Written Answers Nos. 261-277
261. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection when or if his Department will utilise section 6(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939 to confirm a new title for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23354/16]
View answerThe name of my Department remained unchanged on the formation of the new Government on 6 May 2016. There are no plans, at this time, to change the name of the Department.
262. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress being made for him to formally recognise the state of Palestine, as outlined in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23002/16]
View answerThe Government has committed “to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict”.
The Government works consistently to achieve a free, independent and sovereign Palestinian state, not just in theory but in fact, and all of our actions on the Israeli/Palestinian issue are directed to that end. It is central to our objective of a two state solution that will ensure the security and prosperity of both peoples.
I am considering carefully whether the immediate recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine, prior to its real achievement on the ground, could be a helpful step towards that goal.
The process begun by France at the Paris Conference on 3 June is an effort to break the deadlock in the Middle East Peace Process, and stimulate new efforts. It is an effort which the Government fully supports. It would clearly be unhelpful and confusing to make a unilateral move on recognition while that process is ongoing.
I continue to follow closely developments in the region.
Last month I made a further visit to the region, where I spoke to Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian leaders about the Middle East Peace Process and other topics. Prior to travelling to the region, I had a range of other contacts, including participating at the Paris Conference on the MEPP and met with a cross-party delegation of members of the Knesset.
263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union in conjunction with the UN continues to focus on the activities of ISIS with particular reference to persecution of Christians and others of different religious beliefs; if a co-ordinated effort is emerging in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23073/16]
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 combatting all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred.
In cooperation with our EU partners, we consistently press for effective action to counter the persecution of minorities in all relevant international fora, including at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council.
I have repeatedly condemned the horrific crimes by Daesh against religious and ethnic minorities in Syria and Iraq. Daesh has boasted of its use of murder, torture, mass sexual violence and forced religious conversion in areas under its control and has committed grave crimes against members of all religious denominations in Syria and Iraq.
Removing the threat to Christian communities and other religious minorities requires effective action at EU and UN levels to prevent and counter international terrorism, especially the actions of Daesh, in line with international law and human rights.
International terrorism has featured high on the EU agenda in the past 18 months. In discussing international terrorism, the Council has given particular priority to countering the actions of Daesh. Comprehensive conclusions on a ‘Regional Strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Daesh threat’ were adopted by the Council in May 2016. As has been underlined previously by the Council, there will be no resolution of the conflict in Syria in the absence a political solution.
In the wake of the horrific attack in Nice, EU Ministers had a further discussion on international terrorism at the Foreign Affairs Council earlier this week. I noted that while good progress has been achieved through the EU’s external action, we must do more and must urgently consider what further action can be taken to improve the effectiveness of our response.
The EU’s approach is guided by and consistent with the approach taken by the UN to countering Daesh. Last January, the UN Secretary General issued a report on the threat posed by Daesh, and the measures being taken against them in areas such as countering their financing, preventing and disrupting the travel of foreign terrorist fighters, countering recruitment and preventing violent extremism.
264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which 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. [23074/16]
View answerThe issue of euroscepticism is complex and multifaceted. Obviously it arises particularly in the wake of the outcome of the UK referendum in June. Of course, I am well aware that, in individual Member States, there are those who would wish to leave the Union. However, this is not the position of any other Government or Parliament.
The European Union engages with the big issues of the day, whether they relate to stability, jobs and growth, or to challenges external and internal, such as migration and international terrorism. It is important to continue to engage with these issues at the EU level if we are serious about addressing them. They cannot be addressed at national level.
As the leaders of twenty-seven Member States agreed on 29 June, “The EU is a historic achievement of peace, prosperity and security on the European continent and remains our common framework. At the same time many people express dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, be it at the European or national level. Europeans expect us to do better when it comes to providing security, jobs and growth, as well as hope for a better future. We need to deliver on this, in a way that unites us, not least in the interest of the young.
“That is why are starting today a political reflection to give and impulse to further reforms...”
An informal meeting of the 27 Heads of State or Government will take place in Bratislava on 16 September, with a view to a first collective discussion on the renewal of the EU.
The Government will participate actively in this process, aiming to put the citizen at the heart of the EU agenda for sustainable investment, competitiveness, growth and jobs.
265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community continues to engage with the various parties in Syria with a view to bringing about a ceasefire and settlement and the elimination of human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23075/16]
View answerI urge all parties to work for a sustainable political solution to the Syrian conflict, and in particular to support the ongoing efforts by UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura on achieving a political transition. This remains the core issue in the conflict - no long-term peace can be achieved without agreement on political change in Syria.
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 note the concerns expressed by the opposition that the Assad regime is seeking to undermine the negotiations by its ceaseless campaign of violence against civilians.
