Micheál Martin
Question:405. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37630/14]
View answerNorthern Ireland Issues
Questions (405, 406, 407, 408)
Micheál Martin
Question:406. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the Northern Executive. [37629/14]
View answerMicheál Martin
Question:407. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade where the new round of talks on Northern Ireland will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37624/14]
View answerMicheál Martin
Question:408. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the fresh talks on Northern Ireland announced by the British Government and welcomed by the Irish Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37621/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 to 408, inclusive, together.
Since 16 October, discussions have been ongoing in the political talks in Northern Ireland convened by the Irish and British Governments. These talks bring together the Northern Ireland Executive Parties and the two Governments, in order to address a number of key issues that have badly impacted on the reconciliation agenda and on economic renewal. These include budgetary and financial matters, legacy issues (parades, flags and identity, dealing with the past), institutional issues including the effective functioning of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive, and outstanding commitments from the Good Friday and St. Andrew's Agreements. The Irish Government’s interest in the talks is to ensure that the Agreements, and effective partnership government which is at the heart of the Agreements, work for the benefit of the people of Northern Ireland.
Discussions have taken place on each of the streams, including on outstanding elements of the Agreements. The principles and values of the Good Friday Agreement and St. Andrews Agreement are essential to peace and reconciliation in Ireland and across these islands. As such, the position of the Irish Government always has been, and continues to be, that all outstanding elements of the Agreements must be implemented, and I have expressed this view during the current talks.
I have been encouraged by the constructive approach demonstrated by all parties to date in the talks. Productive discussions are taking place between the two Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive parties, in a range of formats.
It is clear that the talks have now entered an important phase in which renewed and intensified efforts are required to achieve a comprehensive agreement. I will be reporting to the Taoiseach on the state of play in the talks by the end of November, and I would hope that I will be in a position to report significant progress.
Shannon Airport Facilities
Questions (409)
Brendan Smith
Question:409. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the countries that currently use Shannon Airport for Government or military flight use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45087/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland.
The procedure for seeking permission for the landing of foreign military aircraft at Irish airports is that the Embassy of the country concerned submits a request for permission for each and every landing to my Department. As part of the decision-making process the Department circulates these requests to relevant government Departments and agencies; input received is reflected in the responses issued by my Department.
To date in 2014 permission for the landing of foreign military aircraft at Shannon airport was granted to the following countries:
Argentina
Bahrain
Belgium
Canada
Egypt
France
Italy
Libya
Panama
USA
Arrangements under which permission is granted for foreign military aircraft to land at Irish airports are governed by strict conditions. These include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form any part of military exercises or operations.
Foreign Policy
Questions (410)
Brendan Smith
Question:410. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the EU's efforts to improve the condition of workers in Bangladesh's leather industry; his views on a ban on leather imports from the country in the absence of urgent improvements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45088/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of recent press reports on the conditions of workers in the leather industry in Bangladesh.
We have requested our officials in Brussels to obtain further information on the EU’s support programme to workers in the leather industry in Bangladesh and we will forward the information to the Deputy once it has been received.
The Government is concerned regarding the current state of labour conditions in Bangladesh. The promotion and protection of human rights is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy. During Bangladesh’s ‘Universal Periodic Review’ at the UN Human Rights Council in 2013, Ireland recommended that Bangladesh ensure widespread, unannounced and rigorous factory inspections. These recommendations were accepted by Bangladesh.
In response to the collapse of the Rana Plaza Garmet Factory Collapse in April 2013, the Government of Bangladesh has worked to reform labour laws. The former European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht and the former Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion László Andor speaking in July 2014, called on the Government of Bangladesh to complete this labour law reform, training and recruitment of inspectors and to create the conditions for meaningful freedom of association for workers in Bangladesh. They added that better labour conditions would support sustainable trade links with many markets, especially the European Union. I hope that these reforms are implemented without delay and benefit workers in all sectors in Bangladesh, including in the leather industry.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (411)
Seán Kenny
Question:411. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any Irish Ambassador abroad requested permission to employ additional staff within their embassy in 2013; the location of the embassy; the number of requests for permission to appoint additional were approved, pending or refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45141/14]
View answerWritten answers
In any given year, Heads of Mission may seek sanction for engaging additional members of local staff at their missions for a variety of reasons. They may be seeking to fill a post on a permanent basis or on short term temporary contracts, including temporary cover for a staff who may be ill or to manage specific projects or to meet unforeseen demands.
Our HR unit deal with these requests on a case by case basis and, within the budgetary constraints and the Employment Control Framework numbers imposed on the Department, work to ensure our Missions have the appropriate staff resources to meet their objectives.
