Written Answers Nos. 272 -295
275. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29790/16]
View answerInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The Department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on 9 August 2016. The person concerned was refused IP on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on the 7 October 2016 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
276. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made pertaining to a partial capacity benefit claim by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29800/16]
View answerPartial capacity benefit (PCB) is a social welfare scheme which allows a person to return to employment if they have a reduced capacity for work. A person who applies for PCB will, in the first instance, be assessed by a medical assessor who expresses an opinion on the degree of work capacity.
An application for PCB was received from the person concerned on 29 June 2016. It has been referred for the opinion of one of my department’s medical assessors. When this is received, it will be referred for decision to a deciding officer and the person will be notified of the position. The medical assessment section has been asked to expedite the matter.
I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
277. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí maidir le Ceist Dála Uimh. 290 i gcomhair freagra scríofa an 4 Deireadh Fómhair 2016, cad chuige nach i nGaeilge a tugadh freagra an Aire; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [29815/16]
View answerIs oth liom gur i mBéarla a freagraíodh an Cheist ar thagair an Teachta di. Tá an freagra i nGaeilge leagtha amach sa ráiteas táblach atá faoi iamh leis seo.
Chun a fhiafraí den Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí cad chuige nach bhfuil scoil i gcontae Dhún na nGall (sonraí curtha ar fáil) páirteach i Scéim na mBéilí Scoile; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh.
Cuireann clár na mbéilí scoile maoiniú ar fáil chun seirbhísí bia a sholáthar do scoileanna agus d’eagraíochtaí, rud a théann chun tairbhe do bhreis agus 200,000 leanbh ar chostas iomlán €42 mhilliún sa bhliain 2016. Is é is cuspóir leis an scéim ná bia cothaitheach rialta a chur ar fáil do leanaí nach mbíonn in ann leas iomlán a bhaint as an oideachas a sholáthraítear dóibh, de dheasca easpa bia ardchaighdeáin.
Tá tosaíocht ó thaobh na n-iarratas nua ar an mhaoiniú tugtha do scoileanna atá mar chuid de thionscnamh na Roinne Oideachais agus Scileanna do scoileanna faoi mhíbhuntáiste “An Comhionannas Deise sna Scoileanna a Sheachadadh” (DEIS) i gcomhréir le Creatlach an Pholasaí Náisiúnta do Leanaí agus do Dhaoine Óga, Torthaí Níos Fearr, Todhchaí Níos Gile.
Níl an scoil ar thagair an Teachta di sainithe mar scoil a bhfuil stádas DEIS aici agus is oth liom nach féidir aon mhaoiniú a chur ar fáil ag an tráth seo. Ní féidir síneadh le haon scéim atá á riar ag mo Roinn a bhreithniú ach i gcomhthéacs buiséadach.
Tá súil agam go soiléiríonn sé seo an scéal don Teachta.
278. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the annual cost of reversing from 1 January 2017 the cuts made to the rates of payment of the State pension contributory where the yearly average number of contributions and credits is less than 48 contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29824/16]
View answerThe overall concern in recent years has been to protect the value of weekly social welfare rates. Expenditure on pensions, at approximately €7 billion, is the largest block of expenditure in my Department in the Estimate for 2016, representing approximately 35% of overall expenditure. Due to demographic changes, my Department’s spending on older people is increasing year on year. Maintaining the rate of the State pension and other payments is critical in protecting people from poverty.
As provided for in Budget 2012, from September 2012, new rate bands for State pension (contributory) were introduced. This resulted in one of the bands (in respect of those with a yearly average of 20-47 contributions), being replaced with three bands (in respect of yearly averages of 40-47, 30-39, and 20-29 respectively). These additional bands more accurately reflect the social insurance history of a person and ensure that those who contribute more during a working life benefit more in retirement than those with lesser contributions.
Prior to these changes, someone with a yearly average of 47 contributions qualified for the same rate of payment (98% of the maximum rate) as someone with a yearly average of 20 contributions, despite generally their much more significant PRSI record, and regardless of their means. A person with an average of 48-52 PRSI contributions per year over their working life received a weekly State pension of only €4.50 more than someone with a yearly average of 20 PRSI contributions.
The principle that the amount of pension paid should reflect the PRSI contributions paid over a working life needs to be adhered to if we are to be able to fund pensions into the future. Given the requirement to make savings in recent years, it was considered more equitable to address this disparity than to reduce the rate of payment for all pensioners by an across the board cut in payment rates. Such a cut would have reduced the incomes of the most vulnerable pensioners, who do not generally receive reduced rate contributory pensions, but rather receive a non-contributory pension, or a maximum rate contributory pension.
