Thursday, 14 Apr 2016

Written Answers Nos. 619-33

Shannon Airport Facilities

Questions (619)

Clare Daly

Question:

619. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of a recent report entitled Irradiated Iraq by Ms Barbara Koeppel which reveals that for the past 25 years the US and its allies have been using radioactive weapons containing uranium that have been causing cancers in adults and very serious deformities and birth defects in children; and if he is concerned that Shannon Airport in County Clare may have been used in the transport of such weaponry, thus leaving Ireland open to charges of having facilitated the commission of war crimes. [6421/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy and of the issues raised. The impact of the widespread contamination from explosive remnants of war is an issue of concern to Ireland and one which we have been active in addressing. In particular, Ireland has consistently supported calls for further research to assess the health risks and environmental impact of the use of arms and ammunitions containing depleted uranium in conflict situations. Verification and attribution of the cause of serious health and environmental impacts is complex when examining extended periods of multi-faceted conflict. Ireland has voted in favour of resolutions on depleted uranium at the United Nations since 2007, most recently in December 2014 when General Assembly Resolution A/C.1/69/L.43 was supported by 143 States. These resolutions encourage Member States to provide assistance to countries affected by the use of arms and ammunitions containing depleted uranium, in particular, by identifying and managing contaminated sites and material.

There is at present no international framework or treaty concerning depleted uranium munitions and therefore no internationally agreed definition or prohibition. Ireland does not possess any weapons or ammunition containing depleted uranium. It is the firm policy of the Government that depleted uranium munitions will not be acquired or used by the Defence Forces.

The arrangements under which permission is granted for foreign military aircraft to land at Irish airports, including Shannon, 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 foreign military aircraft are considered by my Department on the basis of these conditions. Permission would not have been granted for landings by foreign military aircraft carrying arms or ammunition, including depleted uranium munitions.

Ministerial Meetings

Questions (620)

Clare Daly

Question:

620. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had talks or consultations with the US Government regarding the Hibernia Atlantic cable being used as a data conduit to facilitate the operation of unmanned drones in the Middle East by its military; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6422/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have not had any talks or consultations with the Government of the United States of America regarding the Hibernia Atlantic Cable.

As Minister, I have no role in determining the uses to which international fibre connections can be put, nor do I have any role in the monitoring of data traffic passing over fibre networks transiting the State. The maintenance of free and open connectivity high capacity connectivity has provided manifold benefits for society, not least in terms of freedom of expression and freedom of access to information online.

The Government remains consistent in our view that the use of ‘drones’ or unmanned vehicles (UAVs) must be accordance with international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law. We welcome the continued discussion of the use of drones, including the relevant principles and norms of international law, across the human rights sphere.

Bank Guarantee Scheme

Questions (621)

Clare Daly

Question:

621. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department was contacted regarding a breach of Ireland's neutrality through the bailout of Bank of Ireland which owned, among its assets, a US asset management company which had a large holding in Dyncorp, the contractor for the US which organised rendition flights by Central Intelligence Agency agents. [6430/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department does not have responsibility in regard to Irish banks’ investment decisions and has not been contacted in relation to the matter to which the Deputy refers.

Passport Applications

Questions (622)

Pat Breen

Question:

622. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of first-time passport applicants who are required, as and from 29 March 2016, to submit a copy of their public services card; if he is putting a provision in place to facilitate first-time applicants who have to wait to obtain their card and who require a passport at short notice or in emergency situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6465/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The requirement that adults who are applying for a passport for the first time hold a Public Services Card (PSC) and submit a copy of this card was introduced from 29 March. This change is an important further step in preventing fraud and identity theft. It will ensure that the identity of first-time applicants continues to be verified to a high standard and it will help protect the integrity of the Irish passport.

In excess of 1.8 million Public Services Cards (PSC) are already in circulation and it is anticipated that many first time applicants will already hold one. People who do not currently have a card can apply via a secure registration process in person at their local Department of Social Protection office.

The processing time for first time passport applications is sufficient to allow the applicant who is not already in possession of a PSC to obtain a card through the Department of Social Protection registration system prior to the approval of their passport application.