In the time available, it is not possible to indicate how many such requests were sought and acceded to or refused for the period in question.
Foreign Conflicts
Questions (412)
Finian McGrath
Question:412. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will urge all parties in Colombia to get back to the peace talks in view of the fact that substantial progress has been made over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45148/14]
View answerWritten answers
I am following developments in Colombia’s peace process closely and with some concern. Together with my EU colleagues, I welcome progress made to date in the peace talks in Havana. I earnestly hope that the parties to the talks will be in a position to agree a resumption to the talks at an early stage and will proceed thereafter to a comprehensive peace agreement.
Recent developments have caused concern for everybody who supports the peace process. The negotiating round due to begin in Havana on 18 November was delayed following the abduction by the FARC of a Colombian army general and accompanying staff two days earlier. At the time of writing, it is reported that the Norwegian and Cuban guarantors of the talks have announced that the Colombian government and the FARC have reached agreement on terms for the release of the group. President Santos has indicated that the talks will resume as soon as they are freed. I fully support calls urging the FARC to release the hostages without delay so that talks may resume as soon as possible.
Thus far, provisional agreement has been achieved by the parties to the negotiations on a number of areas. These are the agenda items relating to land reform and rural development, political participation and illicit drugs. Issues relating to victims of the conflict are due to be discussed in future rounds of negotiations.
Other recent developments include encouraging signs that the ELN, the other major guerrilla grouping, is willing to enter into a parallel peace process with the government side.
President Santos visited Europe earlier this month to canvass for international support for the peace process. At their meeting in Brussels, European Council President von Rompuy assured President Santos of the continued support of the European Union for a negotiated settlement and offered concrete assistance once a deal has been negotiated.
Ireland will continue to follow closely developments in the peace process and to work with the international community to support a negotiated solution to the conflict. As indicated previously, Ireland is ready to assist based on the experiences and lessons of our own peace process.
International Agreements
Questions (413)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:413. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to the announcement that Ireland and Kenya have been appointed by the United Nations to lead international negotiations on new international development targets from now to 2030, the role it entails; the resources that will be committed to fulfilling it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45178/14]
View answerWritten answers
On 17 October, the President of the UN General Assembly appointed Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations to co-facilitate the major international negotiations to agree a new set of global development goals to replace the Millennium Development Goals. The Permanent Representative of Kenya was also appointed. The new goals, which will take effect after 2015, will be known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and should be adopted at a Summit of world leaders in New York next September.
The appointment is a great honour for Ireland, and a great responsibility. The challenge the role presents for the two co-facilitators will be to build consensus among the 193 Member States on a very broad and comprehensive agenda. The new development goals will entail responsibilities and actions for all countries, and will aim to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2030 and achieve sustainable development at a global level by addressing challenges in areas such as energy, food, water, climate, urbanisation, peaceful societies and effective governance.
Ireland and Kenya are currently co-facilitating consultations at the United Nations on how the inter-governmental negotiations will be carried out. We are also working with our colleagues in the EU to ensure that the process will culminate in a successful outcome at next years’ high-level summit, and that the new SDGs, which will have a profound impact on the lives of the world’s poor, will reflect our priorities.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will ensure that the necessary resources are available to support Ireland’s role, in cooperation with the considerable expertise of the UN Secretariat.
Religious Persecution
Questions (414)
Mattie McGrath
Question:414. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ensure that religious persecution is on the agenda for the next United Nations Human Rights Council meeting; if Ireland will co-sponsor the regular resolution on freedom of religion or belief tabled by the EU for the next UN session in March 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45234/14]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who are the victims. Ireland, with its EU partners, has previously expressed concern over the climate of intolerance towards religious groups and minorities in a number of countries around the world.
The elimination of religious intolerance and persecution has been at the forefront of Ireland’s human rights agenda for almost 20 years. Ireland has consistently taken a strong position in various international fora with regard to eliminating such intolerance.
Ireland consistently presses for effective action to counter the persecution of religious minorities in all relevant international fora, including the EU and UN. In September this year, I highlighted the issue when I addressed the UN General Assembly in New York. I also raised it during my meeting with UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon.
In this context Ireland has participated actively, at both the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council, in the negotiation of resolutions on this fundamental human right.
At the UN Human Rights Council in March 2014, Ireland co-sponsored the resolution tabled by the EU on the freedom of religion or belief. This resolution stressed the importance of a continued and strengthened dialogue in all its forms, including among individuals of, and within, different religions and beliefs, and with broader participation, including of women, to promote greater tolerance, respect and mutual understanding.
