Written Answers Nos. 105-153
113. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach if he will outline in tabular form for each year from 2009 to date in 2014 the total number of FOI requests received by his Department; the total refused; total granted; total part-granted; total appealed; total of successful appeals; total of part-successful appeals; total of refusals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29075/14]
View answerThe information requested in relation to requests received by the Department of the Taoiseach under Freedom of Information from 2009 to date is set out in the following tables.
|
- |
Total FOI Requests |
Granted |
Part Granted |
Refused |
No Records |
Withdrawn |
|
2014 |
64* |
14 |
21 |
3 |
7 |
3 |
|
2013 |
91 |
20 |
40 |
9 |
11 |
11 |
|
2012 |
153 |
43 |
61 |
14 |
15 |
20 |
|
2011 |
98 |
28 |
52 |
3 |
11 |
4 |
|
2010 |
110 |
41 |
44 |
5 |
12 |
8 |
|
2009 |
99 |
52 |
30 |
4 |
9 |
4 |
*16 requests are ongoing
|
- |
Requests for Internal Review |
Affirmed |
Varied |
Annulled |
|
2014 |
1* |
- |
- |
- |
|
2013 |
4 |
4 |
- |
- |
|
2012 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
2011 |
6 |
4 |
2 |
- |
|
2010 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
- |
|
2009 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
- |
* 1 ongoing
114. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical or career break, broken down by timeframe, that is, zero to six months, six to 12 months, one to two years, two to three years, four to five years, and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29092/14]
View answerThere are eleven staff from my Department currently on career break. The information sought is set out in the following table.
|
Number of staff on career break for 0-6 months |
Number of staff on career break for 6-12 months |
Number of staff on career break for 1-2 years |
Number of staff on career break for 2-3 years |
Number of staff on career break for 4-5 years |
Number of staff on career break for 5 years plus |
|
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
115. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion on which a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29109/14]
View answerThe total expenditure by my Department on photography from 9th March 2011 to 2nd July 2014 is provided in the following table.
|
Year |
Amount spent on photography |
|
2011 (9th March to December) |
€28,069 |
|
2012 |
€13,449 |
|
2013 |
Department €6,778.00 EU Presidency €38,172.26 |
|
2014 (1 Jan to 2nd July) |
€5,908 |
Photography costs in my Department have reduced from €83,398 in 2008 to €5,908 for the first half of 2014. The use of local photographers on international trade missions is required to distribute images to the domestic media to accompany the coverage of domestic journalists who are travelling on behalf of their organisations. Utilising local agencies is cost efficient and costs are kept to a minimum. Increasingly my Department utilises its own staff to take photographs in-house, thereby reducing costs.
In relation to the EU Presidency costs - as is standard for all Presidencies there is a host photographer to capture the images for the Presidency and to distribute them around the world. My Department ran a competitive tender process and agreed a contract for a single host photographer for the entire Presidency, specifically for images from 17 major Presidency events in Ireland (the 11 Informal meetings of Ministers taking place in Ireland during the Irish Presidency, as well as the visits in January of President Herman Van Rompuy and the College of Commissioners, and the flag-raising ceremony at the start of the Presidency, the Digital Assembly and the Hunger Conference). The tender was awarded to Mac Innes Photography Ltd. The costs of this service were negotiated to keep them as low as possible, substantially cheaper than other Presidencies.
The following table lists the occasions for which photographers were used and costs associated with each occasion.
Photography Costs from 9th March 2011 to 2nd July 2014
|
Vendor Name |
Description |
Cost |
|
The Press Association |
The Press Association, Nottingham |
€139.30 |
|
Hackett's Reprographics |
Visa photos for 1 of the Taoiseach's delegation for USA Mar 2011, 10 Mar 2011 |
€20.25 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
1916 Commemoration 24/04/2011 |
€502.45 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
SDLP 14/04/2011 |
€371.17 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Launch of Census 10/3/2011 |
€357.25 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Newly appointed Ministers 15/03/2011 |
€478.25 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Jesse Jackson 21/03/2011 |
€409.58 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Book of Condolence - Japan 22/03/2011 |
€401.42 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
US Ambassador Dan Rooney 28/03/2011 |
€401.42 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Jpegs 1916 Commemoration 04/04/2011 |
€60.50 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Mass New Dail 09/03/2011 |
€508.50 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Taoiseach Office Photo Call 09/03/2011 |
€538.75 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Reception New Ministers 09/03/2011 |
€391.13 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
New Cabinet Meeting 10/03/2011 |
€492.17 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
New Ministers Appointments 09/03/2011 |
€780.75 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
The Late Dr. Garret Fitzgerald's Funeral 21-22 May 2011 |
€2,359.50 |
|
My Photobook.ie |
27 May 2011 - My PhotoBook.ie |
€140.80 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
President Obama Visit 23 May 2011 |
€4,537.50 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Taoiseach Enda Kenny & Church Leaders on 19 May 2011 at Government Buildings |
€409.58 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
British PM Visit to Gov. Buildings on 18 May 2011. |
€629.50 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
US Congressman on 16 May 2011. assignment covering attendance, taking colour, processing, digital contact sheet. |
€280.42 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Hungarian Prime Minister 01-06-11 |
€409.58 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Excellence Awards 09/06/2011 |
€857.59 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
North South Ministerial Council 10-6-11 |
€812.21 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
President of European Council 17/6/11 |
€562.04 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
President Obama Visit 23 May 2011 |
€260.15 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Obama and Cabinet Ministers 23 May 2011 |
€740.52 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Maxwells Invoice - New Ambassadors 30-6-11 |
€332.75 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Chinese Delegation |
€357.25 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Saudi Minister 14 June 2011 |
€280.42 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Richard Haass meets Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 01/04/2011 |
€371.17 |
|
LK Photo |
Costs relating to St. Patricks Day Visit to Washington 2011 |
€2,106.14 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
New Sec Gen and Ian Paisley on 26/07/2011. |
€318.84 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Meeting EU Parliament President 12 July 2011. |
€696.05 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Strategy for International Services Industry 14-7-2011 |
€349.08 |
|
Hackett's Reprographics |
Product code FPP75DIG10-15, (QTY 10-15) 7x5 Digital Prints. |
€30.76 |
|
J. Higgins Photos |
Photos Taoiseach 4/5 May 2011 visit to New York |
€303.30 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Arvato meeting with Taoiseach 21 Sept 2011. |
€560.84 |
|
BANK OF IRELAND |
19 November 2011 - www.gettyimages.com |
