Written Answers Nos. 152-157
152. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and with the party leaders in the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to recent difficulties that have arisen concerning the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12305/15]
View answerThe effective and expeditious implementation of the Stormont House Agreement is a key priority of the Government.
It is disappointing that difficulties have recently arisen around the welfare element of the Stormont House Agreement. The Government has encouraged all parties to stand back and consider the overall potential benefit for the people of Northern Ireland offered by the Stormont House Agreement and to ensure that this potential is fully achieved. I know that work is ongoing by Northern Ireland's political leaders to resolve the welfare issue, and I understand that progress is being made.
I have stayed in close contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and am being regularly updated on developments. I spoke most recently with Secretary of State Villiers on 19 March. In all contacts I have underlined that the success of the Agreement is contingent on the faithful implementation of the totality of its provisions. Our collective objective must be to build on the good work that has already been done towards the Agreement's implementation and to maintain forward momentum. The Government remains committed to doing everything possible to ensure a brighter future for all the people of our island.
153. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to initiate discussions at the next European Union Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the need for the European Union to take an initiative to progress the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12306/15]
View answerHigh Representative Mogherini has expressed her intention of beginning a broad re-examination of EU policy on the Middle East, to see how best we can try and break the stasis in the political process, an intention I have strongly agreed with and supported.
Any new initiative which might emerge from that reflection, currently expected to begin at the April Council, is likely to take some time. Other events can of course also influence the Council's timetable, and there may in addition be a desire to get a sense of the new Israeli Government, which has yet to be formed.
I look forward to an early discussion with other EU Foreign Ministers.
154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent comments by the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Benyamin Netanyahu, in relation to a two-state solution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12307/15]
View answerThe comments of Prime Minister Netanyahu before the recent election, in relation to the two state solution, were both disappointing and unwelcome. Such statements are particularly regrettable in the tense and inflammatory situation in the Middle East. We know from our own peace process how words of supposed comfort to one side can have disproportionately negative impacts on the other side.
I note that Mr. Netanyahu subsequently stated that his remarks meant only that conditions at present are not conducive to the achievement of a two state solution.
For its part, the international community has quickly reaffirmed its conviction that the two state solution remains the only viable basis for a resolution of the conflict. High Representative Mogherini, on behalf of the EU, President Obama and others, has made that point directly to Mr. Netanyahu in the course of conversations following the election.
What is most important is how the new government in Israel, which we expect Mr. Netanyahu to form, actually acts and what is set out in its Programme for Government.
The Irish Government remains firmly committed to a negotiated two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. All of our actions and policies at EU and international level are designed to advance the goal of peace and secure a comprehensive peace agreement at the earliest opportunity.
155. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the attack on persons at a museum in Tunis, Tunisia. [12323/15]
View answerOn the day of the attack, I made a public statement, to which I would refer the Deputy. Extracts from that statement are reproduced below.
“I condemn the vicious mass killing which took place earlier today in Tunis, targeting Tunisians and tourists alike. This attack is a deliberate attempt to undermine Tunisia's achievements since 2011 in delivering a democratic State, which reflects the aspirations and rights of all its citizens.
“I want to express my deep sympathies to the Government and people of Tunisia at this terrible time, and to urge all Tunisians to continue working together to reject extremism.
“Reports indicate that citizens of Italy, Spain, Poland and Germany are among those killed in this act of terror and I wish to express my sincere sympathies to their Governments and people, and indeed to all those who are suffering as a result of this atrocity.
“We must continue to work together for the stability of the Middle East and North Africa, and to support security and peace and address the terrorist threats to the people of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.”
I would also refer to the statement by the European Council last week, which the Taoiseach attended, which stated:
“The European Council condemns the appalling terrorist attack against Tunisia this week. The European Union extends its deepest sympathy to the victims, their families and the Tunisian people.
The European Union and its Member States will intensify co-operation with Tunisia to counter this common terrorist threat, to strengthen Tunisia's promising democracy and to assist its economic and social development.”
156. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contracts a person's businesses and-or subsidiaries (details supplied) have with his Department; the value of these contracts; their length; and the other companies who entered the tendering process that resulted in this person's companies winning the contract. [12355/15]
View answerThe procurement of goods, services and works engaged by the Department is on the basis of competitive tendering procedures. Procurements for contracts above €25,000 are advertised on e-tenders and those over €134,000 are also advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Bids are received from a variety of contractors. The most common arrangements under which contractors are engaged by the Department are individual professional practices, general partnerships, private companies, limited-liability companies, universities and non-profit organisations.
Commercial companies are not required to submit their ownership structure under the tendering process and as a consequence, this information is not available.
The Department has no direct contract with this individual but has an agreement with Topaz Oil Company valued at approximately €5,000 per annum to motor fuel. This service has been in place for at least eight years and involves a fixed price rebate agreement.
157. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure the retention of the fourth teacher at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry for the 2014-2015 school year, in view of the fact that the school shows a rise of 93 registered children for the 2015-2016 school year and 101 registered children for the 2016-2017 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12188/15]
View answerThe staffing arrangements for primary schools for the 2015/16 school year are set out in Department Circular 0005/2015 which is available on my Department's website at www.education.gov.ie.
The circular sets out the improvements to the staffing schedule for the 2015/16 school year for small schools. These improvements are improved retention thresholds for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th classroom teacher and also the improved appointment and retention thresholds for isolated one-teacher schools.
An appeals process is also available to small schools. Details of the appeals criteria are set out in the published staffing arrangements. The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the March 2015 meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The board held its first meeting for 2015 last week and those schools that have submitted an appeal will be informed of the decision of the Board shortly. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
