Tuesday, 15 Jul 2014

Written Answers Nos. 136-162

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (136, 137, 138)

Micheál Martin

Question:

136. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the increased tensions in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30670/14]

Micheál Martin

Question:

137. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding Unionist leaders pulling out of Stormont talks on parades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30672/14]

Micheál Martin

Question:

138. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the Haass talks process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30673/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 to 138, inclusive, together.

The escalation of events in Northern Ireland over the past two weeks is a matter of serious concern to the Government. The decision of the unionist parties to withdraw from the party leaders talks was disappointing. Ensuring that Northern Ireland's institutions deliver for its people is a challenge that requires leadership and constructive engagement in the face of complex, contentious issues. When the Taoiseach spoke with Prime Minister Cameron last week, both leaders underlined their support for the Good Friday Agreement institutions, as well as calling for dialogue and calm during the marching season. The Government supports the Parades Commission and the PSNI as they do a difficult job in demanding circumstances.

The urgently required framework for dealing with the issue of parades, flags and dealing with the legacy of the past will only be delivered through dialogue. As such, I hope that the five party leaders will resume discussions at an early opportunity. This is a sensitive time and the autumn will be a crucial period for putting the talks process back on track and fully implementing the Good Friday Agreement.

As the situation develops, the Government continues to stay in close contact with counterparts in the British Government and Northern Ireland Executive, both at political and official level. As well as speaking with Prime Minister Cameron, the Taoiseach met SDLP and Sinn Féin delegations on Monday 7 July and spoke by phone to the leader of the Alliance Party, David Ford. I spoke with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, on Friday 11 July, and plan to visit Northern Ireland at an early opportunity.

Election Monitoring Missions

Questions (139)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

139. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason for the current method of selection for international election observers; his views on whether his Department takes into account the qualifications and experience of potential observers, rather than when a person was last sent on an observer mission; his views on whether a mechanism should be put in place to ensure the most qualified and suitable candidates are chosen for each mission, if candidates have in-country experience; his views on whether his Department's selection process meets the standards expected by the EU and OSCE; if his Department has conducted an evaluation of the way other EU member states of comparative size operate such election observer missions; his views on whether the current model of selection would stand up to litigation through the courts system, such as from roster members who were not selected but have significantly better qualifications and experience than those who were selected; if he will launch a full, comprehensive and independent review of the roster system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30667/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains and administers a roster of individuals who are available to participate at short notice in election observation missions, organised in the main by the OSCE and the EU. The new election observation roster was established in May 2013 following a review of the existing roster. It comprises 200 individuals with a strong mix of skills and experience relevant to election monitoring. Applicants for the roster were scored independently by two assessors external to the Department, against four criteria specifically related to election observation. These were: experience of election observation; knowledge of human rights and/or governance issues; language skills; and experience of challenging environments.

For each election observation mission, the EU or OSCE set out their specific requirements and, on the basis of expressions of interest from roster members, the Department draws up a list of eligible observers. In selecting nominees to be put forward, the specific criteria set by the EU or OSCE, including relevant local and regional experience and language proficiency, form the principal basis for decision-making. Issues of gender balance and length of time since serving on a mission are also taken into account. Final decisions on participation in missions are made by the EU and OSCE, and Irish nominees have a high success rate. I am satisfied that the selection process meets the standards required internationally.

Ireland participates actively in the European Commission and European External Action Service-led Election Observation network, which brings together election observation Focal Points from all 28 EU Member States, together with Canada, Switzerland and Norway. The network facilitates exchange of information and best practice on all aspects of election observation monitoring, and helps to ensure that we are acting in accordance with that best practice. I am confident that Ireland's election observation roster, and the observer nomination process, meet the highest international standards. The Department will keep the process under review, taking into account developments in the EU and OSCE context.

Northern Ireland Marching Season

Questions (140)

Finian McGrath

Question:

140. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the residents of Ardoyne, Belfast, on the issue of sectarian parades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30951/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Officials in the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat closely monitor the situation on the ground in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. They maintain regular contacts with political and community leaders, including representatives of the residents of Ardoyne, who work to manage and to resolve parade related difficulties and associated sectarian tensions at this time of year. Thanks to such community dialogue and local agreement, the vast majority of parades in Northern Ireland take place without incident.

In 2013, for example, the Parades Commission dealt with over 4,000 notifications of parades, of which 146 were contentious and required Parades Commission determinations. Successive Irish governments have consistently supported the Parades Commission in its challenging work of determining contentious parades. Until such time as new arrangements on parades are agreed and legislated for by the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Irish Government will remain fully supportive of the work of the Parades Commission.

I welcome the fact that the Twelfth of July parades in Northern Ireland have passed off peacefully this year and that there was no repeat of the violence which marred last year's parade in North Belfast. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), deserves great credit for policing the determination in relation to the Ardoyne parade and for the professional handling of all parades across Northern Ireland. I want to echo the Chief Constable George Hamilton's praise for the responsible attitude shown by all sides. I join with other political leaders in Northern Ireland in hoping that this responsible approach continues for the remainder of this year's marching season and that every effort is made to reduce sectarian tensions.

