Written Answers Nos. 30-61
30. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of the recent review of gas and oil licensing terms, his views that conditions regarding local employment, the benefit to the local economy and security of supply are adequately catered for; if not his plans to ensure they will be catered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31647/14]
View answerSuccessful exploration for oil and gas would result in significant benefits for Ireland in a number of ways. In addition to the income that would accrue to the Exchequer through the oil and gas fiscal terms and the security of supply benefits that would result from an increased indigenous supply, there would also be considerable economic benefits generated by the associated development and production activity. While Ireland has only enjoyed limited experience of successful exploration to date, the potential wider economic impacts have been clearly evidenced. For example, the Kinsale field was the trigger for the development of Ireland's natural gas industry, which has had a very considerable economic impact. In more recent years the Corrib gas field development has had a very positive economic impact and has given rise to significant employment opportunities, including much local employment. Recently, the Corrib partners reported that more than 900 people from Erris and Mayo have been employed on the project, over 300 Irish contracting companies have been engaged and over €1 billion has been spent with Irish companies.
While the benefits to the economy that result from successful exploration are obvious, the challenge is to create the conditions that will encourage an increase in exploration investment and exploration activity in the Irish offshore, so that more commercial discoveries are made.
31. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason Ireland is not following the recommendation of the inter-governmental panel on climate change to leave all fossil fuels in the ground in view of the warning it has given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31650/14]
View answerSecurity of energy supply is crucial to every society and economy. A well balanced fuel mix that provides reliable energy, minimises costs, and protects against supply disruptions and price volatility, is essential to Irish consumers and businesses.
The SEAI publication, Renewable Energy in Ireland 2012, noted that oil and gas are a critical component of our energy mix, providing 76% of primary energy requirement in 2012. While Ireland has made considerable progress with regard to the use of renewable energy, it is the case that fossil fuels will continue to provide the lion's share of the energy mix well into the future.
The contribution of renewable energy to overall energy demand is rising steadily. It rose from 2.3% to 7.1% between 1990 and 2012, with renewable electricity contributing 4.1% to the overall energy demand in 2012. Ireland has committed to a target of 16% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020, through 40% from renewable electricity, 12% from renewable heat, and 10% from renewable transport. The ambition to have 40% of electricity consumed from renewable sources by 2020 is one of the most demanding in the world.
The Government is continuing to develop policies and actions aimed at increasing our security of supply, addressing our dependence on imported fossil fuels and achieving a more secure energy mix, while capitalising on indigenous renewable and conventional energy sources. The exploitation of indigenous gas supplies, and possible oil supplies, are important components of these policies.
The SEAI publication ‘Energy Forecasts for Ireland to 2020’ projects annual primary fuel requirement through to 2020, assuming that Ireland meets current renewable energy and energy efficiency targets set by the EU. These projections, which are available on the SEAI website, show that Ireland will remain dependent on fossil fuels well into the future. Oil and gas will remain central to the economy, particularly in the heating and transport sectors, until affordable, secure and viable alternatives become available.
32. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources what the scope of bioenergy Ireland will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31645/14]
View answerOn June 24th last, the Government approved the streamlining and refocusing of the commercial operations of Bord na Móna and Coillte, primarily in the bio energy and wind energy sectors.
The decision will see the establishment of a Joint Venture (JV) between the two companies, with subsidiaries or SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) as necessary, to focus on the identified areas of greatest synergy, which include a Biomass business, to be called BioEnergy Ireland, which would procure biomass at market rates from both Coillte and private sources and use this to supply the entire market (including Coillte’s board companies and Bord na Móna’s power station) on a competitive, commercial basis.
Additional areas of focus for the JV are a wind business comprising initially of two Coillte wind farms, a shared services approach to consolidate central support services and drive cost efficiencies, and Recreation and Tourism.
This JV approach has the potential to capture many of the efficiency gains and policy benefits of a full merger, while avoiding some of the short-term costs and risks associated with a merger strategy. The Government has agreed that overall responsibility for implementing the decision is to be given to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
The Government has also recently agreed the national Bioenergy Plan. Bioenergy will be an essential element in contributing to Ireland’s future energy needs. It has the potential to provide significant economic and environmental benefits. Our available resource – derived from forests, energy crops, animal by-products, and waste – can rapidly increase through policies and actions across energy, forestry, agriculture, waste, and research, development and deployment. The Bioenergy Plan will provide a mechanism to inform and coordinate policy and implementation across these policy areas and includes a role for Bioenergy Ireland in optimising the supply of biomass.
33. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there has been a thorough examination and analysis of the economic and employment benefits that might be derived from large-scale onshore and offshore wind farms; if he will publish the results of any such examinations and analyses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31648/14]
View answerIreland's progress to date in transitioning to renewable energy was underlined by the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) in its publication, in February 2014, of "Renewable Energy in Ireland 2012". That publication noted that the contribution of renewable energy to meeting overall energy demand rose from 2.3% to 7.1% between 1990 and 2012, with renewable electricity contributing 4.1% to the overall energy demand in 2012. The publication is available on the SEAI website at http://www.seai.ie/Publications/Statistics_Publications/Renewable_Energy_in_Ireland/Renewable-Energy-in-Ireland-2012.pdf.
Provisional figures for 2013 indicate that 16.4% of electricity demand was met by wind generation. At the end of 2013, the total amount of renewable generation connected to the grid was 2,300 MW. It has been estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 megawatts of installed wind generation will be required to meet Ireland’s renewable targets, in addition to hydro generation, bio-energy, and renewable combined heat and power generators. Currently, over 3,000 MW of additional renewable generation has taken up connection offers under the Gate 3 grid connection programme.
There are a number of economic benefits that arise from onshore and offshore wind development, some of which are already being realised. The economic benefits include employment from the construction and maintenance of generation infrastructure as well as from component manufacturing. Analysis undertaken by the ESRI (Economic and Social Research Institute) and Trinity College Dublin (2013) estimated direct and indirect employment under various realistic scenarios. The report, which estimates multiple thousands of jobs depending on the scenario, is available on the ESRI's website at https://www.esri.ie/UserFiles/publications/BKMNEXT250/BKMNEXT250.pdf. Additional flows of income to local economies would arise from rates, rent to land owners and local community funds.