€212.96 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photocall TAOISEACH & New SDLP Leader 09/11/2011. |
€340.92 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photographer for the Presidential Inauguration on 11/11/2011. |
€3,956.70 |
|
2012 |
||
|
Maxwell Photography |
Taoiseach signs Book of condolence 20 Dec 2011. |
€371.17 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Taoiseach - Christmas Media Meeting 22 Dec 2011. |
€296.75 |
|
The Press Association |
12 January 2012 - Photos of Prime Minister David Cameron with Taoiseach Enda Kenny 10 Downing Street. |
€122.01 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
British Irish council 13/01/12 |
€531.05 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photos/Taoiseach meeting with Deputy PM Nick Clegg |
€377.30 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Blue Star Programmes on 07/02/2012. |
€539.36 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
EU Presidency Job winning logo on 02/02/2012. |
€687.26 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Taoiseach & Tánaiste attend 'Progress to date' launch 07/03/2012. |
€195.57 |
|
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd |
Launch of the Stability Treaty Website, 19 April 2012. |
€409.63 |
|
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd |
Olympic Torch Photocall at Govt Buildings on 06/06/2012. |
€268.45 |
|
QiLai |
Photographer for Taoiseach's visit to China 25/28 March 2012 |
2,817.49 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Carers Strategy Launch in the Italian Room on 19th July 2012. |
€439.11 |
|
LK Photos |
Taoiseach's visit to US 19-21 March 2012. |
€1,774.78 |
|
Lafayette Photography Ltd |
NSMC in Farmleigh on 15/06/2012 |
€174.24 |
|
Lafayette Photography Ltd |
National Day of Commemoration 08/07/2012 |
€555.75 |
|
Lafayette Photography Ltd |
Olympic Reception at Farmleigh 15/08/2012 -CD of photographs |
€330.16 |
|
Lafayette Photography Ltd |
Official Photography services for visit of Secretary of State Northern Ireland on 01 Oct 2012. |
€87.66 |
|
Michael Hudson Photos |
Taoiseach's Visit to Chicago, 17 March 2012 |
€302.35 |
|
Lafayette Photography Ltd |
18hrs of photography over 4 days for the JPEGs for Whos Who on the Irish Presidency Website |
€3,168.51 |
|
2013 |
||
|
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd |
EU Conference of Presidents, Dublin Castle on 31 December 2012 |
€116.85 |
|
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd |
Presidency meeting of European Parliament Leaders, Dublin Castle 29th Nov 2012 |
€430.51 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography Prints for Convention Inaugural Meeting on 1st Dec 2012. |
€1,763.46 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Family photo shot, post production touch up + prints (36copies) for the EU Directors General Informal meeting (13-14/1/2013) |
€512.62 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
2 JPEG images of the Taoiseach/Cyprus President Nov 2005 - 28 Jan 2013. |
€34.44 |
|
Lafayette Photography Ltd |
Eucharistic Congress Reception Dublin Castle 1st July 2012 |
€171.01 |
|
Lafayette Photography Ltd |
Visit of Secretary of State Northern Ireland on 01 Oct 2012, 18 images sent to media |
€19.43 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Photocall for 40 years in the EU, Art Exhibition, 25 February 2013. |
€318.54 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting, Dublin Castle, 18/01/13 |
€1,471.99 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy visit, Dublin Castle, 9/1/2013 |
€1,645.47 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting, session 2, Dublin Castle, 17/1/2013 |
€1,449.89 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal EU Affairs meeting, Dublin Castle 21/01/13. |
€1,564.62 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal meeting of Employment 8th Feb. 2013 Dublin Castle. |
€817.91 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal meeting of Employment 7th Feb. 2013 Dublin Castle. |
€1,573.31 |
|
Levon Biss Photography Ltd |
Prints of Taoiseach's Time Magazine cover 26/11/2012 |
€111.95 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
31st Dec 2012 for EU Flag Raising Ceremony attended by Taoiseach at Dublin Castle. |
€669.09 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Visit of Presidents Barroso & Schulz at Government Buildings on 28/2/2013. - Post Production Fee |
€257.43 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal meeting of Defence Ministers 13/2/2013, Dublin Castle. |
€817.91 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal meeting of Development & Co-operation Ministers 12/2/2013, Dublin Castle. |
€1,559.45 |
|
M M McNally Photographer |
Taoiseach's visit to Downing Street on 11 March 2013. |
€335.03 |
|
E Hill Photography |
Taoiseach's visit to Enniskillen, 11 November 2012. |
€700.60 |
|
Peter Cavanagh Photography |
Whos Who for Presidency. 27/28 Sept. 2012 & 16 Oct 2012. |
€1,600.00 |
|
Magnum Computers |
Photos of Taoiseach's visit to Cleveland, Ohio. October 2012. |
€192.41 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Gymnich meeting - 23rd March 2013. |
€484.58 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Energy Ministers at Dublin Castle 24 April, 2013 |
€1,181.62 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers at Dublin Castle 23 April, 2013 |
€1,307.04 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal Meeting of Environment Ministers at Dublin Castle on 22nd April 2013 |
€821.57 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of Ministers for Trade at Dublin Castle 18 April, 2013 |
€1,535.67 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Hunger-Nutrition Conference at Dublin Castle 15 April,2013 |
€968.41 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
ECOFIN Ministerial Informal meeting on 13/4/2013 |
€1,870.49 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Prints, Presentation Folders, Envelopes relating to Host Photography for Informal Meeting of ECOFIN Ministerial Informal 12 April 2013. |
€4,126.55 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Hunger-Nutrition & Climate Change at Dublin Castle on 16th April 2013. |
€817.91 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Commission College meeting Dublin Castle on 10 Jan 2013 - Prints & Digital Imaging |
€2,042.61 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Health Informal Ministerial Meeting 4th March, Dublin Castle attendance |
€276.75 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
EU Presidency Team Group Shot on 01 May 2013. |
€302.58 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Health Informal Ministerial Meeting 5th March 2013- Dublin Castle. |
€1,134.33 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Gymich meeting 22nd March 2013, Photography & high resolution imaging |
€1,570.00 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Ministerial Informal, Agriculture Ministers on 27th & 28th May 2013 |
€2,453.74 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Ministerial Informal - Competitiveness [Dept. DJEI ] 2nd May 2013 |
€817.91 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Informal meeting of Competitiveness - Council day on 03 May 2013. |
€1,134.34 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Family photos of Presidency team at Government Buildings on 01 May 2013. |
€31.38 |
|
Mac Innes Photography Ltd |
Presidency Liaison Officers Photos at Dublin Castle on 27 May 2013. |
€162.01 |
|
Marty Katz Photography & James Higgins Photography |
St Patrick's Day Visit, New York - 16-17 March 2013 |
€2,235.66 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
North South Ministerial Meeting on 05/07/2013 at Dublin Castle Sundays F.T.P. images to Media outlets |
€706.02 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
EU Presidency staff event on 05/07/2013 at Dublin Castle - Upload of images to online gallery |
€292.74 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Round table discussion with the Taoiseach and on Online Retailers on 06 Sept 2013. |