Ireland expects that the EU will again run a resolution on the freedom of religion or belief at the March 2015 session of the UN Human Rights Council. Ireland will co-sponsor and participate in the negotiations of the draft resolution.
At the ongoing session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Ireland has also been actively involved in the negotiations of an EU-led draft resolution on freedom of religion or belief at the Third Committee.
My Department will continue to advocate for the promotion and protection of the freedom of religion or belief bilaterally, within the EU, and in multilateral fora such as the UN and the Council of Europe.
Emigrant Support Services
Questions (415)
Brendan Smith
Question:415. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report further on the global forum on diaspora and development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45238/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Global Diaspora and Development Forum was hosted in Dublin earlier this month by the UCD Clinton Institute. Its aim was to bring together key thinkers, policy makers and members of Global Diasporas to further the growing international dialogue on the importance of linkages between Diaspora and development.
The Forum was opened by my colleague Jimmy Deenihan TD, the Minister of State with special responsibility for the Diaspora, and my Department was also represented at official level. Distinguished guests included Ambassador William Lacy Swing, Director General of the International Organisation for Migration.
The Forum was partly funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through Irish Aid, in follow up to the valuable discussions on Diaspora, Development and the Knowledge Economy organised by the Clinton Institute during the 2013 Africa Ireland Economic Forum.
Ireland’s record of harnessing our Diaspora for economic, political and social development is widely acknowledged, and our expertise in this area is of significant interest to Diaspora representatives based in Ireland. In particular, there are many lessons that can be shared with our African partners on the positive impacts of engagement with Diaspora, including those highlighted at the Forum in the areas of investment, tourism, philanthropy, innovation, knowledge transfer and conflict transformation.
I know that the Forum was a well attended and successful event and I look forward to receiving a full report from the Clinton Institute on the outcomes of the discussions that took place.
Dublin-Monaghan Bombings
Questions (416)
Brendan Smith
Question:416. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State or British Foreign Secretary in relation to the motions passed unanimously by Dáil Éireann requesting the British Government to release the papers and/or files pertaining to the Dublin/Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45240/14]
View answerWritten answers
I raised the issue of the British Government granting access to these documents when I met with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers in Belfast on 30 July. She assured me that she would reflect afresh on what the British Government can do to respond. She confirmed that there was ongoing work within their system on what it may be possible to do but she was not in a position to provide a definitive response at that stage. In the course of a telephone conversation on 17 September, I again raised the issue with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Officials from my Department will continue to pursue this issue and I will continue to raise it at ministerial level.
The need to establish a fair, balanced and comprehensive framework for dealing with the past is currently under discussion at the political talks in Belfast convened by the British and Irish Governments. The Government continues to believe that a framework for dealing with the past that better meets the needs of victims and survivors, while also contributing to the peace and reconciliation agenda, is an urgent requirement.
Northern Ireland Issues
Questions (417)
Brendan Smith
Question:417. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the need to establish an independent review into the murder of 11 persons in Ballymurphy in August 1971; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45241/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has consistently raised the issue of the need to establish an independent review into the Ballymurphy cases, both at the level of the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. On 29 April 2014, the Government issued statements expressing disappointment at the decision of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland not to appoint a Hillsborough-style panel to review the Ballymurphy cases.
The Government is committed to playing an active and constructive role in dealing with the past, including through raising relevant matters with counterparts in the British Government.
The need to establish a fair, balanced and comprehensive framework for dealing with the past is currently under discussion at the political talks in Belfast convened by the British and Irish Governments. The Government continues to believe that a framework for dealing with the past that better meets the needs of victims and survivors, while also contributing to the peace and reconciliation agenda, is an urgent requirement.
Departmental Contracts
Questions (418)
Billy Kelleher
Question:418. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department, or any agency of his Department, has awarded any contracts to a company (details supplied) since 9 March 2011. [45347/14]
View answerWritten answers
No contracts have been awarded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the company referred to since 9 March 2011.
Residential Institutions
Questions (419)
Finian McGrath
Question:419. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a survivor of institutional abuse (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45399/14]
View answerWritten answers
Caranua, the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board, is an independent statutory body established pursuant to the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012 to oversee the use of the cash contributions of up to €110 million, pledged by the religious congregations, to support the needs of survivors of institutional child abuse. The processing of individual applications is a matter for Caranua itself and I have no role in the process. Decisions of Caranua may be appealed to an independent Appeals Officer. My officials have requested Caranua to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.