If travel is required at short notice for urgent reasons, the Passport Service and the Department of Social Protection will make every effort to expedite the PSC registration process to allow the passport to issue and procedures are in place to facilitate this. In cases where this does not prove possible, the Passport Service will consider each application on its merits and will take extenuating circumstances into account.

Human Rights Issues

Questions (623)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

623. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to support or introduce a motion in Dáil Éireann to label as genocide atrocities committed by Islamic State against Christians and other minorities in the Middle East, as has recently occurred in the House of Representatives of the US and in the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6568/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have repeatedly condemned the horrific crimes by ISIS against religious and ethnic minorities in Syria and Iraq. ISIS has boasted of its use of murder, torture, mass sexual violence and forced religious conversions in areas under its control. Ireland has publicly condemned ISIS and other terrorist groups at the United Nations, including at the Human Rights Council.

I note that the High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded in his March 2015 report that, subject to a determination by an independent and competent court, ISIS may have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. We echo his call that, in order to provide accountability and justice for the victims, all crimes are investigated in line with international human rights standards, and perpetrators are brought to justice.

Determining the validity of claims of genocide by ISIS/Daesh is a matter which should be undertaken by a legally competent court. Ireland has repeatedly called for the referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court by the UN Security Council.

Passport Data

Questions (624)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

624. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports and identity cards he has issued in 2016 to date; if the ten-day turnaround for re-issuing passports has been met in 2016; if he will employ more seasonal staff to deal with the backlog of passports if the volume of applications increases; if there has been an increase in the number of applications from outside the Republic of Ireland between January and April 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6623/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

From 1 January to 11 April the Passport Service has issued a total of 179,885 passport books and 6,598 passport cards. This represents a significant increase in applications for passport books compared to the same period last year.

The target turnaround period of ten days applies to those applications submitted in person at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork and through the An Post Passport Express service. All applications which were submitted in person at the Passport Offices met the guideline turnaround times. The Passport Service has processed 119,831 applications via the Passport Express service so far this year. Of these 58,436, or almost 50% of applications, have been processed in ten working days or less. Passport Express applications are currently being processed within 11/12 working days.

To respond to the anticipated increase in seasonal demand the Passport Service has recruited additional Temporary Clerical Officers who will work a total of 5,122 weeks this year. This represents an increase of approximately 15% in the number of weeks sanctioned over last year. Application processing work has been redistributed across passport offices in recent weeks and staff re-deployed from other areas of the Department as needed to respond to the increased workload. The Passport Service will continue to closely monitor the situation, including with respect to the deployment of resources, to ensure that the impact of the high volume of demand on turnaround times is minimized.

The number of applications received from outside the state for the first quarter of 2015 was 43,369 and it is 49,397 over the same period in 2016. This represents an increase of almost 14% which is in line with the broader growth in demand.

It should be noted that the ten day turnaround time for the An Post service is a target rather than a stated guarantee. I strongly recommend that citizens apply for passports at least six weeks in advance of any planned travel.

Departmental Contracts Data

Questions (625)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

625. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of each statutory instrument signed; each contract entered into; each tender issued; each tender awarded; each State board appointment made by him or by an agency of his Department from 1 January 2016 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6692/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

No Statutory Instruments have been signed by me from 1 January 2016 to date and there are no State Boards operating under the aegis of my Department. Table 1 outlines contracts which have been entered into by my Department in 2016 to date. A number of the contracts were tendered for competitively in 2015 with final agreement and signature of contracts occurring in 2016. Table 2 outlines all tenders issued in 2016 to date, and details those which have been awarded and those in the process of being awarded.

