Mick Wallace
Question:31. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the continuing deterioration of the situation in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23208/14]
View answerSyrian Conflict
Questions (31)
Written answers
The conflict in Syria is now well into its fourth year, with no end in sight and increasing signs of a protracted stalemate. In its wake, we are witnessing an unprecedented catastrophe for the Syrian people. Latest estimates from the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights suggest that over 160,000 people have now been killed. More than 2.7 million Syrians have sought refuge in neighbouring countries and more than 9 million people are either internally displaced or in urgent need of assistance within Syria.
Ireland deeply regrets the failure earlier this year of the Geneva II talks, largely due to the Assad regime’s obstruction, and fully supports efforts to reinvigorate this process. I reiterate that only a political solution can bring an end to this horrific conflict and the Geneva principles remain the best basis for doing this. I also wish to pay tribute to Joint Special Representative, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, who has announced his intention to stand down after two years in the role. It is equally critical that there be no impunity for the appalling crimes perpetrated against the civilian population of Syria.
Last week, Ireland, along with our 27 EU Partners and a number of UN member states, co-sponsored a draft Resolution formally requesting the UN Security Council to refer the conflict in Syria to the International Criminal Court. It is regrettable that insufficient consensus on this vital issue existed within the Council, resulting in the draft Resolution ultimately being vetoed. I also announced last week additional funding of €5 million towards addressing the urgent humanitarian needs within Syria. This will be channelled through trusted UN partners and the International Red Cross Movement to help provide food, shelter, medical services, and to help protect women and children. This brings to €9 million our funding to the Syrian crisis to date this year, and to €26 million Ireland’s overall funding commitment from 2011 to the end of 2014.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (32)
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:32. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress that is being made on the reopening of the Irish Embassy to the Holy See; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23131/14]
View answerWritten answers
The process of re-establishing a resident Embassy to the Holy See involves a variety of logistical issues. Given the range of issues involved in the establishment process, I hope the Deputy will understand that it is not possible at this point to provide a definite timescale. I can confirm, however, that it is the Government’s intention that all necessary arrangements will be completed without undue delay so that the new Embassy will be operational as soon as practicable later this year.
The Government decided on 6 May 2014 on the nomination of Ambassadors to Embassies abroad, including the Ambassador to the Holy See. It should be noted that nominations of Ambassadors are subject to the approval (agrément) of the authorities of the receiving states and appointments are not formally confirmed until this approval is forthcoming.
Questions Nos. 33 and 34 answered with Question No. 19.
Northern Ireland Issues
Questions (35)
Bernard Durkan
Question:35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he intends to liaise with the authorities in Northern Ireland and the UK with a view to addressing issues remaining outstanding from the Good Friday Agreement; if he expects to be in a position to advance further the subject matters of the Haass discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23488/14]
View answerWritten answers
I believe that the Good Friday and St Andrew’s Agreements provide the essential framework for the achievement of reconciliation and mutual trust in Northern Ireland and in the totality of relations between these islands. In my ongoing contacts with the British government and with the Northern Ireland Executive, I continue to stress the importance of progressing implementation of all outstanding aspects of the Agreements.
I welcome the report agreed at the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly plenary in Dublin on 31 March 2014 on the implementation of the Good Friday and St Andrew’s Agreement and which calls on all parties to the Agreements ‘to maintain momentum to ensure that all outstanding provisions are implemented in their totality’. I continue to urge all the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly to engage in constructive discussion with a view to reaching agreement on the substance of a Bill of Rights. A Bill of Rights drawn up by agreement between the main parties of the Assembly could set out precisely and formally the rights underpinning a reconciled society in Northern Ireland can be based.
I support the establishment of a Civic Forum which would provide for a broad range of voices on community relations and stimulate informed public debate in relation to key societal challenges. On my regular visits to Northern Ireland, I continue the practice of engaging with civil society representatives. In the context of the North South Ministerial Council, most recently at our Plenary Meeting on 8 November 2013, the Government expressed support for the re-establishment of the Civic Forum as a valuable and, as yet, unimplemented provision of the Good Friday Agreement.