For those with insufficient contributions to meet the requirements for a full rate State pension (contributory), they may qualify for a means tested State pension (non-contributory) which has a maximum personal rate of €222, or just over 95% of the maximum rate of the State pension (contributory). Alternatively, if a person’s spouse or civil partner is in receipt of a State pension (contributory) they may instead qualify for an Increase for a Qualified Adult of up to €209, which is just less than 90% of the maximum personal rate of the State pension (contributory).
It is estimated that the exchequer savings arising from the existing rate bands will be €50 million in 2017, and that this will rise at a rate of some €10m annually.
The measure introduced in September 2012 is a step towards a total contributions approach by aligning the rate of pension payment more closely to the number of contributions paid over a working life. This means that people who contribute more will receive a higher rate of pension.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
279. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons on the live register two months before and two months after the Young Ballymun Youth Guarantee pilot scheme ended. [29871/16]
View answerThe Ballymun Youth Guarantee Pilot officially started on 31 December 2013 and finished on 31 December 2014.
The number of under-25s on the Live Register and registered in the Ballymun local office, at end October 2013, was 696. The number of under-25s on the Live Register and registered in the Ballymun local office was 466 at end February 2015.
280. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any person from his Department has been in touch with a person (details supplied). [29336/16]
View answer281. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on concerns for the well-being of a person (details supplied); if his Department is providing the person with consular assistance; and if he has discussed the issue with his Filipino counterpart. [29350/16]
View answer282. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on concerns for the well-being of a person (details supplied) and if his Department has reassessed their case and the severity of the situation in the context of recent statements by the recently elected President of the Philippines regarding his policy concerning sentencing and punishment for related categories of offences. [29351/16]
View answer283. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on statements by the recently elected President of the Philippines regarding sentencing for persons arrested for drug offences, and on capital punishment; if these statements affect the attitude of the Government regarding any Irish nationals standing or likely to stand trial in the Philippines for such offences or for other offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29352/16]
View answer288. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the consular assistance given to a person (details supplied) imprisoned in the Philippines; his views on whether a miscarriage of justice has taken place and on the proportionality of the sentence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29540/16]
View answer298. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the conviction of a person (details supplied); and if steps have been taken by his Department to ensure that this person is not subjected to any inhumane, degrading or discriminatory treatment due to their Irish citizenship. [29863/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 280 to 283, inclusive, 288 and 298 together.
I am very much aware of this difficult consular case in the Philippines, and I and my Department officials are giving the matter priority attention.
The individual concerned, who is currently on bail, has consistently maintained his innocence in the matter. I understand that there is to be an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Because of the separation of powers, the Philippines Government cannot interfere in ongoing judicial proceedings.
The Government is concerned for the wellbeing of this Irish citizen and, both at political and official level, we regularly raise this case with senior Philippines Government representatives and we have made our concerns very clear.
I have personally raised my concerns with senior Philippines Government contacts, including most recently three weeks ago in New York when I met with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Government.
For any Irish citizen subject to criminal proceedings abroad, my Department officials will offer non-judgemental advice and any appropriate practical help that they can, irrespective of the alleged offence, and regardless of whether the individual is ultimately deemed to be innocent or guilty, is on remand or has already been sentenced by a court of law.
The Department’s priorities in cases of arrest or detention focus on ensuring that the Irish citizen involved is not discriminated against in any way on account of his nationality, has access to appropriate legal representation, and that the authorities in the country where he is being detained fulfil their obligations in relation to ensuring the citizen’s health and wellbeing.
It is also the Department’s policy to raise promptly with the relevant local authorities concerns that a detained Irish citizen may raise about their safety or treatment.
My Department officials at headquarters in Dublin, at our Embassy in Singapore, which is accredited to the Philippines, and our Honorary Consul in Manila, have all been engaged in the case, have provided consular assistance fully in line with our general policy approach, and have raised the individual’s concerns with relevant authorities in Manila. The case has also been raised formally with the Ambassador of the Philippines to Ireland.
There is no doubt that the case has been further complicated by the domestic environment in the Philippines since July and the severe counter-drugs actions being pursued by President Duterte.
I can assure the Deputies that the Philippines authorities are fully aware that I and my Department are following this case closely, and that we are concerned about the individual’s health and wellbeing.
I would like to acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for this individual and also for his family.
My Department officials, especially our Embassy in Singapore and our Honorary Consulate in Manila, will continue to maintain contact with this citizen and his family, and will provide whatever further appropriate consular assistance we can.
