Patrick O'Donovan
Question:16. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address the issue of rogue traders preying on vulnerable persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19274/14]
View answerCrime Prevention
Questions (16)
Written answers
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána closely monitors the incidence of this type of crime and that a range of enforcement, prevention and community policing measures are in place to respond to these concerns.
The circumstances of this type of offending varies but in many cases the perpetrators will persuade the householder to engage them to carry out work of dubious necessity or value and then seek to extract excessive payments. Other incidents involve the perpetrators attempting to coerce payment for a fictitious liability, or pressurising householders to reveal personal financial information. Older or vulnerable persons are often targeted by these offenders.
An Garda Síochána is proactive in highlighting this type of offending through widely circulated crime prevention information leaflets, at community meetings, and using local media and the national Crimecall programme. One measure of particular note is the Bogus Caller Card Initiative, which was developed as part of the Garda Older Persons Strategy. This initiative provides the householder with printed Caller Cards to give to callers offering a service from door to door, requesting them to leave their contact details so that they can get back to them if they require that service. The initiative is intended to empower the older person to take control of these situations and discourage bogus callers.
All incidents of this nature are taken very seriously by the Gardaí and anyone who feels they have been the victim of such an offence is encouraged to report it, even where they may feel some sense of embarrassment at having been victimised in this way. Similarly, anyone who becomes aware that bogus traders appear to be operating in an area should bring it to Garda attention. Clearly, information of this nature is of great assistance to An Garda Síochána in putting in place appropriate operational responses, and in alerting the community to the risks presented. In this regard the Gardaí work closely with local organisations, notably Community Alert and Neighbourhood watch, to disseminate information about this type of offending and raise awareness about the practical steps householders can take to protect themselves.
Insolvency Service of Ireland Data
Questions (17)
Niall Collins
Question:17. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of personal insolvency arrangements entered in to date under the new legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19266/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) recently published its Quarter 1 Statistics Report for 2014. The full report is available on its website: www.isi.gov.ie. These statistics will be updated on a quarterly basis.
With regard to the number of approved arrangements there were forty four (44) Debt Relief Notices; seven (7) Debt Settlement Arrangements and four (4) Personal Insolvency Arrangements agreed as at 31st March. The total number of insolvency applications up to 31st March was five hundred and twenty three (523).
Since its establishment the ISI has overseen the introduction of the debt relief solutions introduced by the Personal Insolvency Act 2012. As a result, insolvent debtors now have viable options available to them to deal with their indebtedness. While the numbers of insolvency arrangements in place are lower than expected, it is clear that the availability of these options has encouraged creditors and debtors to reach settlements through informal arrangements.
The number of new cases which have entered the ISI’s system since the beginning of the year and feedback received by the ISI from Personal Insolvency Practitioners and Approved Intermediaries suggest that the uptake of formal insolvency arrangements will increase significantly in future.
The development by the ISI of protocols between creditors and practitioners covering Debt Settlement Arrangements and Personal Insolvency Arrangements are expected to assist in that regard.
Crime Prevention
Questions (18)
John Lyons
Question:18. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in tackling cyber-crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19068/14]
View answerWritten answers
With regard to the role of my Department and An Garda Síochána, I can inform the Deputy that significant steps have been undertaken in this area.
The Government Legislation Programme includes a Criminal Justice Bill which will, inter alia, transpose the EU Directive on attacks against information systems. The Bill will create a range of offences relating to information systems and data, including illegally accessing a system, interference with systems or data and illegal interception of data.
The Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation and I would hope to publish it in the autumn. Enactment of this legislation will also be the last legislative measure necessary to enable Ireland to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime.
With regard to the investigation of cybercrime, I am informed that the strategy of An Garda Síochána in this regard focuses on prevention, detection and training.
The Computer Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU) of the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation is the primary Garda unit responsible for investigating computer crime in Ireland. The Unit also provides expert assistance to Senior Investigating Officers and Investigation Teams tasked with the investigation of this type of criminality on a District and Divisional basis.
Members of the CCIU also provide warnings to the public in relation to various types of cybercrime, including Computer viruses, Denial-of-service attacks, Malware, Fraud and identity theft and Phishing scams. The CCIU is also represented on the Irish Payment Card Service Organisation and the Irish Banking Federation High Tech Crime Forum.
A member of the CCIU is on full time secondment with Ireland's Computer Emergency Response Team. The role of the Response Team, which was established under the auspices of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources as part of a series of initiatives to deal with the general issue of cybersecurity, is to prepare and manage cyber incidents in conjunction with relevant stakeholders.