I should also highlight the additional benefits in terms of enhanced security and sustainability of energy provided by the increased use of indigenous renewable energy.
34. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of the contribution by wind energy towards the overall energy and electricity bills for the country on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31293/14]
View answerThe 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable energy sources by 2020. In order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources. The primary support mechanisms for renewable electricity, including electricity generated from wind, are the Renewable Energy Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) scheme and the Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) scheme, both of which are funded from the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy.
The estimates for the cost of the PSO levy for each year since 2003 are published in the annual PSO decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). While the bulk of subsidies for renewable electricity generation paid under these schemes have been for wind, the CER has initiated a project to generate a report on the annual and cumulative costs to date in relation to AER and REFIT support schemes for each technology supported.
The CER determines the PSO levy which is a charge on all electricity customers without exception. The legal basis for the PSO levy and its method of calculation are set out in Regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 (S.I. No. 217 of 2002). The cost of the PSO varies from year to year depending on a number of factors including the wholesale market price of electricity.
The proposed PSO levy amount for the levy period 2014/2015 has been calculated by the CER to be €327,712,890 and the draft decision is on its website. In terms of the cost to the PSO of renewable energy, AER is expected to cost €2,269,000 and the cost of REFIT is estimated to be €84,346,555 which together would amount to an average charge of approximately €16.65 per domestic customer for the year. Although a breakdown of the PSO cost by technology is not available, wind makes up almost 95% of the renewable electricity supported in the two schemes.
A final decision on the PSO levy for the 2014/15 period will issue by 1 August 2014 and will be available on the CER website.
35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he has to meet the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the party leaders in Northern Ireland on the need to progress the Haass talks to a successful conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32166/14]
View answerOn the evening of my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I spoke by telephone with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers. Our conversation largely focused on the prospects for the 12th July parades, which were taking place the following day, but also touched upon the need to resume political dialogue on the Haass issues. I also had brief conversations that evening with the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, and the Leader of the SDLP, Dr. Alasdair McDonnell. I spoke yesterday by phone to First Minister, Peter Robinson, and I hope to make contact with the other party leaders in the coming days. I intend to visit Northern Ireland later this month and expect that my programme will include a meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and other political leaders.
Given the worrying political drift in recent weeks, it is crucial that momentum and confidence is restored to the political process in Northern Ireland. In that regard, I hope that Northern Ireland’s party leaders will shortly resume talks on a comprehensive and balanced framework for addressing issues including flags, parades, and dealing with the past. Such complex and contentious issues require leadership and constructive engagement.
36. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be refunded a passport application fee in view of the fact that the passport application was not processed. [32175/14]
View answerThe application in question has been cancelled and as a result of this, the paid passport fee of €80 is due to the applicant. A refund for this amount has been made to him.
37. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons that have been entered on the foreign births register by year to date; the number of entries in each year that were entered on the grounds of an Irish parent being Irish-born, naturalised, a post-nuptial Irish citizen, an adopted Irish citizen or a foreign-birth Irish citizen. [32205/14]
View answerThe Foreign Births Register was established under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956. An Application for Irish citizenship through Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) can be submitted by any person born abroad with a grandparent born in any part of Ireland or whose parent received Irish citizenship or was deemed to be an Irish citizen prior to the birth of the applicant. Since the introduction of the Foreign Births Register, approximately 150,000 people have been entered into the Register. It is not possible to give exact figures as the system was paper based up until October 2012. It is also not possible to provide a breakdown as requested. Outlined below are details of the number of entries to the Foreign Birth Register since computerisation in October 2012.
October to December 2012: 812 Entries
January to December 2013: 4,920 Entries
January to June 2014: 2,910 Entries.
38. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of agencies or State bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been abolished since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32241/14]
View answer39. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of new agencies or State bodies that have been established under the aegis of his Department since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32256/14]
View answer41. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total number of appointments to State boards since March 2011 under the aegis of his Department; the total number of appointments that have been advertised on his Department’s website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32301/14]
View answer42. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of chairpersons appointed to State boards under the aegis of his Department since March 2011 that have appeared before the relevant Joint Oireachtas Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32316/14]
View answer50. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the gender quota targets for the boards of State bodies and agencies under their remit; the level reached to date; and their future plans to meet and maintain the targets. [32762/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 38, 39, 41, 42 and 50 together.
There are no State bodies, boards or agencies under the aegis of my Department. None has been abolished since 2011.
40. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total value of bonus payments made to staff under the aegis of his Department in 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32271/14]
View answerIn 2013 no bonus payments were made under the aegis of my Department. In 2014 an amount of €87,600 was paid to certain grades of staff in my Department who were required to undertake extensive foreign travel in connection with the Irish Presidency of the European Union during 2013.
43. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of retired public servants who have been awarded temporary or term-time posts in his Department in 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014. [32331/14]
View answerDetails of retired Civil and Public Servants who were employed on short-term contracts during the period in question are set out in the following table:
2011
|
GRADE |
POSITION HELD |
DURATION |
|
1 Assistant Secretary |
Chair of the Point 7 Constituency of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria |
3-year contract for a maximum of 175 days from 31 December 2010 |
|
1 Assistant Secretary |
To assist in the preparation of files for the National Archives |
Contract for a maximum of 10 weeks spread over the twelve months of 2011 |
|
1 Assistant Secretary |
Head of Task Force in connection with Ireland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, 2012 |
Contract from 7 January 2011 to 31 December 2012 |
|
1 Counsellor |
Relating to Ireland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, 2012 |
Contract from 4 March 2011 to 22 December 2011 |
2012
|
GRADE |
POSITION HELD |
DURATION |
|
1 Deputy Secretary |
Tánaiste’s Special Representative in connection with Ireland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE, 2012 |
Contract for a maximum of 30 weeks spread over the twelve months of 2012 |
|
1 Assistant Secretary |
Passport Appeals Officer |
3-year contract from 20 January 2012 to deal with appeals as and when they arise |
|
1 Assistant Secretary |
To assist in the preparation of files for the National Archives |
Contract for a maximum of 10 weeks spread over the twelve months of 2012 |
|
1 Counsellor |
To assist in preparations for the Irish Presidency of the European Union in January – June 2013 |
Contract from 1 May 2012 to 30 June 2013 |
|
1 Accountant |
To provide technical support for the Finance Unit of Irish Aid |
2-month contract from February to March 2012 |
|
1 First Secretary |
Embassy Canberra (temporarily filling vacant post) |
Contract from December 2012 to March 2013 |
|
1 Temporary Clerical Officer |
EU Presidency Position |
Contract from 17 September 2012 to 8 February 2013 |
2013
|
GRADE |
POSITION HELD |
DURATION |
|
1 Assistant Secretary |
To assist in the preparation of files for the National Archives |
Contract for a maximum of 10 weeks spread over the twelve months of 2013 |
|
1 Development Specialist |
To identify and develop five case studies from the Irish Aid programme, in cooperation with Dublin City Council, for World Alliance of Cities against Poverty (WACAP) |
Contract from 1 February 2013 to 28 February 2013 |
|
1 Temporary Clerical Officer |
EU Presidency Position |
Contract from 7 January to 12 July 2013 |
2014
|
GRADE |
POSITION HELD |
DURATION |
|
1 Assistant Secretary |
To assist in the preparation of files for the National Archives |
Contract from a maximum of 10 weeks spread over the twelve months of 2014 |
|
1 Counsellor |
Passport Appeals Officer |
3-year contract from 4 April 2014 to deal with appeals as and when they arise |
The policy of my Department regarding the re-engagement of retired officials is to do so to the minimum extent possible. However, for certain once-off or short-duration projects, it is more productive and cost-effective to re-engage retired staff who already have the relevant expertise and experience than to go through a time-consuming and relatively expensive recruitment, induction and training process. Where it occurs, retired staff are usually re-engaged on a pension abatement basis, which means in effect that they continue to receive their pensions and are paid correspondingly reduced salaries by the Department.
My Department’s Development Cooperation Division also occasionally engages a small number of retired staff for short duration specialist consultancy projects connected with the activities of Irish Aid.
The temporary Clerical Officers were recruited through an open competition organised by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). It is not possible in the time scale to identify if other retired officials were re-hired as temporary Clerical Officers during the period in question. However, under the provision of the Public Service Pensions (Single Schemes and Other Provisions) Act 2012, new employees are required to declare if they are in receipt of, or entitled to, a pension from previous service in the public sector.
44. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts made to help free the Al Jazeera journalists imprisoned in Egypt; if the Egyptian ambassador has been summoned regarding the issue; his plans on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32360/14]
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. The Government has 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. I raised our concerns directly with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry in a phone conversation I had with him on Monday 14 July, indicating the widespread concerns raised by this case, and which we fully share, in respect of upholding of basic rights such as the freedom of expression and the rights of a free press. I also raised the passing of mass death sentences by the court in Minya earlier this year. I urged that any possible steps to appeal or review these sentences should be adopted as a matter of importance. I also set out our strong concerns in respect of the case of Ibrahim Halawa. 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, including that of the Al Jazeera journalists. 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 two weeks ago which specifically conveyed the Government’s concerns over the recent Al Jazeera verdicts as well as the continued detention of Ibrahim Halawa.
45. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts made to help stop the Israeli bombardment of Gaza; if his attention has been drawn to the murder of innocent children and adults in Gaza during these bombardments; if the Israeli ambassador has been summoned regarding the issue; his future plans on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32361/14]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions on this issue on Tuesday and Wednesday, and my address in a Topical Issues debate in the House yesterday afternoon. The Government has issued two public statements clearly deploring the upsurge of violence, calling for an end to firing by both sides, and a return to the truce which had previously been observed. These views have also been conveyed directly to the Israeli and Palestinian Ambassadors. At EU level, High Representative Ashton has made similar calls on behalf of the European Union, as have other EU partners. Further to those replies, the EU Heads of State and Government meeting in Brussels yesterday issued the following statement in relation to the situation in Gaza:
"The European Council is following with great concern the continued violence in Israel and Gaza. The European Council condemns the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel and the indiscriminate targeting of civilians. Israel has the right to protect its population from this kind of attacks. In doing so, it must act proportionately and ensure the protection of civilians at all times. It deeply deplores the loss of innocent lives and the high number of wounded civilians in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israeli military operations and is deeply concerned about the rapid and dramatic deterioration of the humanitarian situation. The European Council calls on both sides to de-escalate the situation, to end the violence, to end the suffering of the civilian populations notably by allowing access to humanitarian assistance, and return to calm. The European Council welcomes on-going efforts by regional partners, and in particular the initiative launched by Egypt, to establish a cease-fire and calls on Hamas to agree on such cease-fire. The European Union stands ready to provide the necessary support to this end. The European Union continues to call for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1860 (2009).
The tragic events of the past days highlight the urgent need for all parties to work towards a resumption of the diplomatic process and to pursue a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The European Union reiterates its offer to both parties of a package of European political and economic support and of a Special Privileged Partnership with the European Union in the event of a final peace agreement.
Israelis and Palestinians need to make the strategic choice of peace in order to allow their future generations to live lives freed from past conflicts and to enjoy the stability, security and prosperity which they are currently being denied."
Finally, this issue will be further discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council next week, on 22 July, which I will attend.
46. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts to help the undocumented Irish in the USA; if he will outline any recent positive developments in this area; his future plans on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32362/14]
View answerThe former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade visited Washington D.C. over the period 17-19 June for various meetings in relation to U.S. immigration reform, which remains a key Government priority. I have been fully briefed on his discussions with key influencers in Congress and in the Administration, as well as his meetings with Irish-American community leaders, with whom the Government works closely on this issue. That visit was very worthwhile and an important element of the Government’s ongoing lobbying work in this area, but the matter is still far from resolved. The recent unexpected electoral defeat the Republican House Majority Leader represented a real setback for legislative immigration reform in the life-time of the current Congress. Furthermore the situation on the ground at the southern US border has become more acute, particularly with regard to unaccompanied minors from Central America seeking to enter the United States.
In the context of there being little prospect of immigration reform legislation being enacted before the mid-term elections in November, President Obama announced on June 30th that he intends to address certain immediate immigration-related matters via his executive powers within existing U.S. law.
The extent and nature of the administrative action that the U.S. Administration will take remain to be seen. The political and legal terrain involved is highly complex and there is clearly no guarantee that the steps to be taken will accommodate Ireland’s concerns and priorities in the area of immigration reform.
