Michael Healy-Rae
Question:378. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (detail supplied) regarding the diagnosis of mental illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19749/15]
View answerHealth Services
Questions (378)
Written answers
The HSE is committed to safeguarding vulnerable persons from abuse and a national policy Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse was launched in December 2014. The aim of this policy is to provide a consistent approach to protect persons at risk of abuse across, for example, older people and disability services. This new policy is for all HSE and HSE funded services, and builds upon and incorporates existing policies in this regard. As this policy is implemented in 2015 there will be changes to strengthen Safeguarding and Protection Teams in each Community Healthcare Organisation. Clear procedures are being developed at operational level where concerns arise relating to vulnerable persons.
Therefore, Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse now provides one overarching policy to which all agencies will subscribe and implement in their place of work ensuring:
- a consistent approach to protecting vulnerable people from abuse and neglect;
- all services have a publicly declared 'No Tolerance' approach to any form of abuse;
- a culture which supports that this ethos is promoted.
In addition, the Medical Council is responsible for the regulation of doctors in Ireland. One of its main responsibilities is to protect the public by promoting and ensuring the highest professional standards amongst doctors. If an individual is of the opinion that these standards have been breached, along the lines specified by the Deputy, then they may make a complaint to the Council about an individual doctor on the grounds of professional misconduct. It should also be noted that it is open to any individual to contact either the HSE or the Gardaí to inform them of any suspicion of a crime of the nature raised, so that a proper investigation may be carried out by relevant agencies.
In the light of the above, I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply, in relation to a more detailed response on the specific operational issues raised as regards the provision of mental health care by the Executive.
Nursing Home Services
Questions (379)
Billy Kelleher
Question:379. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he has acknowledged Nursing Homes Ireland's recent public pronouncements (details supplied) that the consistent failure to publish the costs of public nursing home care amounts to a cover-up; if he further acknowledges, in the interest of openness and transparency, that it is incumbent upon the Health Service Executive to publish immediately public nursing home costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19750/15]
View answerWritten answers
It is true that costs for public nursing homes are higher than in the private sector and vary considerably even within the public system. There are valid factors for a difference, in that more complex and highly dependent residents are often catered for by the public system, and conditions of employment and tenure etc. are different too.
It is however, important that public facilities operate as efficiently and economically as possible, and towards that end, the HSE is already engaged in a comprehensive exercise to review and streamline the operation and cost structures of public facilities. The Department of Health will also be conducting a Value for Money Review of public nursing home costs to identify more fully the factors that may be increasing costs and any areas that require correction.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (380)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:380. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health whether he is willing to take up an issue with the Health Service Executive in relation to its medical card processes, following an incident where an application was made (details supplied) in County Mayo to the medical card section of the executive and where, subsequently, on refusal of the application, this Deputy's office contacted the executive with a request for a review on behalf of the applicant, on 18 February 2015, and where, on following up on the matter again, this Deputy was informed that the review request had been received, but that the executive had now closed the file, as further information had not been provided, despite the fact that the executive admitted that it had not requested this information from the applicant or this Deputy's office; where now the executive is seeking a new application, despite its mistake; if he will insist on this decision being reconsidered by the executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19760/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has issued to Oireachtas members.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
Respite Care Services Availability
Questions (381, 382)
Mick Wallace
Question:381. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 539 of 15 April 2015, the number of home-based respite hours granted in County Wexford, in 2012, 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19775/15]
View answerMick Wallace
Question:382. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 539 of 15 April 2015, if the Health Service Executive collects data on the number of respite hours provided in each county every year; the amount of money spent directly on respite services in each county; the number of daytime respite hours provided; the amount of home-based respite, as opposed to centre-based respite, granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19776/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 381 and 382 together.
The vision for the Health Service Executive's (HSE) Disability Services Programme is to contribute to the realisation of a society where people with disabilities are supported, as far as possible, to participate to their full potential in economic and social life, and have access to a range of quality personal social supports and services including respite care to enhance their quality of life.
