Tuesday, 13 Dec 2016

Written Answers Nos. 343-366

Overseas Missions

Questions (348)

Jack Chambers

Question:

348. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of a review his Department is undertaking relating to the work and potential remuneration of the 11 special Irish peace monitors on secondment to the OSCE in eastern Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39390/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine performs vital work in extremely difficult circumstances, particularly in Eastern Ukraine. As I outlined in response to a Parliamentary Question No. 343 on 25 October 2016, there is currently no funding for supplementary payments by the Government to Irish monitors. However, my Department continues to keep the issue under review.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (349)

Niall Collins

Question:

349. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total photography costs for his Department per annum since March 2011 inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance, in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the breakdown of costs associated with each occasion that a photographer was used; if there is a policy regarding the booking of photographers within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39471/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department only avails of the services of external photographic agencies where it is warranted, in particular for major events and State occasions. This is a service which my Department provides so that the media can easily and freely avail of photography where their own staff photographers cannot be fully accommodated. Events such as the visit of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in May 2016, the visits of US Vice President Joe Biden in June 2016 and US Secretary of State John Kerry in October 2016, resulted in positive overseas media coverage of Ireland.

In September 2011, my Department led a collaborative advertised tender process for the procurement of a multi-supplier competitive framework of photographic service providers. This is now available for use by all Government Departments. Details of the framework arrangements and the photographers used are posted on the National Procurement Service website: www.procurement.ie/suppliers/contracts/1298. The purpose of this framework is to ensure Departments’ compliance with EU procurement rules and to ensure value for money by having a competitive process for photographic assignments.

In addition, my Department now makes greater use of in-house resources for photography, including, for example, at the Africa-Irish Economic Forum last June.

The total cost of photography to my Department for events which took place over the period to which the Deputy refers is listed below in tabular form. A small number of invoices for photography at events held during 2016 have yet to be received. It has not proved possible to give a complete breakdown of the costs by event for years 2011 and 2012. Nor has it proved possible in the time available to compile a breakdown of all the photography costs associated with the large number of events organised by Ireland’s network of 80 diplomatic missions abroad.

