Written Answers Nos. 897-913
897. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which women and girls continue to be targeted by Boko Haram, taken as hostages and released; the efforts being made to assist in their release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38403/15]
View answerThe brutal activities of Boko Haram continue to represent a serious threat to the peace and security of Nigeria, and to the wider region. They also involve the clear and persistent abuse of human rights, especially of women and girls. The abduction in April 2014 of more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok appalled the world. It has been one of a number of attacks on defenceless young people, seeking to destroy their education and their futures. I am encouraged by reports that 338 captives, almost all women and children, were rescued last week by the Nigerian army from Boko Haram camps in the Sambisa forest in the north-east of the country. However, I am dismayed that none of the girls abducted from the school in Chibok has yet been rescued. The Government has consistently condemned the acts of violence being perpetrated by Boko Haram. At a meeting convened by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 30 June and at a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 1 April, we highlighted the terrible human rights and humanitarian impact of the terrorist violence. The extent of the humanitarian crisis, including the threat to women and children, has also been emphasised by EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council on 9 February.
The EU has pledged to continue providing immediate relief to those in need and to increase its efforts at a regional level. Ireland is providing support of nearly €1.4 million this year to address the humanitarian needs of those affected by Boko Haram activities, including Nigerian refugees in Northern Cameroon.
It is the responsibility of the Nigerian Government, as well as of its military authorities, to create a secure environment in which the human rights of civilians are promoted and protected, including in those areas affected by Boko Haram.
The new President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, was inaugurated on 29 May. I welcome his comments on the need to address corruption and security threats, including those posed by Boko Haram. I would again urge the Government of Nigeria to commit the necessary resources to finding the women and girls who are being held hostage so that they can be returned to their families without delay.
We will continue to monitor the situation through our Embassy in Abuja, which is in regular contact with the Government of Nigeria on developments, and will ensure, with our EU partners, that we maintain the focus on the human rights abuses being perpetrated against innocent civilians, and especially young people, in the region.
898. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which any particular emphasis is placed on efforts within the European Union to address the issue of Euroscepticism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38404/15]
View answerThere is no doubt that the continuing effects of the economic and fiscal crisis, combined with the ongoing challenges of globalisation and demographic change, have had consequences for public confidence in EU institutions – as is also the case for national institutions in many countries. This in turn has led to some rise in support for those who are sceptical towards or are in outright opposition to the European project. This is a concern of all Member States and the EU institutions themselves and is a point which is raised in general discussions at European level. However, I believe that the majority of Europe’s citizens still look to the EU as indispensable to managing common challenges. It is worth recalling that, despite heightened public criticism of the EU, the European Parliament elections of 2014 returned a substantial majority of pro-EU parties and candidates.
It should also be recognised that the scale of the migration crisis, possibly Europe’s greatest current challenge, is partly a reflection of the success of the EU. The EU has evolved to become a beacon of security, stability and prosperity across the European continent, so much so that people are prepared to risk their lives to seek sanctuary here.
The European Council, and also the Commission and Parliament, have recognised that we must focus relentlessly on the key issues which affect citizens’ lives and their futures, and I believe that this is reflected in the policy and legislative priorities the institutions have set for themselves - most recently in the Commission’s annual work programme, which was published on 28 October.
In respect of Irish citizens, it is worth noting that the most recent Euro barometer surveys record 57% of Irish respondents as having a positive image of the EU, as against 12% negative, with 77% reporting that they were optimistic about the future of the Union - the highest percentage of any member state.
900. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the persecution and abuse of Christians has been noted globally; if steps have been taken or are likely to be taken to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38406/15]
View answerIreland strongly condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are. We attach great importance to combating all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. Ireland is deeply concerned by the persecution of Christians. I have been shocked by the reports of the brutal killings by ISIS and its affiliates. These monstrous acts are beyond comprehension and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms. Ireland has repeatedly recalled the duty of States to protect vulnerable minorities in the Middle East, including Christian communities. Ireland and the EU consistently press for effective action to counter the persecution of minorities in all relevant international fora, including at the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Human Rights Council, of which Ireland is currently a member. Ireland reiterated its commitment to defending the right to freedom of religion or belief during a UN Security Council debate on the victims of attacks and abuses on ethnic or religious grounds in the Middle East, on 27 March 2015. I personally highlighted the alarming rise in attacks on Christians when I addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on 1 October 2015 and the UN Human Rights Council at its 28th session on 4 March 2015. I also raised it during my meetings with the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, in September 2014 and May 2015. On 22 October at the Third Committee at the United Nations General Assembly Ireland presented a statement specifically addressing the importance of freedom of religion or belief at an Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Professor Heiner Bielefeldt. The statement can be found on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the following address: https://www.dfa.ie/media/dfa/alldfawebsitemedia/ourrolesandpolicies/int-priorities/Final-Irish-statement-for-IAD-on-FORB.pdf.