We are continuing to press our case at all levels, in close cooperation with the Irish American community groups who are active in this area. I will take every opportunity to progress this issue, as will the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for the Diaspora, Mr Jimmy Deenihan T.D., and our Embassy is in regular and ongoing communication with the relevant decision makers in Washington. We are lobbying actively to ensure that the needs of Irish citizens will be reflected to the greatest extent possible in the scope of the executive action being considered by the President. Our continuing objective is to ensure that the undocumented Irish will have the freedom to work and travel and that there will be pathways for future legal migration from Ireland to the US for those wishing to avail of it.
47. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the commitments under the programme for Government for which his Department is responsible; the progress made to date with regard to each commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32396/14]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the Annual Report on the Programme for Government and the related statements in the Dáil in March which set out the progress on an extensive number of the Department’s commitments. These include increasing exports, promoting Ireland abroad, overseas development aid, humanitarian crises response, civilian corps, implementing the Good Friday Agreement and St. Andrew’s Agreement, economic co-operation to support jobs, review of the North- South bodies and Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. In terms of the crucial priority of economic recovery, we have achieved very significant progress in restoring Ireland’s international reputation through our continued emphasis on economic diplomacy. My Department and our Embassy network, working closely with the State agencies, use every opportunity to highlight Ireland’s economic strengths and potential to international audiences. The impact of this work is clear. Ireland’s successful implementation of, and exit from, the EU IMF bailout without a precautionary credit line was successfully communicated in international media, to policy-makers, and contacts worldwide via the Embassy network. In June, the yields on Irish 10 year bonds reached historic lows and the ratings agency Standard and Poor's upgraded Ireland to an A rating in June. A number of international business rankings also reflect the positively changed analysis of the Irish economy: e.g. Ireland has moved from 47th place globally in 2011 to 3rd in 2014 in the influential IMD World Competitiveness Rankings and Forbes magazine has named Ireland the Best Country in the World to do Business. International media coverage and commentary, while reflecting ongoing domestic and international economic challenges, is notably more positive on Ireland’s achievements and prospects than at the time of the formation of the Government. Export levels are now higher than they were before the economic crisis. Net job creation from inward investment and by our small and medium sized exporting companies was higher in 2013 than it has been for ten years.
We are also following up on the implementation of the recommendations in the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy to actively develop cultural and diplomatic links with emerging markets. In February 2014 my Department published a short, focused review of the Strategy, adding an additional seven ‘Exploratory and High Potential Markets’ and in January 2014 we announced that five new Embassies and three new Consulates General will be opened in key locations across South East Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. These Embassies and Consulates will provide a platform for further promotion of Irish exports, investment, tourism and education. The implementation of the Strategy will continue to be overseen by the Export Trade Council whose role is to strengthen cooperation and coordination across all Government Departments and State agencies involved in the international promotion and development of trade, tourism and investment.
In relation to Northern Ireland, the Government’s approach is guided by the principles and values of the Good Friday Agreement and its related Agreements, which are essential to peace and reconciliation in Ireland and across these islands. Their key elements include partnership government in Northern Ireland; agreement on sovereignty; human rights; parity of esteem; and support for the rule of law. The continued shared responsibility of the two governments is to guarantee these principles and to support the implementation of the Agreements. The Irish Government is determined to realise their full potential.
Against that background, we continue to work intensively with the parties in the Executive and with the British Government in support of an agreement on a comprehensive and balanced framework for dealing with parades, flags and contending with the past. British-Irish relations, already strong, have benefitted further from the recent State Visit by President Higgins to the United Kingdom. We will work to ensure that all opportunities for North South and East West cooperation are harnessed in support of job creation and economic growth on the island.
At its Plenary meeting in November 2013, the North South Ministerial Council agreed to focus on new priorities for practical economic cooperation that can help economic recovery, job creation, the optimal use of public money and the most effective delivery of public services. Ministers have been examining opportunities in this area for the past six months with their Northern Ireland counterparts and there will be a further discussion on this at the next Plenary of the North South Ministerial Council.
Despite the very severe economic and budgetary situation we have faced, the Government has clearly demonstrated its determination since coming into office to maintain and stabilise the budget for Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the maximum possible extent. In the three years 2011 through 2013, a total of over €1.9 billion has been provided for ODA. This is an enormous achievement in the circumstances. For 2014, the Government has again managed to allocate almost €600 million to ODA, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to helping the poor of the world. Our new policy clearly states that the Government remains committed to the UN target of providing 0.7% of GNP in ODA, and to making further progress towards achieving it as soon as economic circumstances permit.
48. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of a revocation of a passport and legal challenge for a person (details supplied) in County Cavan; the reason the passport is being revoked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32615/14]
View answerAll applications for passports are subject to the provisions of the Passports Act, 2008. Under this act a person must be an Irish citizen before the Department can lawfully issue a passport to that person. As the applicant was born in Dublin on 19 October, 2007 to parents, who are citizens of India, his entitlement to Irish citizenship is subject to section 6A(1) of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956. This provides that a person born in the State after 1 January 2005, where neither parent is an Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside in the State or Northern Ireland without restriction, may claim citizenship by birth in the State only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for 3 of the 4 years preceding his/her birth. Additionally section 6B(4)(b) of the 1956 Act specifically rules out certain residence as reckonable for this purpose. The person in question was first issued a passport in 2007. This was subsequently renewed in 2010 and 2013. However, the Passport Service recently had cause to review the application for the issued passport and determined that the period of the parent’s residence in Ireland was insufficient to entitle the applicant to Irish citizenship. Therefore, as the person concerned was not an Irish citizen, the Department has informed the applicant’s parents that the issued passport would be revoked and invalidated.
49. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form a detailed breakdown of the name and number of ministerial special advisers in his Department; their annual remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32747/14]
View answerI intend to appoint two Special Advisers – Sarah Kavanagh and Susie O’Connor. Contractual arrangements are yet to be finalised. I can confirm that there is no request to breach the Government’s salary cap in respect of these roles.
51. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his priorities for the remainder of his term in office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32777/14]
View answer53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his priorities for 2014 and 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32864/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 53 together.
