoing negotiations on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
139. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a regional breakdown, as per the nomenclature of territorial units for statistics, of the number of persons aged 16 to 25 years who are not currently engaged in employment, education or training; the percentage of the population between 16 and 25 years that this represents; if he will provide in tabular form the primary status education, unemployed, training, employed or none of the above of those under 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17886/14]
View answerThe Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State and the data also provides information on persons neither in employment nor in education and training (NEET). The Q4 2013 estimates are the most recent QNHS figures available.
Table 1 shows the volume of persons aged 16-25 who are classified as being neither in employment nor in education and training (NEET) by NUTS2 and NUTS3 region, together with the proportion of persons aged 16-25 this represents in each region.
Table 1 - Persons aged 16 - 25 Neither in Employment nor in Education and Training (NEET) by NUTS2 and NUTS3 regions Quarter 4 2013
|
Border, Midland and Western |
Border |
Midland |
Western |
|
|
Persons Neither in Employment nor in Education and Training (NEET) - Thou |
26.1 |
11.1 |
7.8 |
7.2 |
|
% of 16-25 year population |
19.5% |
21.1% |
23.0% |
15.2% |
Table 1 continued - Persons aged 16 - 25 Neither in Employment nor in Education and Training (NEET) by NUTS2 and NUTS3 regions Quarter 4 2013
|
Southern and Eastern |
Dublin |
Mid-East |
Mid-West |
South-East |
South-West |
State |
|
|
Persons Neither in Employment nor in Education and Training (NEET) - Thou |
59.1 |
20.0 |
11.5 |
5.5 |
12.0 |
10.2 |
85.2 |
|
% of 16-25 year population |
14.9% |
13.1% |
18.9% |
12.0% |
20.2% |
13.0% |
16.1% |
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Reference period: q4=Oct-Dec.
Note: The indicator on people Neither in Employment nor in Education and Training (NEET) corresponds to the population of the age group who is not employed and not involved in further education or training, i.e. persons who meet the following two conditions: (a) they are not employed (i.e. unemployed or inactive according to the International Labour Organisation definition) and (b) they have not received any education or training in the four weeks preceding the survey.
When calculating the proportion of all persons in the age group classified as NEET, it should be noted that respondents who have not answered the question 'participation in regular (formal) education and training' are excluded from the calculation.
Table 2 shows persons aged 16-25 classified by ILO economic status and NUTS2 and NUTS3 region. The exact information requested by the deputy is not available as the three broad ILO economic statuses classify people as being employed, unemployed and not in the labour force while, for example, persons classified in any of these statuses can themselves be engaged in education or training. As a result, the categories requested by the deputy are not mutually exclusive. However, additional sub-categories for those persons not in the labour force are also included in this table for information.
Table 2 - Persons aged 16 - 25 classified by detailed Economic Status and NUTS2 and NUTS3 regions Quarter 4 2013
|
Border, Midland and Western |
Border |
Midland |
Western |
|
|
In labour force |
61.9 |
24.8 |
14.8 |
22.3 |
|
In employment |
45.0 |
18.2 |
10.1 |
16.8 |
|
Unemployed |
16.9 |
6.7 |
[4.7] |
5.5 |
|
Not in labour force |
72.0 |
27.8 |
19.2 |
25.1 |
|
Potential Additional Labour Force (PALF) |
[4.1] |
* |
* |
* |
|
Others |
67.9 |
25.6 |
18.5 |
23.8 |
|
Wants job, not available and not seeking because is in education or training |
[4.1] |
* |
* |
* |
|
Wants job, not available and not seeking because of other reasons |
* |
* |
* |
* |
|
Does not want job |
62.7 |
23.3 |
17.8 |
21.6 |
|
All persons |
134.0 |
52.6 |
34.0 |
47.4 |
Table 2 continued - Persons aged 16 - 25 classified by detailed Economic Status and NUTS2 and NUTS3 regions Quarter 4 2013
|
Southern and Eastern |
Dublin |
Mid-East |
Mid-West |
South-East |
South-West |
State |
|
|
In labour force |
184.1 |
76.2 |
29.0 |
16.2 |
28.1 |
34.7 |
246.0 |
|
In employment |
144.4 |
62.9 |
22.1 |
12.4 |
19.0 |
27.9 |
189.4 |
|
Unemployed |
39.7 |
13.3 |
6.9 |
3.7 |
9.0 |
6.8 |
56.6 |
|
Not in labour force |
213.4 |
77.1 |
31.7 |
29.5 |
31.5 |
43.7 |
285.5 |
|
Potential Additional Labour Force (PALF) |
5.9 |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
10.0 |
|
Others |
207.6 |
74.7 |
30.6 |
28.9 |
30.4 |
42.9 |
275.5 |
|
Wants job, not available and not seeking because is in education or training |
16.2 |
5.1 |
[2.7] |
4.8 |
* |
* |
20.4 |
|
Wants job, not available and not seeking because of other reasons |
4.7 |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
5.8 |
|
Does not want job |
186.7 |
68.2 |
27.0 |
23.4 |
28.0 |
40.1 |
249.4 |
|
All persons |
397.5 |
153.2 |
60.7 |
45.6 |
59.5 |
78.4 |
531.4 |
Source: Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Reference period: q4=Oct-Dec.