€292.74 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Taoiseach's meeting with Bill Clinton at Government Buildings - 09/10/2013 |
€249.69 |
|
1 January to 2nd July 2014 |
||
|
Maxwell Photography |
Extra copies of prints of the Queen & President Obama's visit, May 2011 ordered for Taoiseach |
77.18 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography assignment, Taoiseach's Address of the Nation, 15th December 2014 |
956.94 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography Services for the Convention on the Constitution final plenary meeting 22nd & 23rd February 2014 |
511.68 |
|
DNP Service |
Taoiseach's visit to Japan, 3-4 December 2013. |
244.23 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography assignment for the visit of the Spanish on the 6th March 2014 |
519.06 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography assignment for the visit of the German Prime Minister on the 7th March 2014 |
396.06 |
|
Maria Photography |
Taoiseach's visit to Abu Dhabi & Dubai, January 2014. |
2695.8 |
|
Dan Hallissey Photography |
Taoiseach's visit to Boston, 16 March 2014. |
506.77 |
116. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach if he will detail, in tabular form, the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming to office; a list of uses of each external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29126/14]
View answerThe following table provides details of external public relations firms employed by my Department since 9 March 2011. My Department ensures it gets best value for money in the procurement of all goods and services and keeps to a minimum the engagement of public relations or external consultants. In the cases set out below this was limited to engagement for work carried out for Ireland's EU Presidency and work on the Constitutional Convention.
|
Name of Consultant |
Purpose of consultancy |
|
Caroline Erskine, Media and Public Affairs Consultant |
To assist in the implementation of the communications plan for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union and associated projects. |
|
Q4 Public Relations |
Support for the Convention on the Constitution |
117. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach the total amount spent on external IT consultants by his Department in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29161/14]
View answer118. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach if his Department has renegotiated external IT consultancy contracts and costs since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29180/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
The total amount spent on external IT consultants by my Department in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014 is detailed in the following table.
|
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
€ 11,711 |
€ 18,679 |
€ 0 |
€ 2,560 |
€ 0 |
My Department does not have any ongoing IT consultancy contracts in place. When IT consultancy is required the practice in my Department is to select an appropriate competitive process such as seeking quotations, using a centrally negotiated framework agreement or issuing a Request For Tender.
120. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he met Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker prior to or after the EU Council's proposal to the European Parliament of Mr. Juncker as President of the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29213/14]
View answerI spoke with President-Designate Juncker prior to the agreement by the European Council to propose him to the European Parliament as candidate for President of the European Commission. Following this agreement, the President-Designate remains to be formally elected by the European Parliament at a vote in Strasbourg next week. Once his election is confirmed, he and I have already agreed to discuss the priorities and membership of his new Commission and the portfolio to which Ireland's Commissioner may be assigned.
I have supported President-Designate Juncker since his election as EPP lead candidate in Dublin last March and was very pleased that agreement was reached on his nomination at the European Council. He is a highly experienced and capable politician, with a thorough understanding of EU issues and an appreciation of the particular circumstances of the Member States, including Ireland. I welcome the fact that he has already made clear his commitment to prioritising policies which support economic recovery and job creation across the EU, in line with the strategic agenda recently agreed by the European Council.
127. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Taoiseach the number of Bills his Department has published since March 2011; the number of regulatory impact assessments his Department has published since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29300/14]
View answerThe Thirty-second Amendment of the Constitution (Abolition of Seanad Éireann) Bill 2013, was published in June 2013, further to a commitment in the Programme for Government. A regulatory impact analysis (RIA) is normally required for all primary legislation but there are certain exceptions to this rule which are set out in the relevant guidelines. As the Bill concerned involved amending the Constitution for the purpose of abolishing the Seanad rather than significantly impacting on the regulatory environment a RIA was not completed in keeping with precedents for Bills of this nature.
128. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Taoiseach if his Department or agencies under its auspices have engaged the services of a debt collection agency in pursuing money owed to them; if his Department has guidelines regarding hiring such agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/14]
View answerMy Department and NESDO - the only body under the aegis of my Department - do not engage the services of a debt collection agency.
129. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Taoiseach the amount of funding his Department provides for library services for persons with a visual impairment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29583/14]
View answerMy Department provides a multi-site library service to staff of the Department as well as to the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. To date, there have been no requests for library services from persons with a visual impairment. Should a person with visual impairment seek the provision of these services every effort to source and deliver the services will be made.
130. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide the name, position and annual salary awarded to each of his special advisers; and if he will provide details of any request made for an increase above the special adviser pay cap set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and, if so, the amount of the increase sought. [29610/14]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy in relation to the name and current salary of each special adviser I appointed, is set out in the following table. No request was made for an increase above the special adviser pay cap from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The salary cost for special advisers employed in my Department is €566,878. The comparative full year figure for Special Advisers employed in this Department in 2010 is €1,072,920.
|
Name |
Title |
Salary |
|
Mark Kennelly |
Chief of Staff |
€156,380 |
|
Andrew McDowell |
Special Advisor to the Taoiseach |
€156,380 |
|
Paul O'Brien |
Special Advisor to the Taoiseach |
€84,706 |
|
Angela Flanagan |
Special Advisor to the Taoiseach |
€84,706 |
|
Mark O'Doherty |
Special Advisor to Chief Whip |
€84,706 |
131. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form details of increments paid since 2008 in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30535/14]
View answerIt is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in the time available. However, I will be in contact with the Deputy shortly with any relevant, available information.
132. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach the number of retired civil and public servants rehired on temporary contracts or as consultants under his remit; if he will provide a breakdown of these figures in tabular form, providing associated costs of such rehiring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30560/14]
View answerNo retired civil or public servants have been rehired on a temporary contract or as consultants under the remit of my Department.
133. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the imprisonment of al-Jazeera journalists in Egypt was raised at the EU summit in Brussels. [28972/14]
View answerI share the widespread international concern over the severe sentences imposed by a court in Cairo on 23 June on a number of Al Jazeera journalists for essentially doing no more than their job. In my address to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on 25 June I condemned this verdict, which amounts to the criminalisation of the legitimate activities of a free press, and represents an unacceptable restriction on freedom of expression and fundamentally undermines the credibility of the Egyptian judicial system. The situation in Egypt was not on the agenda of the European Council meeting on 26/27 June. However, the issue was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg which I attended on 23 June. High Representative Ashton issued a statement after the meeting on behalf of the EU expressing the concern of the Council about the verdicts as well as about the death sentences imposed against more than 180 people following the recent well-publicised trial in Minya, Upper Egypt.
Egypt's new constitution provides guarantees for the fundamental rights of its people which the Egyptian courts, regrettably, do not appear to have fully recognized and vindicated in a number of recent verdicts. This is deeply worrying to those of us who wish to support Egypt and the Egyptian people in their ongoing difficult transition to democracy. These concerns have been clearly communicated in our ongoing contacts with the Egyptian authorities, both here and through our Embassy in Cairo, most recently by senior officials in my Department at a meeting with the Egyptian Embassy last week which specifically conveyed my concerns over the recent Al Jazeera verdicts as well as the continued detention of Ibrahim Halawa.
134. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised at the EU summit the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, which has seen efforts to revive the stalled initiative to encourage dialogue and agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. [28982/14]
View answerThe direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks were suspended at the beginning of May, as the parties were unable to agree a basis for their continuation beyond the agreed term. In effect, and despite some nine months of negotiations, there remained a complete absence of trust between them as to the purpose of the talks. There are at this point no direct moves being made to revive the stalled talks. The United States mediators have in effect told both parties, in my view quite reasonably, to reflect carefully on the opportunity that may be squandered and the possible costs that could follow. The recent tragic events in the area surely only underline this message.
In recent months the focus in the EU has, of course, been on supporting the then-ongoing talks process. Following the suspension, however, I believe that the EU needs to fundamentally reappraise its positions on the conflict, particularly in view of the ever-increasing risk of a breakdown of the political path and the risk of renewed large scale violence. The resumption of substantive talks will continue to be a priority, as only through talks can the occupation and the conflict be ended. However, in our view the EU also needs to increase pressure on key Israeli actions on the ground which are acting wholly against the prospects of reaching such a political solution. The publication last week by Ireland and the majority of our EU partners, of advice for businesses and citizens on the risks of commercial involvement with Israeli settlements represents an example of the kind of action we have in mind.
It is intended, subject of course to events, that this discussion will begin at the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 July.
135. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised at the EU summit the worsening humanitarian crises in South Sudan, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine. [28983/14]
View answerThe international community is facing an unprecedented number of simultaneous humanitarian crises, in particular in South Sudan, Iraq and Syria. Ireland is playing a significant role in providing assistance through the UN and other agencies delivering vital services to the affected populations.
The situation in Ukraine, while deeply worrying, does not so far involve a humanitarian crisis of similar proportions. It has, of course, been high on the agenda at EU and other international meetings I have participated in.
The situation in South Sudan was discussed in detail at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 17 March 2014. Subsequently, on 15 May, the African Union and the EU met in Brussels and jointly welcomed the 9 May agreement, urging the parties to fully implement all agreements that have been signed to date. The Foreign Affairs Council of EU Development Ministers also discussed developments on 19 May. My colleague, the Minister for Trade and Development, Mr. Joe Costello T.D., highlighted the need for progress by the EU in implementing a comprehensive approach to the political, security, and development crises in South Sudan. At the South Sudan pledging conference in Oslo on 20 May, Ireland pledged €2million in assistance for the emergency operations of UN and NGO partners. Our pledge has been fulfilled.
The deteriorating situation in Iraq is a matter of very serious concern. There are now almost two million people displaced within Iraq. The crisis was discussed with EU colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June, at which the Council agreed Conclusions condemning the recent violent attacks and wide scale reports of atrocities. The Council also expressed serious concern at the humanitarian situation and the displacement of large numbers of people from their homes.
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, Minister Costello announced a pledge of €12 million in humanitarian assistance at the Pledging Conference for Syria in Kuwait in January. Since 2011, we have provided a total of just over €28 million in humanitarian assistance for victims of the Syrian crisis.
We have matched our humanitarian contribution with concrete support to international efforts to find a sustainable political solution to the crisis, and we have advocated for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as for respect by all parties of International Humanitarian Law. In view of the immense needs in Syria and neighbouring countries, Ireland will continue to call for increased support to the humanitarian relief, as well as for the full and immediate implementation by all parties to the conflict of UN Security Council Resolution 2139 on Humanitarian Assistance in Syria.
I discussed the humanitarian situation in Ukraine with European colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June. The Council expressed concern about the rapidly deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, as highlighted by the latest report of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. We called on all sides to do their utmost to protect civilians and recalled the importance of allowing humanitarian organizations perform their vital work, guided by the principles of neutrality, impartiality and non-discrimination. The Council also expressed support for President Poroshenko's peace plan, which I believe provides the best opportunity for progress towards peace and stability in Ukraine.
136. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the peace plan in the Ukraine and the President of Russia's commitment to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29040/14]
View answerI assume the Deputy refers to President Poroshenko's 15-point peace plan, which was announced on 20 June 2014, together with a seven-day unilateral ceasefire by the Ukrainian Government. The plan offers an amnesty to separatists who disarm voluntarily as well as corridors to allow Russian and Ukrainian militants to return to Russia. It also envisages changes to the Ukrainian constitution to enable the devolution of more power to the regions, as well as greater protection for Russian-language rights. President Putin expressed qualified support for the plan following its announcement and it has been strongly welcomed by Ireland and its European partners.