On coming into office last Friday, I spoke by phone with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers MP, about the current situation in Northern Ireland and parades. We are both committed to meeting the challenges of building support for reconciliation and a shared society in Northern Ireland. The Irish government will continue to play its full part in promoting a comprehensive resolution to the parading issue in Northern Ireland.

Human Rights Issues

Questions (141)

Finian McGrath

Question:

141. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise, at EU and UN level, the matter of women and children being killed by US drones in Pakistan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30954/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government remains deeply concerned by instances where innocent civilians, including children, have been killed by drone attacks. In line with the UN Global Strategy on Counter Terrorism, we believe that effective counter terrorism and the protection and promotion of human rights are mutually reinforcing and not competing goals. Ireland has consistently taken the view that combating terrorism must be conducted in full respect of international law, in particular the law of armed conflict and human rights law. The law of armed conflict sets specific requirements to the use of force, including the principles of necessity, proportionality and distinction.

Ireland, together with our EU partners, has regular discussions with the US about the legal aspects of combating international terrorism.

International Students

Questions (142)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

142. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the funding or fees the Irish Council for International Students receives from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30999/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland provides important support to post-graduate students from developing countries through a number of initiatives under our development cooperation programme. The objective of the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme is to strengthen the capacity of partner organizations in our key partner countries. Fellowships are targeted at mid-career professionals who, on completion of the Programme, have committed to putting their acquired skills into practice in their country. Fellowship awards are also aligned to priorities and thematic areas identified in Ireland's country strategy programmes in our key partner countries. These fellowships are awarded annually to successful candidates from Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia, and also from Palestine, Timor Leste and Burundi, for study in Ireland or within their own country/region.

Separately, fellowships have been awarded, to successful post graduate applicants from Vietnam under the Irish Development Experience Sharing Programme (IDEAS). The IDEAS scholarship programme has two elements. The first has funded Masters of Business Administration and other business related Masters Degrees at the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School since 2009; the second, which is a technical scholarship, was launched in 2013. It covers postgraduate study in technical subjects such as biotechnology, pharmacy and ICT. A small number of scholarships have also being awarded to students from Laos. A number of students from South Africa also receive Fellowships under the Kadar Asmal Fellowship Programme, the aim of which is to strengthen the capacity of organisations in South Africa to combat poverty and vulnerability through economic development. In total, it is anticipated that a total of 110 Fellowships will be awarded this year.

Each of these programmes is managed by my Department in cooperation with relevant Embassies and a management agency, the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). It provides specialist support to the Irish Aid Fellowship Desk for all strands of the Fellowship programme by supporting the Fellowship application process, including appraisal and selection; contributing to the successful completion by high quality candidates of their studies under all strands; and researching and proposing options that will extend the range of potential study choices available under the Fellowship Programme. ICOS also works to develop, support and maintain an alumni network for all Irish Aid funded study fellows.

In 2014, ICOS will receive a management fee of €213, 486 from Irish Aid, which includes all overheads.

Middle East Issues

Questions (143, 156)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

143. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the bombing of Gaza and the Israeli military and security operations in occupied east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, following the deaths of three Israeli teenagers and a young Palestinian boy. [31024/14]

Brendan Smith

Question:

156. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been in contact with other members of the EU Foreign Affairs Council or Commissioner Ashton about the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict; if the European Union proposes to take any specific initiative in relation to this conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31610/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 156 together.

Following the dreadful murders of four young people in June and July, Israeli security forces detained six Israeli citizens in connection with the murder of the Palestinian youth; three of these are still in custody and are expected to be charged shortly. Israel stated that a Hamas unit in Hebron had abducted and murdered the three Israeli youths, and arrested large numbers of Hamas operatives in the West Bank, both before and after the youths were found to have been killed. Israeli military forces also struck a number of Hamas targets in Gaza.

This situation has quickly escalated, and the current large scale violence around Gaza, while originating in these incidents, has taken on a terrible life of its own. An estimated 800 rockets have been fired from Gaza at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem, and at the nuclear reactor at Dimona. Israel in response has carried out some 1300 air strikes on Gaza. While these are stated to be aimed at missile launchers and other targets associated with Hamas and other militant groups, as is always the case the resultant casualties, now estimated at approximately 190 dead in Gaza, include large numbers of civilians.

Israel has stated that it seeks what it calls "quiet for quiet", that is, a resumption of the truce which has largely held since November 2012. The attitude of Hamas is less clear, but it seems uninterested for the moment in a ceasefire. It may be that, have been weakened in a number of ways in recent months, it is seeking to reassert its standing in a military confrontation with Israel. It is however the ordinary people, especially of Gaza but also of Israel, who suffer the cost of these events.