2011

HQ Total: €54,224.90

Missions Total: €6,436.63

Total: €60,661.53

2012

HQ Total: €31,638.34

Mission Total: €6,512.64

Total: €38,150.98

2013

HQ Total: €22,602.45

Mission Total: €12,752.34

Department Total 2013: €35,354.79

EVENT	DATE	COST	PRINCIPAL(S)	PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography - Visit by German Opposition Leader Peer Steinbruck	05/03/2013	194.88	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Fennell Photography
Photography - Visit and meeting with Bill Gates	05/03/2013	195.2	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Fennell Photography
Photography - Irish Aid Fellowship training programme	12/04/2013	204.30	Minister of State Joe Costello, T.D.	Liam Burke, Press 22
Photography - Launch of 100 Objects	11/04/2013	206.64	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Official visit by Chinese Vice Premier Ma	21/11/2013	223.86	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Visit and meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister	05/03/2013	322.89	Tánaiste and Minster for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Fennell Photography
Photography - Official visit US First Lady, Michelle Obama	03/07/2013	327.18	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Visit by Governor of Massachusetts	07/06/2013	361.62	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs& Trade	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Visit of Elders	07/06/2013	430.5	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Western Balkans Conference	07/06/2013	482.16	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade and MoS Lucinda Creighton T.D.	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Visit of Tánaiste to Belfast	20/06/2013	1036.12	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Paul Mcerlane Photography
Presidential Distinguished service Awards 2013	26/11/2013	1,074	Tánaiste & Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Iveagh House Lecture and event with Kennedy family	03/07/2013	1198.02	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Maxwell Photography
Global Irish Economic Forum 2013	04-5/10/2013	2,176	Tánaiste & Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Fennell Photography
Photography - Visit of Canadian Prime Minister	03/07/2013	2253.36	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Visit of Japanese Prime Minister	13/09/2013	2555.94	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Maxwell Photography
Simon Cumbers Fund Exhibition Report	17/01/2013	350.86	Minister of State Joe Costello, T.D.	Maxwell Photography
EU Working group on Humanitarian Aid Group Shot, Dublin Castle	05/04/2013	154.98	n/a	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid - One World One Future	02/05/2013	637.14	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade and MoS Joe Costello T.D.	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid Awards	21/05/2013	364.08	N/A	Maxwell Photography
Africa Day	26/05/2013	478.45	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade and MoS Joe Costello	Maxwell Photography
Our World Awards Finals	18/06/2013	757.68	n/a	Maxwell Photography
EU Multilateral Section Photo (Irish Aid AWEPA Conference)	27/06/2013	120.54	n/a	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid Annual Report	12/09/2013	206.64	Minister of State Joe Costello, T.D.	Maxwell Photography
Students Visit	19/09/2013	483.52	N/A	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid Volunteer Fair	12/10/2013	137.76	Minister of State Joe Costello, T.D.	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid Chanel College Boys	25/10/2013	258.30	N/A	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	27/02/2013	430.8	MoS Jan O’Sullivan, T.D., representing the Government	Fennell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	16/01/2013	359.03	MoS Joe Costello, T.D. representing the Government	Lensmen Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corp	Mar-13	353.39	MoS Alex White, T.D., representing the Government	Lensmen Photography
New Year Greetings Ceremony by President for Diplomatic Corps		971.7	President Higgins	Lensmen Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	14/11/2013	266.72	MoS Dinny McGinley, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	28/11/2013	351.85	MoS Fergus O’Dowd, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	27/06/2013	266.72	MoS John Perry, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	21/05/2013	334.83	MoS Joe Costello, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	12/09/2013	351.85	MoS Paschal Donohoe, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	03/10/2013	351.85	MoS Paschal Donohoe, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	10/10/2013	351.85	MoS Alex White, T.D. representing the Government	Maxwell Photography

2016 – to date

HQ Total: €20,076.40

Mission Total: €10,030.36

Department Total 2016 to date: €30,106.76

EVENT	DATE	COST	PRINCIPAL(S)	PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography: TRI LATERAL MEETING WITH SOSNI, NI EXC	18/01/2016	568.26	Minster Flanagan and Minister Fitzgerald	Maxwells
PHOTOGRAPHY: COMMEMORATIONS EVENT MOS DEENIHAN in Iveagh House	21/01/2016	676.5	MoS Deenihan	Lensmen
Photography: UN60 SYMPOSIUM IN IVEAGH HOUSE with Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan and Peter Sutherland	18/01/2016	895.44	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Minister Flanagan Visit to NY – USA 2016 Programme Launch	08/02/2016	458	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
4 JPEGS OF IRISH AID AWARDS 16/06/15	18/01/2016	69	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY -Minister attending networking	16/02/2016	551	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Maxwell Photography- BT Young Scientist	16/02/2016	672	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Photography for Minister Flanagan Reception	14/04/2016	691	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Photography for US delegation 24/03/2016	14/04/2016	913	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
1916 Centenary Good Friday Agreement/Abbey Theatre 10/04/16	17/05/2016	1,628	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
jpegs Min Flanagan Reception 26/03/16	17/05/2016	52	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Photography at Grangegorman cemetery 26/05/16	17/06/2016	947	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Euro 2016 Soccer Championships Safety leaflet launch 27/05/16	17/06/2016	844	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Min Flan photo new cabinet 06/05/2016	17/06/2016	17	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Prince Of Wales Visit 25/05/16	23/06/2016	1,422	MoS Joe Mc Hugh T.D.	Maxwells
Photography For Travelwise App Launch	14/07/2016	551	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Photography For Joe Biden Visit June 2016	14/07/2016	1,412	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Photography for Italian Foreign Minister Visit	24/08/2016	964	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Photography for Dutch Foreign Minister 31/08/16	26/09/2016	758	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Photography for UN USG for Peacekeeping Herve Ladsous	14/10/2016	258	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Photography Northern Ireland Sec Visit	14/10/2016	499	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Photography for UN Youth Delegates	14/10/2016	207	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Photography for UK SoS David Davis	14/10/2016	517	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	22/02/2016	€351.85	Ms. Ann Phelan, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport	Maxwell Photography
Photography for New Year Greetings 27 Jan 2016	22/02/2016	€882		Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	14/04/2016	€351.85	Mr. Seán Sherlock, T.D. Minister of State for Development, Trade Promotion & North-South Cooperation @ DFAT	Maxwell Photography
Presentation Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	14/05/2016	€351.82	Mr. Jimmy Deenihan Minister of State for the Diaspora at the Ds/Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs and Trade	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	14/07/2016	€351.85	Mr. Joe McHugh, T.D. Minister of State for the Diaspora and Overseas Development Aid at D/Foreign Affairs and Trade	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	01/09/2016	€351.85	Mr. Eoin Murphy, T.D. Minister of State for Financial Services, e-Government and Public Procurement at D/Finance, Public Expenditure & Reform	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	14/10/2016	€351.85	Mr. Sean Canney, T.D. Minister of State for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief	Maxwell Photography
Photography HOMS Conference	31/08/2016	€1429.26	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D.	Maxwells

