Wednesday, 26 Nov 2014

Written Answers Nos. 1-23

Middle East Issues

Questions (11)

Seán Crowe

Question:

11. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been monitoring the deteriorating and worsening situation between Palestine and Israel; the added tension around religious sites in occupied East Jerusalem, combined with the fact that the Israeli Government has repeated that it will not stop building illegal settlements in Palestine; and if he shares mounting international concern that Prime Minister Netanyahu is now supporting a Bill to legally enshrine Israel as a Jewish state. [44969/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland has consistently expressed concern at the ever increasing tension caused by Israeli policies on the ground, and in particular the relentless growth of settlements.

Israeli settlements and their continued expansion constitute a major barrier to peace.

Settlements, and related policies in Area C (which is the majority of the West Bank), seem designed to drive Palestinians off the bulk of the land they occupy, and to crowd them into the cities under PA control.

Put simply, these processes are incompatible with a genuine commitment to a peaceful and viable two-State solution, and must cast doubt on the good intentions of any Government that pursues them.

In public statements on 1 September and again on 28 October I explicitly condemned Israeli government announcements of further settlement expansion, and called for these decisions to be reversed.

It is essential for both sides, but in particular the occupying authorities, to avoid actions that will increase tension and confrontation. I would call in particular for respect for the status quo in relation to the Holy Places. I note and welcome the pledge in this regard issued by Prime Minister Netanyahu and King Abdullah of Jordan in their meeting in Amman last week, alongside US Secretary of State Kerry.

While the resumption of talks is important, we believe that it is also important to work to influence and change those policies on the ground which are directly destructive of the chances for a peace agreement.

The separate question of Israel as an explicitly Jewish State is a complex one in internal Israeli politics, with no clear definition of what this would mean.

The reaction of the Palestinian President has been that it is a matter for Israelis how they define their state, so long as the equal rights of non-Jewish citizens are not infringed. This seems to me a sensible position.

Human Rights Issues

Questions (12)

Seán Kyne

Question:

12. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the recent NGO forum on human rights which his Department hosted, and the way his Department will assist in implementing the UN's guiding principles on business and human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45058/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The DFAT NGO Forum on Human Rights which took place in Dublin Castle on 07 November 2014 focused on the theme of "Business and Human Rights", including how Ireland will go about implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

The Forum provided an opportunity for business, NGOs, trade unions and academics to exchange views on best practices in relation to Business and Human Rights and in particular with a view to informing the process of development and the content of a Plan to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

In my opening remarks to the Forum I noted that

- The development of a national plan is valuable opportunity to situate Ireland as a progressive leader on the issue of business and human rights

- The National Plan will build on the achievements of Ireland's National Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility which was published by my colleague Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation earlier this year

- It is important for Ireland's standing internationally and the reputation of Irish companies that we signal our commitment to placing human rights firmly on the business agenda.

- The Plan will aim to assist Irish companies in meeting human rights standards in today's fiercely competitive business environment

- My Department is eager to facilitate knowledge-sharing and debate between the different sectors and to promote transparency and understanding of how different groups have engaged with business and human rights issues

I was delighted that representatives from Google, Marks & Spencer and CRH addressed the forum, as well as Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the new Data Commissioner Helen Dixon, and representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce, Amnesty International, Trócaire and the United Nations and others.

Approximately 200 people registered for the Forum.

The Panel discussions covered topics including "The Business case for Human Rights", "The UN Protect, Respect, Remedy Framework", "Preparation of National Plans" and "sectoral and developing country experiences of business and human rights".

After short presentations from speakers in the panels, the floor was open for what in most cases was a lively and stimulating debate.

The next step will be for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to take forward the process of drawing up the national plan for the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles.

The Forum marked the start of the consultation process which will be continued into 2015. I would encourage anyone who wishes to share their views as to the content of the Plan to make them known to the Human Rights Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by emailing [e-mail].

It is envisaged that the Plan will consist of a reference framework for state actors, business enterprises, and civil society to address the challenges associated with business impact on human rights standards and how to help integrate human rights into corporate culture.

The Plan will provide information on existing policies in place and describe future steps that the Irish government plans to take to implement the UNGPs.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (13)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

13. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider taking the Turkish PKK off the list of terrorist groups in view of its role in defending the city of Kobane against the forces of Islamic State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44953/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

There have been a number of recent calls for the removal of the Kurdistan Workers' Party – the PKK – from terrorist listings. They have been prompted by the Turkish government's negotiations with the group and the role played by PKK-affiliated Kurdish groups in Syria.

