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Thursday, 15 May 2014

Written Answers Nos. 42 - 52

Sports Events

Questions (42)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

42. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date in regard to the provision of facilities associated with the Rugby World Cup; the extent to which he has had negotiations with the IRFU and the relevant authorities in adjoining jurisdictions in the context of making facilities here available for the event; if he will report progress on the work to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21561/14]

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Written answers

Last November the Government considered a Memorandum on the discussions and analysis to date on a potential bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

While the Memorandum identified a number of challenges, the great potential of the event is also clear and I believe that hosting the Rugby World Cup on a cross-border basis in 2023 would be a great opportunity for Northern Ireland and Ireland. In response to the Memorandum, the Government expressed strong support for the proposal and for the conduct of further work to get to the stage of making a formal decision to bid.

In order to progress the matter further, Minister Ring and I met with Minister Arlene Foster and Minister Carál Ní Chuilín, who are the Ministers respectively responsible for tourism and sport in the Northern Ireland Executive, in Armagh on 22 January. We agreed to establish a working group to examine some key issues further and to report back to Ministers in the Summer.  The working group, on which the IRFU and relevant Government Departments from both jurisdictions are represented, has held three meetings to date with the next meeting scheduled to take place on Monday next 19  May.  I look forward to receiving their report.

Light Rail Projects Status

Questions (43)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

43. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the progress being made on the Luas cross city project. [21488/14]

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Written answers

The National Transport Authority (NTA) which has responsibility  for the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the Luas Cross City project, reports regularly to my  Department on the progress of this project. The current position is that the project is progressing to agreed timelines and the essential enabling works are well advanced. The building condition works and the cellars infill works have been completed and the utilities works are progressing well. Tender documents for the main infrastructure contract issued in early April. The closing date for receipt of tenders is 31 July and the contract award date is targeted for December following Government approval to proceed. Work on the main contract is then expected to commence in early 2015 and to be completed by the end of 2016. Following testing, commissioning and trial runs, the line is expected to be operational in Q4 2017.

Tourism Industry

Questions (44)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

44. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the digital tourism initiative Evercam; if he has met with a representative of the company; if he recognises the value of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21566/14]

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Written answers

I am aware that the company referred to is looking at the scope to develop a tourism element of their business. Following contacts with my Office, the company was advised to contact the Tourism Agencies in the first instance. I understand the agencies were subsequently contacted on the proposals and are liaising directly with Evercam.

Rail Network

Questions (45)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

45. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the DART underground project timetable; when the railway order expires for this project; if funding will be provided by the State for the project; if the European Investment Bank has been considered as a funding option; the disruption that is likely to occur to residents during the construction of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21530/14]

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Written answers

I have instructed the National Transport Authority (NTA) to update the existing 2010 business case for DART Underground. I made this request as a result of the recent High Court Judgement on the DART Underground Railway Order which ruled that the period for serving Notices to Treat for the purpose of compulsory purchase of property under the Order should be 18 months rather than the 7 years set out in the Railway Order. This means that a decision on whether to proceed with DART Underground under the current Railway Order must be made by September 2015. The NTA will ensure that the new business case is based on the latest data on population, transport demand, construction costs etc and meets all the requirements of the revised public sector code for capital projects which was published last year. I have also asked the NTA to review funding options. This will include all possible sources of funds, both public and private, and will cover loans from the European Investment Bank (EIB) as well as EU grant possibilities.

As is the case with any major expenditure, the opportunity cost must  also be considered.

Any loan, be it from the EIB or from domestic or international financial institutions must be repaid by the Exchequer with interest and it is added to government debt. Similarly private funding options in the form of a traditional Public Private Partnership impose significant long-term liabilities on the Exchequer or on users. I expect to have a detailed report from the NTA later this year and will then consider the options for the project having regard to the findings of the business case review including the cost and funding options. The outcome of the Government's capital expenditure review which has commenced, will also be relevant to any consideration of the affordability of this project in the short to medium term.

Aviation Issues

Questions (46)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

46. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the national aviation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21560/14]

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Written answers

This question relates to the development of a new National Aviation Policy. Following a consultation process over the last year I intend to publish a draft National Aviation Policy for Ireland next week. This will be available on my Department’s website www.dttas.ie. The consultation process covered all elements of aviation policy and the draft National Aviation Policy takes account of the submissions received. When published, stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide further input before the policy is formally adopted and published later this year. The closing date for submissions will be 31 July. This new policy will be designed to ensure that the right conditions exist for a flourishing aviation industry into the future. It will facilitate the expansion of the industry, help make it more competitive, tackle barriers to growth and facilitate the development of new air transport links.

Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme

Questions (47)

Clare Daly

Question:

47. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the discussions he has had with either the expert group, or any of the parties involved in trying to resolve the problems in the IASS pension. [21476/14]

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Written answers

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Priority Question No. 1 on this matter.