The following was received from the Department on 23 January 2017

2014

HQ Total: €19,655.89 Mission Total: €8,574.49 Department Total: 2014: €28,230.38

EVENT	DATE	COST	PRINCIPAL(S)	PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY - LAUNCH OF REVIEW OF TRADE, TOURISM and INVESTMENT STRATAGY	25/03/2014	86.1	Tánaiste and MFAT Eamon Gilmore, Min Bruton, Min Varadkar and MoS Costello	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid Fellowship training programme	14/04/2014	204.30	MoS Joe Costello, T.D.	Liam Burke, Press 22
PHOTOGRAPHY: MINISTER FLANAGAN MEETING WITH REPRENSENTATIVES OF THE ORANGE HALLS	23/12/2014	223.81	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: MEETING BETWEEN MINISTER FLANAGAN AND US SPECIAL ENVOY FOR NORTHERN IRELAND SENATOR GARY HART	27/11/2014	240.45	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD	Paul Faith Photography
Irish Aid Volunteering Fair	11/10/2014	241	MoS Seán Sherlock TD	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: IVEAGH HOUSE LECTURE BY CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS	11/09/2014	327.18	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD	Maxwell Photography
Photography: DOCUMENTS IN FOREIGN POLICY LAUNCH EVENT 20/11/14	17/12/2014	344.4	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: MEETING OF MINISTER FLANAGAN AND CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER 17/10/14	16/11/2014	378.84	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: MINISTER FLANAGAN ACCEPTS GIFT OF YEATS BUST TO BE PRESENTED TO INDIA	20/10/2014	378.84	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD	Maxwell Photography
Presidential Distinguished Service Awards 2013		470	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade	Mac Innes Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: RECONCILIATION FORUM AT DUBLIN CASTLE	20/10/2014	516.6	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: MEETING BETWEEN MoS DEENIHAN AND SCOTTISH MINISTER FIONA HYSLOP 30/10/14	16/11/2014	551.04	MoS Jimmy Deenihan TD	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: 2014 PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS	26/09/2014	687	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD	Adrian Melia Photography
Des Harris Photographer/SPD events	26/03/2014	750	Tánaiste and MFAT Eamon Gilmore TD	Des Harris Photography
Presidential Distinguished Service Awards 2014		841	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade and Minister for Diaspora Affairs	Fennell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: VISIT TO IRELAND BY THE ROYAL FAMILY OF THAILAND	20/10/2014	1377.6	President Higgins	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: OFFICIAL VISIT TO NEW YORK FOR UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND VISIT TO WASHINGTON DC FOR 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN IRELAND AND USA	02/10/2014	2683.78	Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs	Nagle Photography, John Kingman Photography and Marty Katz Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY- VISIT TO IRELAND BY PRESIDENT OF MOZAMBIQUE	16/07/2014	3102.5	The President, An Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore TD and MoS Joe Costello TD	Fennell Photography
Photography - New Years Greetings by President for the Diplomatic Corps		920.89	President Higgins	Lensmen Photography
Photography- Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	23/10/2012	331.14	MoS. Seán Sherlock, T.D., representing the Government	Lensmen Photography
Photography- Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	11/03/2014	351.85	MoS. Joe Costello, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Prostration of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	16/09/2014	351.85	MoS. Dara Murphy, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	12/02/2014	351.85	MoS. Joe Costello, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	14/01/2014	351.85	MoS Kathleen Lynch, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	15/10/2014	403.51	MoS Michael Ring, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	16/01/2014	351.85	MoS. Dinny McGinley, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	30/09/2014	351.85	MoS Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Photography- Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	08/10/2014	351.85	Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	Apr-14	351.85	MoS. Jan O’Sullivan, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Photography - Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	Jun-14	351.85	MoS. Joe Costello, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Our World Awards	13/01/2014	223.86	MoS Joe Costello, T.D. representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid Expo, Northern Voices	17/12/2014	167.28	n/a	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid Chanel College Boys	25/10/2014	120.54	n/a	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid Volunteer Fair	12/10/2014	253.38	MoS Sean Sherlock, T.D.	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid Launch	03/07/2014	103.32	MoS of State Joe Costello, T.D.	Maxwell Photography
Irish Aid Awards	17/06/2014	560.88	n/a	Maxwell Photography