* Estimates for numbers of persons or averages where there are less than 30 persons in a cell are not produced as estimates are too small to be considered reliable.
Parentheses [ ] indicate where there are 30-49 persons in a cell, estimates are considered to have a wider margin of error and should be treated with caution.
Note: The Potential Additional Labour Force (PALF) is the sum of the two groups 'persons seeking work but not immediately available' and 'persons available for work but not seeking'.
140. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in the context of the North-South Ministerial Council agenda, consideration will be given to the prioritisation of cross-Border infrastructural projects which have clear mutual benefits North and South; his views on such proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17303/14]
View answerInfrastructure has a critical role to play in building a prosperous all-island economy and to this end I see cross-border co-operation on infrastructural development as being very important. My Ministerial colleagues and I are working together with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive to identify priorities for greater cross-Border co-operation which will be mutually beneficial North and South. In line with the decision at the North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Plenary meeting last November on the St Andrews Review of north south co-operation, Ministers are currently discussing with their Northern counterparts priorities for practical economic cooperation to help economic recovery and job creation to optimise the use of public money and to ensure the most effective delivery of public services on the island. The outcome of these discussions, which may also include possibilities for developing infrastructural projects, are to be considered at the next NSMC Plenary meeting. EU funding has been of considerable importance in undertaking infrastructural projects on this island. While the drafts of the future EU programmes, INTERREG V and PEACE IV, are currently being developed, there may be scope for funding under these programmes for further cross-border infrastructural projects.
141. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total legal costs incurred by his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and estimated in 2014. [17357/14]
View answerMy Department is responsible for two Votes, Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation). The Department generally seeks advice on domestic legal matters from the Office of the Attorney General and/or the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. Depending on the subject-matter, domestic litigation is dealt with on my Department’s behalf by the Attorney General’s Office, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office or the State Claims Agency which engage lawyers to act for the Department where necessary and pays their fees. The Department has a Legal Division, which deals with matters of public international law, human rights law, and European Union law and other relevant legal issues. The Division also acts as agent for the Government before certain international courts and tribunals, such as the European Court of Human Rights. In this regard, it works closely with the Office of the Attorney General, which pays the fees of external lawyers.
The Department’s Missions abroad engage local legal advisers from time to time to deal with a range of miscellaneous matters including property and local employment law.
The amount incurred by my Department in legal costs (excluding settlement costs/awards) in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 is set out in the table. The majority of these charges arose in the Department’s 73 Missions abroad and involved a wide range of local matters including advice and services in relation to property matters, leases of premises, and local employment law matters.
