Written Answers Nos. 97-115
97. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on discussions he and his officials have had with representatives of the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong special administrative region regarding the protests in Hong Kong that are demanding democracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37735/14]
View answerMy Department is monitoring the situation in Hong Kong closely. Our Consulate General in Hong Kong has been in contact with local officials.
Ireland supports Hong Kong’s Basic Law protections of internationally recognised fundamental freedoms, including freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. We encourage all parties to refrain from any actions that may escalate tensions, and to express views on the SAR’s political future in a peaceful manner. We further encourage all parties to work for a constructive solution within the framework of the Basic Law.
We will continue to follow events in Hong Kong closely.
98. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the UN Security Council resolution requiring countries to pass laws outlawing travel to join so-called terrorist groups; if Ireland plans to implement it; the way it affects our claim to neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37737/14]
View answerUN Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014) on foreign terrorist fighters was adopted unanimously in New York on 24 September 2014. Ireland co-sponsored the Resolution along with 103 other States, including all other EU member states.
This Resolution takes a comprehensive, human rights compliant approach to tackling the foreign fighters problem in accordance with international law. It highlights the need to tackle the underlying causes of radicalisation through community outreach initiatives, while at the same time focusing on strengthening legal and security measures.
This comprehensive strategy is very much in line with Ireland’s approach to the issue.
The terms of the Resolution are consistent with conclusions of a special meeting of the European Council on 30 August 2014 which called for accelerated implementation of a package of measures agreed in June 2013 concerning four priority areas: prevention of radicalisation, detection of suspicious travel, investigation and prosecution and cooperation with third countries. The European Council will review this issue in December 2014.
On the issue of travel, the Resolution provides that all States shall take steps to prevent the movement of terrorists or terrorist groups. These steps include the introduction of controls on the issuance of travel documents and measures to prevent counterfeiting, forgery or fraudulent use of such documents.
The Passports Act 2008 sets out a range of provisions related to this area. The Act provides a statutory basis for refusal to issue and for cancellation of a passport in defined circumstances including where a person would be likely to engage in conduct that might prejudice national security or the security of another state; where such conduct might endanger public safety or where it might endanger the person or others. Section 20 of the Act also introduced a range of offences concerning the provision of false or misleading information in connection with a passport application, possession or use of a false passport and the making or attempted making of a false passport.
My Department, in consultation with other relevant Government Departments, will closely examine the Resolution to establish whether any further legislation may be required in order to ensure its full implementation in Ireland.
Resolution 2178 is fully in line with the policy of military neutrality that has been pursued by successive Irish Governments. It does not involve participation in any military alliance; it provides for the protection of human rights; and it is designed to promote and maintain international peace and security through the United Nations.
99. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will join other Dáil Éireann leaders in condemning the Israeli Government’s theft of Palestinian land. [35217/14]
View answerOn 1 September I issued the following statement on behalf of the Government:
“I strongly condemn the appropriation yesterday by Israel of a large block of Palestinian land in the West Bank, which is expected to be used for the creation of a major new Israeli settlement in this highly sensitive area.
Ireland has repeatedly made clear that settlements are illegal under international law and their presence and continued expansion in the occupied Palestinian territory is incompatible with the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians for peace and the realisation of the two-State solution. This remains the only viable framework for the achievement of a sustainable, democratic and peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
I call upon the Israeli Government to reconsider this decision as a matter of urgency. This announcement represents a serious threat to the viability of the two-State solution to which Ireland is fully committed.”
I equally condemn the decision authorised on behalf of the Israeli government last week to proceed with a further major settlement expansion of 2600 units in the highly sensitive area of Givat Hamatos in East Jerusalem. This announcement has been widely criticised internationally, including by the Obama Administration, as hugely damaging to ongoing peace efforts and any prospects of establishing a viable, contiguous Palestinian State. I would again urge that this decision should be reversed immediately, if we are to continue to have any confidence in the professed desire of the Israeli government to negotiate a just two-State solution.
100. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which records on overseas adoptions going back to the foundation of the State are currently held by his Department; the number of persons for which records are held; if requests have been made for access to these records as part of the ongoing commission of inquiry into mother and baby homes; the extent to which requests have been complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37608/14]
View answerMy Department retains over 2,200 files relating to passport applications for children sent abroad for adoption between the late 1940s and the early 1970s. These files are not a comprehensive record of all children sent abroad for adoption.
It is not possible to provide an exact number of persons for which records are held as, in cases where more than one child was adopted by the same family, a single file may contain records relating to two or more children. While the files themselves are held in the National Archives, the Consular Division of my Department maintains a database recording the files held.
My Department frequently receives requests for access to these files from the people involved including the individuals themselves, their birth mothers and sometimes other family members. We release as much information as we can in line with current legal advice in respect of confidentiality requirements in such cases, and we keep this legal advice under review.
Consular Division liaises closely with both the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on this issue and both organisations are aware of the records we hold.
My Department has not received any requests for access to these records as part of an inquiry into mother and baby homes. If requested, my Department will be happy to cooperate with the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, when it is established.
101. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the UN Security Council's proposal to introduce legislation restricting the travel of foreign terrorist fighters; and if this is a blatant breach of our neutrality. [37688/14]
View answerUN Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014) on foreign terrorist fighters was adopted unanimously in New York on 24 September 2014. Ireland co-sponsored the Resolution along with 103 other States, including all other EU member states.
This Resolution takes a comprehensive, human rights compliant approach to tackling the foreign fighters problem in accordance with international law. It highlights the need to tackle the underlying causes of radicalisation through community outreach initiatives, while at the same time focusing on strengthening legal and security measures.
This comprehensive strategy is very much in line with Ireland’s approach to the issue.
The terms of the Resolution are consistent with conclusions of a special meeting of the European Council on 30 August 2014 which called for accelerated implementation of a package of measures agreed in June 2013 concerning four priority areas: prevention of radicalisation, detection of suspicious travel, investigation and prosecution and cooperation with third countries. The European Council will review this issue in December 2014.
On the issue of travel, the Resolution provides that all States shall take steps to prevent the movement of terrorists or terrorist groups. These steps include the introduction of controls on the issuance of travel documents and measures to prevent counterfeiting, forgery or fraudulent use of such documents.
The Passports Act 2008 sets out a range of provisions related to this area. The Act provides a statutory basis for refusal to issue and for cancellation of a passport in defined circumstances including where a person would be likely to engage in conduct that might prejudice national security or the security of another state; where such conduct might endanger public safety or where it might endanger the person or others. Section 20 of the Act also introduced a range of offences concerning the provision of false or misleading information in connection with a passport application, possession or use of a false passport and the making or attempted making of a false passport.
My Department, in consultation with other relevant Government Departments, will closely examine the Resolution to establish whether any further legislation may be required in order to ensure its full implementation in Ireland.
Resolution 2178 is fully in line with the policy of military neutrality that has been pursued by successive Irish Governments. It does not involve participation in any military alliance; it provides for the protection of human rights; and it is designed to promote and maintain international peace and security through the United Nations.
102. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way Ireland can justify supporting trade sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine issue but refuses to implement trade sanctions against Israel, despite it engaging in genocide in Gaza this summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37738/14]
View answerTrade sanctions are a political tool and a response to specific political situations or crises, all of which are unique. Sanctions can also have different aims, and the measures which might be effective in one situation may be unsuited to another.
In short, the possible application of sanctions depends on what the EU, or UN, as a whole can agree is the best action to take. If partners do not agree on sanctions as a response, they do not happen.
In the case of the recent tragic conflict in Gaza, we could not dispute the right of Israel to make some sort of military response to attacks on its territory, but we did clearly and loudly condemn as unacceptable and disproportionate the nature of the response that was made, and the dreadful toll of civilian casualties that it caused.
In the case of Ukraine, the EU is faced with an attempt to undermine or threaten the very sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of a major European state, a direct neighbour of several EU members.
This has involved first the illegal seizure of the Crimea, then the destabilisation of another large area, and attacks on Ukrainian forces and officials. A civil aircraft was downed, killing hundreds of EU citizens and many others, including one from Ireland.
It should also be borne in mind that the EU is attempting in this case to prevent a deterioration into a major war in a neighbouring state.