2015

HQ Total: €25,900.54 Mission Total: €9,191.37 Department Total 2015: €35,091.91

Consultancy Contracts Data

Questions (350)

Niall Collins

Question:

350. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the external consultant reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011 per annum in tabular form; the costs per report; the company involved; the title of the report; and the publication date. [39487/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This Department is responsible for two votes - Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Vote 27 (International Cooperation).

My Department commissions external expertise where highly specialised skills are not available within the Department and, in particular, where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. During the course of their engagements, these consultants/experts may prepare reports and other documentation for the Department.

In-depth analysis of issues by external experts has informed - and continues to inform - my Department’s policies, allowing for a more targeted use of resources and greater accountability in the allocation of budgets.

These services are procured by open competitive tendering processes in accordance with EU and national rules and comply with the overall value for money objective of the Department.

Commission	Experts/Consultants	Report/Subject	Cost (€)	Date of publication
2011	Kevin Moore	Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment	17,861	Not Applicable – see footnote*
2011	Paul Sheane	Support to the Governments of Zambia and South Africa to develop Special Economic Zones for the promotion of inward investment and employment	9,965	*
2011	Stefanie Meredith	Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries	10,100	*
2011	Samia Saad	Review of Irish Aid Support for Product Development Partnerships in developing countries	9,198	*