With regard to the estimated costs for 2014, it is not possible to predict legal costs with certainty. The provision in the 2014 estimates for legal costs at HQ and Missions is €303,000.
|
Year |
Total costs |
|
2011 |
100,821 |
|
2012 |
79,854 |
|
2013 |
162,129 |
142. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total external public relations costs incurred by his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and estimated in 2014. [17373/14]
View answerFor the period referred to by the Deputy, my Department has not incurred expenditure on external public relations and communications services. From time to time, consultants or companies with a public relations and communications background are commissioned to provide other professional services such as project management, logistics and event management. DHR Communications has been contracted since 2010 to manage and administer the Simon Cumbers Media Fund (SCMF) grants scheme. This involves managing two funding rounds each year, including through national and regional information workshops; managing and administering the application process; organising the judging process and providing detailed feedback to all applicants; processing grant payments and keeping detailed administrative and financial records; maintaining and updating the SCMF website and managing the SCMF student competition. DHR was awarded a two-year contract to 2012 and was re-engaged in February 2012 for a further two years following a competitive tendering process, which includes a one-year extension my Department intends to take up. As a result costs will remain consistent for 2014. Following a competitive tendering process, DHR has also been engaged to plan, manage and execute a national Africa Day flagship event in Dublin. This includes the administration of a small grants scheme for regional events which DHR managed on behalf of the Department in partnership with a number of local authorities. DHR also worked to raise public awareness of the Africa Day events, including through the use of social media and the Africa Day website. This work represented a very minor element of the project and was conducted in close cooperation with my Department’s communications office. DHR has also been engaged for Africa Day 2014 and costs are expected to be similar to 2013.
Africa Day Family Days, incorporating musical entertainment, cultural activities and an African Bazaar, were hosted by the Department in Iveagh Gardens in 2009 and 2010, in CHQ in Georges Dock in 2012 and at Farmleigh Estate in 2013. In 2011, the Department supported a smaller-scale series of performances, family events, art exhibitions, debates and educational activities instead of hosting a flagship event. The fees and expenses set out below reflect the expense and management cost involved in hosting a flagship event for Africa Day other than with regard to 2011.
DHR also provided short-term management support services for the Review of the White Paper on Irish Aid, including the logistical management of the nationwide public consultation activities.
It should be noted that expenses paid to third parties account for approximately 30% of the total paid to DHR for managing and administering the Simon Cumbers Media Fund. This includes costs associated with maintaining and updating the SCMF website, facilitating the judging process and raising awareness of the Fund among journalists.
In relation to the expenditure on Africa Day in 2012 and 2013, expenses paid to third parties accounted for between 70% and 80% of the total costs listed below. This included expenditure on security, sanitation, venue set-up, health and safety issues and small grants to facilitate the participation of community groups.
In relation to the White Paper Review, third-party expenses accounted for approximately 32% of the total costs. This includes expenditure on venue hire and the organisation and documentation of six public consultation meetings.
The table sets out the use of DHR engaged by my Department’s Development Cooperation Division since March 2011.
Project and Event Management 9 March 2011 to date
|
Name of Project/Event |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
SCMF |
€50,988 |
€47,430 |
€46,812 |
|
White Paper Review |
€25,000 |
€26,026 |
nil |
|
Africa Day |
€6,806 |
€90,851 |
€118,643 |
143. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason it is not possible to transfer funds from Europe through banking channels to South Sudan, which has gained its independence from north Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17444/14]
View answerUnder European Union sanctions regulations there are targeted asset-freeze measures in place against a small number of listed individuals in Sudan and South Sudan who are deemed to be impeding the peace process and breaking international law in the conflict in the Darfur region. However, there are no EU economic sanctions or measures in place which would prevent transfers of funds for legitimate commercial or personal reasons between banks in Europe and South Sudan. Decisions on the services provided by banks to customers are of course operational matters for the management and boards of the banks concerned. The ongoing insecurity and political instability in South Sudan is affecting almost all aspects of normal life in the country and is of serious concern to Ireland and our partners in the European Union. The EU strongly supports the regionally-led peace efforts and has called clearly on all parties to agree an immediate cessation to hostilities and violence. Given the worsening humanitarian and security situation across many parts of the country the EU has urged all political and military leaders to protect the population and to act in the interests of the South Sudanese people as a whole.
The immediate priority must be to restore stability and respond effectively to the humanitarian needs of the population. Over one million people have been displaced by the crisis in South Sudan, including more than 800,000 internally displaced persons. Ireland is responding with significant humanitarian support, including direct support to NGOs, Concern, World Vision and MSF for their emergency relief work. Once the security situation has stabilised, the international community will need to focus on helping to build sustainable political and economic structures for South Sudan, and continue to assist the people of the country in rebuilding their livelihoods for a secure and stable future.