Any designation or listing by the EU of a group as a terrorist organization is done on the basis of Council Common Position 2001/931 (CFSP) on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism. The reasons and processes for designation of an organisation by the EU are rigorous and detailed, as are the procedures for de-listing. These involve a thorough assessment as to whether the grounds for listing are still valid, taking into account the past and present activities of the group and the perceived future intentions of the group.

Ireland participates in discussions on the designation and delisting of organisations with our EU partners, and decisions are taken by unanimity. The designation of entities as terrorist organisations at EU level is applied automatically in Ireland and we cannot unilaterally delist the PKK.

The PKK was first placed on the European Union's list of designated terrorist organizations in 2002 and has remained on the list since then. The designation of the PKK was most recently reviewed by the EU on 22 July 2014.

The PKK is a militant organisation, which was founded in 1978 to create an independent Kurdish state on the principles of revolutionary socialism and since 1984 the PKK have engaged in an armed struggle in Turkey's Kurdish-dominated southeast region. Although there have been intermittent ceasefires, the PKK's campaign has been marked by acts of terrorist violence.

The PKK has indicated its wish to negotiate a peaceful solution and now calls for autonomy for Kurds within Turkey and seeks to promote and advance the rights of Kurds living in Turkey, specifically the right to maintain their ethnic identity. Its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan has recently indicated his wish to negotiate a peaceful solution to achieve the PKK's current aims and several parliamentary delegations have visited him in prison.

We welcome the PKK's stated willingness to engage in political dialogue and the engagement in negotiations with Turkey. As the European Commission stated in its most recent progress report issued last month, the process is of historical significance to Turkey and should be pursued in good faith by all sides.

I regret that after two years of comparative peace, there has been a resurgence of violence over the last month. I very much hope that the current difficulties can be overcome, the ceasefire fully respected and that the process can lead to the successful conclusion that we all wish to see.

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (14)

Clare Daly

Question:

14. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding prisoner issues in Northern Ireland and their implications for the peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44957/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 3.

Policing and justice powers were devolved to the Northern Ireland institutions following the Hillsborough Agreement of February 2010. Since that time, David Ford MLA has been Minister for Justice with responsibility for prison policy. An executive agency of his Department, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, is responsible for implementing prison policy.

A comprehensive Review of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, chaired by Anne Owers and which flowed from the Hillsborough Agreement, was published in October 2011. This Review set out a path to reform the prison system in the North. Implementation of the forty recommendations made by Anne Owers and her Prison Review Team is due to be completed next year, and progress is overseen by an independent expert group which reports every six months.

Owers recognised that Maghaberry was unable to meet the challenge of seeking to provide appropriate security, and sufficient and relevant activity, for its long and short term prisoners, including those imprisoned for paramilitary offences.

In summer 2010, Republican prisoners in Maghaberry's Roe House wing protested at conditions: an agreement between prisoners and prison management, known as the Roe House Agreement, was concluded in August 2010 and four independent assessors were appointed to assist in its oversight and delivery.

On the recommendation of the Prisoner Ombudsman, Tom McGonigle, the independent assessors carried out a stocktake of implementation of the Roe House Agreement in August and September this year. Their stocktake report was published by Minister Ford on 12 November and highlights areas of progress since 2010 and issues of concern to prisoners and management. The report was based on free access to Maghaberry and to its prisoners, as well as extensive contact with the prison authorities, the Prisoner Ombudsman, and with Prison Officer representatives. I understand that any documentation requested was made available.

The independent assessors highlight the murder of a prison officer, David Black, in November 2012 by so called dissident Republicans as a significant challenge and a breach of the principles underpinning the Agreement: ongoing and recent threats against members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service and officials dealing with prisoner welfare have further complicated relations and damaged trust between the Prison Service and prisoners.

All threats against those working in prisons and with prisoners in Northern Ireland are completely unacceptable and should be lifted immediately.

The recent stocktake report was accepted by the Northern Ireland Prison Service and by the relevant prisoners, and opens an opportunity to resolve outstanding matters so that the unimplemented elements of the Roe House Agreement can be achieved. The independent assessors recommend a timeline of six months for the resolution of outstanding issues. I would encourage all concerned to make the most of this opportunity.