Commission	Experts/Consultants	Report/Subject	Cost (€)	Date of publication
2011	Paud Murphy	Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)	9,064	*
2011	80:20	Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)	9,870	*
2011	Eilis Murray	Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)	6,068	*
2011	ISOS	Development Education Reviews - to examine the current funding support and engagement in each of the priority areas identified in the Development Education strategy (primary, post primary, third level, adult, community and youth work)	42,247	*
2011	Bernard McLoughlin	Review of the Irish Aid Centre, Dublin	6,143	*
2011	Cathal Higgins	Preparation of a report on the programme of education sector budget support towards school infrastructural development in Karamoja region and skills development in the oil sector (Uganda)	5,000	*
2011	Mike Williams	Review of Humanitarian Programme Plan for Irish Aid	18,742	*
2011	Humanitarian Policy Ltd	Review of Security Policy & Practice among Irish Aid Humanitarian Partners	33,930	*
2012	Mike Williams	Evaluation of the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation	12,247	July 2013
2012	PA Consulting Group	Evaluating the value of the economic relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland	73,083	July 2013
2012	Cathy Roche	Review of the Our World Awards 2005-2011	6,300	*
2012	Everywhere Consulting	Feasibility Study on the Establishment of a Humanitarian Hub at Shannon Airport	74,982	December 2012
2012	Fintan Farrelly	Review of the Irish Aid Strategic Environmental Partnership Programme	6,000	*
2012	Mike Williams	Review of Misean Cara	15,099	*
2012	Pham Quang Hoa	Local consultancy contract 'Review of P135 infrastructure projects funded by Irish Aid'	5,453	*
2012	IOD Parc	South Africa Country Strategy Programme 2008-2012 Final Report	73,256	January 2013
2012	Itad	Evaluation of the Irish Aid Ethiopia Country Strategy Programme 2008-2012	143,886	May 2013
2013	Peter McEvoy	Evaluation of a number of Organisations funded by the Emigrant Support Programme(ESP)	13,075	July 2013
2013	Wright Consultancy Ltd	Gender Equality Audit	14,000	*
2013	Mary Jennings	Review of HRD (Human Rights and Democratisation) Scheme Irish Aid Palestine	15,500	*
2013	Bronagh Hinds & Karen McMinn Consultants	Report on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security	20,811	June 2013
2013	Gareth Williams	Review of Financial and Programme of the Camara Education Programme	20,000	*
2013	John Geraghty	Review of University College Cork’s Programme of Technical Support Internships for Food Security	7,568	*
2013	Natural Research Institute	Review of Irish Aid Support to Fair and Ethical Trade Initiatives	19,292	*
2013	Pham Quang Hoa	Review Programme 135 (for Ethnic Minorities) of Irish Aid funded infrastructure projects	5,588	*
2013	Gareth Singleton	Review of Irish Forum for Global Health	8.395	*
2013	IOD Parc	Evaluation of Irish Aid's Sierra Leone Strategy Paper, 2011-2013	77,907	August 2014
2013	Mokoro	Evaluation of Ireland's Support to Timor Leste, 2001-2014	85,203	August 2014
2014	Gareth Singleton	Review of Royal College of Surgeons	25,756	*
2014	Tierney & Associates, Risk & Governance Consultants	Audit of grants awarded under Emigrant Support Programme	19,934	*
2014	Hogan Lovells, Washington	Review of tax, social insurance and health obligations and other conditions of service in respect of locally-recruited staff members at our missions in the United States	57,756	*
2014	Gallup Korea (Korea Gallup Poll Co. LTD)	Working Holiday Agreement Report	7,217	March 2015
2014	Andy Pollak	Review of Irish Aid support for Initial Teacher Education	11,564	*
2014	ADETEF	OECD DAC EVALNET Study on Collaborative Partner-Donor Evaluation Work	25,000	*