National Transport Authority

Questions (48)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

48. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has made available a copy of his decision or order giving effect to the National Transport Authority Integrated Implementation Plan 2013-2018; and if not, the reasons it is not available to members of the public and public representatives; the funding for the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21291/14]

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Written answers

In accordance with section 13 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, I approved the draft Integrated Implementation Plan for the period 2013 to 2018. The Plan was also the subject of a public consultation conducted by the National Transport Authority in August/September 2013.  The plan as approved was published on 3rd April 2014 and a copy is available on the National Transport Authority's website.  I have also placed a copy before each House of the Oireachtas. The Plan takes account of the funding envelope identified in the Government's "Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework". In relation to the years 2017 and 2018, the Plan assumes a similar level of capital funding as for 2016.

Funding for delivery of public transport capital projects will be examined as part of the recently announced review of capital expenditure to take account of priorities to 2020.  My Department's key priority to 2020 will be, as under the current plan, to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. If additional funds are available, which is not certain, there will be many competing transport projects from all modes in all regions. Only projects for which there is a clear need, which are affordable, have a sound business case and add value to  existing infrastructure will be prioritised  for funding to 2020.

Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 22.

European Council Meetings

Questions (50)

Brendan Smith

Question:

50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting of 12 May 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22030/14]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, my colleague the Minister of State for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe T.D. attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 12 May. The Council agenda covered many key policy issues and important Conclusions were reached on a number of areas. While the situation in the Ukraine and relations with Russia continue to dominate the European agenda and were again the focus of intense discussions at this FAC, in my response I propose to address in the first instance, some of the other important items that were discussed and agreed by the Council.

In short opening remarks, High Representative (HR) Ashton provided Ministers with a brief update on the recent legislative elections in Iraq, as well as the forthcoming round of nuclear talks with Iran. HR Ashton also raised the appalling incidents of recent weeks in Nigeria – notably the abductions of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram – and the Council later adopted robust Conclusions denouncing these events. Ireland strongly supports these Conclusions and condemns unreservedly violent activities against all Nigerians, and particularly against children.

There was a short debate at the FAC on the status of the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) and Conclusions were adopted. Ireland's position of support for a two-State solution is well known. While there still remains even a slim prospect of reviving the current talks process, then the EU needs to offer its full support and encouragement. However, we cannot lose sight of the continuing serious deterioration on the ground and I firmly believe that all sides need to reflect seriously on what their underlying objectives are, and how they can contribute to bringing about that negotiated two-State solution. I look forward to an early opportunity to engaging in a more substantive discussion on the MEPP at a forthcoming FAC meeting.

Over lunch, Ministers were joined by Commissioner Fule for an orientation discussion on the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The interventions were wide-ranging and the discussions drew on many of the previous exchanges on related issues, including discussions at the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Athens at the beginning of April. It is evident that events in both Eastern and Southern Neighbourhoods of the European Union present new challenges, and we must reflect as to how ENP can be made more responsive to these developments, taking full account of the particular circumstances of individual countries in the neighbourhood.

Two items were also adopted (without discussion) on issues of particular importance to Ireland; the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, and the EU’s Comprehensive Approach to External Conflicts. The EU Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline are most welcome as they will be an important resource for officials and staff of EU institutions and EU Member States in the work of the EU to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression. Ireland is a consistent supporter of freedom of expression and we have prioritised this issue through our activities at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, and in our engagement in the development of these Guidelines.

The adoption of Council Conclusions on the EU’s Comprehensive Approach to External Conflicts is to be equally welcomed. The Comprehensive Approach seeks to ensure that the EU and its Member States deal with international crises in a coherent and consistent manner drawing on all the policies and tools available to them and Ireland has been a strong supporter of this initiative.

Finally then, I would like to turn to the discussion on Ukraine. As I will detail in my separate reply to the Deputy’s specific Parliamentary Question No. 51 (22031/14) on these discussions, there was an extensive exchange of views, and Conclusions were adopted. These Conclusions reaffirm the European Union’s support for Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and call upon the Russian Federation to do likewise. The Council expressed alarm at the continued efforts by pro-Russian separatists to destabilise Eastern and Southern Ukraine and was clear that the EU would not recognise the illegitimate and illegal “referenda” in Donetsk and Luhansk.

The Council reiterated the EU’s strong condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in March and regretted the presence of President Putin at the military parade in Sevastopol on 9 May. Ministers welcomed the Commission’s evaluation of the legal consequences of the annexation of Crimea and looked forward to the swift implementation of its proposals.

Ministers were briefed by the President of Switzerland, Didier Burkhalter, in his capacity as Chair-in-Office of the OSCE on the critically important activities of that organisation aimed at stabilising the situation on the ground. The Council welcomed the presentation of proposals by the OSCE Chairmanship for a de-escalation of the crisis.

The Council conclusions express the EU’s strong support for the holding of free and fair Ukrainian Presidential elections on 25 May, allowing the Ukrainian people to choose their own future. Ireland will be sending a team of election monitors under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The Council also tasked the European External Action Service to work on elements for a possible civilian CSDP Mission in the field of civilian security sector reform, including policing and rule of law.