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a response has been received from An Garda Síochána in the matter of issues raised with the Department of Justice and Equality in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17452/14]
View answerAs I indicated in my reply of 03 April last, An Garda Síochána has identified serious anomalies in relation to a supporting document submitted with the passport application and the matter has been referred to the Department of Justice and Equality. It will be a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice and Equality to decide what action they may wish to take in relation to these anomalies.
145. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding assistance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17891/14]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that there are no public funds available from my Department to repatriate the remains of Irish citizens for burial in Ireland.However, as the Deputy may be aware, there are various Irish groups and organisations in the UK which may be able to assist in the circumstances as outlined. Such groups and organisations would have links with the wider Irish community and would also have practical experience of dealing with a wide range of issues of concern to that community. It should be borne in mind however that direct financial assistance may not be possible. Our Embassy in London is currently following up with officials at the sheltered accommodation where the individual named by the Deputy died, to ascertain whether there is any entitlement to funding under the British Social Security system.
The Deputy may wish to note that prior to his notification of the death of this Irish citizen, my Department had not received any request for assistance from any relation of the deceased. Following receipt of the Deputy’s enquiry, the Consular Assistance section of my Department spoke with the individual who contacted the Deputy on behalf of the next of kin and promised to keep them apprised of developments.
146. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied), a Saharawi political prisoner, who launched a hunger strike 42 days ago in reaction to the abuse of his human rights; that several other Saharawi political prisoners are on hunger strike in the prison of Tiznit in Morocco; that they are reportedly being denied the necessary medical treatment; and if he will raise the issue with the Moroccan authorities. [17968/14]
View answerI am aware that a number of Sahrawi prisoners have been on hunger strikes in Tiznet prison for various periods over the last number of years in protest at their conditions of detention. However I have not received a report in relation to the specific political prisoner referred to by the Deputy from any of the human rights organisations with which my Department are in regular contact. I understand that the prisoner in question was arrested along with his brother in August 2013 and was sentenced to ten years in prison in Morocco. I have requested that officials in my Department make further enquiries about this particular case and also raise the case with partners at EU level in Morocco. Turning to the broader issues which lie behind these cases, I remain deeply concerned about allegations of human rights abuses in Western Sahara and about conditions of detention for Sahrawi prisoners in Morocco. The UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment visited a number of prisons, police stations and juvenile centres in Morocco and Western Sahara in September 2012. In his subsequent report to the Human Rights Council, he concluded that, in the case of Western Sahara, there was a pattern of excessive use of force during demonstrations, including kidnapping and abandonment in the desert, and of torture and ill-treatment by police officers and security personnel of alleged or known supporters of the independence of Western Sahara, both outside and inside detention centres. He further noted that many individuals had been coerced to confess and sentenced to prison on the basis of such confessions. He recommended that the Government of Morocco should promptly conduct impartial and independent investigations into allegations of torture, hold perpetrators accountable, provide compensation to victims, reconsider the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians, and further strengthen protection for internationally recognized human rights in the area of detention. I call on the Moroccan authorities to give full effect to all recommendations contained in the Special Rapporteur’s report.
Ireland has raised our concerns regarding the situation in Western Sahara with the Moroccan authorities on an ongoing basis, including through the Moroccan Embassy in Dublin and in Geneva at Morocco’s Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council. Ireland specifically recommended that independent and impartial inquiries are carried out with respect to all allegations of mistreatment in detention.
Ireland would also support more regular and ongoing monitoring of the human rights situation in the Western Sahara territory and therefore has supported the inclusion of a broader human rights monitoring mechanism in the mandate of MINURSO, the UN peace-keeping mission in Western Sahara. It is a matter of regret that the UN Security Council has not been able to agree to this to date. I hope that this matter will be re-considered when the MINURSO mandate, due for renewal at the end of April, is reviewed in the coming weeks.
147. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding emergency passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17970/14]
View answerThe Department has put in place arrangements to issue passports at short notice in circumstances where there is a death or family tragedy for an Irish citizen and travel is required. Additionally, the Molesworth Street office already receive and process over 200 passport applications per day to assist those travelling at short notice (3-10 days).
At the request of members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, I have asked the Passport Service to consider options to provide an additional service in circumstances where there is not an immediate emergency e.g. relating to travel in less than three days for a holiday or business trip overseas. However, I must caution that there are some challenges which must be overcome in developing a new rapid application process. If one prioritises such cases, it means those queuing by normal means are pushed back somewhat. Additionally, in developing a new system an appropriate balance must be found between the demand for a short-notice service against the need to protect against the threats of identity theft, passport fraud and child abduction.
I am aware that over 600 applicants presented at the Passport Office in Molesworth Street on a number of days in 2012 all looking for passports at short notice. It will not be possible to develop a system to cope with anything like this level of demand. I would therefore encourage all passport holders to check their passports now and submit applications well in advance for renewal. For the assistance of Irish citizens the Passport Service also provides a very simple reminder option on the website www.passport.ie.
148. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline Ireland's position at the Committee of Permanent Representatives and-or the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels during other meetings in recent years during discussions at EU level on increasing the number of judges at the General Court of the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg; if Ireland agreed to increase the number of judges based on merit, regardless of their member state; or if Ireland took the position to stay with the spirit of Article 19(2) of the Treaty on European Union, of one judge per member state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18040/14]
View answerThe jurisdiction and workload of the General Court has expanded in recent years leading to an increase in the number of cases pending before the Court. Ireland is conscious of the need to address the backlogs that have arisen and to this end has supported a draft Regulation of the European Parliament and Council which would amend the Protocol on the Statute of the Court of Justice by increasing the number of Judges at the General Court. In discussions between the European Institutions and the member states a number of different proposals were put forward in relation to how many additional Judges would be appointed. Ireland’s position has been to seek to support any reasonable compromise that would enable the appointment of additional Judges in order to address the delays that have arisen. In this regard Ireland, in common with a number of other member states, supported an initiative by the Greek Presidency which allowed both for elements of rotation and for merit based assessment. To date however no final agreement has been reached between the member states as to the method of appointment of any additional Judges.
149. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised at the most recent meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council the ongoing serious conflict and loss of life in Syria and the need to provide additional humanitarian aid for Syria and adjoining countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18065/14]
View answerThe continuing violence in Syria has resulted in unprecedented levels of humanitarian need, requiring a sustained response from the international community. As the number of fatalities reaches an estimated 140,000 people, there are now over 9 million people within Syria who are in need of immediate life-saving support, with a further 2.6 million Syrian refugees requiring assistance in neighbouring countries. Ireland has been to the fore in the international efforts to help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and is one of the most generous contributors to the humanitarian response on a per capita basis. In view of the immense needs in Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees, Ireland pledged €12 million in humanitarian assistance for 2014 at the Second International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria and region in Kuwait on January 15th 2014. This pledge will bring Ireland’s overall funding commitment over the period 2011 to 2014 to €26.011 million, of which €20 million has been disbursed to date. Funds have been provided to a range of established UN partners as well as to Irish NGOs. Ireland has been consistent in its efforts to ensure that the necessary attention is given by the international community to this crisis, including at the most recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels last month where discussion focused, in particular, on the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
We have consistently matched our humanitarian contribution with concrete support to international efforts to find a sustainable political solution to the crisis, and to advocate for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access. I have called for all parties to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian law and to refrain from the targeting of civilians. I am firmly of the view that Syria’s neighbouring states cannot alone shoulder the burden of hosting the influx of Syrian refugees. Over half of Ireland’s contribution to the humanitarian relief effort has been allocated to assist refugees and host communities in neighbouring states. Ireland will continue to advocate in all international discussion on Syria for increased support to the humanitarian relief effort both within Syria and for neighbouring countries, as well as for the full and immediate implementation by all parties to the conflict of UN Security Council Resolution 2139 on Syria Humanitarian Assistance.