I have discussed these issues with Minister Ford and will continue to do so as appropriate. I also intend to meet the independent assessors who concluded the stocktake report over the coming weeks. My officials continue to meet with the range of agencies responsible for prisoner issues in Northern Ireland, including the Department of Justice, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Prison Ombudsman, and on non-devolved aspects, with officials from the Northern Ireland Office.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (15)

Seán Crowe

Question:

15. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to Turkey's actions in the eastern Mediterranean regarding the charting of potential gas deposits, which are renewing tensions and disregarding Cyprus's sovereign rights in its economic zone; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that Turkey's actions have resulted in the suspension of the developing peace and reunification talks on the island; and if he has discussed this issue with his European colleagues and Cypriot counterpart. [44967/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland continues to fully support the aim to find a solution to the Cyprus issue that provides for a comprehensive settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Ireland believes that a successful resolution would have a positive impact on the whole region and most significantly, it would benefit both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.

In this context, I was disappointed to see the heightening of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean surrounding the charting of potential hydrocarbon deposits in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone. In response to Turkey's stated intention to search for oil and gas in this area, the President of Cyprus announced the suspension of talks on reunifying the divided island on 7 October. Talks to promote peace and unification on the island had reconvened on 17 September and are facilitated by the Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary General, Espen Barth Eide. The Government is on record as welcoming these talks, believing that they offer the prospect of injecting fresh momentum into the process.

It is with particular regret, therefore, that we see their suspension and we fully support the view of the UN that both parties should resume contact and avoid getting drawn into the wider regional conflicts.

The EU, including at the European Council last month, has called on Turkey to exercise restraint and to respect Cyprus' sovereign rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone. This was reiterated by the EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, as recently as 13 November at the European Parliament. I fully endorse that call.

While I have not yet had the opportunity to discuss the issue in detail directly with my Cypriot colleague, the issue has been discussed at the European Council last month, and my officials are engaged in on-going dialogue with representatives of the Cypriot Government, including through our respective Embassies. In addition, Ireland's views have been communicated to Turkey during our most recent bilateral political consultations at senior official level, which were held in Dublin last week.

Ireland remains supportive of all efforts to assist in the search for a mutually acceptable settlement to this long-standing problem.

Banking Sector

Questions (16)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

16. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures that are being taken by his Department regarding the current situation whereby a foreign jurisdiction may impose freezes and implement restrictions on Irish banking institutions registered under the Central Bank of Ireland, a situation currently happening with Irish banks being forced to close accounts here with any connection with Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44974/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Deputy is referring to the extraterritorial application of US legislation in connection with that country's sanctions against Cuba. Together with our partners in the European Union, we have firmly and continuously opposed extraterritorial measures that seek to extend the US's embargo against Cuba to third countries as contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade.

Our position in this regard was set out most recently at the UN General Assembly on 28 October this year in the context of the resolution on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the US against Cuba. We continue to encourage the United States to take steps to alleviate the problems arising from its extraterritorial legislation.

As regards the recent closure of bank accounts in Ireland, I would recall that my colleague, Mr Michael Noonan, T.D, Minister for Finance, advised the House in reply to a Question on 14 October this year of the reasons quoted by the Irish bank in question as to why they have taken this step. These relate, in summary, to the fact that the bank in question relies on a US correspondent bank for the processing of its national, European and international transactions and that, as a result, they are not in a position to process the relevant transactions.

The Minister advised also that he has no direct function in the relationship between banks and their customers nor does he have a statutory function in relation to banking decisions made by individual lending institutions. I would refer the Deputy to Question No. 43 of 14 October 2014 for the full details.

While the reasons quoted for closing the accounts may relate, at least in part, to operational considerations on the part of the bank in question, issues arising from the extraterritorial application of US legislation regarding Cuba remain important. For that reason, I instructed my officials to raise the matter in recent consultations with the US State Department. We drew their attention to the impact of the legislation on business and others in Ireland, and recalled our position on the relevant legislation. We are currently in the process of following up further with the US side in the matter.

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Questions (17)

Brendan Smith

Question:

17. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with members of the UK Government regarding the UK's continued membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44994/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I thank the Deputy for his question, which relates to a hugely significant issue for Ireland.