At the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 23 June, EU Ministers expressed their support for the peace plan as a major chance for de-escalation and commended President Poroshenko's determined actions towards peace and stability in Ukraine since his inauguration, against the backdrop of increased violent activities by pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine. At the European Council, which met on 27 June and was attended by the Taoiseach, EU Heads of State and Government also welcomed the peace plan but expressed regret that the ceasefire had not led to the full cessation of military hostilities. The European Council also noted the Russian President's declaration of support in principle of the peace plan and the Russian Federation Council's decision of 24 June to revoke authorisation that it had previously granted for the use Russian forces to intervene militarily in Ukraine.
Due to repeated infringements by pro-Russia separatists, President Poroshenko announced on 30 June that the ceasefire had come to an end. Since then, there have been intense diplomatic efforts to have the ceasefire reinstated in order to give the peace plan a real chance for success. Following a meeting in Berlin between the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine on 2 July, an agreement was reached on the resumption of trilateral contact group talks, involving Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE to pave the way for a new ceasefire.
I very much hope that all sides, including Russia, will continue to engage in efforts to make urgent progress towards implementing all aspect of the peace plan, which I believe offers the best opportunity for achieving the peace and stability that we all wish to see in Ukraine.
137. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the next meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council will take place; if the matter of the Narrow Water Bridge will be on the agenda of that meeting; the actions he plans to take to progress this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29864/14]
View answerA meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in plenary format scheduled to take place in Dublin Castle on Friday, 4 July 2014 was postponed on account of developments in Northern Ireland. While a date and an agenda for the rescheduled meeting are not yet agreed, it is anticipated that the issue of the Narrow Water Bridge will be discussed at the next plenary session.
At the previous NSMC Plenary meeting, which took place in Armagh on 8 November 2013, the Council indicated that it remained supportive of the concept of the Narrow Water Bridge.
138. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline in tabular form for each year from 2009 to date in 2014 the total number of FOI requests received by his Department; the total refused; total granted; total part-granted; total appealed; total of successful appeals; total of part-successful appeals; total of refusals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29069/14]
View answerDetails requested by the Deputy are provided in tabular format. My Department returns annual figures on FOI requests to the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). However, as the OIC does not request details of decisions at internal review stage, these statistics are not available for all years.
Number of FOI requests received by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
|
Year |
Total Requests* |
Requests Granted |
Requests Part-granted |
Requests Refused |
|
2009 |
86 |
37 |
33 |
8 |
|
2010 |
87 |
23 |
27 |
19 |
|
2011 |
68 |
16 |
34 |
8 |
|
2012 |
138 |
39 |
47 |
17 |
|
2013 |
88 |
29 |
23 |
21 |
|
2014 to date |
55 |
15 |
19 |
12 |
*Total Requests includes requests subsequently withdrawn or transferred.
Number of FOI requests appealed and subject to an internal review
|
- |
Internal Reviews |
Original Decision Annulled |
Original Decision Varied |
Original decision affirmed |
|
2009 |
4 |
Not available |
Not available |
Not available |
|
2010 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
2011 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
2012 |
8 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
|
2013 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
|
2014 to date |
5 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
139. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical or career break, broken down by timeframe, that is, less than six months, six to 12 months, one to two years, two to three years, four to five years, and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29086/14]
View answerA total of 24 officers are currently availing of the Career break scheme in my Department. Details of these officers are set out in the following table.
|
Number of staff |
Grade |
Duration of career break |
|
0 |
- |
0 - 6 months |
|
0 |
- |
6 – 12 months |
|
5 1 |
Clerical Officer Executive Officer |
Up to 2 years |
|
2 1 |
Clerical Officer Staff Officer |
From 2 years up to 3 years |
|
11 2 1 |
Clerical Officer Staff Officer Third Secretary |
From 4 years up to 5 years |
|
1 |
Clerical Officer |
5 years + |
140. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the total photography costs for his Department since coming to office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance; the list of occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion on which a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29103/14]
View answerMy Department only avails of the services of external photographic agencies where it is warranted, in particular, for major events and State occasions. This is a service which my Department provides so that the media can easily and freely avail of photography where their own staff photographers cannot be fully accommodated. There was a significant number of such events in the period in question, including the State Visit of Queen Elizabeth II, the visit by President Obama and the Irish Chairmanship of the OSCE, all of which resulted in very positive international coverage of Ireland. In the case of Ireland's Presidency of the EU, there was a demand for photography which would not routinely apply.
In September 2011, my Department led a collaborative advertised tender process for the procurement of a multi-supplier competitive framework of photographic service providers. This is now available for use by all Government Departments. Details of the new framework arrangements and the photographers used are posted on the National Procurement Service website: www.procurement.ie/suppliers/contracts/1298. The purpose of this framework is to ensure Departments' compliance with EU procurement rules and to ensure value for money by having a competitive process for photographic assignments. In addition, my Department now makes greater use of in-house resources for photography.
The total cost of photography to my Department over the period in question is €124,647.67. The following table indicates the cost associated with particular events.