I am firmly of the view that an Irish Language Act should be introduced in Northern Ireland. All parties to the Good Friday Agreement recognised the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity in Northern Ireland. In the St Andrews Agreement, the British government committed to introducing an Irish Language Act and to working with the Northern Ireland Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish Language. Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland has been a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and in particular the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. Officials in my Department maintain regular and ongoing contact with the Irish language community in Northern Ireland including those involved in cross-community Irish language activity. I will continue to press in my discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive the urgent need to address this issue and to legislate for an Irish Language Act. Officials in my Department will continue to monitor this matter in their ongoing contacts with the Northern Ireland Office.
I met with Dr Haass on 23 May when he visited Dublin after his visit to London on 22 May. We share the view that progress in the Party Leaders Talks is urgently needed. I remain convinced that the best way forward for dealing with important issues such as parades, flag and identity issues and dealing with the past is the early, successful conclusion of these talks. Maintaining the status quo in relation to these issues is not a feasible or satisfactory option for anyone. I believe that there is a window of opportunity to reach agreement before the summer and I will continue to encourage the NI parties over the coming weeks towards that end. The British and the US government agree progress on these issues is needed urgently.
Progress in these talks is primarily a matter for the Party Leaders. However, the Irish government continues to encourage and support this process in every possible way. I have remained in close contact with the Secretary of State, Ms Theresa Villiers, with regard to full implementation of the Agreements as well as further progress towards an agreement in the political talks. I will meet the Secretary of State tomorrow when she is scheduled to visit Dublin.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 19.
Middle East Issues
Questions (37)
Bernard Durkan
Question:37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which prisoners are held or detained by the Israeli authorities, Fatah or Hamas, if their detention complies with international human rights norms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23490/14]
View answerWritten answers
Prisoners held in any circumstances should be afforded the rights and protections enshrined in international standards. In Israel, which is an established state and party to most of the relevant international instruments, these standards should apply to all persons imprisoned by Israel, be they in Israel or in occupied territory, be they citizens or not. The same standards should be applied by the Palestinian Authority, which is building a state which we hope will aspire to the highest standards. And the same should be expected of the de facto Hamas authorities in Gaza, who claim to be a legitimate government.
We have discussed many times in the Oireachtas the many causes for concern that these standards are not fully met. In some cases this reflects the general need in the broader region to improve standards of human rights protections, in some cases it relates to the specific circumstances of the conflict in the area. Ireland and our EU partners work in these cases, as we do elsewhere, to encourage and press the parties to adhere fully to international standards.
Undocumented Irish in the USA
Questions (38)
Bernard Durkan
Question:38. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which progress is being made to regularise undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23491/14]
View answerWritten 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. I raise the issue consistently in meetings, telephone calls and written correspondence with senior US political contacts. I have 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 lobbying of members of Congress to seize every opportunity to make immigration reform a reality.
The issue was also 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.
While we have been encouraged by feedback from both Democrats and Republicans indicating that there is now a growing momentum for 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 most recent indications suggest that there may be some prospects for another push for immigration reform activity at House of Representatives level during the June/July period. However, the situation is continuously evolving and any predictions need to be made with caution. In this context, I intend to travel to Washington DC next month for a series of further meetings with key contacts on Capitol Hill as well as with representatives of Irish - American lobby groups.
Although much uncertainty still remains as to how events in the U.S. Congress will unfold, it is important that we continue to demonstrate at a high political level the importance we attach to progress being made on this vital issue and that we position ourselves to best advantage on behalf of Irish people and their families who are directly affected.
Human Rights Issues
Questions (39)
Bernard Durkan
Question:39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the areas throughout the world wherein serious abuses of human rights are known to continue; the extent to which the international community is focused on such areas with a view to bringing about urgently required change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23492/14]
View answerWritten answers
Human rights concerns remain central to our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland closely monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world. We do this on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official channels and non-governmental/civil society organisations. Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this bilaterally, through the EU or via the positions we take at the UN General Assembly and in the UN Human Rights Council, of which we are a member for the period 2013 to 2015.