Our position is clear. This violence – in both directions – is not acceptable. Since taking office I have repeated the clear call of my predecessor for an end to firing by both sides, and a restoration of the truce. All Israelis, and all Palestinians, have the right to live in peace and security without this constant threat of violence. I welcome the proposal by the Government of Egypt providing for an early ceasefire to come into effect, and note the statement by Israel that it would accept this proposal. I very much hope this initiative will succeed.

High Representative Ashton has made similar calls on behalf of the EU, as have many of my EU colleagues. Foreign Minister Steinmeier of Germany and Foreign Minister Mogherini of Italy are due to visit the region in the coming days for discussions with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. It is expected that the situation will be considered by EU Heads of State and Government at their meeting on Wednesday 16 July. The Foreign Affairs Council on 22 July was already scheduled to discuss the Middle East Peace Process and will certainly now consider this upsurge in violence. This represents yet another cost of these events – a discussion which is intended to focus on the longer term political imperatives may now instead be dominated, as so often in the past, by the latest outbreak of cyclical and essentially futile violence.

EU Enlargement

Questions (144)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he can support an application by Albania to join the EU, with particular reference to that country's ambition to do so at an early date; if it is expected, having regard to that country's ability to observe the acquis communautaire; the extent to which he expects the EU to respond positively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31103/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Albania applied for membership of the European Union in April 2009. Following an analysis of Albania's legislation and political readiness for membership, the European Commission published an Opinion on Albania's application in October 2010, which identified a series of reforms and challenges for Albania to overcome in order to be granted the status of a Candidate Country. A major test for Albania was holding fair and democratic parliamentary elections in June 2013, which resulted in the peaceful change of government. In October 2013, the European Commission recommended granting Albania the status of Candidate Country, the next step in the accession process. At the General Affairs Council on 24 June 2014, EU Ministers agreed to grant Candidate Status to Albania. This decision was subsequently endorsed by the European Council.

In granting Candidate Status, EU Ministers also set out, in detailed Council conclusions, the issues that Albania will need to address before it can move to the opening of accession negotiations, which is the next stage in the enlargement process. These issues include stepping up the fight against organised crime and corruption, reforming the public administration and the judiciary, and enhancing protection of human rights and anti-discrimination policies. The European Commission will report, though its regular progress reports and on the basis of the output of the EU-Albania high level dialogue, in a comprehensive and detailed manner on Albania's progress on the key priorities. Once Albania has made sufficient progress, Member States will consider, on the basis of a recommendation from the European Commission, the opening of accession negotiations.

Ireland has consistently supported Albania on its EU path. Ireland strongly supported granting Candidate Status at last month's General Affairs Council given the real progress the country has made in undertaking the necessary reforms. We believe that the positive decision on Candidate Status will encourage the Government and people of Albania to continue the reform momentum, to meet the necessary steps to move to the next stage of the accession process, and to help bring stability and prosperity to the country.

Human Rights Issues

Questions (145)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU and UN continue to monitor the situation in Burma, with particular reference to ethnic cleansing against the Kachin and Rohingya people; if the extent of the human rights abuse and regime of terror is fully appreciated by the international community; if any attempt is being made to inspect refugee camps with a view to identification of the full scale of violence against the civilian population, including women, teenagers and children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31104/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I refer the Deputy to the replies to Questions Nos. 43 and 44 of 9 July 2014. Human rights have been a priority of successive Irish governments, and are a key dimension of our foreign policy. Ireland works bilaterally and through the EU and UN to ensure that human rights are respected in Myanmar/Burma. In June 2014 the EU Delegation to Myanmar and EU Heads of Mission visited Nay Pyi Taw for political consultations with the Myanmar Government, including Union Ministers of the President's Office, and the Deputy Foreign Minister. They also met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

At the EU Foreign Affairs Council in May 2014, EU Foreign Ministers approved the establishment of a formal EU-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue. The first such Dialogue took place in Myanmar on 20th May. It was co-chaired by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and the Myanmar Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and covered major issues of concern with regard to human rights, including discrimination, hate speech and inter-communal violence against the Rohingya in Rakhine, and in other parts of Myanmar. At the dialogue the EU stressed that continued efforts to achieve ethnic peace and end discrimination and violence in Rakhine State were key for the success of Myanmar's continued transition to democracy. The EU encouraged the Myanmar government to address the underlying causes of inter-communal violence, including the status and welfare of the Rohingya and expressed regret that Rohingya could not self-identify during the recent census. The EU also expressed readiness to cooperate with Myanmar on initiatives which promote inter-communal understanding.

In April 2014, Ireland was involved in organising with several NGOs an event at UN Headquarters in New York that focused on sexual violence in Myanmar. It featured interventions from a Burmese woman human rights activist, Naw K'nyaw Paw, and Ireland's Permanent Representative to the UN, David Donoghue.