I can also inform the Deputy that members of the CCIU continue to be trained in the techniques necessary to counter cybercrime including in the area of cyber forensic examination.
An Garda Síochána also regularly liaise with Interpol, Europol and the European Centre for Cyber Crime which was established in 2013 under the auspices of Europol.
Within my own Department, the Office for Internet Safety has oversight of Hotline.ie, the confidential service that receives reports of suspected illegal content on the internet and, where appropriate, arranges to have such content removed.
Finally, the Deputy may also be interested to know that Ireland also participates in the Global Alliance Against Child Sexual Abuse Online which provides for shared policy targets, operational goals and specific actions identified by the participating countries.
Question No. 19 answered with Question No. 10.
Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission Staff
Questions (20)
Niall Collins
Question:20. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the additional resources he will give GSOC in view of its planned additional duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19264/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission that their current whole time equivalent staffing level is 75.6. This figure does not include the three members of the Commission or members of the Garda Síochána on secondment with GSOC.
As with the Public Service generally, GSOC has been subject to staffing constraints, and has had to prioritise work and manage resources with maximum efficiency. However, there are a number of developments currently under way which will have to be taken into account in this regard.
At my request, and following a decision by Government, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality is reviewing the effectiveness of the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and Regulations made under the Act in so far as they relate to the oversight of the Garda Síochána and the powers and remit of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
It is also the case that the Government has agreed that an appropriate amendment be made to the Protected Disclosures Bill 2013 to enable GSOC to be prescribed under that Bill as a body to which disclosures may be made by members of the Garda Síochána.
More generally, the Government at its meeting on 25 March 2014 reiterated its commitment to the reform of Garda oversight and accountability, which will include the establishment of an independent Garda authority appropriate to Ireland’s needs and which will maintain appropriate democratic accountability to the Oireachtas. A new Cabinet Committee on Justice Reform has been established to oversee the development of proposals for this new authority, and other associated reforms to the policing and justice system. The Cabinet Committee is chaired by the Taoiseach and its membership includes the Tánaiste, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and myself as Minister for Justice and Equality. This Committee will make formal proposals to the Government for its consideration and final approval.
I acknowledge that changes to the remit of the Ombudsman Commission arising from these developments may require a review of the adequacy of the resources available to GSOC. Obviously this will be dependent on the exact nature of any changes that are agreed. When a clearer picture is known this will be the subject of discussions with GSOC and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Garda Operations
Questions (21)
Niall Collins
Question:21. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community clinics set up by An Garda Síochána in 2011, 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19262/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter.
An Garda Síochána continue to work closely with local communities to enhance community safety through a wide range of measures, including the Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert Schemes and the new Garda Text Alert Scheme.
The Garda Síochána run community clinics as local initiatives at District and Sub-District level to provide basic Garda services to meet local needs. They are usually operated by community Gardaí in community centres, local halls, schools or shopping centres. Clinics can operate to deliver a stand alone function, such as supporting a particular campaign, or as part of a wider theme, such as the Community Alert scheme.
The Garda Commissioner has informed me that the information regarding the actual number of community clinics for 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 is not readily available as the schemes and clinics are established by local management as and when the need arises and the numbers of such clinics are not centrally recorded.
Garda Station Refurbishment
Questions (22)
Mattie McGrath
Question:22. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his position regarding the suitability of the current Garda station in Clonmel, County Tipperary as an adequate structure to facilitate the effective delivery of a modernised and fully resourced Garda barracks; his plans to respond to requests to re-situate the Garda station to Kickham Army barracks, Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19294/14]
View answerWritten answers
The programme of refurbishment and replacement of Garda stations is based on accommodation priorities which are established by An Garda Síochána. The programme is advanced in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. Funding for such works is met by the Office of Public Works.
I am advised that the Office of Public Works has in place a regime of ongoing maintenance of Garda stations, including Clonmel Garda station. In that context, I am informed that refurbishment work has recently been undertaken at the station which included the upgrading of electrical systems and general refurbishment work.
I am further informed that a site within the former Kickham Army Barracks has been identified as a possible location for the development of a Garda Station and I have discussed this with Minister of State, Tom Hayes TD. The provision of a new station at Kickham Barracks is being examined by the Office of Public Works and An Garda Síochána in the context of the future development of the overall site.