|
Event |
Cost |
|
Expenditure of missions abroad* |
€23,563.51 |
|
State Visit of Queen Elizabeth II |
€22,662.70 |
|
Diplomatic Credentials Ceremonies |
€17,221.04 |
|
Official Visit by Chinese Vice President |
€7,321.58 |
|
State Visit of Prince Albert of Monaco |
€6,213.35 |
|
OSCE Ministerial Council |
€4,786.55 |
|
Official Visit by Japanese Prime Minister |
€2,555.94 |
|
Official Visit by Canadian Prime Minister |
€2,553.36 |
|
Official Visit by the King & Queen of Lesotho |
€2,473.14 |
|
Official Visit to Mozambique, Malawi & Tanzania |
€2,388.30 |
|
Global Irish Economic Forum 2013 |
€2,175.20 |
|
Diplomatic Corps New Years Greetings |
€2,015.97 |
|
Global Irish Economic Forum |
€1,923.90 |
|
Inauguration of President Higgins |
€1,817.30 |
|
OSCE Event: Lessons learned from NI Peace Process |
€1,479.35 |
|
Launch of Our World Awards |
€1,268.05 |
|
Africa Ireland Economic Forum 2011 |
€1,220.59 |
|
Presidential Distinguished Service Awards 2013 |
€1,544.08 |
|
Our World Irish Aid Awards (National + Regional Finals) |
€942.18 |
|
Haiti Photographic exhibition |
€919.90 |
|
Irish Aid Centre education materials |
€741.80 |
|
Science for Development Award at BT Young Scientist |
€711.71 |
|
Launch of Commemoration Lecture Series |
€658.82 |
|
Irish Aid - One World One Future Policy Launch |
€637.14 |
|
Official Visit to Kenya |
€606.40 |
|
Official Visit by Indian Minister |
€599.75 |
|
Launch of the 2010 Irish Aid annual report |
€569.00 |
|
Launch of EU Presidency Logo |
€560.84 |
|
Launch of Africa Day 2011 - Dublin |
€526.35 |
|
Official Farewell for the British Ambassador |
€524.84 |
|
Meeting of EU Development Ministers |
€521.19 |
|
Western Balkans Conference |
€482.16 |
|
Africa Day 2013 |
€478.45 |
|
Visit of Elders |
€430.50 |
|
OSCE 5+2 Conference |
€417.76 |
|
Visit of Congressman Morrison |
€412.05 |
|
Visit of Aung Sang Suu Kyi |
€393.92 |
|
Official Visit by US Congressional Delegation |
€388.62 |
|
Launch of Hunger Envoy's Report |
€379.33 |
|
Visit of Governor of Massachusetts |
€361.62 |
|
Simon Cumbers Fund Exhibition |
€350.86 |
|
Official Visit by US First Lady |
€327.18 |
|
Africa Ireland Economic Forum - 2012 |
€319.80 |
|
Meeting with Japanese Ambassador |
€318.84 |
|
Launch of Certificate of Irish Heritage |
€296.23 |
|
HNCJ Conference |
€284.63 |
|
Irish Aid Trade and Development Conf. |
€282.41 |
|
UNRWA Commissioner General |
€246.00 |
|
Official Visit by Chinese Vice Premier Ma |
€223.86 |
|
Our World Irish Aid Awards 2014 |
€223.86 |
|
Meeting with British delegation |
€209.10 |
|
Irish Aid Annual Report launch |
€206.64 |
|
100 Objects launch |
€206.64 |
|
Visit of Bill Gates |
€195.20 |
|
Visit of German Opposition Leader |
€194.88 |
|
Visit of Norwegian Foreign Minister |
€189.19 |
|
Irish Aid Our World Awards - 2013 |
€171.23 |
|
Northern Voices Exhibition |
€167.28 |
|
EU Affairs Ministers Meeting |
€166.05 |
|
Visit of French Minister for European Affairs |
€166.05 |
|
Irish Aid Int'l Conf. on Agriculture |
€164.60 |
|
EU Working Group on Humanitarian Aid |
€154.98 |
|
OSCE 5+2 Conference (2) |
€153.75 |
|
Irish Aid Volunteering Fair 2013 |
€137.76 |
|
Visit of Romanian Foreign Minister |
€137.76 |
|
Visit of Head of International Rescue Committee |
€137.76 |
|
Forum on female entrepreneurship |
€134.33 |
|
Irish Aid - AWEPA Conference |
€120.54 |
|
Lecture by Mark O'Neill |
€120.54 |
|
Visit of Swiss Foreign Minister |
€120.54 |
|
Irish Aid Fellowship Annual Meeting |
€119.55 |
|
Volunteering Fair, Limerick - 2011 |
€119.55 |
|
Forum with Arab Ambassadors |
€116.85 |
|
Africa Day Launch, Limerick - 2011 |
€115.85 |
|
BT Young Scientist - 2013 |
€109.25 |
|
Meeting with UN Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region |
€103.32 |
|
Visit of Secretary General, Council of Europe |
€103.32 |
|
Global Irish Network Advisory Group |
€102.15 |
|
Official Visit to Korea/ Japan |
€95.00 |
|
Launch of review of Trade, Tourism & Investment Strategy |
€86.10 |
|
Total |
€124,647.67 |
*It was not possible to provide a full breakdown in the time available.
141. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail in tabular form the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department since coming to office; the list of uses of each external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29120/14]
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 grants under the Simon Cumbers Media Fund (SCMF). This involves managing three 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. The contract was extended in 2014 for a further year.
Following a competitive tendering process, DHR was 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. 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 the Farmleigh Estate in 2013 and 2014. In 2011, the Department supported a series of smaller-scale performances, family events, art exhibitions, debates and educational activities instead of hosting a flagship event.
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.
The following table sets out the use of DHR engaged by my Development Cooperation Division since March 2011.
Project and Event Management March 2011 to 2 July 2014
|
Name of Project/Event |
Year |
|
Simon Cumbers Media Fund (SCMF) grants scheme |
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 |
|
The Irish Aid White Paper Review |
2011, 2012 |
|
Africa Day |
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 |
142. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total amount spent on external IT consultants by his Department in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29155/14]
View answer143. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has renegotiated external IT consultancy contracts and costs since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29174/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
While my Department makes use of external IT service providers for various support and maintenance requirements for its data and communications networks, it has not engaged, nor re-negotiated contracts with, any IT consultants since March 2011. In 2010 and 2011 the Department engaged consultants for the purpose of providing infrastructure- and systems-related security advice and the amounts expended were €65,545 and €23,529 respectively. There are no plans at present to engage ICT consultants in 2014.
It is my Department's policy to seek competitive tenders and to test the market on a regular basis for all IT requirements.
144. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the number of appointments to State boards under his Department's remit from March 2011 to date; the number of vacancies on State boards under his Department's remit since March 2011 to date; the number of vacancies on State boards under his Department's remit publically advertised since March 2011 to date; and the number of appointments to State boards under his remit drawn directly from the public advertisement process. [29192/14]
View answerThere are no State Boards under the aegis of my Department.
145. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Bills his Department has published since March 2011; the number of regulatory impact assessments his Department has published since March 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29294/14]
View answerI have sponsored two items of legislation - the European Communities (Amendment) Bill 2012 and the Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution (Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union) Bill 2012.
Regulatory Impact Assessments are carried out on all legislation as necessary. However, most of the legislation brought forward by my Department does not impact significantly on the regulatory environment and since March 2011 no Regulatory Impact Assessments have been carried out by my Department.
146. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department or agencies under its auspices have engaged the services of a debt collection agency in pursuing moneys owed to them; if his Department has guidelines regarding hiring such agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29331/14]
View answerMy Department has not engaged the services of a debit collection agency in pursuing monies owed to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and therefore we have no guidelines in place in relation to such agencies.
147. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to help in the search for more than 200 schoolgirls who were abducted by Boko Haram in northern Nigeria in April; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29489/14]
View answerI remain seriously concerned about the worsening security situation in Nigeria. I have strongly condemned the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls from the northern Nigerian town of Chibok by the terrorist organisation, Boko Haram, on 14 April. I am also appalled by continuing reports of violent attacks, including further abductions, throughout Nigeria.
I have given my full support to the clear demands of the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, and the High Representative of the European Union, Catherine Ashton, that the girls abducted in Chibok be released and that those responsible be brought to justice. I welcome the support now being provided to the Nigerian authorities from a number of our EU partners and from the USA, to help find the missing schoolgirls.
On 12 May, the EU Foreign Affairs Council, meeting in Brussels underlined our serious concern at the terrorist attacks in northern Nigeria and strongly condemned the abduction of the schoolgirls and called for their immediate and unconditional release. The Council emphasised the EU's readiness to support the Nigerian authorities in the resolution of this crime and their ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism in all its forms, in full respect of human rights. On 26 May, the EU agreed to fund a further series of measures, including the provision of technical assistance to the Office of the National Security Advisor to implement and coordinate counter terrorism legislation and crisis management structures, and to develop capacity to address the issue of increasing radicalisation and recruitment.
On 22 May, the UN Security Council Al Qaida Sanctions Committee approved the addition of Boko Haram to its list of individuals and entities subject to targeted financial sanctions and an arms embargo. With effect from the 29 May, the EU added Boko Haram to the lists of groups covered by the freezing of funds and economic resources.
Our Embassy in Abuja, working in cooperation with EU and other key partners, is in close contact with the Nigerian authorities, who have the primary responsibility for the resolution of the case of the missing school girls and to address the broader security situation. Our Ambassador in Abuja has participated in discussions among local EU Heads of Mission, which are advising on the EU's next steps in the area. We will continue to support every effort being undertaken by the Nigerian Government to counter radicalisation and terrorism within its borders, to resolve the specific case of the abducted schoolgirls and to promote full respect for human rights.
148. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he has made to the Secretary General of the United Nations to put in place new structures, given that the current structures are totally outdated and in view of the lack of effectiveness of the UN in dealing with conflict in many parts of the world and taking into account political changes over many decades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29588/14]
View answerIreland has actively championed the reform agenda at the United Nations in recent years and will continue to do so, not only with regards to Security Council Reform, but also in relation to peacekeeping, peace building and other UN structures to increase the effectiveness and accountability of the UN. The nature of conflict is very different from when the UN was founded, and it is important that structures be amended to reflect this.
Ireland participates in the informal plenary sessions of the 10th round of Intergovernmental Negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council. Ireland has called for these discussions to be intensified with a view to identifying whether there is a model for reform which can command broad consensus. Ireland is a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) grouping at the UN, launched in May 2013 in New York. It is a cross-regional group of 21 states aiming to improve the working methods of the UN Security Council. Ireland also actively participates in the ACT sub-group on peacekeeping.
Ireland has made a significant contribution to new UN Structures. Ireland's Ambassador was one of three Permanent Representatives to the United Nations who were appointed to facilitate a review of the Peace Building Commission in December 2009. The outcome of this review was the approval in 2010 by the UN Secretary-General of the co-facilitator's report which sought to reinvigorate the Peacebuilding Commission.
On peacekeeping, Ireland is currently participating in a UN initiative to improve standards which guide the operation of UN peacekeeping missions. The initiative allows us to share the significant expertise we have gained through our longstanding participation in UN peacekeeping missions in order to develop best practices at UN missions. Ireland also hosted a panel discussion on command and control structures for UN peacekeeping operations on 3 July.
149. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the name, position and annual salary awarded to each of his special advisers; and if he will provide details of any request made for an increase above the special adviser pay cap set by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and, if so, the amount of the increase sought. [29604/14]
View answerThe Guidelines on Ministerial Appointments issued in March 2011 state that Special Advisers are to be placed on the Principal Officer (standard) scale: €75,674 - €92,550. Appointments will be on the first point of the scale, except where the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform sanctions a higher salary rate.
I have four Special Advisers in my Department. Salary details for each of them are set out in the following table.
|
Name |
Position held |
Annual Salary |
|
Mark Garrett |
Chief Adviser – Office of the Tánaiste |
€156,380 |
|
Colm O'Reardon |
Economic Adviser – Office of the Tánaiste |
€144,550 |
|
Jean O'Mahony |
Special Adviser – Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade |
€84,706 |
|
Niamh Sweeney |
Special Adviser – Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade |
€78,670 |
150. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps that have been taken to assist those suffering from the Ebola virus in West Africa. [29691/14]
View answerThe Ebola virus outbreak, which started in Guinea in early 2014, has now spread to Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola patients have been identified in more than 60 separate locations across the three countries. Latest reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) state that there have been 427 deaths across West Africa.
The international response to the outbreak is being coordinated by the WHO, which has deployed 150 experts to the three countries. These experts have been supporting the Ministries of Health to contain the outbreak and assist those suffering from the virus. An emergency regional meeting took place in Accra last week, involving West African Ministers of Health, Ebola and public health specialists and representatives from UN agencies, the European Union, bilateral donors and NGOs. The meeting focused on cooperation strategies to tackle the regional outbreak.
There is great concern about the regional spread of the outbreak to Sierra Leone and Liberia, which are partner countries for Ireland's aid programme. There are now 221 confirmed cases of the virus in Sierra Leone, of which 67 have resulted in death. Since the outbreak was confirmed in late May, the Government of Sierra Leone and its development partners have taken clear practical measures in response, in line with best practice. Efforts are also underway to improve public understanding of the symptoms and effects of the virus and to build public cooperation with the Ebola response.
In Liberia, the Ebola outbreak was considered to have ended by early June, but there was a second outbreak on 10 June. There are now 48 confirmed cases in Liberia, of which 33 have resulted in death. The Government of Liberia, supported by development partners, has reactivated the Ebola response plan put in place during the initial outbreak. Ireland provides substantial support to Liberia's Ministry of Health under our aid programme, and the Irish Aid office in Monrovia is actively monitoring the situation and regularly liaising with Government and other development partners.