In March 2014, the UN Human Rights Council, of which Ireland is currently a member, adopted an EU-led resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, which urged the Government of Myanmar to step up its efforts to put an end to remaining human rights violations and abuses. In particular, the Council reiterated its serious concern about the situation of the Rohingya and other minorities in Rakhine State, including repeated instances of violence and other reported abuses, requested that an independent investigation be undertaken into those events and that those responsible be held to account.

Officials from my Department met with Burma Action Ireland, the Chairman of the European Rohingya Council and a member of the Irish Rohingya Community earlier this month to listen to their concerns and to brief on the Irish Government's actions in relation to Myanmar. Ireland's (non-resident) Ambassador to Myanmar met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar during a visit to the country in May 2014. The Ambassador raised Ireland's ongoing concerns about the situation in Rakhine State, including the poor conditions that the some 140,000 displaced Rohingya people are enduring in the IDP camps, and the lack of humanitarian access, given that many international NGOs have been forced to leave Rakhine State.

The Ambassador also visited Rakhine State in September 2013. The purpose of the visit was to assess the humanitarian situation on the ground, particularly for the displaced members of the Muslim Rohingya community and to assess whether there are any areas where Ireland could offer support to help alleviate their plight. The Ambassador visited several IDP camps, called on the Chief Minister of Rakhine state, met with local Buddhist religious leaders, and had discussions with the heads of the main UN agencies working on the ground.

Since 2007, Ireland has provided more than €7.87 million to Myanmar through NGOs and Irish missionaries for both long term development work and emergency and recovery responses. In July 2013, officials from my Department undertook a scoping visit to Myanmar/Burma. The purpose of the mission was to assess developments in the country, and examine how Irish Aid could develop an assistance programme for the country. The visit encompassed a wide range of meetings with political, business, diplomatic and civil society contacts. The range of meetings allowed a broad assessment of developments in the country and to identify key elements of a possible aid programme.

On foot of this scoping visit, in December 2013, the Tánaiste announced an additional programme of funding of €500, 000 for a bilateral development assistance programme in 2013. The same level of funding has also been agreed for 2014. Irish Aid also granted funding of €425,825 to Trócaire in 2014 under the Humanitarian Programme Plan for Food Security, Livelihood and Protection assistance programme in Laiza, Kachin State, Myanmar.

The Ambassador to Myanmar also visited Kachin state in Upper Burma in March 2013, as part of a field trip by EU Ambassadors accredited to Myanmar. The purpose of the trip was to visit IDP camps to assess the situation of those displaced by fighting in Kachin state; to get an update on efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement between the Government and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA); and to meet with local government, NGOs (including a number of Irish missionaries) and UN agencies to discuss how the EU can best assist in peace efforts and humanitarian relief.

Ireland and our international partners recognise that complex challenges remain in Myanmar and will continue to urge its government to address human rights abuses. We will continue to press for the Myanmar government to implement its commitment to open a local country office of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights which would have a mandate for monitoring and reporting on human rights issues.

Departmental Reports

Questions (146)

Seán Fleming

Question:

146. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when his Department will publish its annual report for 2013. [31128/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department intends to publish its annual report for 2013 by October this year.

Military Aircraft Landings

Questions (147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 157)

Clare Daly

Question:

147. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how far in advance requests for military aircraft to land or overfly Irish airspace are required; and if assurances are sought or given on every single occasion that they are unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives, do not engage in intelligence gathering, and where the flights in question do not form any part of military exercises or operations. [31164/14]

Clare Daly

Question:

148. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, which provides that every foreign military aircraft flying over or landing in the State, on the express invitation or with the express permission of the Minister, shall comply with such stipulations as the Minister may make in relation to such aircraft, not as he has stated many times that they must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives, do not engage in intelligence gathering, and where the flights in question do not form any part of military exercises or operations, if these stipulations have been made and when they were put in place. [31165/14]

Clare Daly

Question:

149. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason aircraft of the Egyptian authorities landed at Shannon Airport four times in the past 12 months. [31173/14]

Clare Daly

Question:

150. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 152 of 8 July 2014 and 99 of 1 July 2014, the number of occasions on which each country of origin military aircraft sought permission to overfly Irish airspace at Shannon. [31174/14]

Clare Daly

Question:

151. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 152 of 8 July and 99 of 1 July 2014, the reason for the discrepancies between the lists of countries given in the replies, as both deal with countries which have sought permission to land military aircraft over the past 12 months. [31182/14]

Clare Daly

Question:

157. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of occasions for each country of origin on which permission was refused for military aircraft to land at Shannon in the past 12 months. [31624/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 to 151, inclusive, and 157 together.

The Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland. In exercising this responsibility, successive Ministers have stipulated that permission for the landing of foreign military aircraft at Shannon airport may be granted subject to the conditions that apply to all overflights and landings by foreign military aircraft; namely 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. These conditions are strictly applied.