Ireland is active in the negotiation of the EU led draft resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Third Committee. Ireland works within and alongside the EU to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, notably with the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief adopted during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013. These Guidelines provide EU officials with an overview of the legal and policy framework within which the right to freedom of religion or belief is protected. They also elaborate an EU strategy on how to engage with third countries on the right to freedom of religion or belief, a strategy which we hope to see bear fruit as we assess the implementation of the Guidelines.
On 20 July 2015, the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) adopted the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2015-2019. The Action Plan forms part of the EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy which was adopted by the FAC in June 2012. Its purpose is to improve the effectiveness and consistency of the EU’s policy and commits the EU to promoting human rights in all areas of its external action. Responsibility for the implementation of the Action Plan is shared between the EEAS, European Commission and EU Member States.
Within the EU, Ireland pressed for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief to be included in the Action Plan, and this is now reflected as a stand-alone point with the following actions:
Ensure that freedom of religion or belief remains high on the agenda of relations with third countries, as well as in multilateral fora, in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders; promote the exchange of best practices, and deepen awareness on the various components of freedom of religion or belief at Headquarters, EU delegations and Member State embassies.
Encourage and support relevant partner countries and other stakeholders’ initiatives on freedom of religion or belief in particular those aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, enabling them to manifest their religion or belief without fear of violence, discrimination, political pressure, censorship or persecution.
Promote inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue and the role of religious and other leaders in ensuring freedom of religion or belief.
Together with the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief, the Action Plan will strengthen the EU’s co-ordinated response to persecution based on religion or belief throughout the world.
Ireland will also continue to raise the issue of the persecution of Christians, through its official bilateral contacts with the countries in question, stressing the responsibility of the government to protect all citizens and minorities, irrespective of their religion or belief.
I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to actively support freedom of religion or belief across our foreign policy.
901. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which new trading links can be established globally and to which it is expected that Ireland can benefit from such developments in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38407/15]
View answerAs previously stated, the advancement of Ireland’s trade, tourism, investment and education promotion objectives is a central aspect of Ireland’s foreign policy and of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its Embassy network. While the majority of Irish services and merchandise exports go to Europe and the US and we must continue to cultivate these markets, the Government is strongly focused on the further development of trading partnerships with other important emerging markets.
“Trading and investing in a Smart Economy 2010-2015”, the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, runs to the end of 2015. Under this Strategy, a number of new actions were initiated. For example, the Export Trade Council (ETC), which I chair, was established, as were Local Market Teams chaired by our Ambassadors in priority markets. The ETC oversees the implementation of the Strategy and facilitates the close coordination of Ireland’s trade, tourism, investment and education promotion overseas.
On a successor to the current Strategy, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the ETC, has initiated a scoping exercise with other government Departments, State agencies and private sector members, to consider possible future approaches in the trade, tourism, investment and education areas. There is a widespread view that a full consideration of the successor Strategy would most appropriately be taken forward next year.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has opened new diplomatic missions in recent years across South East Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas. Irish Embassies and Consulates provide a platform abroad for the promotion of Ireland as a business, investment, tourism and education destination.
The St. Patrick’s Day period of course offers us a unique opportunity to promote greater awareness of Ireland in general and Irish trade links in particular. During the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, trade, tourism and investment in Ireland were promoted at 148 dedicated business events, attended by almost 18,000 Irish and international company representatives.
In November, my Department will host the fourth Global Irish Economic Forum in Dublin. Many of those attending are members of the Global Irish Network. This Network works closely with the Government and State agencies in promoting Ireland’s economic, cultural and tourism messages in key markets.
Both at home and abroad, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to work in cooperation with other Government Departments in promoting Ireland’s trade, tourism, investment and education efforts. In addition to supporting the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s 2025 Agri-Food Strategy, my Department is also closely involved in the implementation of the International Financial Services Strategy, launched in March this year.
902. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which humanitarian aid is received by those persons for whom it was intended at all locations globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38409/15]
View answer905. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the top ten locations worldwide identified as being areas subject to the most serious human rights abuses, with particular reference to those areas also affected by war, famine, starvation, genocide, and religious intolerance; the extent to which the global community can make a positive and influential impact in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38412/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 902 and 905 together.
The world is currently facing an unprecedented level of humanitarian crisis, and the appeals for assistance continue to outpace the international community’s capacity to respond. Almost 60 million people are now displaced globally, half of them children, and the great majority of them living in situations of conflict.