Finally, it is necessary to point out that, dreadful and unacceptable as the events in Gaza have been, it is misleading and counterproductive to describe them as ‘genocide’, a word which has a specific legal meaning which does not apply in this case.
103. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the call by protestors in Hong Kong for full democratic freedoms to be implemented in Hong Kong. [37722/14]
View answerMy Department is monitoring the situation in Hong Kong closely and is in regular contact with our Consulate General in Hong Kong and with our Embassy in Beijing.
Ireland supports Hong Kong’s Basic Law protections of internationally recognised fundamental freedoms, including freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. We encourage all parties to refrain from any actions that may escalate tensions, and to express views on the SAR’s political future in a peaceful manner. We further encourage all parties to work for a constructive solution within the framework of the Basic Law.
We will continue to follow events in Hong Kong closely.
104. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he put forward at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings in relation to the actions Europe needs to take to deal with ISIS in view of the huge loss of life and the persecution of minorities inflicted by extremist militants; the number of Iraqi families who have been resettled here who have had to flee Islamic State jihadists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37721/14]
View answerIn my earlier reply to Question 89 (37724/14) I dealt with the broader consideration of this issue, in particular at the United Nations and the recent General Assembly session.
At EU level, the Foreign Affairs Council meeting which I attended on 15 August adopted Conclusions setting out the EU response at this stage. The Council stressed its major concerns regarding the human rights and humanitarian situations within Iraq, and outlined EU assistance being made available. The Council welcomed the establishment of a new Government in Iraq which it hopes will take a more inclusive approach and promote the active engagement by all Iraqis, whatever their ethnic or religious background, in the governance of their country.
On the security situation, the Council welcomed the provision of military support by individual member States to the Iraqi and Kurdish regional authorities, at their request, to combat terrorism, consistent with the provisions of UN Security Council resolution 2170.
In relation to resettlement of Iraqi families, it should be recalled that until June of this year, Iraq was itself a location in which refugees fleeing from ISIS in Syria were being accommodated.
The refugee crisis in and around Syria and Iraq is of enormous proportions, amounting to over 3 million from Syria alone. Resettlement in Europe cannot therefore be the answer to this crisis, as it could only assist a tiny fraction of those in need, while requiring a disproportionate share of the resources available. In addition, it is the normal principle that refugees should as far as possible be accommodated close to their homes, to facilitate eventual return. We do not want to unwittingly complete the work of ISIS by finally removing minority communities which have survived in the region for thousands of years.
Nonetheless, the Government has recognised that in some cases resettlement in Europe may have a role to play. Ireland has for many years operated a programme in cooperation with the UN High Commission for Refugees of accepting every year a certain number of cases brought to us by the UNHCR for resettlement here. In recent years, many of those places have been used for refugees from Syria and Iraq and earlier this year it was decided by the Minister for Justice and Equality that all of the available places this year should be allocated for Syrian refugees. More recently, the Minister for Justice and Equality and I have discussed this problem, and agreed that the Minister for Justice and Equality will look at whether we can make an additional number of places available for refugees fleeing the crisis in northern Iraq where minority communities in particular, such as Yazidis and Christians, have been subject to horrendous attacks by ISIS and other extremists.
These resettlement programmes are the responsibility of the Minister for Justice and Equality, to whom questions as to the precise numbers and origins of persons resettled here should be addressed.
105. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to discourage economic links with illegal Israeli settlements due to the deteriorating human rights situation for communities on the ground in the West Bank. [37687/14]
View answerThe European Union applies a sanction to settlement goods in that they are excluded from the lower tariffs applied to goods from Israel (and many other countries), and administrative measures to implement this distinction are periodically reviewed.
More recently, in 2013, the EU published guidelines to ensure that any EU research funding received by universities or other institutions in Israel, under joint cooperation programmes, could not be spent in the Occupied Territory, that is, in settlements.
In May of this year, my Department published, in common with many other EU partners, advice to citizens and businesses warning them against investing in, or commercial transactions with, settlements.
For further measures, I have called at EU level for the speedy issuance of guidelines on the labelling of settlement goods, to assist consumers in distinguishing them from Israeli produce. This measure was put aside last year when direct negotiations on an overall political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict commenced, and should now be brought forward again.