In light of the recent developments and in the absence of any steps towards de-escalation, the Council agreed to expand the criteria allowing individuals and entities to be subject to visa ban and asset freeze and moved to impose sanctions against a further thirteen named individuals as well as two energy companies in Crimea.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (51)

Brendan Smith

Question:

51. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail the proposals he put forward at the EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting of 12 May 2014 regarding the crisis in Ukraine; the actions the European Union will pursue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22031/14]

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Written answers

The Government was represented at the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) of 12 May 2014 by the Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe T.D. The FAC conclusions reaffirm the European Union’s support for Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and call upon the Russian Federation to do likewise. The Council expressed alarm at the continued efforts by pro-Russian separatists to destabilise Eastern and Southern Ukraine and was clear that the EU would not recognise the illegitimate and illegal “referenda” in Donetsk and Luhansk. The Council reiterated the EU’s strong condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in March and regretted the presence of President Putin at the military parade in Sevastopol on 9 May. Ministers welcomed the Commission’s evaluation of the legal consequences of the annexation of Crimea and looked forward to the swift implementation of its proposals.

The conclusions call for a thorough investigation into the tragic events in Odessa on 2 May and for all those responsible to be brought to justice. The EU encourages the Ukrainian authorities to maintain their measured approach in pursuing law and order operations and calls on all sides to the conflict to contribute further to reducing tensions. Ministers were briefed by the President of Switzerland, Didier Burkhalter, in his capacity as Chair-in-Office of the OSCE on the critically important activities of that organisation aimed at stabilising the situation on the ground. The Council welcomed the presentation of proposals by the OSCE Chairmanship for a de-escalation of the crisis.

The Council conclusions express the EU’s strong support for the holding of free and fair Ukrainian Presidential elections on 25 May, allowing the Ukrainian people to choose their own future. Ireland will be sending a team of election monitors under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The FAC encouraged continuation of efforts by the Ukrainian authorities to reach out to all regions of Ukraine within the framework of the envisaged national dialogue proposed by the Ukrainian government, including the Government's steps towards inclusive all-Ukrainian dialogue on the constitutional reform process. The rights of persons belonging to national minorities need to be fully ensured in line with the relevant standards of the Council of Europe.

The FAC reconfirmed the EU’s full commitment to the Geneva Joint Statement of 17 April on initial concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all. The Council welcomed the efforts taken so far by the Ukrainian authorities to this end, while calling on the Russian Federation to take effective steps to fulfil its commitments under the Geneva Joint Statement. The Council reiterated its demand to Russia to call back its troops from the Ukrainian border and to immediately withdraw the mandate of the Federation Council to use force on Ukrainian soil. It also condemned declarations and visits of high officials engaged in supporting illegal attempts at separatism which contribute to heightening tensions in Ukraine.

In light of the recent developments and in the absence of any steps towards de-escalation, the Council agreed to expand the criteria allowing individuals and entities to be subject to visa ban and asset freeze and moved to impose sanctions against a further thirteen named individuals as well as two energy companies in Crimea.

The Council noted that the preparatory work by the Commission and Member States is underway on possible targeted measures, as requested by the European Council in March, so that further steps can be taken should events require. The EU will pay particular attention to all parties’ attitude and behaviour towards the holding of free and fair Presidential elections when deciding about possible future measures.

Foreign Policy

Questions (52)

Brendan Smith

Question:

52. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there have been any recent developments in relation to the proposed immigration reform legislation in the United States Congress; if he expects this legislation to be advanced in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22032/14]

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Written answers

This is an issue to which I accord very high priority. I am conscious of the difficulties experienced by Irish citizens who are undocumented in the United States, and I have met and spoken with many of them on my working visits there, and also with the various groups who lobby on their behalf. Immigration reform and the challenges faced by our undocumented remain central to our bilateral engagement with the United States. The issue was discussed extensively during the Taoiseach’s St. Patrick’s Day visit to Washington DC in March.

In addition to substantive discussion of the issues with President Obama and Vice President Biden, the Taoiseach also discussed the prospects for progress with a range of other members of Congress including Speaker John Boehner; Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee which has responsibility for immigration legislation in the House; Congressman Paul Ryan; the Congressional Friends of Ireland; and Senator Patrick Leahy, the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee that oversaw the passage of the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill last June. The Taoiseach called in the strongest possible terms for Congress to show leadership and deal with the immigration issue now. I have also continued to raise the issue in my meetings with US political contacts, including with Congressman John Lewis, whom I met last month. In addition to direct engagement with political leaders, we continue to highlight Ireland’s interests in this area to other partners in the United States who may be able to support our objectives. For example, in Washington the Taoiseach highlighted the need for progress on immigration reform in his speeches to influential audiences including the US Chamber of Commerce and the American-Ireland Fund Gala, as well as to invited guests at the White House St. Patrick’s Day reception, the Ambassador’s St. Patrick’s Day reception and most importantly at the Speaker’s Lunch on Capitol Hill.

While we have been encouraged by feedback from both Democrats and Republicans indicating that there is now a growing consensus in favour of reform, it remains difficult to assess exactly when and how this might occur, not least in view of the upcoming mid-term U.S. Congressional elections. The Government has instructed Ambassador Anderson and her team, working with the Irish American lobby groups who have already put in such a great effort, to continue their programme of lobbying members of Congress to seize every opportunity to make immigration reform a reality.

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