Countries are asked to submit their requests two days in advance of the entry of aircraft into Irish airspace. It is not the practice to divulge information relation to the specific purposes of individual landings. However, in the vast majority of cases, military aircraft use the landing facilities at Shannon airport for the purposes of refuelling and to allow for crew and passenger rest. In a small number of cases, aircraft land in Shannon airport to allow for the transport of dignitaries or other persons participating in visits to Ireland, as a result of medical emergencies on board, for flight crew training, and for aircraft maintenance purposes.

The list of countries provided in reply to Question No. 99 of 1 July referred to aircraft which had landed at Shannon as well as overflights in Irish airspace. The list of countries provided in reply to Question No. 152 of 8 July refers only to landings at Shannon airport.Permission for a landing by a military aircraft at Shannon airport was refused on one occasion in the past 12 months and on the basis that the request did not meet with the normal conditions that apply to landings at Irish airports by foreign military aircraft.

Details of the overflights in Irish airspace during the past 12 months are set out in the following table.

COUNTRY	TOTAL
AUSTRALIA	1
BELGIUM	36
CANADA	20
COLOMBIA	1
COTE D'IVORE	1
CZECH REPUBLIC	7
DENMARK	3
DJIBOUTI	1
EGYPT	19
FRANCE	55
GABON	2
GERMANY	29
GREECE	4
INDIA	3
ISRAEL	1
ITALY	21
JAPAN	1
JORDAN	20
LEBANON	2
LIBYA	1
MALAYSIA	2
MEXICO	5
MOROCCO	2
NETHERLANDS	74
NEW ZEALAND	1
OMAN	4
PAKISTAN	4
PANAMA	2
QATAR	4
ROMANIA	1
SWEDEN	8
SWITZERLAND	4
UAE	1
UK	8
USA	1194
VIETNAM	3
YEMEN	1
Total	1546

Tobacco Control Measures

Questions (152)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

152. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the issue of standardised packaging of tobacco products was raised with him by any US politicians on his recent visit to the US; if so, the person who raised this issue with him; the specific issues raised in relation to standardised packaging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31420/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

On 10th June 2014, the Government approved the publication of the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014 and the presentation of the Bill in the Seanad. The then Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade visited Washington D.C. from 17-19 June for a range of meetings and discussions with key political and Irish-American community figures on U.S. immigration reform-related matters. I can confirm that, in the course of that visit, the issue of standardised packaging of tobacco products in Ireland and its possible implications from an intellectual property perspective was raised with him by Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.

I understand that my predecessor advised the Congressman that an important public health issue was involved, that the Government had accordingly authorised publication of the legislation in question and that the normal Oireachtas procedures, including in relation to Committee hearings and public consultations, would now be followed. He took note of the Congressman's views and undertook to convey them to the Minister for Health.

Emigrant Support Services

Questions (153)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

153. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way the Traveller community in Britain directly benefits from ESP grant funding, specifically in relation to social mobility; the number of educational training programmes being offered by ESP-funded organisations to assist the Traveller community; and the way Travellers are included in the ownership, governance and design of ESP service provision to their community. [31442/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides funding to not-for-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish. Funding is granted under the following categories: Capital, Heritage, Business Networks, Welfare and Welfare-Elderly. A key objective of the ESP is to support culturally sensitive projects and initiatives that address the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Irish emigrants.

The Traveller community in Britain is one of the target communities for ESP assistance. In 2013, ESP grants were provided to 17 projects in Britain focused on the Traveller community. These ranged from support for policy making, through the Traveller Movement, to advocacy and outreach services and specific youth projects. These grants totalled €599,404 and a list of the projects supported is provided in the following table. Total ESP funding to programmes in Britain focused on Travellers, over the 2011-2013 period, amounts to over €1.87m (2011 - €613,056 and 2012 - €657,860). Full details for all grants made under the Emigrant Support Programme are available on my Department's website. Grants applications for 2014 are currently being processed.

In terms of the design of projects and programmes, all applications are prepared by the organisations in question; they design their own projects and seek funding for them. The ESP provides funding but does not directly provide services. Funding applications from Britain based organisations are in the first instance assessed by the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (ESAC). Apart from the Chairperson and Secretary, who are officers serving in the Embassy of Ireland in London, the Committee members have a background in the Irish community sector in Britain and serve in a voluntary capacity. The Chair and founding member of the Traveller Movement, who is also a former Project Manager of the Irish Chaplaincy in Britain's Traveller Project, currently serves as a member of this advisory committee.