Respite care for children and adults with disabilities is provided by the HSE directly in some instances, or by agencies funded by the HSE to provide services on its behalf. In many instances respite services are part of the overall suite of services provided by voluntary service providers to people with disabilities under their service level agreements with the HSE. The HSE remains committed to working with all voluntary disability service providers to ensure that all of the resources available for specialist disability services, including respite services, are used in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
The HSE’s Social Care Operational Plan for 2015 aims to provide 190,000 overnight stays in centre-based respite services to almost 5,300 people. The HSE is also committed to continuing to explore methods of community respite care as an alternative to centre-based respite care, including advancing the Host Family Support Model.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.
Respite Care Services Availability
Questions (383)
Mick Wallace
Question:383. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 495 of 21 April 2015, which outlined the introduction of the disability composite template under schedule 3 of the service agreement, if he is satisfied that sufficient mechanisms are in place to ensure transparency, as regards all aspects of the budget allocation of the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19777/15]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
Mental Health Services Provision
Questions (384)
Colm Keaveney
Question:384. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health his plans to instigate a renewal or review of a Vision for Change before 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19780/15]
View answerWritten answers
A Vision for Change (2006) sets out a comprehensive framework for the development of all mental health services. It recommends, broadly, a move away from the traditional institutional based model of care to a more patient-centred, flexible and community based service, where the need for hospital admission is greatly reduced while still providing in-patient care, as appropriate. This Government has prioritised the reform and resourcing of our mental health services in line with A Vision for Change, and has significantly progressed this through the provision of €125 million since 2012, to underpin a range of new services initiatives to meet this widely agreed strategy objective. This sustained investment in mental health since 2012 has resulted in over 1,150 new staff for the sector.
A Vision for Change contained a commitment that it would be reviewed after 7 years. It was decided to give priority to the review of the Mental Health Act 2001, after which consideration would again be given to reviewing Vision and establishing independent monitoring arrangements. The Expert Group which I set up to review the Mental Health Act 2001 has now completed its work and I plan to shortly seek Government approval for the drafting of a General Scheme of a Mental Health (Amendment) Bill to incorporate the recommendations of the review in revised legislation.
Preliminary work on the development of a successor policy to A Vision for Change is under way and a review will commence as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (385)
Bernard Durkan
Question:385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment may be urgently facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19792/15]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
Departmental Legal Costs
Questions (386)
Dominic Hannigan
Question:386. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by his Department in legal fees in 2012, 2013 and 2014 in appealing decisions taken by the High Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20162/15]
View answerWritten answers
Total legal fees for 2012 and 2013 for the Department are presented in the table. The Department in general, avails of legal services and advice from the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor. If there is a particular case that the Deputy requires details for, please contact me again and I will investigate further. I will revert to the deputy with the total legal costs for the Department for 2014 as soon as possible.
|
Year |
Legal Costs |
|
2012 |
€165,915 |
|
2013 |
€113,370 |
Northern Ireland
Questions (387)
Micheál Martin
Question:387. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding the increased violence in Northern Ireland and comments made (details supplied) regarding these events not being a positive development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19146/15]
View answerWritten answers
There have been a number of security incidents in Northern Ireland in recent weeks that have put lives at risk. A man was murdered while his neighbours were going to work and to school. There were a number of bomb attacks in the Derry area and a device left in Ardoyne saw the public unable to attend mass in the Holy Cross monastery for the only time since its foundation in 1869.
I am conscious there were also a number of attacks and threats against elected representatives in Northern Ireland, including the deputy First Minister. Such acts are reprehensible at any time, but were particularly sinister in the context of the UK general election campaign.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland, whose officers may possibly have been a target, is investigating recent events. I support the PSNI in its work and encourage anyone with information on the attacks to bring it to the police.
There can be no justification for recourse to violence, which is an affront to the expressed will of the people of this island to build a reconciled and prosperous society true to the vision of the Good Friday Agreement.
I will continue to engage with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the Executive parties in our shared endeavour to move Northern Ireland forward. I stay in close and regular contact with Senator Hart, including this week. He has made a very valuable contribution to the negotiations of the Stormont House Agreement and to our collective efforts to ensure its full and faithful implementation.