We support the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses. This includes support for the role of UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedure Mandate Holders and for the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. The EU regularly makes statements at these bodies on the human rights situations in individual countries and Ireland is fully associated with these statements. The EU also introduces or supports resolutions dealing with specific countries.
Since March 2006, when the UN Human Rights Council was formed, Ireland has engaged proactively with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism initiated by the Council. The UPR mechanism allows for the review of the domestic human rights records of all 193 UN Member States approximately every four and a half years, based on human rights obligations under UN human rights and other instruments. Any UN Member State can take part in the interactive dialogue (i.e. the actual examination of the State under review) and submit written questions in advance. Ireland was itself examined under the UPR process on 6 October 2011. The process enables UN Member States to raise issues, some of which would have been identified by members of the public and civil society, and to make recommendations about the protection and promotion of human rights in the State concerned. Ireland has engaged fully with the UPR process and welcomes the open and constructive dialogue associated with it. We have also made numerous interventions during the UPR examination of other states, raising issues of concern such as gender-based violence, freedom of expression, religious freedom, freedom of assembly and the protection of human rights defenders within the State under review.
The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts human rights dialogues with a number of countries and also raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings. In June 2012 the EU adopted a Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy. Ireland and its EU partners have been strong and consistent supporters of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court’s Prosecutor has opened investigations into a number of country situations and we will continue to monitor this work closely.
Ireland has also consistently taken the lead in negotiating resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly and in the Human Rights Council, of which we are a member for the period 2013 to 2015, on the promotion and protection of human rights defenders, as well as on the implementation of EU Guidelines in relation to human rights defenders in third countries, the aim being to ensure that the latter can operate in an environment free from hindrance and insecurity.
Mindful that the risk of human rights violations is greater where political, economic and administrative systems are weak, the Government’s development cooperation programme, Irish Aid, supports concrete actions designed to promote human rights, including strengthening government systems and in-country human rights institutions (in particular through legal training). Legal aid programmes targeted at victims of human rights abuses are also supported. Irish Aid, the aid programme operated by my Department, has a specific focus on governance in several programme countries.
The Government will continue to avail of all the above-mentioned mechanisms and instruments with a view to highlighting violations of human rights and furthering their protection.
Middle East Peace Process
Questions (40)
Bernard Durkan
Question:40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community continues to exert pressure on the various parties in the Middle East peace process; if progress is anticipated in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23493/14]
View answerWritten answers
I refer the deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 2 today, in which I dealt with the suspension of the current talks in the Middle East Peace Process. US Secretary of State Kerry has correctly, in my view, called on the two sides to reflect on the progress achieved to date, the possibility of reaching an agreement, and the perils of failure. It is not anticipated that the United States will in the immediate future attempt to restart the talks, but I hope that they will be willing, and able, to make such an effort again in the not too distant future. But the US cannot make peace for the parties: it is essential that they grasp the opportunity before them. Ireland and our EU partners will continue to encourage both Israel and the Palestinians to re-engage seriously and also encourage the continued positive support of the Arab nations for a peace agreement.
While both sides have genuine concerns and fears, and both may have made mistakes, in our view the primary responsibility lies on Israel to actively seek to end its long occupation of the Palestinian territory and people. I believe the EU should be more active in making clear that the continuing status quo of the occupation is not an option.
Colombian Peace Process
Questions (41)
Bernard Durkan
Question:41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the peace process continues in Colombia, whether concerns expressed by the international community are being addressed in a meaningful way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23494/14]
View answerWritten answers
I strongly support the Colombian peace process. I hope that the negotiations underway in Havana, Cuba will bring an end to a long conflict in Colombia which has caused much suffering. Colombia’s peace process is also supported by the European Union and the wider international community. I welcome the announcement on 16th May last that the negotiators in Havana have now reached provisional agreement on their agenda item dealing with illicit drugs. This means that three areas of the negotiations are now subject to provisional agreement: land reform, political participation and illicit drugs. As noted in the EU statement concerning the progress announced this month, the drugs trade has weakened political and social structures in Colombia for too long, fuelling insecurity and causing suffering. Dismantling the drugs economy will benefit the entire region and enable Colombia to reap the full advantages of peace and security. We are therefore encouraged by the reports of consensus reached on this important issue.