Organisations that received ESP funding in 2013 towards projects focused on Travellers in Britain

Organisation Name	Project Name
Bell Farm Christian Centre	Doorway Advice Information and Care Service
Bristol Playbus	Family trees
Forest Bus	The Forest Bus Irish Traveller project
Friends, Families and Travellers	Irish Traveller Casework and Advocacy Project
Irish Chaplaincy in Britain	ICB Traveller Project
Irish Community Care Manchester	Traveller Education and Lifeskills Development Project
Irish Community Care Merseyside	Irish Traveller Service
Traveller Movement	Director
Traveller Movement	National Policy Campaigns & Research Officer
Leeds GATE	Traveller Youth Inclusion
Leeds GATE	Advocacy Development
Lewisham Irish Community Centre	Gypsy, Roma Traveller Outreach service
London Gypsy and Traveller Unit	Traveller Youth Project
London Gypsy and Traveller Unit	Traveller Accommodation Advocacy and Advice Service
Solace Women's Aid	Irish Domestic Violence Outreach and Resettlement Service
Southwark Travellers Action Group	Southwark Travellers' Action Group- (STAG)
Tricycle Theatre	Speaking Out!

Emigrant Support Services

Questions (154)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

154. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way his Department ensures Travellers are fully included in the design and delivery of all ESP-funded heritage projects. [31443/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides funding to not-for-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish. A key objective of the ESP is to support culturally sensitive projects and initiatives that address the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Irish emigrants. The Traveller community is one of the target communities for ESP assistance. The Irish Abroad Unit, which manages the ESP, does not design the projects and programmes for which it provides funding. Instead, it considers whether to provide funding, in whole or in part, for projects and programmes for which applications have been made under specific headings - Capital, Welfare, Welfare-Elderly, Business Networks and Heritage.

My Department is very open to applications from the Traveller community outside of Ireland. This is clear from the fact that the Emigrant Support Programme made grants totalling almost €600,000 to 17 Traveller focused projects in Britain in 2013, with similar amounts granted in the preceding two years.

In the context of the Emigrant Support Programme, "Heritage" projects are those involving the promotion and maintenance of Irish heritage and identity. This includes cultural and sporting activities. In 2013, three of the 17 projects funded in Britain mentioned above were under this heading. These were: The Bristol Playbus which received funding towards its Family Trees project, the Forest Bus Southampton which received funding towards its Irish Traveller Project and The Tricycle Theatre, Camden, London which received funding towards its Speaking Out! Project. Applications for 2014 are currently being processed.

More generally, in terms of the governance of the Emigrant Support Programme, applications received from organisations outside Britain are assessed by staff of the Irish Abroad Unit of my Department in consultation with the relevant Irish Embassy or Consulate. Funding applications from Britain based organisations are in the first instance assessed by the Emigrant Services Advisory Committee (ESAC). Apart from the Chairperson and Secretary, who are officers serving in the Embassy of Ireland in London, the Committee members have a background in the Irish community sector in Britain and serve in a voluntary capacity. The Chair of the Traveller Movement, who is also a former Project Manager of the Irish Chaplaincy in Britain's Traveller Project, currently serves as a member of this advisory committee.

If the Deputy wishes, the staff of the Irish Abroad Unit would be happy to meet with him to outline in more detail the work of the Emigrant Support Programme and the application process.

Public Relations Contracts Expenditure

Questions (155)

Denis Naughten

Question:

155. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total cost of public relations and communications services to his Department in 2013; the spend to date in 2014; the total estimate for 2014; the corresponding figures for each agency funded from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31530/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

For 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 for journalists and students, 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 at the Farmleigh Estate in 2013 and 2014.

In recent years the Department has helped broaden coverage of global development themes and of the countries with which Irish Aid works through support to the Simon Cumbers Media Fund. Other media initiatives include co-funding of the RTE Radio Series 'One World' in 2013 to allow for a more consistent and integrated approach to coverage of development issues on the national broadcaster. The Department also provides grant funding to support the 'What in the World' television series, produced by KMF Productions, and broadcast on RTE television. Figures for the costs associated with these initiatives are contained in the following table.

My Department 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. In the case of Ireland's Presidency of the EU in 2013, there was a demand for photography which would not routinely apply. My Department continues to make greater use of in-house resources for photography.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. The total communication costs for 2014 are expected to be broadly in line with 2013. There are no agencies under the aegis of my Department.

-	2013 €	2014 €
Photography	10,534	3,189
Photography (Irish Aid)	5,189	1,764
Africa Day	118,643	167,588
SCMF (administration & grants)	134,825	123,434
RTE Radio 'One World'	38,867	nil
“What in the World”	40,000	20,000
Total	349,058	315,975

Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 143.

Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 147.

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings

Questions (158)

Brendan Smith

Question:

158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State or British Foreign Secretary in relation to the motions passed unanimously by Dáil Éireann requesting the British Government to release the papers and-or files pertaining to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31662/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government continues to support the all-party Dáil motions of July 2008 and May 2011 urging the British Government to allow access by an independent international judicial figure to all original documents in their possession relating to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. This is a matter which my predecessor raised with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, who assured him that she would look afresh at the Government's request that access be granted to the documents concerned. I, and officials of my Department, will continue to raise this and other legacy issues as appropriate with counterparts in the British Government.