Ireland’s humanitarian response focuses on the most severe crises, especially protracted and forgotten emergencies. The core objective of our assistance is to save and protect lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity, before, during and in the aftermath of such crises. Ireland's humanitarian response is focused on where needs are greatest and is underpinned by a strong commitment to the humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality, impartiality and humanity, and to respect fundamental human rights.
Ireland is committed to working with a range of partners including non-governmental and UN organisations, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. These partners have the experience and capacity to deliver assistance to the most vulnerable communities in times of crisis and stress.
Four crises, in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and South Sudan, are classified by the UN as ‘level 3’ emergencies, the most severe, large-scale humanitarian crises. These four crises are expected to remain at this level in 2016. They are all complex crises in conflict situations which have resulted in significant internal displacement, food insecurity, rising malnutrition levels and human rights abuses. In addition to responding to these severe crises, Ireland has provided humanitarian assistance in a number of major crises in Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and across the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, including Somalia and Ethiopia.
Last year, we dedicated €85 million in providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people across the world and we expect to surpass that figure in 2015.
On 2 July, I addressed the first ever Irish Humanitarian Summit, which took place in UCD and was opened by President Higgins. One of the key themes which emerged was the importance of serving the needs of people affected by conflict. Ireland will continue to highlight this issue in the lead up to the World Humanitarian Summit, an initiative of the UN Secretary General, which will be held in Istanbul in May 2016.
903. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union continues to engage with the Russian and Ukrainian authorities with a view to achieving a permanent settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38410/15]
View answerThe EU is at the forefront of international efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The key to resolving the conflict remains the comprehensive implementation of the Minsk Agreements. This requires a genuine and complete ceasefire, the removal of heavy weapons and progress on the political track, including arrangements for local elections in eastern Ukraine, the withdrawal of all foreign forces and equipment from Ukraine and the restoration of Ukrainian control over its border with Russia. There has been some progress in recent weeks. The security situation has improved considerably with a very significant reduction in violence. Heavy and light weaponry have begun to be withdrawn from the contact line in accordance with an agreed schedule. These developments have facilitated progress on the political track. At the Normandy Format (France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine) Heads of State Summit in Paris on 2 October, a broad agenda for progress was agreed. While this progress is welcome, other key elements of the Minsk Agreements need to be implemented. It is incumbent on all sides to do everything in their power to ensure the full implementation of the Agreements. In this regard, the EU is playing an important role in advancing the political process with a view to securing a stable, lasting peace in Ukraine.
It is expected that Ukraine and other Eastern Partner countries will be discussed at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council.
904. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his Department directly, and through the aegis of the European Union, continue to engage with the authorities in Egypt with a view to bringing about the early release of a person (details supplied) who has been imprisoned pending trial for an exceptionally long period of time; whether this person continues to receive regular visits from embassy or consular officials; if an appropriate appeal in the format required by the Egyptian authorities has been agreed; if it is expected that the case for repatriation can be reiterated, given that the person is an Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38411/15]
View answerSignificant resources in Cairo and in Dublin continue to be deployed in the provision of comprehensive consular assistance to this citizen. The key focus of our extensive engagement on this complex and sensitive case remains securing this citizen’s best interests in so far as we can, working to see him released by the Egyptian authorities at the earliest possible opportunity and providing consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention. I have had numerous discussions with my Egyptian counterpart about this case. I and my officials have extensive contact with the Egyptian Ambassador here in Dublin, and there has been ongoing contact between our Ambassador and Embassy in Cairo and the Egyptian authorities. The Taoiseach has also raised this case with the Egyptian President, and discussed it with him in person recently in New York. We are also in extensive contact with other international partners who have had citizens in similar situations. The information we receive from all of these contacts is carefully considered and used in reviewing our approach to this case on a constant basis. I have also raised it with the EU and have been in direct contact with HRVP Mogherini on this case, as well as with her predecessor Baroness Catherine Ashton. I would also note that Embassy officials visited this citizen in detention most recently on 1 November 2015. This exceptional level of action has been taken by the Government and by my Department because of the very exceptional nature of this case – he was a minor at the time of his arrest and the group nature of his trial gives rise to particular concerns.
We will continue to take all appropriate action that we believe to be in the best interests of this citizen. However, the reality is that any decision to release this citizen will ultimately be taken by the Egyptian authorities, not by us.
Given that the trial is ongoing, the Government has to be extremely careful to ensure that its actions, both public and private, are well judged and do not detract from our key goal of securing positive progress for this citizen at the earliest possible time. I am aware that there are those who are critical of the Government’s approach, but I would appeal to all those who also have this citizen’s best interests in mind to ensure that their actions and public statements are not such that they could jeopardise our considered and concerted efforts to achieve positive progress for this citizen.