The UN Secretary General has commended the parties to the talks for this recent development and encourages them to maintain momentum in the peace process. I also wish the parties to the negotiations success in reaching agreement on the other items remaining on their agenda so that a final comprehensive peace agreement can be secured as soon as possible. Ireland will continue to follow closely developments on the Colombian peace process and to support a negotiated solution to the conflict in Colombia.
Middle East Peace Process
Questions (42)
Bernard Durkan
Question:42. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community continues to support calls for the release of Marwan Barghouti; the extent to which discussions in this regard continue to be part of the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23495/14]
View answerWritten answers
I would refer the deputy to my reply to Question No. 27 (15397/14) on 3 April concerning this issue. Further to that reply, I am aware that the possibility of including Marwan Barghouti has arisen on a number of occasions when prisoner releases were being discussed between Israel and various Palestinian interlocutors, but to date Israel has refused to consider including him in any of these arrangements. His case has not otherwise been an element in international discussions of the Middle East Peace Process that I am aware of.
Humanitarian Aid
Questions (43)
Bernard Durkan
Question:43. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in South Sudan continues to be monitored by the EU and UN, with particular reference to the need to alleviate famine and starvation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23496/14]
View answerWritten answers
Since the outbreak of the conflict in South Sudan in mid-December 2013, more than 1.2 million people have been forced from their homes and an estimated five million people are in urgent need of assistance. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), there is a serious risk of famine later this year unless adequate humanitarian assistance can be delivered to those most in need. This unthinkable prospect can still be avoided providing humanitarian agencies are allowed access before it is too late. It is absolutely critical to stop the fighting and remove any obstacles preventing the delivery of life-saving assistance.
Since the South Sudanese Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak on 15 May in Juba, Central Equatoria, the reported cholera caseload has doubled every day. New cases have been reported in recent days in two additional States, Jonglei and Upper Nile. After the first case was confirmed in Juba, more than 395 cholera cases have now been recorded as of 22 May. There are now 14 confirmed deaths with dozens of children among the affected. In response to the cholera outbreak, UNICEF has supported the establishment of a Cholera Treatment Centre at the Juba Teaching Hospital. It is also providing life-saving supplies, including medicines, protective gear and equipment, and is expanding preventive measures to halt further spread across the country.
At last week’s South Sudan pledging conference, hosted by Norway in cooperation with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, international donors pledged more than US$600 million in aid, aimed at preventing famine and upholding human rights in the country. This is about half of the funding required (US$1.26 billion) to allow for the provision of vital nutrition supplies, water and child protection services. Ireland pledged €2 million at the conference to support life saving work of UN and NGO partners in the country. Given the seriousness of the crisis and the urgent needs of innocent civilians, Ireland is providing €1.36 million to our NGO partners in South Sudan to provide healthcare and protection to vulnerable women and children. In addition, Ireland is also providing €500,000 to support the WFP’s work in South Sudan and €200,000 to assist South Sudanese refugees who have fled to Uganda. This funding of over €2 million brings our total contribution this year to approximately €5 million. This assistance is saving lives.
Ireland will continue to advocate at all relevant international fora for increased support to the humanitarian relief effort both within South Sudan and for South Sudanese refugees and host communities in neighbouring countries. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance, within our means and as the situation evolves.
Human Rights Issues
Questions (44)
Bernard Durkan
Question:44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU and UN are engaged with the various authorities throughout Africa with a view to protection of entitlement to human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23498/14]
View answerWritten answers
Human rights concerns remain central to our foreign policy. Ireland, together with our EU and UN partners, closely monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world, including human rights situations of key concern on the African continent. This is conducted on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official channels and non-governmental/civil society organisations. Where and when the situation warrants, concerns about human rights violations are made known to the Governments in question. We do this bilaterally, through the EU or via the positions we take at the UN General Assembly and in the UN Human Rights Council.