I have called for a broad discussion in the EU of what our policy on the Middle East Peace Process should be, and active measures to further discourage links with settlements should form part of that. Ultimately, consideration should be given to whether settlement goods should be simply excluded from the EU market.
106. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had meetings in respect of progress on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35591/14]
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 12 July parades, which were taking place the following day, but also touched upon the need to resume political dialogue on the legacy issues which formed part of the earlier Haass talks. I also had conversations that evening with the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, and the Leader of the SDLP, Dr. Alasdair McDonnell. I also spoke the following week by phone to First Minister, Peter Robinson, and other party leaders.
I visited Belfast on 30 July last for a comprehensive programme which included meetings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the First Minister and deputy First Minister, other Northern Ireland party leaders, and a range of civil society and community representatives. The visit was an important opportunity to reiterate the Government’s support for effective partnership government in Northern Ireland and our steadfast commitment to the full implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrew’s Agreements.
I have continued to stay in close contact with the Secretary of State, with whom I have had several telephone conversations with over recent weeks, and with Party leaders. I met most recently with the First Minister and with the deputy First Minister en marge of the North South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting held in Dublin on 3 October. I will be meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland later today.
The Good Friday Agreement, as well as the values and principles underpinning it, is at the core of the Government’s approach to peace, reconciliation and prosperity on this island. Implementing outstanding elements of the Good Friday Agreement, as well as the St Andrews Agreement, is a priority for the Government. Among the elements yet to be implemented are the establishment of a North South Consultative Forum, a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and an Irish Language Act. The Government’s priority remains to ensure that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement function effectively to the benefit of all. I continue to urge all the parties to progress fuller implementation of the Agreements.
In the St. Andrews Agreement, the British government committed to introducing an Irish Language Act and to working with the Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish Language. Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and in particular of the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. The Government continues to follow developments closely in relation to the proposed Act, as well as the overall enhancement and protection of the Irish Language in Northern Ireland.
The Good Friday Agreement also provided for the establishment of an independent Civic Forum representative of civil society in Northern Ireland. The St Andrews Agreement provided further that the Northern Ireland Executive would support the establishment of an independent North/South Consultative Forum. In September 2008, the Irish Government submitted proposals for the role, format, membership and operation of a North South Consultative Forum to the Executive for its consideration, and facilitated three consultative conferences, the most recent of which was in January 2011. The Government awaits a response from the Executive. We have since raised the Forum at each Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council and it was on the agenda for the plenary meeting of 3 October 2014.
A Bill of Rights drawn up by agreement between the main parties of the Assembly could set out precisely and formally the rights underpinning a reconciled society in Northern Ireland. Officials of my Department keep in ongoing contact with representatives of civil society on the issue of a Bill of Rights.
I will continue to press the importance of implementing outstanding elements of the Agreements in my discussions with the British Government and Northern Ireland Executive. Officials in my Department will continue to monitor these matters in their ongoing contacts with the Northern Ireland Office and officials of the Northern Ireland Executive.
107. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his Department’s engagement with and observation of the recent referendum on independence in Scotland; and his position on the current talks to increase devolved powers for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. [37611/14]
View answerOn 18 September, the people of Scotland voted in a referendum to remain a part of the United Kingdom. The Government took the view that the referendum question was one for the people of Scotland to decide and that public speculation or comment in advance of the vote would be neither appropriate nor helpful. Notwithstanding this approach, the Government and our diplomatic missions in London and Edinburgh followed the referendum campaign very closely.
Now that the referendum has taken place and the result is known, the Government will be in close contact with London, Edinburgh and other devolved administrations as discussions proceed on enhanced devolution for Scotland and on the political changes across the UK outlined by Prime Minister Cameron on 18 September.
While a timetable and some broad principles have been outlined, the precise details of the changes are still to be clarified. I will discuss these matters in my ongoing contact with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and with the British Foreign Secretary who I expect to meet in the period ahead. I also look forward to visiting Scotland in the near future and to discussing these issues with the Scottish Government.