The Deputy will appreciate that any new District Headquarters project would involve substantial building and fit out costs. Accordingly, a new Garda station in Clonmel will have to be progressed in the context of An Garda Síochána's identified accommodation requirements and in the light of available resources within the Vote of the Office of Public Works.
Garda Investigations
Questions (23)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:23. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when he expects to receive the report from the Garda authorities on the death of a child (details supplied); and if he does not have such a date, if he will request it as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19293/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that I received a petition earlier this month regarding this tragic case, as well as further detailed correspondence from legal representatives regarding the death of the child in question. On foot of this I sought a report from the Garda authorities, and while this report is awaited, I have been advised there is currently ongoing contact between local Garda management and the person's legal representatives regarding the case. I can assure the Deputy that I fully appreciate the concerns set out in the correspondence, and have asked for a report on the outcome of this contact and the issues raised, as soon as this is possible.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (24)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:24. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if progress has been made on drawing up the legislation necessary to cover health insurance for the ladies of the Magdalen laundries; the reasons for the delay; and if he will engage directly with the Department of Health on same. [19275/14]
View answerWritten answers
Judge Quirke specifically recommended that legislation should be introduced to give effect to his recommendation regarding the provision of medical services. While this is a Health issue, the Government agreed that my Department would co-ordinate legislation to implement several of Judge Quirke's recommendations.
The Bill will include measures to deal with:
(a) the provision of medical and other services, and
(b) provision that payments made under the Scheme should not be taken into account for assessment purposes under the Nursing Home Support Scheme, and
(c) provisions to protect vulnerable women in the context of the scheme.
A Scheme of the Bill has now been drafted by my Department in consultation with the Department of Health, and has been circulated to other relevant Departments for their views. The Scheme of the Bill will be considered by Government in May and with the co-operation of the Oireachtas I expect the Bill will have a reasonably speedy progress towards enactment.
Official Engagements
Questions (25)
Niall Collins
Question:25. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason a replacement Minister was not sent to address the AGSI conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19263/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that for personal reasons I was not in a position to attend at the AGSI conference on 14 April. I was also scheduled to attend a meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday 15th April in relation to my duties as Minister for Defence. Both of these points were conveyed to the General Secretary of AGSI and, while he was understandably disappointed, he understood the position in which I found myself. Officials from my Department attended the conference and the question of arranging for a replacement speaker to make an address on my behalf did not arise.
Haddington Road Agreement Review
Questions (26)
Mick Wallace
Question:26. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact that the current Haddington Road review of An Garda Síochána focuses only on resources, staffing, pay and industrial relations matters, if he will consider extending these terms to encompass the first ever full and independent root and branch review of An Garda Síochána to include for example Garda practices, policies and procedures; the person he has asked to conduct the Haddington Road review as proposed; and if that review will be published in full on completion. [19267/14]
View answerWritten answers
Appendix 3 of the Haddington Road Agreement was agreed between Garda Management, the Garda Associations and my Department and includes the agreed terms of reference of the review of the Garda Síochána. It is worthwhile noting them again:-
"To review and make recommendations on the use by An Garda Síochána of the resources available to it, with the objective of achieving and maintaining the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in its operation and administration.
The review shall encompass all aspects of the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána, including –
- the structure, organisation and staffing of the Garda Síochána;
- the deployment of members and civilian staff to relevant and appropriate roles;
- the remuneration and conditions of service of members of An Garda Síochána including an evaluation of annualised hours/shift pay arrangements;
- the appropriate structures and mechanism for the future resolution of matters relating to pay, industrial relations and attendant matters."
As the terms of reference states, the review will encompass all aspects of the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána.
The elements dealing with the remuneration and conditions of service of members of An Garda Síochána including an evaluation of annualised hours/shift pay arrangements and the appropriate structures and mechanism for the future resolution of matters relating to pay, industrial relations and attendant matters are being dealt with by Mr Ray McGee. Mr McGee was formerly the Deputy chair of the Labour Court.
The elements of the review dealing with the structure and organisation of the Garda Síochána and the deployment of members and civilian staff to relevant and appropriate roles are being undertaken by the Garda Inspectorate and they have also begun their work in this area.
I fully expect that both elements of the review will be made public in due course.
Garda Recruitment
Questions (27)
Bernard Durkan
Question:27. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which he expects the new Garda recruitment programme to address any deficiency in the strength of the force throughout urban and rural areas having particular regard to the need to ensure adequate policing while maintaining best international practice within the resources available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19273/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that I am committed to maintaining Garda strength at 13,000 and I therefore expect that recruitment in 2014 will broadly match the number of retirements in 2014. The review of An Garda Síochána as provided under the Haddington Road Agreement will also provide a framework to ensure that the best possible policing service continues to be provided to all communities across the State.