Table 1

CONTRACTS 2016	AWARDED TO
Audit Services at Embassy Pretoria	Grant Thornton
Event Management Services for Africa Day Ireland Events (HQ)	DHR Communications
Facilitation for Planning of Irish Aid Country Strategy Programme Tanzania 2017 - 2022	Right 2 Change
Auditing Support Services at Embassy Kampala	KPMG
Evaluation of the Civil Society Fund and the Partnership Fund at Embassy Kampala	REEV Consult International
Department Employee Support Services (HQ)	Workplace Options
Provision of International Communications Links (HQ)	1. Colt 2. Vodafone
Short Educational Programme for US Students to Visit Ireland (HQ)	Institute of Study Abroad
Irish Aid Tanzania End-of-Country Strategy Paper Review	Kevin Carroll
Phase III Evaluation of Ireland’s Development Cooperation programme Vietnam 2011-2015 at Embassy Hanoi	Muriel Visser
Facilitation Services for the Nutrition Partners Forum at Embassy Maputo	Kerry Selverster
Land Rights Scoping Study at Embassy Dar es Salaam	Emmanuel Sulle
Facilitation of Social Accountability Partners Workshop at Embassy Dar es Salaam	Makongo
External Panellist for the Health Advisor Position Interview at Embassy Dar es Salaam	Dr. Yahya A. Ipuge
Gender-Based Violence Project Scoping Exercise at Embassy Dar es Salaam	Isihaka Mwandalima
Africa Ireland Economic Forum venue (HQ)	The Convention Centre
Provision of Accounting Services (HQ)	McQuillans
Technical Support to NGO Consortium to Develop and Implement an HIV Prevention and Response Programme in Karamoja at Embassy Kampala	Dr. Romano Larry Adupa
Annual Internal Audit of Embassy and External Audit of selected Projects/Programmes at Embassy Lusaka	PWC
Support the Review of the Irish Aid Zambia Education Programme at Embassy Lusaka	Dr. Cornelius Chipoma
Support to Review the Supreme Audit Institution's Report and Opinion on the State Accounts 2014 at Embassy Maputo	Luiz Genedio Mendes Jorge
Review of Embassy of Ireland’s Approach to Fellowship in Tanzania	Southern Cross Consulting
Documents Storage (HQ)	Document & File Storage
Local Staff Insurance at Permanent Representative Geneva	Alliance Swiss

Table 2

TENDERS ISSUED 2016	TENDER AWARDED
Provision of Graphic Design Services	In progress
Africa Ireland Economic Forum venue	Yes
Phase III Evaluation of Ireland’s Development Cooperation programme Vietnam 2011-2015 at Embassy Hanoi	Yes
Online International News Aggregator Service	In progress
Advice on Compensation Levels for locally employed staff at Missions	In progress
Review of Irish Aid Health and HIV Portfolio	In progress
Irish Aid Tanzania End-of-Country Strategy Paper Review	Yes
Auditing Support Services at Embassy Kampala	Yes
Provision of Accounting Services	Yes
Online Payment Service for Citizens for Consular Services	In progress
Translation Service for the Departments Communications Unit	In progress
Professional International Health Insurance advice	In progress
Documents Storage	Yes

UK Referendum on EU Membership

Questions (626, 629, 632, 639)

Brendan Smith

Question:

626. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on his visit to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6848/16]

Brendan Smith

Question:

629. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his discussions with his European Union counterparts in relation to the possible exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6851/16]

Brendan Smith

Question:

632. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his discussions with the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, regarding the possible exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union and its potential impact on Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6854/16]

Brendan Smith

Question:

639. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposals to communicate directly with British citizens resident here who are entitled to vote on the forthcoming referendum on British Membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7036/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 626, 629, 632 and 639 together.

I travelled to London last week to meet with UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, for contacts with the opposition Labour Party, to meet members of the Irish community and to engage with Irish community media in the UK. The main reason for my visit to London was to undertake a series of meetings and consultations in relation to the forthcoming UK referendum on EU membership.

During my meeting with the Foreign Secretary, I recalled that the Irish government had been very active in helping to secure a settlement on the UK’s EU membership at the February European Council. I also re iterated Ireland’s clear view in support of the UK government’s wish for the UK to remain in the EU.

I also met with over 30 Irish community and business organisations and encouraged them to inform and involve their members, most of whom as Irish citizens resident in the UK are eligible to vote in this referendum. Also, some leading individuals in the Irish community have come together to form an independent campaign group, Irish4Europe, and I met with them to hear of their plans for the coming months.

As with the UK Foreign Secretary, I meet regularly with my EU counterparts at meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council. I use every opportunity to raise the issue of the EU-UK relationship with them, and to outline Ireland's perspective and the need to work together with a view to helping to keep the UK in the EU. This all contributed to the work of EU Heads of State and Government at the European Council, and by Ministers at the General Affairs Council.

I have regular contact with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers MP, and have discussed the issue of the UK’s EU membership with her. Secretary of State Villiers has taken a personal position in favour of Britain leaving the EU.