2014	Tran i Ngoc Diep	Local input into Review of Irish Aid scholarship programmes	1,502	*
2014	Tom Collins	Feasibility Study - Celebrating and Sustaining Ireland’s relationship with Africa	5,000	*
2014	ITAD Limited	Mid Term Review of the Civil Society Support Programme	68,135	*
2014	David Goodman Payne	Review of Irish Aid Civil Society Facility in Vietnam	8,589	On-going
2014	Cathy Gaynor/Niamh O’Grady/Gill Roe	Evaluability Assessment of the Programme of Strategic Cooperation	43,200	*
2014	Willis Risk Services (Ireland) Limited	Consultancy for insurance policy report and tender documentation for the Rapid Response Corps	6,150	*
2014	Mekong Dev Research Institute	Impact assessment of Irish Aid funded infrastructure projects under P135 in 2011 & 2012	43,912	*
2014	Karen McMinn	Report and final review on the implementation of Ireland's National Action Plan on UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security	9,750	2015
2014	Mokoro	Evaluation of Irish Aid’s Uganda Country Strategy Paper 2010-2014	113,739	*
2014	ASM (B) Ltd	Payroll System Audit	11,636	*
2014	Ground Work Consultancy	Review of Nutrition Options for Irish Aid in Mozambique	5,000
2014	Ground Work Consultancy	Review of performance and lessons learned for Irish Aid funded OFSP projects	3,500
2014	Ground Work Consultancy	Review of Irish Aid Nutrition programming in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos PDR	13,829
2015	ASM	Audit of grants awarded under Emigrant Support Programme	€9,800	*
2015	Peter McEvoy	Professional Services for the appraisal of Irish Aid fellowship Training Programme	16,560	*
2015	Coffey International Development Ltd	Review of the Irish Aid Programme Grant Mechanism	23,588	*
2015	Tran i Ngoc Diep	Local input into scoping study to explore Ireland’s cooperation in the agriculture & agribusiness sector under the IDEAS programme	4,442	*
2015	Johnny O'Regan	Organisational Assessment of Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice	4,400	*
2015	ASM	The provision of audit services to examine grants awarded under the ESP	14,700	*
2015	Mazars	ICT Audit	27,552	*
2015	Crowleys DFK	Payment System Audit	19,004	*
2015	Saferworld	Conflict Analysis input to the Embassy of Ireland Country Strategy Paper(CSP) development process - Uganda	15,450	*
2015	Dr Cornelius Chipoma	Review of the education Sector programme in the context of Irish Aid Zambia 2013-2017 CSP - Zambia	3,738	*
2015	Charles Abola	Review of Irish Aid support to Acholi Education initiative (AEI) - Zambia	12,000	*
2015	Firetail Ltd	Evaluation of the MVIWATA Strategic Plan 2010-2014 - Tanzania	21,450	*
2015	Centre for Social Research	Review of Irish Aid’s support of the Forum from Women’s Educationalist – Uganda Chapter(FAWEU)	18,942	*
2015	Gemma O’Reilly	UNFCCC Reporting and Climate Finance Mapping 2014-2015	27,041	*
2015	Wilberforce MUHWANA	Design of the Quality Education Component for the Development of the Country Strategy Paper 2016 - 2020	14,400	*
2015	Transparency international	Consultancy to assess the current Governance and Management status of institutions in Education Sector to appraise Performance, and propose Recommendations to improve Accountability and Transparency	15,362	*
2015	Stephens Moore	Audit and Verification of Grants awarded to the Platform for Social Protection Zambia for 2013 and 2014	31,550	*
2015	Ann Nolan	Review of the Irish Aid – HSE collaboration - 2015	6,300	October 2015
2015	Sebastian Kevany	Review of Irish Aid- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) Partnership 2011-2015	21,368	*
2015	Ms Mpala Nkonkomalimba	Mid Term Review Process Irish Aid Zambia Country Strategy 2013-17	6,300	*
2015	Kate Bridges	Review of Partners Logic Models/ theories of change- Zambia	6,680	November 2015
2015	Mr Isaac Ngoma	Mid Term Review Public Financial Management (PFM) Assessment - Zambia	5,000	November 2015