The UK's continued membership of the European Union is clearly of great importance to us. Amongst all the EU member States, the UK is our biggest trading partner; it is a key ally on a range of policy issues at the negotiating table in Brussels; and it is, overall, the country with which we have the most in common.

That is why the Government's position on this matter is clear: we want to see the UK remain a full and integral member of the Union. This is very much in our national interest. It is in the interests too of our bilateral relationship with Britain, which benefits from our joint membership, especially in relation to Northern Ireland. And it is also in the interests of the EU as a whole: I believe, and I know that many other partners believe, that the Union is far stronger with the UK at the centre.

I am of course fully respectful of and sensitive to the internal democratic process in Britain. However, given the issues at stake for Ireland, I am following developments very closely. Deputies may be aware that I participated in an event at the European Council on Foreign Relations in London on 14 November, where I delivered a speech on the theme of "Ireland, Britain and Europe". This was an important opportunity to spell out, in a constructive way, our fundamental approach to the UK-EU question. It also allowed me to emphasise to a mainly British audience how much we value the UK's presence in the EU and our continuing mutual cooperation within it.

This issue is very much to the fore in discussions with my counterparts across the EU and there are of course regular contacts at official and diplomatic level with the UK, both here and in London. I also recently had the opportunity of speaking in Brussels with UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, and we had a brief exchange on the subject. I intend to continue to play a constructive role on this matter in the time ahead.

Commemorative Events

Questions (18)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

18. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider proposing an invitation to the Heads of State or Heads of Government of republics within the European Union to the commemorations for the centenary of the 1916 Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40152/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This is a repeat of my answer to Question no. 8.

The centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016 will be the centrepiece of the Government's decade of commemorations programme. The Taoiseach launched the outline plans for the commemoration of the Easter Rising 1916 on Wednesday 12th November. These outline plans are now subject to a period of consultation to enable members of the public to comment and to submit ideas in relation to this important commemoration. Details of the proposed plans, and a facility for submitting comments and ideas, can be found on the dedicated website www.ireland.ie. My colleague, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys T.D., whose Department has lead responsibility for the 1916 commemoration, has also tasked a team from her Department with visiting every county to listen to people's views on commemorating 1916.

Once this consultation process has concluded and final decisions made on the overall programme of commemorative events, the Government will consider the question of attendance by Ireland's international partners.

As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland's Diaspora are keen to mark this centenary and my Department, through its network of overseas Embassies, is planning a series of initiatives - including talks, community events, exhibitions, seminars and cultural events - to commemorate the events of 1916 and to present Ireland in 2016 to the world. Highlights of this programme will include a major three-week festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC in May/June 2016, as well as the premiere of a major documentary on 1916 currently under preparation at Notre Dame University.

Syrian Conflict

Questions (19)

Paul Murphy

Question:

19. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the situation facing Kurds in Kobane and Ireland's position on the conflict. [44959/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The situation in Kobane is of deep concern. The effort by ISIS to spread their campaign of brutality and lawlessness to Kobane is a direct threat to the survival of the entire Kurdish population within that region of northern Syria.

Ireland, in common with the entire international community, is committed to strong coordinated efforts to combat the threat posed by ISIS, a group which has threatened genocide and committed mass murders and the enslavement and displacement of civilian populations, and other extremist jihadists currently operating in both Syria and Iraq.

The UN Security Council has recently adopted two Resolutions, 2170 and 2178, which call on all Member States to take a range of measures to combat the growth of terrorism and extremism, including active steps to stop incitement of terrorist acts and the flow of foreign fighters to the conflicts in Syria and Iraq; prevention of recruitment and radicalisation of possible members of terrorist groups, including through community outreach initiatives; and tackling effectively the sources of terrorist financing.

Ultimately, the conflict in Syria is best addressed politically. Ireland continues to support strongly all international efforts, led by the UN Special Envoy, Steffano di Mistura, to promote a political resolution based on the Geneva principles and which provide for transition to an agreed, democratic form of government and the holding of genuinely free national elections in Syria.

There must also be accountability for the horrific violations of human rights perpetrated against the Syrian people. Ireland has long called for referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court as an important step in establishing any sustainable framework for peace in Syria.

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (20)

Mick Wallace

Question:

20. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, David Ford, regarding prison conditions in Maghaberry, County Antrim and the impact they may have on the political situation in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44964/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 3.