The further devolution of powers to Scotland and the political changes outlined by Prime Minster Cameron do of course have political and policy implications for Ireland, North and South. It will take time to tease out these political and policy implications with all stakeholders, on these islands and within the European Union.
In this context, I would recall that the Good Friday Agreement sets as a key objective the promotion of the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands. The Agreement also makes a commitment to partnership, equality and mutual respect as the basis of relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South and between these islands.
108. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that the Northern Ireland Executive is working effectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35592/14]
View answerOver the recent period, the Northern Ireland Executive has been faced with a number of challenges on which it has been difficult to find agreement. These include longstanding issues such as parades, flags and dealing with the past. It also includes more recent difficulties in relation to budgetary issues. The Executive parties need to reach agreement on such issues to ensure the effective functioning of the Northern Ireland Executive into the future.
I am confident that the North’s political representatives will show the leadership needed to deliver comprehensive, fair and balanced solutions to the issues before them. This will require compromise and committed engagement to the talks process. The goal is to ensure that the North’s political institutions not only function, but flourish, to the benefit of all, as envisaged by the Good Friday Agreement. I am of the view that all party talks involving the Governments are required at this time to overcome the current political impasse within the Northern Ireland Executive. I support fully functioning partnership Government in Northern Ireland and, in the period ahead, will continue to work with the North’s political parties and colleagues in the British Government, with the active support of our partners in the U.S.
109. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider appointing a number of non-diplomatic corps personnel to ambassador positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37609/14]
View answerThe practice of successive Governments has been to nominate Ambassadors who are established civil servants. Generally, Irish diplomats, including Heads of Mission, are career civil servants employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The State has in my view been very well served by the current system, which draws on the skills, experience and professionalism of dedicated career civil servants. Ireland’s diplomatic service is highly respected internationally. The Department invests considerably in preparing officials to promote Irish interests abroad including our economic, business and investment interests. Officers about to take up foreign posts attend special training, and, when abroad, liaise closely with State agencies and business representatives. I frequently receive expressions of appreciation for their efforts.
Careful consideration would need to be given before departing from long-standing arrangements which have served the State well for many years and have operated on the basis of proven professional capability and political impartiality.
110. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it his intention to invite members of the British royal family to the State commemoration of the 100th centenary of the Easter Rising of 1916. [35675/14]
View answerThe centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016 will be the centre-piece of the Government’s decade of commemorations programme. I understand the format and programme for the commemoration of the Easter Rising 1916 in Dublin is still being developed by the relevant Departments. The attendance of Ireland’s international partners, including representatives from Britain, will be considered once that programme is finalised.
111. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Ireland's role in any reform in the structure of the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37740/14]
View answerThe working methods and the priorities of the UN must be kept under regular review to ensure that resources are directed to the areas of greatest need and used with the utmost efficiency.
The work of the UN Security Council is an area of particular importance. Few can doubt that there is considerable scope for improving the functioning of that body. Ireland is a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) grouping which was launched in May 2013 in New York. ACT is a cross-regional group of 21 states which is actively promoting new approaches to the work of the Security Council. In particular, we welcome the initiative put forward by France and supported by Mexico to better regulate the use of the veto power by Permanent Members of the Security Council. While we consider this power an anachronism and something which should eventually be abolished, the French proposal is a necessary step in the right direction and deserving of support.
It is also clear that the question of increasing the membership of the Security Council needs to be addressed and a number of ideas have been proposed for that purpose. While Ireland is not a proponent of any particular configuration of the Council, other than refusing to countenance the possibility that any new Permanent Members would exercise a veto, we are strongly of the view that the Council must more closely reflect regional balances as well as the current realities of population and economic weight in the world.
112. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will condemn the bombing of Gaza by Israel and break links with Israel and other autocratic regimes in the area such as Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37744/14]
View answerDuring the recent extended fighting I repeatedly condemned the excessive use of military force by Israel in Gaza, and also stated clearly that both Israel and Hamas were disregarding the effects of their actions on innocent civilians.
I am repeatedly asked, as were my predecessors, to break diplomatic links with Israel. I have explained elsewhere that Irish foreign policy is based above all on the resolution of conflicts by dialogue, and that we do not therefore respond to difficult or even unacceptable situations by expelling the interlocutor, except in very exceptional circumstances.