More generally in regards to recent reports on the approach towards the war on drugs which is currently underway in the Philippines, I expressed my concerns in this House on 16 September. Ireland opposes the use of capital punishment and has consistently called for its abolition in the United Nations and other fora.
Ireland supports the recommendations which were set out following a UN General Assembly Special Session on effectively addressing and countering the world drug problem held in April 2016. The UN set down that states should promote proportionate policies for drug-related offences, and promote and implement criminal justice responses to drug-related crimes that ensure legal guarantees and due process safeguards.
The impact of drugs on individuals, families and society presents a significant challenge for governments and the wider international community. Effectively addressing and mitigating their effects requires active and proportionate engagement, utilising both public health and criminal justice approaches, and full compliance with international law and international human rights standards. I welcome remarks made by President Duterte and my counterpart in the Philippines, Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay, in which they have reiterated the Philippines Government’s commitment to respect human rights.
284. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a bank recently closed the account of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, IPSC, and that the official reason stated was that the IPSC is associated with a high risk country; his views on whether this is insulting to the Palestinian people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29361/16]
View answer295. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the recent closure of bank accounts of an organisation by a bank (details supplied); the interventions he is taking with regard to this closure; the supports he is offering to the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29757/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 295 together.
The regulation of the banking industry is a matter for the Minister for Finance, and the assessment of risk is a commercial decision for the banks themselves. I have no role in this area, and I am not aware of the basis for the risk assessment reportedly made by the bank in this case.
Many places around the world might be assessed as presenting a risk of one degree or other at various times. This is to be expected, and has nothing to do with insulting the people living there.
I would be disappointed if a civil society organisation in this country engaging in lawful activities was unable to function because of such difficulties, regardless of whether I agree or not with the views they might espouse. The operation of a healthy civil society is an essential element of a democracy. But I cannot require a given bank to offer services to a customer if it does not wish to.
In the present case, I understand from reports that the organisation in question has been able to open accounts with another bank.
285. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person's (details supplied) trial was postponed for the fifteenth time on 2 October 2016 and that their trial is adjourned until 12 November 2016; if he has contacted his Egyptian counterpart over yet another trial postponement; and if he will ensure maximum diplomatic pressure is now placed on the Egyptian Government as it is clear that the trial is unlikely to end anytime soon. [29362/16]
View answerThe case of this citizen remains a high priority for me and the Government. The Government is continuing to use every possible opportunity to underline our concerns about this case to the Egyptian authorities, and also with the EU.
At the last hearing (29 June), the trial was adjourned following an application by defendants for an expert review of the audio-visual evidence in this case. It was originally anticipated that a technical hearing connected to the audio-visual evidence review would take place on 2 October. However the hearing did not proceed as the 2nd of October was designated as the opening day of the Hijra (Islamic New Year) Feast, and a public holiday.
The Court Office has indicated that the next hearing date is likely to be 12 November and we are awaiting confirmation of this date through official channels. On Sunday 2 October, I spoke with Egypt’s Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Ms. Soha Gendi, expressing my concern about this further delay in the case and I once again underlined the Government's strong desire to see this citizen returned to Ireland as soon as possible. Our immediate and ongoing efforts are focused on pressing the case with the Egyptian authorities for a positive response to the application made in August under Presidential Decree 140.
I have regular contacts with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Shoukry, on this case. On 24 September I met with Minister Shoukry in New York where I again stressed my concerns at the repeated delays in the court proceedings and reinforced the Government’s support for the Decree 140 application. This was the latest in a series of contacts which included my visit to Cairo in July. Both I and the Taoiseach have communicated our support for the Decree 140 application to Minister Shoukry and President el-Sisi respectively.
As has been previously reported to the House, the Taoiseach has been in direct contact on a number of occasions with President el-Sisi about this case, underlining the Government’s concerns about the continuing detention of this young man, who has been in prison for over three years now without having been convicted of any crime, and who is part of a group trial that has been adjourned on a large number of occasions.
The Taoiseach and I will engage further with the Egyptian Government as and when appropriate, in line with our key focus of securing this citizen’s best interests; this means continuing our determined efforts to see him released by the Egyptian authorities at the earliest possible opportunity and, in the meantime, providing consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.
All of the sustained and focused actions that have been taken by my Department throughout this case have been aimed at furthering these two objectives, and importantly, avoiding any action that could be counterproductive or detrimental to this citizen’s best interests.
286. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been brought to the huge devastation and violence in Aleppo and the fact that the fighting has created a huge humanitarian crisis; and the actions being taken by his Department to assist efforts to end the violence and to assist the civilians affected. [29363/16]
View answerI addressed the House on this question last week.
However, there have been further important developments since then, in particular a proposed resolution at the UN Security Council which sought to restore with immediate effect a cessation of hostilities, permit unimpeded humanitarian access, renew a political process to end the Syrian conflict, and immediately end all aerial bombardment and military flights in Aleppo.
Ireland, along with all our EU partners, co-sponsored this resolution.
I deeply regret that Russia chose to veto this resolution. Russia has chosen on 5 times to use its veto to prevent UN action to protect the population of Syria. I believe that Russia’s actions put the Syrian people in danger from further military action by the Assad regime and grant impunity to those committing war crimes in Syria. I urge Russia to change its stance and fulfil its obligations as a permanent member of the Security Council to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
From the outset, Ireland has been clear that we believe that this is a crisis of political legitimacy and that only a political solution will be viable and sustainable. We are clear that this must be “Syrian-owned and Syrian-led”. We have also been consistent in condemning the pattern of systematic violence against civilians, in which 100,000s have been killed and millions more wounded or forced to flee violence and terrorism. We have called for the protection of all civilians from military force and terrorism and the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance to populations in need and full accountability on behalf of the victims of crimes under international law.
It is clear from a wide range of reports that the Assad regime has been overwhelmingly responsible for the deaths of Syrians since the beginning of the uprising in March 2011. The Commission of Inquiry established by UN Human Rights Council has reported findings of evidence that the Assad regime may have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate use of military force against the besieged population of Aleppo are clear violations of international law.
Ireland’s concerns have been directly conveyed in the clearest terms to the Russian authorities at my direction. On behalf of the Irish people, I urge Russia to use all its influence in Syria to end these inhumane actions against a defenceless civilian population.
Ireland has repeatedly called for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court. The suffering of the besieged population in Aleppo underline both the urgency and importance of ensuring accountability for those responsible for these actions.
The attacks have rightly appalled people across Ireland and around the world. I want to acknowledge the important stand taken by Irish people in supporting NGOs working to assist the Syrian people.
As a Government we have placed huge emphasis on doing what we can to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, through provision of humanitarian aid. Last week, I approved €1.5 million for the ICRC for their work inside Syria and €1 million to UNWRA for Palestinian refugees affected by the Syria crisis which, combined with our recent disbursement of €5M to the Turkey Refugee Facility, brings our total contribution to the Syrian crisis to €62M since 2012.
I will be discussing the situation in Syria with my EU colleagues at the next Foreign Affairs Council, and focusing in particular on how to support the EU’s Humanitarian Initiative on Aleppo.
287. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) regarding their passport and rights abroad as an Irish citizen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29388/16]
View answerMy Department officials endeavour to provide all Irish citizens with the highest level of appropriate consular service and protection that they can, within the limits of our authority and our jurisdiction, including as set out in international conventions, laws and practice.
There is a very extensive record of engagement by my officials over several years in this case, including advice offered to the individual concerned regarding the best course of action to pursue on his original complaint in 2009.
I am entirely satisfied that my Department has fully met and discharged its obligations to this citizen.
289. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the health and safety framework of each commercial and non-commercial State agency under the aegis of his Department; when the health and safety policy of each was last reviewed; when the safety statement of each was last reviewed; if each body has a health and safety committee and when this was last elected; if each has a health and safety representative and when this person was last elected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29574/16]
View answer290. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the gifts or hospitality given to employees to attend overseas sporting or musical events during 2015 in respect of all commercial and non-commercial agencies; the locations of such visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29575/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.
There are no commercial or non-commercial State agencies under the aegis of my Department so the issue raised by the Deputy does not arise for my Department.
291. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the peace proposal in Colombia was narrowly rejected in a referendum; his plans for his Department to continue to assist the peace process; and if he has discussed the issue with his Colombian counterpart. [29598/16]
View answerI am aware of the current situation in Colombia and the recent vote - by a very narrow margin - against the Peace Agreement negotiated between the Government of Colombia and the FARC guerrilla movement.
As we know from our own experience here in Ireland, peace processes are complex, challenging and can suffer unexpected setbacks. It is my belief that the narrow rejection by the Colombian electorate of the agreement does not signify a rejection of peace. In fact, many of the areas of the country most affected by the conflict voted decisively in favour of the agreement.