The mission of my Department remains to promote and protect abroad the values, interests and economic well-being of Ireland and its people. The further development of the all-island economy and political stability in Northern Ireland are high priorities for this Government. The Government is working with the British Government, with the Northern Ireland Executive and with civil society actors, North and South, to advance implementation of the Good Friday and Saint Andrews Agreements, to take forward North South cooperation, and to foster an inclusive approach towards commemorating the centenary of historical events making up the Decade of Commemorations. Through my Department’s Reconciliation Fund we will offer support to community initiatives that aim to repair those issues which lead to division, conflict and barriers to a deeply reconciled and peaceful society; and to build a strong civil society that encompasses all communities, and promotes respect for all. In the North South Ministerial Council, the Government will continue to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to advance areas of practical North South cooperation which are of mutual benefit. The vital work of restoring our international reputation and promoting our economic recovery are at the heart of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with our mission network playing a particular crucial role. An ongoing priority is the implementation of the February review of the Government Trade Tourism and Investment which focuses on how we co-ordinate our work abroad to provide the best possible platform for the Embassy network, the State agencies and the private sector to win business overseas, to attract greater levels of foreign direct investment, and create jobs at home. I look forward to taking this work forward, together with a number of my Cabinet colleagues, in my capacity as chair of the Export Trade Council.
I am acutely conscious of the need for Ireland to adapt to the global shifts in economic and political power towards the east and south. Ireland has a strategic interest in broadening and deepening our relationships with the countries in Asia to ensure that we can benefit from the opportunities that will arise as the continent continues to develop, as well as having influence in a region that will help shape global developments in the decades to come. We will also continue to develop our relationship with the Latin American and Caribbean region which, like Asia, includes a number of exploratory and high potential markets for Ireland, as identified in the review of the Government Trade Tourism and Investment Strategy.
Engagement with our EU partners and the broader region will remain a priority for promoting and protecting our interests. Ireland will continue to be a strong supporter of the EU Enlargement policy, which is one of the Union’s most powerful tools in pursuing our strategic objective of promoting peace, stability, democracy and prosperity throughout Europe. My Department will continue to coordinate with other Government Departments in identifying and promoting issues of national interest in the EU’s negotiations with enlargement countries.
Improving the effectiveness of the Eastern Partnership will be a key challenge for the EU in the period ahead and Ireland will support initiatives aimed at achieving this objective. In this context, we will prioritise the ratification by Ireland of the EU Association Agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine which were signed at the June European Council.
In my new role, I am deeply conscious of Ireland’s proud tradition in international affairs as a country which seeks to promote and share its values. I am determined to continue to advance long-standing priorities in areas of key importance to Ireland and to ensure that we seek at every opportunity, to make a direct and significant contribution to the promotion of global peace and stability, notably through our membership of the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe and the OSCE, as well as through bilateral action.
The crisis in Ukraine, coupled with the profound implications for the EU’s relations with Russia, will remain an important priority on the international agenda for some time. We will continue to engage closely with our EU partners in supporting international efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis and finding a peaceful, inclusive and negotiated settlement.
Ireland will also remain actively engaged in promoting a more active EU role in relation to the Middle East Peace Process and in sustaining the viability of a negotiated, two-State solution. Ireland will also seek to maintain the strong profile it has in addressing the appalling humanitarian situation arising from the conflict in Syria and will support all efforts to promote a political resolution both in Syria and Iraq which is now also experiencing serious internal conflict.
In the area of human rights we will use the remainder of our Human Rights Council term to prioritise national initiatives on promoting and protecting the operating environment for civil society and preventable mortality and morbidity of children under five. 2015 will be a crucial year in the sphere of disarmament and non-proliferation with Ireland actively involved in preparations for the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and supporting progress towards the entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty.
Our development aid programme with its overall aim of reducing poverty and hunger, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, gives expression to the best of Ireland’s values and will continue to be a major priority. Over the next 18 months, the implementation of the Government’s 2013 policy One World, One Future will inform much of our work in this area. The Policy sets out three guiding principles for our international aid programme: reduced hunger and stronger resilience; sustainable development and inclusive economic growth; and better governance, human rights and accountability. Ireland will also continue to be centrally engaged in the Post 2015 development framework that will succeed the Millennium Development Goals. Throughout this work we will maintain our commitment to the highest standards of openness, transparency and accountability to the Irish people and to our development partners and maintain our strong focus on achieving real and sustainable development results in order to maximise the impact and effectiveness of our programme.
The provision of an excellent and efficient service to our citizens will of course remain a central focus in my Department. Ongoing work on the reform of the passport service is a particular priority as it is providing opportunities for new and improved services for passport customers; more secure and efficient processes for the Passport Service; increasing staffing efficiencies and providing financial savings for the Department.
My Department will also develop and publish a Government strategy on Ireland’s engagement with our Diaspora and emigrant communities. Consultations with these communities are already under way, and this work will be carried forward by the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for the Irish Abroad. In terms of our relations with the United States, we will maintain our ongoing efforts to secure an outcome on Immigration Reform that will serve the needs of undocumented Irish citizens in the US and also provide legal pathway for Irish citizens wishing to live and work in the US in the future.
Ireland’s foreign policy is an essential element of Government. It is the means by which we promote our values and pursue our interests abroad. Through it, we pursue Ireland’s economic prosperity, ensure the well-being of the Irish people, and promote peace and security, both at home and in the wider world. Our foreign policy is also a statement of who we are as a people.
I intend shortly to bring forward a comprehensive review of Ireland’s foreign policy. The purpose of the review, which was initiated in 8 October 2013 and has involved a broad-based process of consultation including Government Departments, State Agencies, the Oireachtas, civil society and members of the public, is to provide an updated statement of Ireland’s foreign policy and external relations, and to identify a series of recommendations for its conduct.
52. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a copy of the briefing he received from the Department on his entering office; if he will publish the briefing; and if so, when the briefing will be published. [32792/14]
View answerMy Department will arrange for a copy of the briefing prepared for me on my appointment as Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade, edited as necessary to reflect exclusions identified in Freedom of Information Act, to be placed on the Department’s website in due course.
54. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form any capital investments made in Irish embassies and consulates in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32865/14]
View answerCapital expenditure by my Department in respect of Irish Embassies and Consulates in 2012 and 2013 is provided below in tabular form, as requested by the Deputy. The figures include expenditure from the two Votes for which my Department is responsible: Vote 27, International Cooperation and Vote 28, Foreign Affairs and Trade.
|
- |
2012 |
2013 |
Details |
|
Premises |
€685,351 |
€968,778 |
Includes all expenditure in excess of €1,000 on repair, maintenance and improvements to premises owned by the State abroad, as well as furniture and fixtures purchased locally for all official premises abroad (both owned and rented) |
|
ICT |
€84,839 |
€83,206 |
Covers expenditure at missions abroad on the purchase of office machinery and equipment, including IT and telecommunications hardware and software. |
|
Vehicles |
€36,832 |
€224,502 |
Capital expenditure also includes the purchase of official vehicles at our Missions overseas. It is the Department’s policy that official vehicles will only be purchased or replaced if it absolutely necessary e.g. where there are security or safety considerations; or the cost of maintenance is no longer economical. |
55. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form the cost of running all Irish embassies and consulates in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32866/14]
View answerIreland’s missions abroad perform a wide range of functions in pursuit of Ireland’s foreign policy interests. These include representing and advancing government policies with other States and in international organisations, in particular the EU and the UN; economic, trade and cultural promotion; front-line consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; engaging with Irish communities and harnessing the resource they offer in assisting economic recovery; and programme management, particularly in Irish Aid priority countries. The figures in the tables below include expenditure charged to mission budgets. Salary and related costs of staff posted from Ireland are not included as they are a charge on the overall budget of the Department rather than on a specific mission. Local staff salaries in missions abroad are reflective of the prevailing labour market conditions in the host country. Capital expenditure is not included as such expenditure does not form part of the Mission’s budget. For ease of reference, the figures provided have been separated into Vote 28 Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vote 27 International Cooperation. The costs of a number of missions that manage significant programmes on behalf of Irish Aid are charged to Vote 27. The effective implementation of the aid programmes necessarily entails additional management and oversight costs which are included in the figures provided below.
Table I Vote 27 Mission Expenditure Breakdown 2012, 2013
All figures in Euro
VOTE 27 EXPENDITURE REPORT 2012-2013
|
MISSION EXPENDITURE |
Year |
Year |
|
2012 |
2013 |
|
|
ETHOPIA |
726,191 |
697,207 |
|
TANZANIA |
909,649 |
942,785 |
|
TIMOR LESTE |
150,007 |
0 |
|
SIERRA LEONE |
288,745 |
261,691 |
|
VIETNAM |
756,172 |
678,942 |
|
UGANDA |
989,358 |
968,653 |
|
MALAWI |
437,222 |
460,671 |
|
ZAMBIA |
1,059,808 |
937,795 |
|
MOZAMBIQUE |
1,067,887 |
1,211,806 |
|
LESOTHO |
534,702 |
449,927 |
|
STH AFRICA |
353,931 |
303,006 |
|
TOTAL |
7,273,672 |
6,912,483 |
Table II Vote 28 Mission Expenditure Breakdown 2012, 2013
All figures in Euro
VOTE 28 EXPENDITURE REPORT
|
2012-2013 MISSION EXPENDITURE |
2012 |
2013 |
|
Actual |
Actual |
|
|
Vote 28 Subtotals |
44,880,989 |
43,812,559 |
|
BERNE |
494,120 |
502,265 |
|
BERLIN |
913,175 |
963,390 |
|
BOSTON |
322,655 |
379,601 |
|
BRUSSELS (EMBASSY) |
629,920 |
672,858 |
|
BRUSSELS (PR-EU) |
3,475,453 |
3,479,874 |
|
BUENOS AIRES |
389,242 |
384,833 |
|
CAIRO |
449,905 |
399,967 |
|
CANBERRA |
814,655 |
748,399 |
|
CHICAGO |
310,363 |
331,317 |
|
COPENHAGEN |
371,804 |
389,845 |
|
GENEVA |
1,282,415 |
1,323,027 |
|
THE HAGUE |
698,164 |
658,198 |
|
HOLY SEE |
7,334 |
9,946 |
|
ABUJA |
578,891 |
298,777 |
|
LISBON |
378,173 |
381,041 |
|
LONDON (Includes PPO London) |
3,082,408 |
2,797,443 |
|
LUXEMBOURG |
390,796 |
365,641 |
|
MADRID |
948,846 |
984,195 |
|
MOSCOW |
747,034 |
779,026 |
|
NEW DELHI |
625,499 |
822,237 |
|
NEW YORK - PMUN |
1,482,968 |
1,825,801 |
|
NEW YORK - C.G. |
1,807,527 |
1,705,590 |
|
OTTAWA |
592,000 |
598,554 |
|
PARIS |
1,642,537 |
1,638,347 |
|
ROME |
1,236,144 |
939,579 |
|
SAN FRANCISCO |
354,308 |
392,556 |
|
STOCKHOLM |
543,748 |
512,561 |
|
TEHRAN |
246,413 |
0 |
|
TOKYO |
1,974,624 |
1,519,847 |
|
VIENNA |
645,485 |
667,336 |
|
WASHINGTON DC |
1,100,010 |
1,069,562 |
|
OSLO |
626,232 |
632,124 |
|
STRASBOURG |
404,664 |
408,401 |
|
RIYADH |
356,302 |
342,508 |
|
ATHENS |
432,334 |
435,416 |
|
BEIJING |
849,941 |
895,411 |
|
BELFAST SECRETARIAT |
648,614 |
508,405 |
|
SEOUL |
361,906 |
708,940 |
|
WARSAW |
759,222 |
728,278 |
|
HELSINKI |
458,120 |
516,591 |
|
PRETORIA |
543,506 |
485,953 |
|
PRAGUE |
543,723 |
502,806 |
|
KUALA LUMPUR |
381,455 |
386,429 |
|
BUDAPEST |
435,054 |
404,748 |
|
OSCE - VIENNA |
402,388 |
506,921 |
|
TEL AVIV |
594,682 |
639,876 |
|
EDINBURGH |
205,443 |
223,444 |
|
ANKARA |
388,218 |
398,247 |
|
MEXICO |
480,370 |
503,879 |
|
ARMAGH |
537,963 |
515,827 |
|
SYDNEY |
695,376 |
652,877 |
|
SHANGHAI |
594,016 |
563,828 |
|
SINGAPORE |
929,842 |
802,846 |
|
RAMALLAH |
358,061 |
384,383 |
|
BRUSSELS (P.F.P.) |
236,035 |
221,220 |
|
NICOSIA |
278,623 |
260,639 |
|
LJUBLJANA |
391,035 |
390,851 |
|
TALLINN |
380,644 |
304,971 |
|
BRATISLAVA |
294,081 |
281,468 |
|
BRASILIA |
522,166 |
544,843 |
|
BUCHAREST |
462,086 |
469,705 |
|
SOFIA |
355,993 |
375,899 |
|
RIGA |
175,148 |
166,743 |
|
VILNIUS |
367,982 |
327,032 |
|
VALLETTA |
332,877 |
330,996 |
|
ABU DHABI |
388,784 |
271,526 |
|
ATLANTA - CONSULATE |
171,487 |
176,915 |
56. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide full details, including salary, of every appointment he has approved since coming into office of special advisers under his remit; the salary cap that is in place with respect to special adviser appointments; the number of appointments he has approved with salaries in excess of the cap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32895/14]
View answerI intend to appoint two Special Advisers – Sarah Kavanagh and Susie O’Connor. Contractual arrangements are yet to be finalised. I can confirm that there is no request to breach the Government’s salary cap in respect of these roles.
57. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the street value of illicit and counterfeit cigarettes seized nationwide over each of the past ten years; if a breakdown of Garda districts exists for these seizures; the amount he estimates the street value of unseized products to be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32368/14]
View answer58. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the street value of illicit and counterfeit alcoholic beverages seized nationwide over each of the past ten years; if a breakdown of Garda districts exists for these seizures; the amount he estimates the street value of unseized products to be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32369/14]
View answer59. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the street value of illicit and counterfeit CDs and DVDs seized nationwide over each of the past ten years; if a breakdown of Garda districts exists for these seizures; the amount he estimates the street value of unseized products to be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32370/14]
View answer60. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance the at-the-pump value of laundered fuel seized nationwide over each of the past ten years; if a breakdown of Garda districts exists for these seizures; the amount he estimates the street value of unseized products to be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32371/14]
View answer157. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance his plans to introduce additional measures to deal with the problems of smuggling and illegal trading in diesel and tobacco products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32632/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 to 60, inclusive, and 157 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that combating the illegal trades in tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and fuel is, and will continue to be, a high priority for them.
Revenue's work against the illegal tobacco trade includes a range of measures designed to identify and target those who are engaged in the supply or sale of illicit products, with a view to seizing the illicit product and prosecuting those responsible. This multi-faceted strategy includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, the use of analytics and detection technologies and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources at points of importation and within the country.
Interception of illicit tobacco products, alcohol and fuel is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling and intelligence and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages, as appropriate. Revenue officers also target the illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises.
Action against the illicit trade in mineral oils includes measures to detect and shut down plants illegally laundering marked mineral oil, to detect illicit products in transit and seize both the products and the vehicles transporting them, and to prevent the sale of illicit products.
There is extensive cooperation with An Garda Síochána in combating these illicit trades, and the relevant agencies in the State also work closely with their counterparts in Northern Ireland, through cross-border groups on tobacco and oils enforcement, to target the organised crime groups that are responsible for large proportions of these illicit markets. In addition, cooperation takes place with other revenue administrations and with the European Anti-Fraud Office, OLAF, in the ongoing programmes at international level to tackle these forms of crime.
Considerable success is being achieved in Revenue's action against the illicit trades. Seizures of cigarettes in 2013 and in the current year to the end of June amounted to 40.8 million and 41.1 million respectively. Seizures this year include one of some 32.2 million cigarettes, as well as 4.5 tonnes of water pipe tobacco, from a vessel at Drogheda Port. This was the largest seizure to date in Europe this year, and was the result of an intelligence-led operation targeting the activities of an international organised crime group headed up by Irish and UK nationals and based in Europe. Action against the illicit oil trade in the period since 2011 has led to the detection and shutting down of 30 oil laundries and to seizure of some 3 million litres of illicit fuel. In addition, more than 120 filling stations were closed, for trading without a licence or for breach of licence conditions.
Action is taken on an ongoing basis to ensure that the Revenue Commissioners have the most effective means of acting against these forms of criminal activity. The total seizures of illicit cigarettes, alcohol products and mineral oils, in each of the years from 2004 to 2013, are as set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Cigarettes |
Alcohol |
Oil |
||
|
|
Quantity (Million) |
Value (€m) |
Quantity (Litres) |
Value (€m) |
Quantity (Litres) |
|
2013 |
40.8 |
18.9 |
55,755 |
1.5 |
874,882 |
|
2012 |
95.6 |
43.3 |
33,059 |
0.7 |
1,113,142 |
|
2011 |
109.1 |
46 |
34,040 |
0.5 |
1,044,830 |
|
2010 |
178.4 |
75.2 |
44,276 |
0.6 |
289,484 |
|
2009 |
218.5 |
92 |
96,759 |
1 |
283,817 |
|
2008 |
135.2 |
54.4 |
83,037 |
0.7 |
100,470 |
|
2007 |
74.5 |
25.6 |
22,820 |
0.3 |
118,417 |
|
2006 |
52.3 |
18 |
57,754 |
0.6 |
164,157 |
|
2005 |
51.3 |
15.6 |
328,649 |
2.2 |
466,180 |
|
2004 |
60.9 |
18.6 |
79,593 |
1 |
409,916 |
The table shows also the estimated value of the seizures of cigarettes and alcohol products. That information is not available in respect of mineral oil products.
A breakdown of this information by Garda districts is not available.
The Revenue Commissioners are responsible for the detection and detention of counterfeit and pirated goods, including CDs and DVDs, at points of entry to the State, and responsibility for acting against goods of that kind that are in circulation in the State rests with An Garda Síochána. Data in respect of CDs and DVDs seized or detained by the Revenue Commissioners in the years 2004 to 2013 is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Deputy will appreciate that estimating the scale of any illegal activity is difficult. The extent of the illicit trade in cigarettes is, however, estimated through annual surveys of smokers, carried out for the Revenue Commissioners and the National Tobacco Control Office of the Health Services Executive by Ipsos MRBI. The 2013 survey indicates that some 11% of cigarettes consumed were illicit. This represents a loss to the Exchequer of some €212 million in excise duty and VAT, assuming that the illicit cigarettes consumed displaced the equivalent full tax paid quantity of cigarettes. Comparable data are not available in respect of alcohol or oil products.