The Government has expressed its solidarity with the victims and survivors of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, and their families. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello TD participated in memorial events on the 40th anniversary of the bombings, and my Department's Reconciliation Fund recently allocated renewed funding for Justice for the Forgotten, a group which works with the families affected by the bombings. Cases like the Dublin-Monaghan bombings underline the need to find a comprehensive, fair and balanced framework for dealing with the past. If not dealt with, the past will continue to have a deeply corrosive effect on politics. In this regard, I encourage Northern Ireland's party leaders to return as soon as possible to talks on parades, flags and dealing with the past.

Illicit Trade in Tobacco

Questions (159)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

159. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the research and analysis that has been undertaken on potential increases in black market activity as a result of the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014; if any resources have been put in place to combat same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31095/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners, who have responsibility for the collection of tobacco products tax and for tackling illegal activity in the tobacco trade, that they are very aware of the threat that shadow economy activity poses.  Revenue collects some €1 billion annually in tobacco products tax so protection of this tax and tackling fraudulent activity will continue to be a high priority.

From a taxation perspective, Revenue relies on the tobacco tax stamp to identify tax-paid tobacco products and this will continue following the introduction of standardised packaging.  The standardised packaging legislation will accommodate the tax stamp and Revenue expects that the new packaging rules will ensure effective security features to make counterfeiting very difficult.  The tobacco tax stamp has, itself, a range of sophisticated security features to minimise the risk of counterfeiting. 

Revenue is an integrated tax and customs administration with some 2,000 staff engaged in confronting non-compliance generally, including tobacco smuggling. It is not possible to disaggregate staffing resources deployed exclusively on policing shadow economy activity in the tobacco trade.  For effective operational management, the funding and resources assigned to programmes are interdependent, with staff resources deployed according to business needs.  Revenue's work at ports, airports and postal depots to counter tobacco smuggling is supported by equipment and resources such as scanners, x-ray machines and detector dogs and these are reviewed regularly in light of technological developments and operational effectiveness.

Revenue's view is that the introduction of standardised packaging is unlikely to affect significantly their work against the illicit trade in tobacco products and is unlikely to require the allocation of additional resources. However, Revenue will continue to give priority to the assignment of resources to tackling illegal activity and this matter will be kept under review.

VAT Exemptions

Questions (160, 249)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

160. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to eliminate VAT charged on fees involved in home owner bankruptcy proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31280/14]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

249. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to reduce the costs involved in a home owner being made bankrupt, including eliminating VAT charged on court fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31281/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 249 together.

With regard to reducing the costs involved in a home owner being made bankrupt, I have been informed by my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, that fees charged in the courts are set by means of Statutory Instrument. Court fees orders are made by the Minister for Justice and Equality with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.  During 2013, the Courts Service carried out a comprehensive review of court fees. Court fees in connection with bankruptcy proceedings are currently regulated by the Supreme and High Court (Fees) Order 2014 (S.I. 24 of 2014) which came into effect on 3 February 2014.

The fees comprise €190 payable on the petition for bankruptcy and €20 payable on the verifying affidavit.  As the Deputy will appreciate, court fee income forms a significant part of the funding for the general operation of the courts and the Courts Service keeps its fee structure under continuous review in accordance with the power given to it under the Courts Service Act. The Minister for Justice and Equality has no plans to reduce the fees payable under S.I. 24 of 2014. However, the operation of the law in this area is kept under review by her Department.

In addition, the Minister for Justice and Equality asks that the Deputy should note that fees are also payable to the Insolvency Service of Ireland during administration of a bankruptcy as set out in the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 (Prescribed fees in Bankruptcy Matters) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 465 of 2013). These fees are similarly kept under review. The law relating to bankruptcy was already changed in 2013 (by the Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2013) to reduce the costs of bankruptcy for debtors by providing that the necessary publication could be made without charge on the website of the Insolvency Service, rather than by advertisements in national newspapers. The resulting saving for a person wishing to become bankrupt was estimated at up to €500.  

With regard to eliminating the VAT on court fees, I would point out that fees charged by the Court service are not within the scope of VAT.  Therefore, VAT should not apply to such fees.  I would however point out that VAT does apply to the services of all insolvency practitioners, including the activities carried out by liquidators, receivers, examiners and personal insolvency practitioners (PIPs) involved in the debt settlement arrangements and personal insolvency arrangements as provided for in the Personal Insolvency Act 2012.  The fees charged by insolvency practitioners are liable to VAT at the standard rate, currently 23%.  The Revenue Commissioners have considered in the past the nature of the services provided by PIPs and concluded that the services provided by a PIP do not qualify for exemption in accordance with the VAT Directive, Irish VAT Law, and relevant decisions of the European Court of Justice.