Policing and justice powers were devolved to the Northern Ireland institutions following the Hillsborough Agreement of February 2010. Since that time, David Ford MLA has been Minister for Justice with responsibility for prison policy. An executive agency of his Department, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, is responsible for implementing prison policy.

A comprehensive Review of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, chaired by Anne Owers and which flowed from the Hillsborough Agreement, was published in October 2011. This Review set out a path to reform the prison system in the North. Implementation of the forty recommendations made by Anne Owers and her Prison Review Team is due to be completed next year, and progress is overseen by an independent expert group which reports every six months.

Owers recognised that Maghaberry was unable to meet the challenge of seeking to provide appropriate security, and sufficient and relevant activity, for its long and short term prisoners, including those imprisoned for paramilitary offences.

In summer 2010, Republican prisoners in Maghaberry's Roe House wing protested at conditions: an agreement between prisoners and prison management, known as the Roe House Agreement, was concluded in August 2010 and four independent assessors were appointed to assist in its oversight and delivery.

On the recommendation of the Prisoner Ombudsman, Tom McGonigle, the independent assessors carried out a stocktake of implementation of the Roe House Agreement in August and September this year. Their stocktake report was published by Minister Ford on 12 November and highlights areas of progress since 2010 and issues of concern to prisoners and management. The report was based on free access to Maghaberry and to its prisoners, as well as extensive contact with the prison authorities, the Prisoner Ombudsman, and with Prison Officer representatives.

I understand that any documentation requested was made available.

The independent assessors highlight the murder of a prison officer, David Black, in November 2012 by so called dissident Republicans as a significant challenge and a breach of the principles underpinning the Agreement: ongoing and recent threats against members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service and officials dealing with prisoner welfare have further complicated relations and damaged trust between the Prison Service and prisoners. All threats against those working in prisons and with prisoners in Northern Ireland are completely unacceptable and should be lifted immediately.

The recent stocktake report was accepted by the Northern Ireland Prison Service and by the relevant prisoners, and opens an opportunity to resolve outstanding matters so that the unimplemented elements of the Roe House Agreement can be achieved. The independent assessors recommend a timeline of six months for the resolution of outstanding issues. I would encourage all concerned to make the most of this opportunity.

I have discussed these issues with Minister Ford and will continue to do so as appropriate. I also intend to meet the independent assessors who concluded the stocktake report over the coming weeks. My officials continue to meet with the range of agencies responsible for prisoner issues in Northern Ireland, including the Department of Justice, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Prison Ombudsman, and on non-devolved aspects, with officials from the Northern Ireland Office.

Military Aircraft Landings

Questions (21)

Clare Daly

Question:

21. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the regular presence of US refuelling tankers at Shannon, such as the Hercules No. 2311 present on 29 October 2014; if he will confirm whether these tankers have been connected to the mid-air refuelling of any US military aircraft in Irish airspace; if his attention has been further drawn to the existence of over-flights by US military aircraft close to the times that these refuelling tankers took off or landed at Shannon airport; if this indicates that some or all of these aircraft were involved in military operations while they were on Irish territory or in Irish airspace; the way this relates to US assurances that these aircraft are not on military operations and not armed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44956/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The arrangements under which permission is granted for US 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 part of military exercises or operations.

Requests to permit the landing of military aircraft, including those that can operate as refuelling aircraft, are considered by my Department on the basis of the conditions outlined above. Permission is not granted for the conduct of military operations in Irish airspace.

Global Economic Forum

Questions (22)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

22. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the next Global Irish Economic Forum will be convened; the number of actions that were agreed out of the past two meetings; the number that have been implemented since then; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44972/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government decided in March of this year that there should be a fourth Global Irish Economic Forum. However, no date for this has been decided as yet. The Global Irish Network and the Global Irish Economic Forum have given greater strategic direction to the Government's engagement with our most senior Irish contacts around the world. Over the past five years, the Network has proved particularly effective as a source of structured advice from key players in priority markets and within multinational companies. This advice, whether given at the Forum or elsewhere has fed directly into the formation of Government policy and action plans. Members of the Network also facilitate high level access for the Government and Irish companies to decision makers in major corporations. To date there have been three Forums, 2009, 2011 and 2013.

In 2011, the focus of the Forum was on recovery, reform and restoring our international reputation. From the 65 recommendations that came from the Forum working groups, 24 key outcomes were defined which delivered, and continue to deliver, tangible economic benefits in relation to job creation, FDI, support for our SME sector and our image abroad.