As the Deputy has recognised in his Question, Ireland would have serious human rights concerns about very many states around the world. Across the broader Middle East region, there are very few states that could be regarded as fully democratic in our terms. A policy of breaking off relations with countries we consider to be autocratic or otherwise deficient in human rights terms would not enhance Ireland’s influence, including in support of human rights.
113. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach the number of persons classified as long-term unemployed who signed off the live register in 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38268/14]
View answerThe exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social Protection.
The table below shows the number of persons who have been on the Live Register for one year or more, for the period from January 2013 to September 2014.
It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, and seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseeker's Benefit or Allowance.
|
Month |
Number of persons on the Live Register for one year or more |
|
January 2013 |
189,857 |
|
February 2013 |
189,467 |
|
March 2013 |
187,896 |
|
April 2013 |
186,063 |
|
May 2013 |
191,997 |
|
June 2013 |
197,508 |
|
July 2013 |
197,571 |
|
August 2013 |
196,808 |
|
September 2013 |
188,881 |
|
October 2013 |
182,401 |
|
November 2013 |
179,758 |
|
December 2013 |
179,621 |
|
January 2014 |
181,326 |
|
February 2014 |
180,496 |
|
March 2014 |
179,335 |
|
April 2014 |
178,225 |
|
May 2014 |
183,370 |
|
June 2014 |
188,858 |
|
July 2014 |
188,670 |
|
August 2014 |
187,598 |
|
September 2014 |
178,388 |
Source; CSO Live Register
114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he has considered the way the Minister of State with special responsibility for European affairs and data protection at his Department will exercise his very specific responsibility for data protection issues in view of the fact that the Minister of State with special responsibility for European affairs and data protection has not been assigned as a Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, which is the Department that primarily deals with data protection legislation; his plans for the Minister of State at his Department with special responsibility for European affairs and data protection to attend meetings of the justice and home affairs council dealing with data protection matters, including the forthcoming general data protection regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37390/14]
View answer116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if the Minister of State with special responsibility for European affairs and data protection at his Department will exercise responsibility for data protection in view of the fact that he has not been assigned as a Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, which is the Department responsible for data protection legislation; if he proposes to revisit this appointment in view of this confusion, particularly in view of the continuing discussions at the justice and home affairs council of the European Union on the proposed EU general data protection regulation, which is of major importance to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37664/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 116 together.
The Minister of State for European Affairs with special responsibility for data protection is being assigned to the Department of Justice and Equality and will attend Justice and Home Affairs Councils as appropriate.
115. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if he will provide in tabular form the annual number of registered businesses here for the period 2008 to date in 2014. [37497/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is not available for 2013 or for 2014. Data for 2013 is not yet available as it is dependent on the receipt of administrative data which are filed in 2014 but are not fully available to the CSO until March 2015. The latest CSO Business Demography returns for 2012 were released on 18 June 2014.
The primary purpose of Business Demography is to provide estimates of numbers of enterprises and numbers of persons engaged. The data for Business Demography is based on the CSO Central Business Register. The Business Register is a register of all enterprises that are active in the State. There is no lower size limit, but for practical reasons, Business Demography data is based on enterprises that are registered with the Revenue Commissioners. The first reference year covered is 2006.
The enterprise figures quoted in this answer relate to the private business economy, which includes Industry, Construction and Services in NACE Rev 2 sectors B – N (excluding 64.20 “Activities of holding companies”). Data is collected for the following sectors.
B - Mining and quarrying
C - Manufacturing
D - Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
E - Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
F - Construction
G - Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
H - Transportation and storage
I - Accommodation and food service activities
J - Information and communication
K* - Financial and insurance activities
L - Real estate activities
M - Professional, scientific and technical activities
N - Administrative and support service activities
*NACE code 64.20 Activities of holding companies is excluded from sector K
Table 1: Total number of active enterprises in Ireland in Nace Rev 2 sectors B - N, 2008-2012
|
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
|
|
Active Enterprises |
216,265 |
206,575 |
195,431 |
189,055 |
185,530 |
The Business Demography Release of 18 July 2014 is available at: http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/bd/businessdemography2012/.