Flood Risk Insurance Cover

Questions (161)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

161. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to insurance companies refusing home insurance, including but not limited to flood insurance, to householders in Dublin based on a supposed risk of flooding, even though there is no history or projected risk of flooding in the area in question. [30767/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am very much aware of the difficulties that the absence of flood insurance cover can cause to householders and businesses. However, neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland, have the power to direct insurance companies to provide flood cover to specific individuals. The provision of new flood cover or the renewal of existing flood cover is a commercial matter for insurance companies, which is based on a proper assessment of the risks they are accepting and the need to make adequate provisioning to meet these risks.  As a matter of course, insurance companies carry out reviews of the risks they are prepared to insure against and sometimes make decisions to discontinue certain types of cover which they consider high risk. Insurance Ireland has indicated that 98% of policyholders have household insurance which includes flood cover.

Government policy in relation to flooding is focussed on the development of a sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to dealing with flooding problems.  The Office of Public Works (OPW) is carrying out an assessment of flood risk throughout the country under the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM) Programme.  This programme will include the  production of a comprehensive suite of flood risk maps and the development of flood risk management plans for the areas most at risk.  The plans will consider the best possible options, both structural and non-structural, for dealing with the risks on a long-term basis.  

This commitment is underpinned by a very significant capital works investment programme which will see up to €225 million being spent on flood relief measures over a five year period from 2012 to 2016. Works are completed on a prioritised basis.  Because of the cost and scale of these types of flood defence works, this approach will see benefits over the medium and long term.

The OPW and Insurance Ireland have agreed on a sustainable system of information sharing in relation to completed flood alleviation schemes. The outcome of this arrangement is that the insurance industry will have a much greater level of information and understanding of the extent of the protection provided by completed OPW flood defence works and will therefore be able to reflect this in assessing the provision of flood insurance to householders in areas where works have been completed.

The Deputy has raised the issue of flood insurance in the Dublin.  The OPW has been involved in a number of flood relief projects in various parts of Dublin.  The River Tolka scheme is completed and details of the completed works have been provided to Insurance Ireland.  Work is continuing on the River Dodder and River Wad schemes and work will begin soon on the River Poddle scheme.

My Department is undertaking a review of measures which could be taken to increase the availability of flood insurance cover, including the past experience and future proposals in other countries.  In assessing these, care has to be taken that the proposed solutions do not put in place arrangements which, over time, would weaken the provision of commercial insurance cover by the market with possible negative long-term consequences for the economy.

I am advised that in cases where individuals are experiencing difficulty in obtaining flood insurance and believe that they are being treated unfairly it is open to them to contact Insurance Ireland which operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to insurance. Their service can be contacted at [phone] or by email at [e-mail].

Banking Sector

Questions (162)

Michael McGrath

Question:

162. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will set out in tabular form the fees received by the Exchequer from each institution on an annual basis since 2008, including to date in 2014, in respect of the credit institutions financial support scheme and the eligible liabilities guarantee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30780/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As you are aware, the ELG Scheme closed for new liabilities at midnight on the 28th March 2013. Eligible liabilities covered under the Scheme which were incurred up to midnight on the 28th March 2013 continue to be covered up to their maturity date which could be up to 5 years maximum from the date the liability was incurred. This means that covered liabilities will wind down over the period from midnight on the 28th March 2013 until the 28th March 2018 at the latest.

Fees paid by the covered institutions in respect of the ELG Scheme guarantee are paid quarterly in arrears and therefore there is a time lag before the fees are paid into the Exchequer (i.e. fees received as cash in Q1 of 2014 are in respect of fees accrued for Q4 of 2013). The figures below are presented on an accrued basis, the 2014 figures below reflect the Q1 2014 fees received from the banks in April, the fees attributable to Q2 2014 will be received later this month.

The total fees received to date from the covered banks in respect of both the CIFS and ELG Schemes amount in total to €4.3bn which does not include interest accrued.  This amount comprises €758.4m in respect of CIFS and €3,507.3m in respect of the ELG Scheme.

CIFS Scheme fees paid to date by Covered Institutions

€millions	IL&P	BoI	AIB	Anglo	EBS	INBS	Postbank	Total
2008	-	32.3	-	37.9	-	-	0.004	70.20
2009	35.4	138.1	174.7	94.8	9.7	23.8	0.020	476.52
2010	14.8	68.3	58.3	54.9	5.9	8.8	0.015	211.01
2011	-	-	-	0.7	-	-	-	.70
Total	50.2	238.7	233.0	188.3	15.6	32.6	0.039	758.43

ELG fees paid to date by Participating Institutions

€millions	IL&P	BoI	AIB	IBRC	EBS	Total
2010	95.9	275.5	299.3	149.9	34.2	854.8
2011	172.9	448.7	464.9	85.5	62.6	1234.6
2012	165.2	375.4	332.0	23.9	54.7	951.2
2013	105.4	142.3	126.8	0	46.8	421.3
2014 to date	16.5	11.3	10.4	0	7.2	45.4
Total	555.9	1253.2	1233.4	259.3	205.5	3507.3