Northern Ireland
Questions (388)
Micheál Martin
Question:388. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19153/15]
View answerWritten answers
We are now entering an important point in the implementation process of the Stormont House Agreement. A number of target dates over a range of the areas included in the Agreement will arise in the weeks ahead. To achieve these will require a concerted effort and an intensive political investment from the Northern Ireland Executive and from both Governments.
It is important to recall how far we have come already in terms of the collective achievement of getting the Stormont House Agreement over the line in December and the progress made since then in implementing it. Since the start of the year, the two Governments and the NI Executive Parties have held two comprehensive formal review meetings. In February, a report on new priorities for North/South cooperation was agreed at a North South Ministerial Council meeting in Belfast. Officials from Dublin, London and Belfast are preparing the groundwork for legislation to establish the new institutions for dealing with the past; and the Northern Ireland Party Leaders continue to meet regularly to take forward work across the broad areas of responsibility they undertook in Stormont House.
It is disappointing that difficulties have recently arisen around the welfare element of the Stormont House Agreement. The Government is committed to the implementation of the totality of the provisions of the Agreement and it is important to ensure that the developments around the welfare issue do not have a corrosive impact on the wider implementation of the Agreement.
Now that the Westminster elections are over and a new UK Government is in place, there is an opportunity and obligation to refocus our efforts to implement the next phases of the Agreement. I spoke with each of the NI Executive Party leaders in recent days and set out the Irish Government’s views in this regard. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that politics delivers and to create a way forward on issues that have been a source of difficulty for far too long.
I will also discuss these issues with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when I meet her later today, following on from our constructive telephone conversation last week. There are challenges ahead, not least on the issue of welfare, but I am confident that working together in good faith the parties in the Executive can deliver the solutions that the people of Northern Ireland expect and deserve.
The next implementation and review meeting will take place in late June, when a six-month progress report will also be published by the two Governments. I will continue to keep this House informed of progress.
Common Security and Defence Policy
Questions (389, 401)
Paul Murphy
Question:389. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 30 April 2015, if there are Common Security and Defence Policy measures in North Africa he is opposed to, if proposed by High Representative Mogherini; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19217/15]
View answerMick Wallace
Question:401. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of discussions he has had with the Department of Justice and Equality, in relation to the European Union's new proposals regarding the migrant crisis, in particular the one calling for a Chapter 7 United Nations resolution authorising the use of force against traffickers operating out of Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19489/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 389 and 401 together.
Along with the Minister for Justice, I attended a joint Council meeting on 20 April, the outcome of which informed the discussions of Heads of State and Government at the special European Council later that week. That European Council agreed a comprehensive strategy to respond to the humanitarian crisis, which includes tackling the root causes through continued provision of development assistance and supporting conflict resolution and capacity building in source countries in sub-Saharan Africa as well as measures to prevent further loss of life at sea. Ireland is actively participating in follow up discussions at EU level on various strands.
The strategy requires action across a range of Departments and consultation between Departments. One of the commitments agreed by the European Council concerns a possible CSDP mission. My Department has been taking the lead role in respect of this mission. As this will be a military mission, my officials have consulted closely with the Department of Defence. The Minister for Defence and I were both present for the discussion at the Joint Council meeting yesterday.
At the Council meeting Ministers adopted a Council Decision to establish a CSDP Mission, EUNAVFOR MED. The mission will implement its mandate in several phases.
The EU Political and Security Committee, acting under the responsibility of the Council of Ministers, will decide on when to make the transition between the different phases, taking into account any applicable UN Security Council Resolution and consent by the coastal states concerned.
In discussions to date Ireland has insisted that the CSDP operation should be carried out in full accordance with international law. We have highlighted the need for appropriate UN Security Council authorization for measures which are not already permitted under international law. We have also placed particular emphasis on ensuring that any vessels assigned to the CSDP operation will be ready and equipped to perform Search and Rescue tasks as necessary.
The Department of Justice and Equality is leading on a number of other aspects of the European Council’s comprehensive strategy, but consults with my Department, and with others, as appropriate.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (390)
Paul Murphy
Question:390. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he requested the European Council, at its meeting in December 2014, to make representations to the Egyptian Government for the release of a person (details supplied), an Irish citizen, who has been designated a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International. [15210/15]
View answerWritten answers
This issue was not on the agenda at the European Council meeting in December 2014.