The Government has formally supported several applications that have been made by this citizen’s legal team for his release on bail and under the Presidential decree. The Egyptian authorities are in no doubt about our position. We await the Judge’s ruling on the most recent application we have supported. While the further adjournment of the trial on 4 October was a disappointment to us all, above all for this citizen, the Government's considered view remains that the firm, measured and sustained diplomatic approach we are taking continues to be in his best interest and represents the best hope to achieve his return to Ireland at the earliest possible date.
907. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of civil servants under his remit who have been reinstated in recent years after taking a career break; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38727/15]
View answerOfficers are granted career breaks and re-instated following career breaks as per the terms and conditions of Department Of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 4/13 Career Break Scheme in the Civil Service. This Circular revoked and replaced earlier provisions set out in Circular 18/1998 - Special Leave without pay for career breaks, LP 3/3/2008 - Special leave without pay for career breaks: Amendment to Circular 18/98, and LP 18/3/2009 - Special Leave without pay for career breaks and resumption of duty. A total of 24 officers who had availed of the Career Break scheme returned to work since 2012. Of these 24 officers, two have since been granted further career breaks.
908. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an offer to teach English to refugees being housed (details supplied) in County Kerry will be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37505/15]
View answerEnglish language teaching for adults is provided by Education and Training Boards through the funding they receive from SOLAS.
This model will also be used to address the needs of new programme refugees and arrangements will be made by the relevant ETBs in co-ordination with other available services and provision in the areas where programme refugees are located.
909. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if staff paid directly by a recognised school or vocational education committee whose salaries were adjusted with effect from January 2011, in accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009, and in line with Department of Education Circular No. 0070/2010, will receive an increase in salary under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2015. [37643/15]
View answerIt is the intention of Government that staff paid directly by a recognised school or Education and Training Board and whose salaries were adjusted in accordance with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 will benefit from an increase in salary. The details will be conveyed to the relevant staff by my Department in the normal manner.
910. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the transport measures that will be put in place to assist a child in County Laois (details supplied) to attend school; the reason for the delay in organising appropriate transport; the timeframe within which the transport will be organised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38091/15]
View answerMy Department received an application for school transport for the child in question in the first week of September 2015.
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs this child is eligible for school transport.
In this regard, a new school transport service has been sanctioned. Bus Éireann has advised that the proposed service is currently out to tender and they will liaise directly with the family when transport arrangements are finalised.
In the meantime the family has been advised that they may claim a Special Transport Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.
911. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a vacant site (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be made available to the Kilkenny Order of Malta; and if officials from her Department will meet the Order of Malta to discuss its need for a base and educational centre. [38354/15]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the site in question will continue to be used for educational purposes and is therefore not available for the purpose to which he refers.
912. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) who has just completed a level 8 degree in social care is not able to avail of Student Universal Support Ireland support which would enable the person to proceed to do a level 9 master's degree in social work, especially considering the current shortage of qualified social workers at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37175/15]
View answerAs part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.
This service complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board.
913. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the statutory and additional entitlements of those employed to provide secretarial or caretaking services or both to schools through the ancillary services grant programme; the rate of remuneration payable to employees employed through the programme; her plans to increase rates payable to schools under the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37176/15]
View answer936. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to increase the rate of the ancillary services grant to primary schools, and if not, the reason for it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37558/15]
View answer937. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to change the current employer of secretaries, cleaners and caretakers, employed in primary schools from the individual board of management to her Department, and if not, the reasons for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37559/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 913, 936 and 937 together.
My Department provides capitation funding to all recognised primary schools.
The amount of grant paid to an individual primary school for capitation and ancillary services is determined by the school's enrolment, subject to a minimum grant for both capitation and ancillary services in respect of schools with enrolments up to 60, and a maximum ancillary services grant in the case of schools with enrolments of 500 or more.
In 2015 the capitation grant is €170 per pupil, and the Ancillary Services Grant is €147 per pupil.
The Deputy may wish to note that Circular 40/2009 clarifies issues relating to the allocation of funding for primary schools. The circular states that capitation funding provided for general running costs and funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
Where a school uses the grant funding to employ a Caretaker and/or Secretary, such staff are employees of the individual school. The Department therefore does not have any role in determining the pay and conditions under which they are engaged. These are matters to be agreed between the staff concerned and the school management, subject of course to any relevant statutory provisions.
Notwithstanding this, it was recently agreed that my Department would engage with the union side in relation to issues around the pay of Secretaries and Caretakers. The parties have now entered an arbitration process conducted by the Labour Relations Commission. The Deputy will appreciate that as the arbitration process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment at this time.