The Deputy will also be aware that the allocation of all resources in An Garda Síochána, including personnel, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I have no function in the matter.
Northern Ireland Issues
Questions (28)
Mattie McGrath
Question:28. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline any draft or preliminary conclusion he has reached regarding the report submitted to him by the Omagh victim support group especially relating to the call for a independent cross-Border public inquiry; if he will meet the representatives of the families in view of the numerous assurances that they would be engaged in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19295/14]
View answerWritten answers
The bombing at Omagh in August 1998 was contemptible act of mass murder that will live long in the memory as among the worst terrorist atrocities ever committed on this island.
As I have stated to the Deputy previously, I met with members of the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group in July 2012. At that meeting the Group raised with me a number of issues of concern it has with regard to events surrounding the Omagh bombing. The Group also presented me with a copy of a document it has compiled setting out these concerns in support of its call for a public inquiry into various matters surrounding the Omagh bombing.
I have been in the process of finalising a detailed consideration of the matters which have been raised insofar as they relate to this State and to the Garda Síochána. However, given the detailed and sensitive nature of the material contained in the document, that consideration could not be expected to be concluded quickly and it has required some time for the matters raised to be given full consideration.
However, as the Deputy will be aware, earlier this month a man was arrested in Northern Ireland and has been charged with the 29 murders caused by the bomb at Omagh. In these circumstances, I believe it is appropriate and the safest course of action to postpone finalising my consideration of the matters raised by the Omagh Group until the prosecution process in Northern Ireland has been completed. We all share a desire for those persons who carried out the terrorist bombing at Omagh to be made amenable to the courts for their abominable actions and I believe we must all be careful to ensure that we do not do or say anything that could in any way be interpreted to interfere with that process.
I have communicated this view directly to the Omagh Group. It is, of course, understandable that the Group wishes to receive a response to its concerns and I remain anxious to ensure that can take place as soon as is prudent.
Foreign Naval Vessels
Questions (29)
Clare Daly
Question:29. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will explain the basis upon which the USS Leyte Gulf, a guided missile cruiser, was docked in Cobh on 14 April 2014. [18628/14]
View answerWritten answers
Visits from foreign naval vessels are a long-standing and common practice in Ireland and worldwide. Foreign naval vessels are granted permission to visit Irish ports on condition that they meet the necessary policy stipulations, which require that the vessels are not carrying nuclear weapons and are not engaged in a naval exercise. The vessel in question, which was in Ireland as part of a routine visit, was granted permission to dock in Ireland on the basis that it met these criteria.
Foreign Conflicts
Questions (30)
Brendan Griffin
Question:30. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the high casualty rates among UN peacekeeping forces in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18543/14]
View answerWritten answers
UNAMID, the African Union-UN Hybrid operation in Darfur, was established on 31 July 2007 through the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1769. The core mandate of UNAMID is the protection of civilians and is also responsible for contributing to security for humanitarian assistance, monitoring and verifying implementation of agreements, assisting an inclusive political process, contributing to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. Last year the mandate of UNAMID was extended until August 2014. Ireland does not contribute personnel to UNAMID. UNAMID is one of the largest UN missions currently deployed with over 19,000 peacekeepers. Since its deployment, 191 mission personnel have been killed, with the last recorded casualty in December 2013. Earlier this month the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2148 which expressed deep concern at the considerable deterioration of the security situation in Darfur during 2013. I share these concerns and I strongly condemn the attacks against UNAMID. I fully support the Security Council’s call on the Government of Sudan to investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The situation in Sudan and Darfur is monitored on an ongoing basis by the EU, the UN and other international partners. Ireland is working closely with our EU partners and others to ensure that, in addition to a focus on the political and security situation, priority is given by the international community to the vital issues of human rights and humanitarian access to people and communities affected by the conflict and the tension in the region.
I commend the work of the African Union and United Nations in Darfur and reiterate Ireland’s full support for the UNAMID mission.