I have discussed the matter at senior European level including with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini. The EU remains supportive of our position, and has expressed this support for our concerns at appropriate opportunities with the Egyptian authorities at a high level including by raising the matter with the Egyptian authorities through the EEAS delegation in Cairo.
It was disappointing that the application for bail made by this individual’s lawyers, and supported by the Irish government, was rejected. An official from our Embassy in Cairo attended the hearing on 26 April, and will attend again at the next scheduled hearing on 3 June. My Department and I will continue to take any and all appropriate action that we believe to be in the best interests of our citizen.
Dublin-Monaghan Bombings
Questions (391)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:391. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department will continue to provide funding for the Justice for the Forgotten group, when it expires in June 2015; and if he will pay special attention to the long-standing issues, such as the lack of communication, in the process of the requests made to British authorities to release files on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974. [19379/15]
View answerWritten answers
The 41st anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings took place on Sunday, May 17th. The survivors of those terrible attacks, and the families of the victims, are now into the fifth decade of their search for answers. Commemorations took place last Saturday, 16th May, at which the Government was represented by Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. I am conscious that anniversaries can be a particularly difficult time for families.
I welcome the continued all-party support for the campaign on behalf of the Dublin-Monaghan families. On Friday last, 15th May, I met with representatives of Justice for the Forgotten, which supports victims and survivors, including the Dublin and Monaghan families, to discuss how the Government can best support their efforts. In 2014, Justice for the Forgotten received a grant of €48,000 from my Department’s Reconciliation Fund to assist with its important work.
I understand that Justice for the Forgotten has applied for funding during the Reconciliation Fund’s current round of funding. All applications are currently under review and will be assessed according to criteria outlined in the Reconciliation Fund Strategy 2014-2017, which was launched in June 2014. The strategy outlines the priorities for the Reconciliation Fund, ensuring that it supports the Government’s vision of a reconciled Ireland and remains relevant, effective, and efficient in the coming years. It is anticipated that a decision will be reached in respect of all applications in June 2015, and that organisations will be informed of the outcome of their applications accordingly.
The Government fully supports the all-party Dáil motions of July 2008 and May 2011 urging the British Government to allow access by an independent international judicial figure to all original documents in their possession relating to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. I have raised this issue with the British Government on a number of occasions and have received assurances from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland that the British Government would consider afresh how it can respond to the Dáil motions.
Legal Advice
Questions (392)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:392. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request the Department of the Taoiseach to address the case of a person (details supplied), in the same way the then Australian Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Abbott, and the British Prime Minister, did to protect the rights of their citizens affected by fraudulent activities in Dubai, and by doing so, attempt to alleviate the suffering and hardship for the persons affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19380/15]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has been in regular contact with the family at the centre of this case over recent years, both in Dublin and through officials at the Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Our Embassy in Abu Dhabi has raised the case a number of times, most recently in March, with the UAE authorities. The Office of the Prosecutor has indicated that the competent national authority continues to have a criminal case registered against two persons on charges of fraud and ‘acquisition of capital’. In July 2013 an order was issued for their arrest, but it would appear that this order remains outstanding.
As the criminal case is still ongoing in Dubai, and the question of the enforcement of outstanding foreign arrest orders is strictly a matter for the local authorities, as things stand there is nothing further that the Embassy or Department can do to assist on this matter.
The Department of Foreign Affairs does not have a budget to appoint lawyers or pay for legal costs incurred by citizens involved in legal proceedings abroad. As you will appreciate, given the large numbers of Irish citizens travelling, doing business and entering into contracts overseas, it is simply not possible for my Department to maintain a budget for such legal representation. It would also be inappropriate for us to be in a position of making judgments on the merits of which specific cases we could or could not fund.
The difficulty and financial hardship that the family now find themselves in is clear from the correspondence my Department has received from them, but unfortunately it would appear that there is no further consular assistance that can be offered to them by my Department at the current time. This is a criminal case in the UAE based on a commercial legal dispute. Both criminal cases and commercial legal disputes abroad are subject to local law and legal/settlement proceedings and the Department cannot interfere in those local judicial processes. Similarly, for reasons outlined above, the consular assistance that we can offer to citizens does not include the provision of expert legal advice on foreign disputes, nor financial support to employ legal representation in respect of legal disputes abroad.