Ireland has also provided €60,000 to the NGO Concern Worldwide for their programme which aims to prevent the spread of Ebola through community sensitisation and health and hygiene awareness in Sierra Leone and Liberia. In addition, the START fund, an innovative fund mechanism for NGOs, which is supported by Irish Aid, has provided €350,000 to Concern, Christian Aid, Save the Children and ActionAid for their response to the Ebola outbreak.
Our Embassy in Freetown is continuing to monitor and report on the situation and is engaged in urgent coordination efforts with Governments and other UN, EU and NGO partners.
151. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will push for more action from the United Nations and European Union to de-escalate the violence in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29760/14]
View answerThe present situation across the Middle East is one of deep concern, with serious open conflict in both Syria and now Iraq, and the possibility of violence increasing in Libya, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and elsewhere. All of these conflicts, and wider unrest across the region, have occupied a significant proportion of the agenda at both UN and EU level for a long time.
The most serious of these situations is the full scale civil war in Syria. Efforts to resolve this situation have been focussed primarily at the UN, including the activity of joint special envoys of the UN Secretary General and the Arab League. These efforts have so far been unsuccessful, due to the attitude of the parties in Syria, the inability of the Security Council to agree on how to resolve the conflict politically, and the influx of fighters, weapons and other support into the conflict from outside.
The crisis in Iraq has erupted suddenly from a growing security problem to a full blown conflict, with large areas of the country falling under the control of the radical ISIS movement and groups allied to it. I have reported recently to the Dáil on the discussions on Iraq at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June, and the EU position set out in the Conclusions of that Council. While there will clearly have to be some security response to the crisis by the Iraqi Government, Ireland has stressed that any such response must be measured and proportionate, and moreover that security measures will not succeed unless they are accompanied by a more inclusive political outreach than has been practised by the Iraqi Government thus far.
In recent weeks there has also been growing concern about the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, following a dreadful series of murders of Israeli and Palestinian youths, and what seemed to threaten a possible spiral of sectarian violence. This remains a serious concern, and one that we are watching closely. Statements by myself, by EU High Representative Ashton and by others, have all stressed the need for all parties to avoid inflaming the situation, leading to any further loss of life. Thankfully, and despite some emotional calls for revenge on both sides, there are indications that leaders in both communities are attempting to avoid such an escalation and, in particular, to agree a ceasefire in respect of Gaza. But this will remain a situation requiring close observation.
152. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 1 July 2014, the number of occasions on which each country of origin's military aircraft landed at Shannon in the past 12 months. [29803/14]
View answerAs outlined in Question 99 of 1 July 2014, which contained information on landings at Shannon Airport and overflights of Irish airspace, my Department grants permission for the landing of foreign military aircraft at Shannon Airport subject to the condition that the aircraft are unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives, do not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question do not form any part of military exercises or operations.
The number of occasions on which permission was granted for aircraft of the countries concerned to land at the airport is outlined in the following table.
|
Country |
Number |
|
Bahrain |
1 |
|
Belgium |
2 |
|
Canada |
5 |
|
Croatia |
3 |
|
Egypt |
4 |
|
France |
7 |
|
Germany |
4 |
|
Italy |
8 |
|
Malaysia |
1 |
|
Mexico |
1 |
|
USA |
630 |
|
TOTAL |
666 |
153. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had recent contact with the Egyptian authorities in relation to the detention of an Irish citizen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29812/14]
View answerI raised my concerns regarding this individual with the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on 23 June 2014 at the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. I have also raised my concerns at this individual's continued detention without trial with the then Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmy, on 11 November and 23 December 2013. I followed up these phone calls with a letter to Minister Fahmy in January, expressing my continued concern at this individual's detention. The Minister for European Affairs Paschal Donohoe, T.D. met with Foreign Minister Fahmy, on 11 June 2014 in Athens, on the margins of the EU-League of Arab States Ministerial meeting. The Minister raised the ongoing detention of the individual and requested that all appropriate assistance might be provided to him and his family arising from our serious concerns over his case.
From the outset, Ambassador Isolde Moylan and her colleagues in the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo have been in sustained and direct contact with the Egyptian authorities in relation to the case and contacts have included numerous meeting at Ambassadorial level with senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Justice and the office of the Prosecutor General. Also, on 12 March 2014, the Minister for Justice wrote to the Egyptian Minister for Justice Abdel-Moneim Othman, raising the Government's concerns at the individual's situation and requesting the opportunity to speak about this case as soon as possible.
I have worked with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, to ensure maximum engagement at EU level. As advised already, as recently as 9 May, I wrote to Ms. Ashton to raise this case. At my request, Minister of State Paschal Donohoe, T.D. raised this individual's case in person with High Representative Ashton at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on 12 May. High Representative Ashton had confirmed that the EU is both acutely aware of, and closely monitoring, this individual's situation. The European External Action Service delegation in Cairo has raised the case during official contacts. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Stavros Lambrinidis, mentioned the case during separate meetings with the Egyptian Foreign Minister and the Prosecutor General in Cairo on 9 February.
From the beginning, the Consular Section in my Department has been actively liaising with the family of this individual and the Head of Consular Section in Dublin met with family representatives on 17 August, 19 September, 24 October and 16 December 2013, 16 January, 6 March, 1 and 21 May 2014. Also, the Embassy in Cairo has been allowed regular consular access to this individual and consular visits were made by the Embassy on 24 August, 8 September, 15 September, 10 October, 24 October, 30 October, 10 November, 21 November, 3 December and 18 December 2013 and 8 January, 26 January, 13 February, 23 March, 9 April, 5 May, 9 June and 1 July 2014.
In all dealings with the authorities the Embassy has sought to stress the individual's young age, the length of time he has already been in detention, and the necessity for him to return to Ireland as soon as possible to continue his studies for his Leaving Certificate examination as mitigating factors in his case in addition to the fact that his three sisters who were part of the same case and with him when he was arrested have already been allowed to return to Ireland. However, as you will be aware, the individual named is still before the judicial system in Egypt and we are precluded from getting involved in the judicial process.
Let me assure you that I continue to remain seriously concerned at the continued detention of this individual and have directed that the Irish Embassy in Cairo and the Consular Assistance Section at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continue to give all appropriate consular assistance.
