Written Answers Nos. 347-365
347. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his contacts with the Prime Minister of Turkey, Mr. Binali Yildirim, in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14513/16]
View answerWhile neither I nor other members of the Government have yet had an opportunity to meet with Binali Yildirim, who was appointed Prime Minister on 22 May, his predecessor, Ahmet Davutoðlu was present at the most recent European Council, which the Taoiseach also attended on 18 March.
Ireland regards Turkey as an important partner, both bilaterally and as a candidate country for membership of the EU. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Yildirim on his appointment and to wish him well during his tenure, which comes at a time when Turkey faces many challenges, both internally and internationally, not least in relation to the migration crisis and the implementation of the EU-Turkey deal in that regard.
Turkey is also working towards membership of the EU and we encourage them on that path, and in carrying out the reforms necessary to fulfil the conditions set out in the acquis. It will be important that Turkey meet all benchmarks and criteria for membership. We, along with our European partners, will continue our dialogue with Turkey to address shortcomings on rule of law, freedom of expression and human rights.
The challenges facing the Turkish Government were brought home to us again earlier this week with the bomb attack in Istanbul, and I would like to express my condolences to the Prime Minister and the people of Turkey on the loss of life suffered as a result of this senseless violence.
348. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the lobbying or representations he has received concerning the forthcoming European Council discussions on renewing sanctions relating to the invasion and partition of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14516/16]
View answerI can confirm that I have received no direct representations concerning the forthcoming European Council discussions on the renewal of EU restrictive measures against Russia.
The EU imposed targeted economic sanctions against Russia in July and September 2014, in response to Russian actions in undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence and in order to promote the peaceful resolution of the crisis in eastern Ukraine. In March 2015, the European Council took the decision to link the duration of the sanctions to the complete implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Given the lack of progress in this regard, the sanctions were renewed twice, in June 2015 and again last December, when they were extended to 31 July 2016.
The European Union continues to support diplomatic efforts to secure full implementation of the Minsk Agreements. The Minsk agreements offer the only basis for a stable and lasting political resolution to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The key elements of the agreements remain far from implementation. These include the maintenance of a full and comprehensive ceasefire, withdrawal of all heavy weapons, free and fair elections in separatist controlled regions under Ukrainian law with monitoring by the OSCE, withdrawal of all foreign troops and equipment, and full Ukrainian control over its border with Russia.
350. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the State bodies under his remit that have developed memoranda of understanding with his counterpart in Northern Ireland with regard to the efficient delivery of services on the island of Ireland; if he has carried out a cost-benefit analysis of the development of further memoranda of understanding; the details of the cost-benefit analysis; and the new memoranda of understanding he will be creating between State bodies under their remits throughout the lifetime of this Government. [14283/16]
View answerThere are no State bodies under the aegis of my Department.
351. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the protocol involved in a visit of the Pope to Ireland, given that he is a Head of State, and if an invitation would be extended by the Government for such a visit, or by the Catholic Church. [14311/16]
View answerThe procedures leading to visits to Ireland by international dignitaries such as Heads of State and Government vary, depending on circumstances. Such visits are generally preceded by contacts over time which serve to clarify the interest on the part of various parties, notably Heads of State and the respective governments, in such a visit taking place. In the case of Papal visits abroad, the local Catholic Church is a key stakeholder.
When the Taoiseach met Pope Francis in April 2014, he availed of the opportunity to advise that were the Pope to accept an invitation from the Catholic bishops, such a visit would have the full support of the Government. The Government would hope that were Pope Francis to visit Ireland, he would also take the opportunity to visit Northern Ireland.
352. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the European Commission's capacity building for security and development plans; if he is concerned that these plans will divert money that was previously earmarked for development and peace building to be spent on training and equipping military forces in fragile countries instead; his views on whether lobbyists for the defence industry may have had undue influence in this policy change. [14329/16]
View answerThe interdependency between security and development is well recognised. Economic investment and growth cannot flourish where conflict and instability persist. Likewise, equitable economic opportunity, good governance and human rights compliant application of the rule of law, where the military are subordinate to an elected civil democratic power, are the best guarantors of a secure environment.
Assisting partner countries to promote good governance, equitable economic development and peace and stability are at the heart of the EU’s Comprehensive Approach.
The December 2013 European Council emphasised the importance of supporting partner countries and regional organisations, through providing training, advice, equipment and resources where appropriate, so that they can increasingly prevent or manage crises by themselves.