I regret to inform the Deputy that, following careful consideration of the case, it is the considered view of the Department that there is no further action that we can take to assist these individuals at this time.
Human Rights
Questions (393)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:393. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the talks he has held at European Union level on the assassination of three civil society leaders in Colombia in September 2014; his views on the instability and corruption at government level in Columbia which results in that country being a dangerous one in which to be a member of a trade union; his plans to address these very serious issues of human rights in Colombia, and the resultant effects on any future trade deals, such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, in empowering corporations, and corruption at government level, in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19381/15]
View answerWritten answers
The promotion and protection of human rights is a core principle of Ireland's foreign policy and we have prioritised the protection of trades unionists, human rights defenders and others who are in immediate danger. I am concerned at reports of violence against civil society leaders in Colombia, including the cases to which I believe the Deputy refers, involving the murder of community leaders and victims’ rights representatives.
Human rights in Colombia, and in particular the slow pace in the decrease of impunity, are a major concern for the EU and for Ireland and are addressed in detail in the context of the EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue. Through this mechanism, which addresses the subject directly with the Colombian authorities at official level, the Union engages in a structured manner across the full range of human rights issues, including as regards human rights defenders and trade unionists, land restitution, environmental issues, and economic crimes. I believe that this policy of engagement, dialogue and scrutiny, which is ongoing, regular and structured, is the best way to promote human rights and the interests of labour in Colombia.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia has pointed out that an end to the longstanding armed conflict - now under negotiation between the government and the main guerrilla organisation in the context of the peace talks in Havana - has the potential to transform Colombia in terms of its level of respect for and enjoyment of human rights. As I noted at the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 April, the peace process in Colombia is potentially one of the most significant advances in conflict resolution the region has seen and we strongly support it.
The Embassy of Ireland at Mexico City is accredited also to Bogotá. The Ambassador and diplomatic staff regularly discuss human rights issues with government interlocutors during their visits to Colombia and meet with international and local civil society organisations working on human rights issues there, including on labour and environmental rights. The Embassy oversees Irish Aid funding in Colombia, which supports civil society organisations, with a focus on the protection of human rights defenders and raising awareness of violations. In addition, Irish Aid provides funding to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, focused on their work in support of human rights in south-west Colombia.
Negotiations on the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership - an international agreement among the EU, the US and Canada - are led by my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation.
Overseas Development Aid Expenditure
Questions (394, 395)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:394. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total contribution by Irish Aid to the Clinton Foundation, and in particular the health access initiative; if he will provide a breakdown on the source of this money, the Irish Government officials who are represented in the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. [19382/15]
View answerMaureen O'Sullivan
Question:395. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Irish Aid money is paid directly through the Clinton Foundation to the health Ministries of Mozambique and Lesotho; and the projects these state Ministries implement, with finance from Irish Aid. [19383/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 395 together.
Ireland’s Policy for International Development, One World, One Future, reiterates our longstanding commitment to strengthening health systems in developing countries, as a critical element in the fight against poverty. Our work in Irish Aid’s key partner countries includes support for the training of health workers to oversee and deliver quality basic services and to increase coverage to reach those most in need. Ireland has also made a strong impact in investing globally, regionally and at national level to help overcome HIV and AIDS and other pandemics including Malaria, Tuberculosis and Ebola.
The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) has been a valued partner of Irish Aid in this work in two of our partner countries, Mozambique and Lesotho. The Initiative has also been instrumental in re-shaping international pharmaceutical markets to dramatically reduce the cost of life-saving anti-retroviral drugs and diagnostics.