On the matter of British citizens living in Ireland who are eligible to vote, I welcome and support the active outreach efforts of the British Embassy in encouraging their citizens living here to register and vote in this referendum. It is hoped that the regular statements by government and by other political, civil society, media and economic commentators will help to inform their vote.

Overall, while the question of the UK’s membership of the EU is for its electorate to decide, Ireland offers a unique perspective as a neighbour, as a fellow EU member state, as a €62 billion-a-year trading partner and as a facilitator of successive agreements aimed at securing peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland. Our position is clear – we want the UK to remain a member state of the European Union.

International Agreements

Questions (627)

Brendan Smith

Question:

627. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on the European Union agreement with Turkey on refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6849/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Turkey has a key role to play if the current Migration crisis is to be resolved, since the majority of migrants currently entering the EU transit Turkey. The EU and Turkey have engaged deeply on developing joint approaches and the EU’s engagement with Turkey was the focus of the most recent European Council on 17 and 18 March 2016.

The discussions at the European Council were framed by the set of principles agreed at the previous EU meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister, on 7 March. In the interim, European Council President Tusk had advanced work to elaborate the details of a potential agreement, to ensure that partners’ concerns were addressed and that the proposed deal was compatible with EU and international law.

The joint statement agreed between the two sides commits Turkey to readmit from Greece all irregular migrants and to protect them in accordance with international standards; to tackle people smugglers; and to help prevent new migratory routes to the EU opening up. For its part, the EU will resettle Syrians currently in Turkey on a “one-for-one” basis where other Syrians are returned from Greece.

In addition, visa liberalisation for Turkish citizens travelling to the Schengen countries will be accelerated, as will preparations to open new EU accession negotiation chapters – but in both cases existing criteria will continue to apply. The EU is also committed to deciding on further financial assistance for refugees in Turkey, in addition to the €3 billion already agreed. The European Council also agreed to work together to improve humanitarian conditions inside Syria so that safe areas might be established there. The European Union has also put in place humanitarian aid to assist with the provision for asylum seekers and refugees in Greece.

The core intention of this agreement is to break the business model of the people smugglers who are profiting from the suffering of the vulnerable, and to stop migrants attempting the treacherous journey across the Aegean.

It is unlikely that this agreement alone will resolve the Migration crisis. It will not stop people leaving Syria, and it will not prevent people from wanting to come to Europe. But, if implemented as planned, it should help to manage the flow of asylum seekers more effectively, more humanely and more fairly.

Middle East Peace Process

Questions (628)

Brendan Smith

Question:

628. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the new initiatives the European Union will take in relation to the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6850/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have made clear my view that the peace process in the Middle East is currently at a standstill, and that the international community needs to do more to attempt to break this deadlock. The violent events in recent months have clearly demonstrated the risks of the continued political vacuum. I note with concern the statement of 24 March to the Security Council by the UN Special Coordinator that “the two state solution is slipping from our fingers”.

The March European Union Foreign Affairs Council discussed the latest developments and High Representative Mogherini updated Ministers on plans by the Middle East Quartet to prepare a report with recommendations for de-escalating the violence and promoting a two-state solution. France also updated the Council on its plans to convene an international conference of key stakeholders in Paris by summer 2016, with the aim of re-launching the peace process.

Ireland has consistently given a high priority to the achievement of a “two state solution”. The Middle East Peace Process remains a key national foreign policy priority. Along with our EU partners, Ireland supports all efforts to restart comprehensive negotiations for an overall peace agreement.

Question No. 629 answered with Question No. 626.

Syrian Conflict

Questions (630, 650)

Brendan Smith

Question:

630. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he and his European Union counterparts are taking to find a political and diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6852/16]

Brendan Smith

Question:

650. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on the ceasefire in Syria; his ongoing efforts to secure peace in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7094/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 630 and 650 together.

I welcome the call by UN Special Envoy de Mistura for a resumption of the Geneva III talks on Friday 15 April, and in particular his focus on achieving a political transition. This remains the core issue in the conflict and no sustainable peace can be achieved without agreement on political change in Syria. I will be discussing the EU’s Syria and regional strategy with my colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 April.