To maximise coherence between the Union’s and Member States’ actions in this area the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) published a Joint Communication on Capacity Building in Support of Security and Development (CBSD) in April 2015. The policy approach for implementation of CBSD set out in the Communication was endorsed by the European Council in June 2015. Efforts are now focussing on putting the concept into effect on the basis of an implementation plan prepared jointly by the European Commission and the EEAS.
Ireland has been engaged in discussions at EU level on CBSD for several years. Work is currently focussed on the legal and financial aspects of the initiative and on lessons learned from the implementation of pilot projects in the area. No decision has been made on how the initiative will be financed and the European Commission is still considering options in this area for both short and medium term funding.
To assist in the decision making process the EEAS undertook an online public consultation over the past two months. It is hoped that further proposals regarding financing will be presented to Council later this month. We will carefully consider proposals for financing CBSD when they are published.
353. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will publicly release the full briefing materials that were provided to him by departmental officials on his first day of taking up his ministerial appointment. [14385/16]
View answerMy Department published a copy of the briefing prepared for me on my appointment as Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade in July 2014 on the Department’s website. Briefing material prepared by my Department in anticipation of possible changes in Ministerial roles on the formation of the present government has also been published on the website. In both cases, the material was edited as necessary to reflect exclusions identified under Freedom of Information legislation.
354. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current timeframes for the processing of passports and the delays currently being encountered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14390/16]
View answer357. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current average waiting time for the processing of passports, that is, for the processing of renewal applications, first passport applications, applications for replacements of lost, stolen or damaged passports, northern passport express applications or other types of passport applications; if there is a delay longer than the recommended guidelines and, if so, the cause of the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14781/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 357 together.
It is important that prospective travellers who wish to apply for a passport apply in good time (I recommend six weeks as best practice) and use the correct channel to apply.
The websites of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Passport Office, along with An Post which administers Passport Express, provides advice to applicants on projected turnaround times. For example: applicants for renewal through Passport Express are advised of a projected turnaround time of 15 working days, while first time applicants are advised to allow for at least 20 working days due to the additional anti-fraud measures which may arise. Security issues can also arise where a passport has been reported lost, damaged or stolen.
The Passport Office endeavours to process passport applications as quickly as possible. This year, demand has been extremely high for a sustained period of months. This corresponds to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) data which indicates that the total number of overseas trips made by Irish residents during the period January to March 2016 increased by 13.1% over the same period last year. The trend is positive in economic terms and it points to a vibrant travel industry but it has resulted in pressures on the Passport Service due to the exceptional increase in the number of applications received.
To respond to the seasonal spike in demand and the more general increase in applications a total of 233 Temporary Clerical Officers have been recruited so far this year. This is an increase of 62 officers on last year. Furthermore, processing work has been redistributed across passport offices and staff re-deployed from other areas of the Department as needed. The Passport Service will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the effective deployment of staff resources at all times.
As of 3 June correctly completed renewal applications submitted via Passport Express are being processed within 12/13 working days (applicants are advised to allow at least 15 working days) and first-time passport applications are taking 20/21 working days (applicants are advised to allow at least 20 working days).
Applications from outside the jurisdiction can take longer. Northern Ireland Passport Express renewal applications are processed within 21/22 working days and first-time Northern Ireland Passport Express applications are taking 23 working days.
Applicants travelling in three weeks or less should make an appointment to attend the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork in person. Appointments can be made online using www.passportappointments.ie. People with urgent travel within three days can use the Rapid Renewal Service at the Dublin Passport Office. Appointment slots for this service become available online from 12.30 pm the day before.
Updated turnaround times are notified on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website at www.dfa.ie every Friday.
I recently circulated a comprehensive guidance note to Deputies and I would ask the Deputy to assist in informing members of the public about the need for citizens to check their passport validity before booking holidays or business travel and to apply at least six weeks in advance of travel to ensure that passports arrive in good time. Applicants with no immediate travel plans or who are travelling in three weeks or more should submit their application through the An Post Passport Express Service. The Passport Express channel is the cheapest and most convenient option for applicants and is available at post offices nationwide.
As previously advised, from 29 March this year first time adult applicants, as well as applicants who are replacing lost/stolen passports issued prior to 1 January 2005, are required to present their Public Services Card when submitting an application. Public Services Cards are issued on the basis of a face-to-face registration process at the offices of the Department of Social Protection.
Passport Services are a key priority for me and my Department and are kept under constant review.
355. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with the level of data collected on the issues which come under his Department's remit; the steps he will take to work with the Administration in Northern Ireland to collect data under his aegis on a North-South basis; and the budgets he will put in place to undertake this work (details supplied). [14442/16]
View answerMy Department, which promotes and coordinates North South cooperation across various sectors, particularly through supporting the work of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), is very mindful of the importance of all relevant sources of data which can assist in advancing this objective. North/South co-operation between the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive is primarily taken forward by means of the six North South Implementation Bodies and in six agreed and designated sectoral areas of cooperation.
My Department does not have a specific role or responsibility for the collection of data of an all-island nature. There are however many sources of data concerning socio-economic activity and issues on the island, including the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), the North South Implementation Bodies and indeed the various Departments who have sectoral responsibilities in the relevant specific areas. The adequacy or otherwise of the available sectoral data can best be assessed by the relevant Ministers North and South.
At meetings of the NSMC the focus of Ministers has been on the priorities for additional North South co-operation which they have identified in their respective areas of responsibility, particularly as regards assisting economic recovery, job creation, the best use of public funds and the most effective delivery of services for citizens across the island. As indicated in the recent Programme for a Partnership Government, I look forward to the further development of mutual North South benefit, particularly through the ongoing work of the NSMC.
356. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has received a report from the ambassador to Brazil regarding the alleged rape of a teenage girl by a group of 30 or more men that has sparked protests against sexual violence against women in Brazil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14548/16]
View answerI am aware of the reports regarding the alleged rape of a teenage girl in Rio de Janeiro by a group of men. This case is currently being investigated by the Brazilian authorities and, notwithstanding the appalling nature of the reported incident, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the specific circumstances of an ongoing investigation.
As is the case in many other countries, violence against women remains a serious problem in Brazil. In recent years, the Brazilian authorities have enacted a variety of legislative measures and social policies to tackle this problem and provide a structured response to assist female victims of violence.
The “Maria da Penha” law, which was enacted in Brazil in 2006, is the principal legal instrument in relation to violence against women. It establishes dedicated judicial and police supports to deal with violence against women, urgent protective legal measures for victims of domestic violence, and a reinforcement of the social services in this area. The law also provides for educational measures such as the inclusion of gender equality in the school curriculum.
In addition to the legal framework, in 2013 the Brazilian government introduced the ‘Mulher, Viver sem Violência’ (Women, to Live without Violence) programme to streamline and target the public services available to female victims of violence. The programme also aimed to reduce the trauma experienced by victims of engaging with the legal system. Measures included the establishment of dedicated women’s centres offering access to a range of integrated legal, police and psychosocial services, as well as childcare and assistance in establishing financial independence. To date, ten such centres have been established throughout Brazil.
In addition to government campaigns to raise awareness of the problem of gender-based violence, a “180” Freephone service has been made available throughout Brazil, which facilitates women to report crimes and provides information as to victims’ rights and legal procedures.
Our Embassy in Brasilia will continue to monitor developments in relation to this specific case and on the wider issue of gender-based violence in Brazil.
358. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of representations he has received from Members of the Oireachtas and the number of these to which he had not issued a substantive reply by 31 May 2016, by month of initial receipt from 1 January 2015 to 30 April 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15038/16]
View answerIn the time allowed to respond to this question, it was not possible to provide the information the Deputy requested.
However, all correspondence received in my Office addressed to me is recorded and tracked to ensure it is dealt with correctly and promptly. Not every piece of correspondence received requires a substantive reply. For correspondence that does, every effort is made to ensure that my Department fulfils its commitment as set out in the Department’s Customer Charter that replies will issue within 20 working days. Where the 20 working day response time cannot be achieved, an interim reply is issued and the substantive reply will typically follow as soon as possible thereafter.
359. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Government buildings (details supplied) are owned or rented; if they are owned, by whom; and if they are rented, when the lease will expire. [14253/16]
View answerI can confirm that the Longford Government Offices at Ballinalee Road, Longford, are in the ownership of the Commissioners of Public Works.
360. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if as part of efforts to get flood insurance for previously flooded locations, flood prevention works by local authorities will be included as well as those carried out by the Office of Public Works; the updated progress on such efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14549/16]
View answerThe Memorandum of Understanding between Insurance Ireland and the Office of Public Works (OPW), which was signed in 2014, recognises that both parties have a common interest and objective in ensuring that appropriate and relevant information on completed OPW flood defence schemes is provided to insurers to facilitate, to the greatest extent possible, the availability to the public of insurance against the risk of flooding.