I therefore urge all parties in Colombia to remain committed to the peace process and focused on their ultimate objective - bringing peace to their country and improving the lives of present and future generations of Colombians. I am pleased to see that the parties have begun a process of consultation in order to identify how the process might be re-started. The role of the European Union’s Special Envoy for the peace process, the former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, is of particular importance at this difficult time.
I warmly welcome the announcement of October 7 that President Santos has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This honour is testament to his courage in seeking to bring a peaceful solution to the conflict. It should encourage all of those engaged in the process to continue to strive for peace, justice and reconciliation in Colombia.
I had a very fruitful discussion with my Colombian counterpart María Holguín on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 20, immediately before the signing of the peace agreement and the plebiscite, in which I made clear Ireland’s strong commitment to supporting the peace process. As the Deputy will be aware, we have actively aided the talks process itself through the funding of technical assistance, as well as providing access to lessons from the peace process in Northern Ireland.
In the aftermath of the plebiscite result, it is important that the international community rally around Colombia. Our Ambassador to Colombia, Sonja Hyland, was present for the signing of the peace agreement and continues to engage proactively with the Colombian authorities, and in particular with the Ministry of Post Conflict, making clear Ireland’s intentions to remain fully committed to supporting the Colombian peace process in spite of this setback.
My officials have also participated in discussions on Colombia at the EU level in the week since the plebiscite, and Ireland has been to the fore in encouraging the EU to maintain a positive approach.
292. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent meeting with the Russian ambassador and the issues discussed at the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29599/16]
View answerAt my direction, senior officials in my Department met with the Russian Ambassador on Tuesday 27 September and Ireland’s concerns in relation to the human catastrophe that is unfolding in Syria - and in the city of Aleppo in particular - were directly conveyed to him in the clearest terms.
I subsequently confirmed in a statement on 29 September that my grave concerns had been conveyed in the clearest terms to the Russian authorities, and did so again in a topical issues debate in the Dáil on 6 October.
293. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the EU is seeking to send persons back to war-torn Afghanistan as a part of a broader policy to return asylum seekers who refuse to be deported voluntarily; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the UN agency in Afghanistan, UNAMA, has recently documented the highest level of civilian casualties since record taking started; and his views on the proposal to return persons to this war-torn country. [29600/16]
View answerThe protracted conflict in Afghanistan has cost many thousands of lives and huge suffering to the Afghan people. Afghanistan continues to face huge challenges and it is vital that there is continued international support and commitment to create a political, social and economic environment to consolidate peace, security, sustainable development and prosperity. The recent report by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which revealed a disturbing increase in civilian casualties in the first half of 2016, highlights the need for ongoing engagement by the international community.
Last week, at the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, jointly hosted by the European Union and the Government of Afghanistan, participating States - including Ireland - and international organisations reaffirmed their commitment to providing ongoing assistance. Collectively they pledged approximately €13.6 billion ($15.1 billion) over the 4 year period from 2017 to 2020. This assistance will be directed to several key areas including poverty reduction, tackling corruption, addressing issues of migration, strengthening the rule of law and enhancing human rights, particularly for women and girls.
European Union-Afghanistan cooperation in the area of migration is addressed in the Joint Way Forward on Migration (JWF), which was signed in Kabul on 2 October. This provides for cooperation in the fight against smuggling and people trafficking, information and awareness raising. It aims to provide for a “smooth, dignified and orderly return” of those Afghan nationals who do not fulfil the conditions for remaining in the EU after “consideration of all relevant international law and legal procedures” and who “cannot be granted international protection status”. The JWF further provides for reintegration assistance, and specific humanitarian consideration for vulnerable groups, including women and children. The EU and the Afghan Government have agreed to implement this in full respect of their existing national, international and UN commitments when considering individual cases, including the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 New York Protocol, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
Ireland will remain steadfast in its support for Afghanistan as it continues on the path to stability. Since 2005 we have provided some €47 million in assistance in areas such as mine clearance, food security and emergency response to natural disasters. At the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan last week we indicated our intention to maintain that support, up to 2020, at or near our current levels of €2.5 million per annum.
294. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated number of persons resident in Great Britain who are eligible for Irish passports through descent from Irish parents or grandparents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29753/16]
View answerThe United Kingdom 2011 census data, which is the most recently available, indicates that the number of Irish-born citizens resident in Great Britain at that time was 430,309 of whom 395,182 were resident in England, 22,952 in Scotland and 12,175 in Wales.
With regard to the number of persons who are otherwise Irish citizens, or entitled to claim Irish citizenship by descent, estimates vary and figures are not verifiable.