Foreign Conflicts
Questions (31)
Finian McGrath
Question:31. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the millions of persons in Colombia who are being displaced, imprisoned or killed on a regular basis; if he will raise this matter at EU and UN levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18582/14]
View answerWritten answers
In keeping with Ireland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, we engage on human rights issues on an on-going basis in our contacts with the Colombian Government and civil society. When I met with Colombia’s President last year, human rights issues featured prominently in our discussion. Ireland’s concerns are also raised regularly with Colombian authorities by officials of my Department.We continue to work closely with our partners in the EU to monitor and to support the progressive improvement of the human rights situation in Colombia, including through the provision of development assistance. Ireland’s concerns regarding human rights were also raised at the level of the United Nations during the 2013 Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Colombia.
A number of positive developments have been noted by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and others. These include the peace process with its agenda covering critical areas including rural development and political participation, the role of the National Ombudsman’s Office and the Victim’s and Land Restitution Law and other land initiatives to address vulnerability and promote positive social change.
However, there remain issues of serious concern such as the protection of human rights defenders, weaknesses in the justice system and reports of violations of human rights.
I agree with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that many human rights violations that are linked to the internal armed conflict could end or be greatly reduced if progress in the peace negotiations leads to well conceived and implemented peace accords. A peace agreement and an end to hostilities would create significant opportunities for resources across society to be directed towards building a stable and equitable Colombia.
The peace process underway is therefore of great significance. I commend all those that are working constructively in the process and hope that their efforts will bring an end to a long conflict in Colombia that has caused much suffering.
Passport Applications Fees
Questions (32)
Bernard Durkan
Question:32. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a refund of €150 will issue in lieu of passport renewal which was withdrawn in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18652/14]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that a refund cheque has issued to the person in question.
Human Rights Issues
Questions (33)
Michael McNamara
Question:33. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the case of a person (details supplied) who was sentenced to the death penalty in Abu Dhabi with the UAE authorities. [18674/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of this case in which an Indian national, Mr. Ezhur Gangadharan, caretaker at a school in Abu Dhabi for over 30 years, was sentenced to death last July for the rape of a 7 year-old female student at the school. Serious questions have been raised in relation to this case, including Mr. Gangadharan’s claim that his confession, the only evidence produced by the prosecution at the trial, was given under duress. As I understand an appeal process was launched last November and this is currently ongoing. Both the Irish Government and the EU have consistently held a strong and principled position against the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances, and we continue to seek its universal and permanent abolition. This view is only accentuated in any case where there are questions as to whether international standards of fair trial have been met. I strongly stress the cruel and irreversible nature of capital punishment, with no credible evidence that it deters crime. Ireland has consistently called on all states to immediately adopt a moratorium on executions, with a view to eventual abolition, most recently at a high level panel on the issue at the 25th session of the UN Human Rights Council in March 2014. The 2013 EU country human rights strategy for the UAE, which Ireland developed in conjunction with other EU Member States, also prioritises support for abolition of the death penalty. In a welcome development at the end of January, the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ordered a stay on executions in the UAE, though it is not clear if this only applies to those convicted of murder. EU High Representative Catherine Ashton welcomed this move in a statement on 7 February, in which she expressed her hope that it will constitute a first step towards a definitive moratorium on the use of the death penalty in the UAE. I strongly endorse HR Ashton’s call that the stay on executions will include all those sentenced to the death penalty in the UAE. The Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with other EU Member States, regularly raises human rights issues in their contacts and dialogue with the UAE authorities. This includes with regard to both the death penalty and the situation and treatment of migrant workers in the UAE. Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and in the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi will continue to follow closely developments with regard to human rights issues in the UAE, including with regard to use of the death penalty and the specific case of Mr. Gangadharan, and will endeavour to make representations to the UAE authorities at every appropriate opportunity.
Foreign Conflicts
Questions (34)
Michael McCarthy
Question:34. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on proposing that there would be a referendum in Ukraine, including Crimea, on the same day as the European Parliament and Presidential Elections to resolve the current political impasse [18910/14]
View answerWritten answers
The precise arrangements for elections, as well as a decision to hold any referendum, are a matter for the government and parliament of Ukraine. I am aware that the acting President of Ukraine, Aleksandr Turchinov, has spoken earlier this month of a possible nation-wide referendum on the same day as the presidential elections on 25 May if the Ukrainian parliament adopted the corresponding decision. We have seen no reports, however, that the parliament has been ready to take any action on the matter. It is clear that the authorities in Kiev are currently devoting their energies to preparing the presidential elections on 25 May and creating the conditions to enable them to take place. At its meeting on 14 April, the EU Foreign Affairs Council expressed strong support for the holding of free and fair presidential elections. Ireland is sending a team of observers to Ukraine to help achieve that objective, one which, I hope, will allow the Ukrainian people to determine their own future and help build trust across the country.