We support the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses. This includes support for the role of UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedure Mandate Holders and for the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. The EU regularly makes statements at these bodies on the human rights situations in individual countries and Ireland is fully associated with these statements. The EU also introduces or supports resolutions dealing with specific countries.
Since March 2006, when the UN Human Rights Council was formed, Ireland has engaged proactively with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism initiated by the Council. The UPR mechanism allows for the review of the domestic human rights records of all 193 UN Member States approximately every four and a half years, based on human rights obligations under UN human rights and other instruments. Any UN Member State can take part in the interactive dialogue (i.e. the actual examination of the State under review) and submit written questions in advance. Ireland was itself examined under the UPR process on 6 October 2011. The process enables UN Member States to raise issues, some of which would have been identified by members of the public and civil society, and to make recommendations about the protection and promotion of human rights in the State concerned. Ireland has engaged fully with the UPR process and welcomes the open and constructive dialogue associated with it. We have also made numerous interventions during the UPR examination of African and other states, raising issues of concern such as gender-based violence, freedom of expression, religious freedom, freedom of assembly and the protection of human rights defenders within the State under review.
The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts human rights dialogues with a number of countries and also raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings. Such dialogues are carried out on a regular basis with countries both in Africa and in other parts of the world. In June 2012 the EU adopted a Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy.
Ireland and its EU partners have also been strong and consistent supporters of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court’s Prosecutor has opened investigations into a number of situations, including those arising from situations of armed conflict in Africa, and we will continue to monitor this work closely.
Ireland has also consistently taken the lead for the EU in negotiating resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly and in the Human Rights Council, of which we are a member for the period 2013 to 2015, on the promotion and protection of human rights defenders, as well as on the implementation of EU Guidelines in relation to human rights defenders in third countries, the aim being to ensure that the latter can operate in an environment free from hindrance and insecurity.
Mindful that the risk of human rights violations is greater where political, economic and administrative systems are weak, the Government’s development cooperation programme, Irish Aid, supports concrete actions designed to promote human rights, including strengthening government systems and in-country human rights institutions (in particular through legal training). Legal aid programmes targeted at victims of human rights abuses are also supported.
The Government will continue to avail of all the above-mentioned mechanisms and instruments with a view to highlighting violations of human rights and furthering their protection.
Western Balkans Issues
Questions (45)
Bernard Durkan
Question:45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the situation in the western Balkans continues to be monitored by the international community with particular reference to the need to ensure the continuation and support of democracy and peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23499/14]
View answerWritten answers
Together with my European Union colleagues, I follow very closely the situation in the Western Balkans. Ireland continues to support the consolidation of peace and democracy in the countries of the Western Balkans, as they introduce reforms in preparation for EU membership. The EU enlargement process is founded on the Copenhagen criteria, which reflect the EU’s founding values: peace, democracy, the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights, and a functioning market economy.
Through the enlargement process, the EU actively supports the consolidation of peace and democracy by strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring inclusive processes that support these institutions and reinforce core democratic principles and common EU values. The EU works to encourage a stronger role for civil society, as well further progress with electoral, parliamentary and public administration reforms, including the professionalisation and depoliticisation of the civil service. For example, in the period 2007-2013, over €30 million pre-accession assistance has been provided to enhance the capacity of such institutions as national parliamentary assemblies, ombudsmen and national audit bodies. In the same period, civil society organisations were supported with almost €190 million from the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA), as well as by over €35 million from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR).
We in Ireland also remain fully engaged with the Western Balkans region. My colleague, the Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe, has recently visited both Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to express our continued support for their efforts to advance on their respective EU paths. Both he and I also met with the Foreign Minister of Kosovo when he visited Dublin in January. We discussed the progress that Kosovo has made as well as the challenges that remain and assured him of our on-going support for his country.
Together with our EU counterparts, Ireland will remain fully engaged while supporting the countries of the Western Balkans as they undertake the necessary reforms, especially democratic reforms, and prepare for EU membership.
Semi-State Bodies
Questions (46)
Michael McGrath
Question:46. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current credit rating of all commercial semi-State bodies operating under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23515/14]
View answerWritten answers
There are no commercial semi-State bodies under the aegis of my Department.