Examples of outcomes of the 2011 Forum include:

- An “Invest in Ireland” roundtable with President Clinton in New York;

- The establishment of the Global Irish Contacts Programme where to date, over 100 members have signed up to support exporters providing expertise in 32 markets across 14 sectors;

- A World Actors Forum held in May 2013;

- The extension of the Irish Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme and the introduction of an Immigrant Investor Programme and the Start up Entrepreneur Programme.

In addition, the 2011 Forum saw the launch of the Gathering which brought an extra 250-275,000 visitors to Ireland during 2013 to attend 5,000 Gatherings across the country.

Connect Ireland, who implement the Government's Succeed in Ireland initiative, was also formally launched at the 2011 Forum and they now have approximately 1,000 new jobs committed.

The most recent Forum in 2013 took place in a different context than its predecessors. It took place as the country was coming out of recession, our reputation internationally was much improved and the Troika was preparing to leave.

18 working groups brought forward 64 specific recommendations. Each of these recommendations has been considered in detail by Government Departments. Some of these have been implemented in full; some are being advanced by Government while other initiatives are being brought forward by members of the Global Irish Network. Where appropriate, recommendations are reflected in the 2014 Action Plan for Jobs.

Among the ideas being advanced are:

- Year of Irish Design (ID2015) to take place in 2015, showcasing the best of Irish design both at home and internationally.

- The launch of an agency to market Irish agri-business expertise globally

- Inviting Global Irish Network members to bring conferences to Ireland

- Considering whether Ireland can have a competitive advantage in the area of Smart Ageing

The 2013 Forum also saw regional components and a mentoring event for Irish SME's held in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland.

My Department is currently compiling a one-year-on update on these recommendations which will itemise progress under each recommendation and this will be published in the coming weeks.

All of the reports from each of the Forums are available on www.globalirishforum.ie

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Questions (23)

Brendan Smith

Question:

23. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his efforts to ensure that the undocumented Irish will be included in any immigration reform package in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44992/14]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This is a repeat of my previous answer to Question No. 2.

This is, and will remain, a key priority for the Government in our bilateral relationship with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we are working closely with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond towards achieving some relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States and improved channels for legal migration between Ireland and America. During my visit to the US from 23 September to 1 October I had a wide range of meetings on this important issue with both Irish community groups and high level government contacts, including Vice President Joe Biden, White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough, and Secretary of State John Kerry.

As you are all aware, last Thursday President Obama announced new measures which should benefit thousands of undocumented Irish immigrants based in the US. Pending further possible measures being considered by the US Congress, the President's measures are a step forward which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on immigrants' lives. The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers (CIIC) have welcomed President Obama's announcement as an important first step in allowing for much needed improvements to the immigration system. At the core of his proposals is that undocumented immigrants in the US for more than 5 years, who have children who are US citizens or legal residents, who register, go through background checks and pay their taxes, will be protected from deportation and given temporary legal status. I particularly welcome a provision which, for the first time, albeit under limited conditions, will permit some travel from and to the United States for those undocumented Irish who are eligible to apply under the arrangements President Obama has announced. Details as to how the travel provision will work in practice have yet to be confirmed but through our Embassy in Washington, we are following up on it directly with the White House and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

This clearly represents real progress, albeit with further important steps yet to be achieved, and I am happy that the relentless efforts of the Government and our Embassy and diplomatic missions in close partnership with the Irish community in the US have begun to bear fruit. I am determined that as many Irish nationals as possible will benefit from these changes and, to that end, our missions in the US will continue to work in partnership with the excellent Irish immigration centres there whose work my Department supports. At the same time, I am by no means complacent about what has yet to be done.

I am well aware that some will not benefit from these new arrangements and that our work to encourage further changes in this area must be pushed forward proactively.

It is clear that on immigration reform, as President Obama himself has indicated, there is no substitute for legislative action by Congress. The government and our Embassy will continue to work with the US Administration and with Republican and Democratic political leaders. We already have strong friendships across both aisles in Congress and will keep building our network of friends on Capitol Hill. Through our Embassy and Consulates in the U.S. and through direct political contacts with the Administration and all sides in Congress, we will continue to encourage further steps that will reflect the concerns and needs of the undocumented Irish and their families, as well as ensuring improved channels for legal migration between Ireland and America.