Over the period 2003-2015, Irish Aid has provided a total of over €162 million for the fight against HIV and AIDS in Mozambique and Lesotho, most of it channelled directly through the Ministries of Health in both countries. In the past five years, in the framework of our cooperation with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, €68.2 million has been provided directly to the Ministries of Health in Mozambique and Lesotho and €1.8 million to the Clinton Health Access Initiative for the provision of technical support. As most funding is channelled directly to the two Health Ministries, Ireland is not represented on the boards of the Clinton Foundation or the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
Details of funding in the period 2011 to 2015 are set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Funding to CHAI Mozambique |
Funding to Ministry of Health Mozambique |
Funding to CHAI Lesotho |
Funding to Ministry of Health Lesotho |
|
2011 |
€295,000 |
€12,000,000 |
- |
€4,150,000 |
|
2012 |
€200,000 |
€12,000,000 |
- |
€3,860,600 |
|
2013 |
€250,000 |
€12,000,000 |
€343,077 |
€236,800 |
|
2014 |
€250,000 |
€12,000,000 |
€500,000 |
- |
|
2015 |
- |
€12,000,000 |
- |
- |
|
Totals: |
€995,000 |
€60,000,000 |
€843,077 |
€8,247,400 |
As a result of this work, there has been a marked improvement in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Mozambique. Over 66,000 women are now being treated annually. Over 250,000 people in Mozambique are now receiving HIV treatment, up from less than 2,000 at the end of 2002.
In Lesotho, HIV counselling and testing services have been expanded to almost two-thirds of the population, compared to fewer than one-in-ten people in 2007. Irish Aid has also contributed to the improvement of the health of mothers, children and newborn babies in Lesotho through our support for health centres, the training of nurses and midwives and support for the use of routine vaccines.
Human Rights
Questions (396)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:396. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the human rights issues of Honduran people in the Aguan Valley in Honduras have been addressed, as requested by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19384/15]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the organisation the Deputy mentions and officials from my Department have met with their representative to hear their experiences and concerns as human rights defenders in their part of Honduras. This meeting took place while we were in the process of considering our recommendations to Honduras for their Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council. As a matter of principle, Ireland is always open to, and welcomes consultation with, civil society as part of the UPR process.
Since the establishment of the Human Rights Council in March 2006, Ireland has engaged proactively with the Universal Periodic Review process. This allows for the review of the domestic human rights records of all 193 UN Member States, based on their international human rights obligations. It is aimed at improving the human rights situation on the ground and addressing human rights violations wherever they occur. Any UN Member State can take part in the interactive dialogue, and the process enables UN Member States to raise issues and to make recommendations about the protection and promotion of human rights in the State concerned.
In the case of Honduras, Ireland made two recommendations, on legislation to protect human rights defenders, and to guarantee the protection and the effective access to justice for women who are victims of violence.
Human Rights
Questions (397)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:397. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that all aspects of the free trade agreement, with regard to the requirement within the agreement of human rights being monitored, is being adhered to in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19385/15]
View answerWritten answers
Respect for human rights is an essential element of the EU Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru which contains, in addition, important provisions in the area of labour rights and protection of the environment. The EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue is the key mechanism for engagement on human rights issues with Colombia. Through this mechanism, which addresses the subject directly with the Colombian authorities at official level, the Union engages in a structured manner across the full range of human rights issues, including as regards human rights defenders and trade unionists, land restitution, environmental and economic crimes, and the slow pace in the decrease of impunity. I believe that this policy of engagement, dialogue and scrutiny, which is ongoing, regular and structured, is the best way to promote human rights in Colombia.
As regards the related areas of labour rights and the protection of the environment, the provisions of the Free Trade Agreement are a major innovation. In particular, the Agreement establishes a mechanism for oversight and monitoring of the implementation of labour laws involving the active participation by civil society actors, and establishes an obligation of transparency and public accountability regarding initiatives that could have consequences for labour and/or the environment. This process is overseen by a Trade Committee which will review the implementation of all aspects of the Agreement, including labour, environmental, and trade issues. The second annual meeting of the Trade Committee under the EU Colombia Peru Free Trade Agreement will take place in Bogotá next month. Ireland will be represented at that meeting by our Embassy at Mexico City, which is accredited also to Colombia. At the meeting, our representatives will have an opportunity to examine the implementation of the Agreement in detail, and hear the views also of Colombia civil society organisations.
Ireland will continue to engage with the Colombian government on human rights issues both directly, during visits by the Embassy when they meet with Colombian officials, international agencies and civil society organisations engaged in human rights promotion, and through the relevant EU and international mechanisms.