The provision of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks. Where flood defences are constructed to provide protection to areas which have previously been subject to flooding, the insurance industry has made clear its position that the defences should be designed and constructed to protect against a flood event with an Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) of 1% (commonly referred to as a 100-year flood event). OPW flood defence schemes are generally designed and constructed to protect against a 1% AEP flood event for fluvial flood events and 0.5% AEP flood event for tidal floods. OPW provides detailed background and technical information on its completed flood defence schemes to Insurance Ireland (II), and II members have committed to take all this information into account when assessing exposure to flood risk within these areas. To date, OPW has provided data on 16 completed flood relief schemes to II. II has stated, based on the results of a survey of its members, that flood cover is provided in approximately 98% of household policies nationally. In areas protected by fixed flood defences provided by OPW (12 of the 16 schemes), 89% of policies include flood cover. In the four schemes where demountable defences are used, 78% of policies include flood cover. In total, 83% of policies in areas benefitting from OPW flood defences include cover against flood risk.
Local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works using their own resources. The OPW operates a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme whose purpose is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. This scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
Flood mitigation works carried out by local authorities are not generally designed to protect against a 1% AEP flood event, the desired standard set out in the Memorandum of Understanding. OPW generally would not have detailed technical and design information on projects carried out by the local authorities. For these reasons, there are no plans to include local authority flood mitigation works in the scope of the Memorandum of Understanding.
The subject of insurance against the risk of flooding is one of the matters which will be addressed in the forthcoming report to Government from the Inter-Departmental Flood Policy Co-Ordination Group.
361. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the State bodies under his remit that have developed memoranda of understanding with his counterpart in Northern Ireland with regard to the efficient delivery of services on the island of Ireland; if he has carried out a cost-benefit analysis of the development of further memoranda of understanding; the details of the cost-benefit analysis; and the new memoranda of understanding he will be creating between State bodies under their remits throughout the lifetime of this Government. [14287/16]
View answer365. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied with the level of data collected on the issues that come under his Department's remit; the steps he will take to work with the Administration in Northern Ireland to collect data under his aegis on a North-South basis; and the budgets he will put in place to undertake this work (details supplied). [14446/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 365 together.
My Department has joint responsibility with the Department of Finance in Northern Ireland for the Special EU Programmes Body which manages the EU funded PEACE and INTERREG cross-border programmes. The two programmes will see investment of €551 million in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland over the period 2014-2020.
As the Deputy will be aware, the SEUPB is governed by the legislation giving effect to the Good Friday Agreement and operates under the North South Ministerial Council. It is also subject to EU regulations on Structural Funds programmes which included detailed reporting requirements.
Following his appointment, I wrote to the new Minister for Finance in Northern Ireland, and I look forward to meeting him at an early date to discuss work in this area.
362. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to clarify the rules in the Civil Service and public service pension schemes for same-sex married couples; his plans to ensure that same-sex married couples enjoy full pension rights within the public service and Civil Service pension schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14326/16]
View answerSame-sex married couples are afforded the same benefits, under the Civil Service Schemes and the Single Public Service Scheme, as married couples of the opposite sex.
The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 extended the benefits provided to spouses under pension schemes to civil partners and the Marriage Act 2015 gives effect to the referendum on marriage equality.
363. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a transfer of land (details supplied) to South Dublin County Council and the timeframe for the completion of this transfer. [14372/16]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Office of Public Works that the legal representatives of both the Commissioners and South Dublin County Council have substantially completed their examination of the legal issues relating to the waiving of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform’s interest in the land at Knockmitten Park, in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, to South Dublin County Council. The lands in question belonged to a company that has now been dissolved and therefore the provisions of the State Property Act 1954 apply. This matter is being progressed as a matter of urgency and it is expected that it will be finalised shortly.
364. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the procedure by which directors of a company that is no longer on the register can begin to take in charge the assets of the former company. [14395/16]
View answerDepending on the circumstances of the case, the directors of a company that is no longer on the register may be in a position to apply under companies legislation to have the company restored. This will enable them to deal with the assets on behalf of the company.
In exceptional circumstances, where restoration is not permissible under companies legislation and evidence is provided that the assets of the former company have vested in the State under Section 28 of the State Property Act 1954, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform would be in a position to exercise his discretion under Section 31 of the Act and grant a waiver of assets.