150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised at the most recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council the concerns and warnings of the UN's Chief Special Adviser on genocide prevention in relation to the high risk of genocide in the Central African Republic; if these issues have been raised by the European Union with the United Nations or other international organisations; the proposals, if any, there are to provide additional humanitarian aid to the Central African Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18066/14]
View answerI have raised our serious concern at the appalling situation in the Central African Republic at a number of recent meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council. At the Council meeting of December last, I highlighted the impact the crisis was having on the civilian population and reports by the UN and others of widespread human rights violations, including killings, rapes, kidnappings and recruitment of child soldiers. At that meeting, I expressed the clear view that a UN-led peacekeeping operation was required given the seriousness of the situation and the impact on innocent civilians. I made the point that an insufficient or delayed response by the international community could allow the situation to deteriorate further with the risk of civil war and genocide. Ireland has also consistently raised the situation in the Central African Republic at the Human Rights Council. On 26 March we drew attention to the atrocities cited by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights following her visit to the country. Ireland condemned these large-scale human rights violations, in particular those perpetrated against children, and called on all parties to refrain from the deplorable practice of recruiting and using children in armed groups. Our Permanent Mission to the UN in New York participated in discussions at the Security Council on 8 April, focusing on the need to restore law and order and to increase policing capacity.
The EU and the international community have agreed a series of responses to the crisis in the Central African Republic, including the launch on 1 April of an EU military operation to support existing efforts by French and African Union forces to contribute to a secure environment, as authorised by the UN Security Council. Last week, on 10 April, the Security Council unanimously adopted Security Council Resolution 2149 establishing the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic. The objective is to provide up to 10,000 military personnel and 1,800 police personnel, by September next. The Mission will focus on protecting civilians, restoring law and order, supporting humanitarian access, monitoring human rights abuses and fighting impunity.
Ireland has consistently provided humanitarian assistance to the people of the Central African Republic, even when it was a so-called ‘forgotten crisis’. We have provided a total of €14.5 million to UN-administered Common Humanitarian Fund for the Central African Republic since 2008, enabling the UN and NGOs to undertake life-saving work with the most vulnerable communities.
So far this year, Ireland has provided €3 million for relief efforts in the country. €2 million has been provided for the UN’s work on the provision of food, water, shelter, healthcare and education to vulnerable communities. A further €500,000 has been allocated to the World Food Programme and €460,000 to the NGO Médecins Sans Frontières. We have also deployed two members of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps to support the work of the UN agencies on the ground.
151. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Finance if he will instruct local property tax offices to furnish written confirmation of non-liability in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17550/14]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that Tax Clearance certification (TCC) is withheld in circumstances where the applicant has not filed all the tax returns, including Local Property Tax (LPT), for which s/he is registered and paid all liabilities that are due.
With regard to the individual case to which the Deputy refers, Revenue has advised me that an application for Tax Clearance was received from the person in question on 4 February 2014. Revenue issued a refusal notice on the same date setting out all of the reasons for the refusal.
At the time of the TCC application the person was incorrectly linked to a property on the LPT Register for which no Returns in respect of either 2013 or 2014 were filed. The Deputy will be aware that Revenue has communicated extensively in regard to the possibility of duplicate or mismatched properties on the Register arising from data matching of information sourced from both Government and non-Government sources. In such circumstances the onus was clearly placed on the individual to inform Revenue that the information was incorrect. The person in the specific case failed to make any contact with Revenue in spite of receiving a number of reminder letters in regard to the issue.
The person did finally make contact with LPT Branch on 18 February 2014 at which point the Register information was corrected. This was verbally confirmed to the Deputy's office on 20 March 2014 and was further confirmed by email on 8 April 2014.
Revenue has confirmed to me that while the person's LPT records are now in order there are still outstanding issues in regard to other taxes that he is registered for. I am advised that the person should now make direct contact with his local tax office to conclude the outstanding issues. Once these issues are finalised satisfactorily by him, Revenue has assured me that a TCC will issue to the person.
152. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Finance the progress the Government has made in implementing the recommendations of the Moriarty tribunal report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17801/14]
View answerIn response to the Deputy's question the Moriarty Tribunal made a number of recommendations which affected a number of Government Departments. As Minister for Finance I can only respond in relation to the recommendations made in relation to my own Department.
The 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.