Legislative action has been taken over recent years to ensure that Revenue has the requisite powers to respond effectively to the problem of the illegal tobacco trade. The Finance Act 2012 clarified the legal basis for Revenue officers to open and examine the contents of postal and courier packets that are reasonably believed to contain untaxed excise products. The Finance Act 2013 introduced new offence and forfeiture measures relating to the illicit production of tobacco, including offences of involvement with illicit tobacco production, knowingly dealing in or delivering any illicit tobacco product and keeping materials and equipment for the purposes of illicit production. Provision was made also for the forfeiture of any equipment or materials, including unmanufactured tobacco, used for illicit production. That Act also strengthened the offence provisions relating to the sale or delivery of unstamped tobacco products. The Finance (No. 2) Act 2013 provided that a person suspected of an offence of dealing in, or with, unstamped tobacco products must provide information to a Revenue Officer or a Garda and may be required to present any tobacco product concerned for examination, and makes provision for search by a Revenue Officer or Garda of any bag or other receptacle that he or she reasonably believes to contain tobacco products that are concerned in the offence.
As well as those changes to primary law Ireland, in accordance with EU Directive 2008/118/EU, introduced a quantitative restriction, with effect from 1 January 2014, on the number of cigarettes that may be brought into the State for personal use by individuals travelling from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Romania. The Excise Duty on Cigarettes (Quantitative Restrictions) Order 2013 (S.I. No. 553 of 2013) provides that the number of tax-paid cigarettes that may be brought into Ireland for personal use by individuals travelling from those Member States, without payment of further excise duty in Ireland, is restricted to 300. Anyone with cigarettes in excess of that quantity must declare them to a Revenue Officer and pay the appropriate excise duty. This restriction will remain in place until 31 December 2017 or until such time as the particular Member State has achieved the required EU minimum tax levels, whichever is the earlier.
In response to illicit fuel trading, Revenue has implemented a comprehensive strategy to tackle the problem through enhanced supply chain controls, the acquisition of a more effective fuel marker and continued robust enforcement action.
Supply chain controls have been enhanced progressively since 2011 with the objective of reducing the capacity of criminals to source marked diesel for laundering or to get laundered fuel onto the market. The supply chain controls introduced include new licensing conditions for all fuel traders and the introduction from January 2013 of a requirement that all licensed fuel traders, whether dealing in road fuel or marked fuel, make detailed monthly electronic returns to Revenue of their fuel transactions. Revenue is using this data to identify suspicious transactions and patterns of distribution for investigation. Revenue has also intensified its targeting, in co-operation with other law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border, of enforcement action against suspected fuel laundering operations.
To support further the integrity of the distribution system and minimise the risk of fraud, I introduced a provision in the Finance (No. 2) Act 2013 that will make a supplier who is reckless in supplying rebated fuel for a use connected with excise fraud liable for the duty at the standard rate of tax. This new provision will strengthen Revenue's hand in dealing with those traders supplying rebated fuel recklessly to dubious customers and will provide a further disincentive to such activity.
Revenue has published guidelines for mineral oil traders which will assist them in identifying and avoiding such transactions.
In addition to the measures implemented to date, Revenue and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in the UK completed an Invitation to Make Submissions process to identify a new fuel marker and it is expected that a new marker will be introduced in both jurisdictions early in 2015, following consultation with the oil industry and other stakeholders.
Revenue works very closely with fuel sector representative bodies in tackling the problem and they have been very supportive of the measures introduced to combat fuel laundering. The evidence available to Revenue, in terms of feedback from the legitimate trade and increased consumption of road diesel, indicates that this strategy has been very effective.
The Revenue Commissioners will maintain their commitment to acting against all stages of the supply chains for illicit oil and tobacco products and will continue to make every effort to ensure that those involved in them are brought to account before the Courts for their criminal activities.
I understand that the Revenue Commissioners continuously review their methodologies and their legislative requirements and where necessary I will of course, give careful consideration to any proposal that might be put to me in that regard.
61. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount raised from the levy on private medical insurance policies in each of the past four years, the rates of payment for various categories of insured person that are made under the scheme and the amounts paid to each of the medical insurers. [32465/14]
View answerI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the yield in each of the past four years from the interim Stamp Duty levy, expired on 31 December 2012 was as follows.
|
YEAR |
Stamp Duty Health Insurance Levy Yield €m |
|
2010 |
318 |
|
2011 |
347 |
|
2012 |
437 |
|
2013 |
173 |
The yield from Stamp Duty levy in 2013 of €173 million was in respect of policies taken out or renewed from 01 August to 31 December 2012 but not paid into the Exchequer until 2013.
The interim Risk Equalisation Scheme was replaced by a permanent scheme from 1 January 2013. Risk equalisation fund receipts for 2013 were €413m (the first year of the fund).
The rates of the health insurance levy from 2009 onwards are shown in the following table.
|
Year |
Rate (under 18) |
Rate (over 18) |
|
2014 (from 1 March 2014 onwards) |
€100 (non-advanced cover) €135 (advanced cover) |
€290 (non-advanced cover) €399 (advanced cover) |
|
2013 (from 31 March 2013 to 28 February 2014) |
€100 (non-advanced cover) €120 (advanced cover) |
€290 (non-advanced cover) €350 (advanced cover) |
|
2012/Q1 2013 |
€95 |
€285 |
|
2011 |
€66 |
€205 |
|
2010 |
€55 |
€185 |
|
2009 |
€53 |
€160 |
Amounts paid to the Health Insurance companies are a matter for the Department of Health. I am advised by that Department that, under section 11D (4) of the Health Insurance Acts all stamp duties collected in respect of health insurance policies effected to provide cover on or after 1 January 2013 are paid into a Risk Equalisation Fund administered by the Health Insurance Authority. Under section 11C of the Act risk equalisation credits are paid from the Fund to registered undertakings. The audited accounts of the Risk Equalisation Fund will be published as part of the Authority's Annual Report for 2013 shortly.