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 communiqué 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. 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.
I believe that there must also be legal accountability for victims of the Syrian conflict and in 2014 Ireland 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.
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Ireland’s trade with various European countries throughout the European Union continues to grow; the way in which this compares with other countries globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23076/16]
View answerMy Department, working through our diplomatic missions abroad, takes its trade promotion role very seriously. Our Embassies and Consulates take every opportunity to promote Irish business abroad, conscious that trade is a key driver of the Irish economy.
Ireland’s merchandise trade continues to grow. Last year it reached more than €182 billion, the highest figure ever. The European Union is our largest trading partner, accounting for about 56% of total trade, of which the UK last year accounted for 26% of exports and 44% of imports; Germany 13% of exports and 14% of imports; and Belgium 24% of exports and 3% of imports. And trade with the EU is growing. Last year, the value of total trade (imports and exports) with the EU reached more than €101 billion.
Ireland’s services exports and imports to EU countries have also grown significantly in recent years. There was a slight decline in the value of services exports and imports immediately following 2008, but subsequent years have shown growth, particularly in services exports. Services exports to the EU-27 grew by 13% between 2013 and 2014, exceeding growth in services exports to North America, Africa and Asia.
Other major trade partners are the United States (23 percent of exports and 12 percent of imports) and China. Trade with NAFTA countries (US, Canada and Mexico) has been growing strongly over the past decade with the value of imports and exports combined up approximately 61%. As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am determined to lead the Government’s efforts to diversify and open up our exports globally. This is critical to Ireland’s economic success, but takes on a renewed importance in light of the UK‘s decision to leave the EU.
On 20 July I am chairing a meeting of the Export Trade Council to consider, along with other key Ministers and the State Agencies, how to step up our efforts in this regard.
267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his European colleagues continue to engage with their colleagues in the UK with a view to addressing concerns that might exist in the event of a British exit from the European Union; if the full implications for Britain, Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Union have been fully examined; the steps taken to address issues emerging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23077/16]
View answerRelations between Britain and Ireland have improved greatly over recent years and the Government is committed to maintaining these good relations as we navigate our way through the new landscape following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.
In this context, I met the UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in Brussels on Monday and discussed with him the broad range of issues arising from the UK decision. I outlined to the Foreign Secretary the issues of most concern to Ireland: ensuring stability of the peace process in Northern Ireland, preservation of the Common Travel Area, and the continuation of the very important trading links between our two countries.
Additionally, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister May had a positive discussion on the evening she took office, where the Taoiseach also highlighted Ireland’s major priorities.
I also spoke with the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, at the beginning of this week. I look forward to meeting him in person in the very near future and to working closely with the Secretary of State to further our shared goal of protecting Northern Ireland’s interests.
Both the Taoiseach and I will attend the extraordinary summit meeting of the British Irish Council in Cardiff on Friday 22nd July. This meeting will provide another valuable opportunity to meet with our UK colleagues from the British Government and the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as representatives of the Crown Dependencies, and to collectively consider the key challenges arising from the UK’s decision to leave the EU and how we best work together in that new context.
As Ireland will continue as a fully committed member of the European Union, we will also work with our EU partners to ensure the greatest degree of understanding of Ireland’s unique position as we, as part of the Union of 27 Member States, negotiate the terms of the UK’s exit. I have had many conversations in recent weeks with various EU colleagues where I sensitised them to the particular concerns of Ireland as the only Member State that shares a land border with the UK.
In relation to the steps taken to identify the implications of a British exit from the EU, contingency planning was carried out across Government in advance of the referendum, and a summary of the contingency framework was published on 24 June. This contingency planning is a dynamic and ongoing process which takes into account the most recent developments to allow for more targeted and effective engagement, both in relation to dealing with issues as they evolve and in responding proactively to opportunities that arise.
Some restructuring is also underway to develop capacity in key areas – for example, in the Department of the Taoiseach and in my own Department, including in key Embassies abroad, as well as in other relevant Departments. In addition, the Taoiseach has announced that he will chair a new Cabinet Committee to oversee matters relating to the UK departure.
268. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, as part of his review of the embassy service, he will consider opening an embassy in Georgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23178/16]
View answerAt present, Ireland’s diplomatic network includes 61 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions, 11 Consulates General and one Representative office. The scale and presence of the network is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis.
Any decision to adjust the State’s external representation, including the opening of missions, will have regard to national priorities and available financial and staffing resources. A range of factors are taken into account in considering our diplomatic representation overseas, including our national political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources. However, current resource constraints do not allow us to have resident representation in all the locations that might objectively justify it having regard to political, economic and trade factors.