The cessation of hostilities remains critical to the negotiations. There can be no prospect of meaningful negotiations if the violence continues. The reports of Assad regime helicopters barrel bombing opposition held areas underline the urgent need for a comprehensive political solution.

I call on all parties, including all members of the International Syria Support Group, to support the UN’s efforts and to commit themselves to work sincerely and with urgency for a nationwide ceasefire, a negotiated peace agreement which will protect the rights of the Syrian people and preserve the pluralistic character, unity and sovereignty of a free and democratic Syria at peace.

Ireland strongly endorses the efforts of the United Nations to renew peace negotiations based on the 2012 Geneva communique principles and UN Security Council Resolution 2254, in particular the ending of violence, the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers and a constitutional reform process which would protect Syria’s multi-ethnic and multi-sectarian character.

I believe that there must also be legal accountability for victims of the Syrian conflict and in 2014 we co-sponsored a resolution called for referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.

I would also note that the UN Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry has reported that the Assad regime is responsible for the majority of crimes against the Syrian people.

While recognising the need for a political transition and an end to the Assad regime, I want to make clear that it is the Syrian people’s right to decide on Syria’s future national leadership.

Northern Ireland

Questions (631)

Brendan Smith

Question:

631. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his discussions with the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, regarding the implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6853/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government remains committed to the important work in implementing the Fresh Start Agreement and continues to work closely with all relevant stakeholders in this regard. I discussed the good progress made on these matters with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, at the end of March. We look forward to building on that progress at the next Fresh Start Agreement review meeting which will take place after the Northern Ireland Assembly elections.

The first review meeting since the Fresh Start Agreement was convened by the Secretary of State and I on 14 January this year at Stormont House. Overall, there has been a good start to the implementation of the Fresh Start Agreement with each administration undertaking necessary work to fulfil its commitments.

I hosted a trilateral ministerial meeting on enhancing law enforcement cooperation as envisaged by Fresh Start in Farmleigh on 21 December 2015. This meeting also launched the Joint Agency Task Force on cross-border crime.

Just before Christmas, the Executive appointed Monica McWilliams, John Alderdice, and John McBirney as its three person panel to develop a strategy on paramilitarism, as per the Fresh Start Agreement – the panel is due to report in May. In addition, the drafting of the international agreement between the two Governments to establish a four person body to monitor progress on ending paramilitarism is also underway.

The Government is also meeting its financial commitments under the Agreement. Contacts are underway with the NI Executive regarding infrastructure projects such as the A5 motorway. Discussions have also taken place on other projects such as the Ulster Canal and the Narrow Water Bridge Projects and the first meeting of the senior officials’ infrastructure group took place on 13 January. The Irish Government funding of €2.5 million committed to a North West Development Fund has been provided and will be matched by the Executive.

The Executive and the British Government are also on track with the implementation of their commitments under the Fresh Start Agreement. In particular, the Executive signed off on the 2016-17 Budget in December and the Welfare Bill implementing the agreement on welfare reform received Royal Assent on 25 November. The UK Treasury recently approved the release of monies from the Stormont House Agreement funding to support integrated education. The Northern Ireland (Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan) Bill continues its passage through Westminster.

Both Governments are committed to reaching agreement on the establishment of the institutions to deal with the past, agreed as part of the Stormont House Agreement. My Department has been engaging with a range of victims groups in recent months in this regard and the Secretary of State and I are in regular contact on the issue.

Question No. 632 answered with Question No. 626.

Military Aircraft Landings

Questions (633, 636)

Clare Daly

Question:

633. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of permits requested and granted for military aircraft to land at Shannon Airport, in each of the years 2013 to 2015 and the country that made the request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6875/16]

Mick Wallace

Question:

636. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of permits requested and granted by him in each of the years 2013 to 2015 for military aircraft to land at Shannon Airport, County Clare; the countries from which the requests came; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6984/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 633 and 636 together.

My Department granted permission for landings by foreign military aircraft at Shannon Airport on 541 occasions in 2013; 741 in 2014; and 647 in 2015.

Permission was granted in respect of requests from the following countries: Argentina Bahrain; Belgium; Canada; China; Croatia; Egypt; France; Germany; Israel; Italy; Kazakhstan; Lebanon; Libya; Malaysia; Mexico; Palestine; Panama; Romania; Russia; Sweden; UK; and USA.