Ireland’s bilateral relationship with Georgia will continue to be fully sustained and promoted through the Irish Embassy in Bulgaria, where the Ambassador also holds a secondary accreditation to Georgia, and through our excellent cooperation with the Georgian Embassy in Ireland.
269. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to discuss the round-table meeting he had with Irish non-governmental organisation representatives on 9 September 2015; the outcome of that meeting; if there are plans for a similar meeting in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23179/16]
View answerI met with the CEOs of the leading Irish humanitarian Non-Governmental Organisations on 9 September 2015 to discuss the Syria crisis and migration challenges. The then Minister of State, Mr. Seán Sherlock, T.D. and Tánaiste, Ms. Joan Burton, T.D., along with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, also attended. The CEOs of Concern, Trócaire, GOAL, Christian Aid, Tearfund, World Vision, Plan Ireland and Oxfam attended. Each of these NGOs has received Irish Aid funding for humanitarian work in response to the Syria crisis.
The focus of the meeting was on the devastating humanitarian impact of the Syria crisis, the migration crisis and the possibilities for the promotion of a long-term political solution. The NGOs recognised Ireland’s strong commitment to provision of humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees and host communities in Syria and neighbouring countries, which has been crucial in alleviating suffering. Ireland has pledged €20 million in support for the Syria crisis this year, which will bring our total humanitarian assistance to Syria to €62 million since 2012 by the end of this year. We are working with our UN, EU, Red Cross and NGO partners to maximise the effectiveness and impact of this funding.
My Department meets regularly with the Irish NGOs on this and other crises. The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Mr. Joe McHugh, T.D., met with the CEOs and colleagues from a number of humanitarian NGOs last week in Dublin to reflect on the World Humanitarian Summit which he attended in May, shortly after his appointment. We will continue to engage closely with the NGOs on the continuing Syria and migration crises.
270. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the proposal from the European Commission to replicate the European Union-Turkey deal across more than 16 countries in Africa and the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23180/16]
View answerLast month, the European Commission set out a new concept of cooperation with third countries, the Migration Partnership Framework, which brings together the EU and its Member States, and focuses on ensuring the necessary coherence between the Union's migration policy and its other policies.
The June European Council gave a general welcome to the proposal and asked that work to implement it proceed. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini was asked to lead this process, with a view to concluding compacts between the EU and selected priority countries (Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Ethiopia and Senegal) by the end of 2016. It is anticipated that the process could be extended beyond the five priority countries if necessary.
The European Commission has not made proposals to replicate the March EU-Turkey deal. That agreement - between EU Heads of State and Government and Turkey - is sui generis in nature.
Ireland views the Migration Partnership Framework positively. The detail of what is being proposed will of course need careful consideration.
271. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when or if his Department will utilise section 6(1) of the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1939 to confirm a new title for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23349/16]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that I do not intend to change the name of my Department.
272. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the Office of Public Works, OPW, has not bought any other properties on the Great Blasket Island since it bought part of the Blascaod Mór Teoranta property for €2 million in early 2009. [22941/16]
View answer273. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the Office of Public Works abandoned the management plan which was adopted by a previous Government and moneys allocated in principal in the amount of €8.5 million to implement the plan. [22942/16]
View answer274. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the Office of Public Works has not fully engaged with other landowners on the Great Blasket Island who signed specific heads of agreement for the sale of their properties to the State with the officers of the management group. [22943/16]
View answer275. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the Office of Public Works failed to establish a management committee for the Great Blasket as agreed in the management plan for the island; and the reason this management plan has never been published. [22944/16]
View answer276. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason persons (details supplied) have been allowed to operate a ferry service from Dingle for the past three years despite receiving payment from the Office of Public Works to cancel this ferry service. [22945/16]
View answer277. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the board of Commissioners of the Office of Public Works refused to allocate significant funding for development works on the Great Blasket Island in 2015. [22946/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 272 to 277, inclusive, together.
Since the Supreme Court struck down specific legislation enacted for the Great Blasket Island progress on the management and development of the Island has been made on an incremental basis as resources permit.
Following a public consultation process facilitated by Kerry County Council a management plan was made widely available. The general principles in the plan are followed as far as practicable having regard to operational requirements. Consultation in respect of current management issues and planned operations takes place regularly with local groups. The establishment of a more formal group will be considered as further plans are developed.
The majority of the individual landholdings were purchased in 2009 including, on legal advice, appurtenant rights in respect of ferry services. While discussions have taken place with other landowners in respect of their holdings resources to pursue purchase have not been available.
The operation of ferry services is regulated by licences issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.
In 2015, in addition to the regular annual management budget, €43k was expended on improvement work to the Island slipway and access to the beach.