2015	Lahluva Consultores	Annual Planning Report of G19 and Government of Mozambique and Assessment of Irish Aid Annual Comm to GBS - Mozambique	24,000	March 2016
2015	OPTIMOZ	Facilitation & Capability Strengthening for Niassa Provincial Leadership Team re Design of Niassa Provincial Strategic Framework for the PEN – 2027 - Mozambique	25,000	November 2015
2015	OPTIMOZ	Capability Assessment and Initial Facilitation of Planning Exercise for Niassa Provincial Leadership Team 2017-27 - Mozambique	4,900	October 2015
2015	Option Consultancy Services Ltd	Review of Social Accountability Approaches in Health	12,872	January 2016
2015	Anne Nolan	Review of HSE MOU	8,100	*
2015	Alasdair Collins DP Evaluation	Evaluation of IDEA’s (Irish Development for Education Association) Capacity Development Programme 2013-2015	5,212	*
2015	Dr. Mary Gannon	Evaluation of the Worldwise Global Schools Programme 2013-2016	17,060	Publication expected in the next few weeks
2015	Cathal Reidy	A review of Ireland’s Humanitarian Emergency Relief Supplies	36,290	*
2015	Ground Work Consultancy	Review of Irish Aid Nutrition programmes in Tanzania	6,558
2016	Right to Change	Planning of Irish Aid Country Strategy Programme Tanzania 2017-2022	13,974	*
2016	Grant ornton	Audit Services	100,000	*
2016	Emily Mates	Stocktake of Nutrition Engagement	13,612	*
2016	Noel Casserly	UNFCC Reporting and Climate Finance Mapping 2015-2016	25,370	*
2016	REEV Consult International	Evaluation of the CSF and the Partnership Fund	25,000	*
2016	Kevin Carroll	Irish Aid Tanzania end of CSP Review	17,250	*
2016	Muriel Visser	Phase III Evaluation of Ireland’s Development Cooperation Programme - Vietnam 2011-2015	17,500	*
2016	Emmanuel Sulle	Land Rights Scoping Study/Consultancy	7,500	*
2016	Ishihaka Mwandalima	Gender Based Violence scoping study	3,750	*
2016	McQuillans	Accounting, Audit and Financial Services	6,240	*
2016	Alaisdair Collins DP Evaluation	Evaluation of the SUas Global Schools Programme 2012-2015	10,879	Publication expected shortly
2016	Áine Fortune	Evaluation of the 80-20 Programme	1,000	Publication expected shortly
2016	PWC	Internal audit of Embassy, and external audit of selected projects/programmes	75,000	*
2016	Dr Cornelius Chipoma	Review of the Irish Aid Zambia Education programme	9,000	*
2016	Luiz Genedio Mendes Jorge	Review of the Supreme Audit Institution’s report and opinion on the State Accounts 2014	4,800	*
2016	Southern Cross Consulting	Review of Embassy of Ireland’s approach to Fellowship in Tanzania	11,430	*
2016	Willis Towers Watson	Study of Compensation Levels - Locally engaged staff in diplomatic missions (USA)	3,150	*
2016	Mercer International	Study of Compensation Levels - Locally engaged staff in diplomatic missions (Irish Aid)	13,200	*
2016	Eamon Brehony, Alais Nakuyukuyo Morindat	Review of Irish Aid support to Pastoralism in Tanzania	10,450	*
2016	Centre for Law and Democracy	Analysis of anti-corruption legislation in Tanzania	2,670	*
2016	ASM	Accounting, audit and financial services	40,000	*
2016	CASE International	Consultancy to evaluate the Civil Society Fund	49,800	*
2016	Ingrid Obery	Review of partner results and internal capacity building on results based Management	25,000	*
2016	Anne Nolan/Janet Gruber	Review of Global Health and HIV AIDS Review	39,535	*
2016	Technopolis	Review of Product Development partners	19,375	*
2016	Caoimhe Hughes	Review of Annual Reports of Programme Grant Partners	4,000	*
2016	Mr. Sean Mc Gearty	Review of Co-Operation Ireland	Est. €10,000 + vat. Final cost on completion of the report in 2017	*
2016	M Horizon (UK) Ltd	Analysis of recent recommendations issued by the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf	€1,788	Not Applicable – see footnote*

*Reports commissioned by the Department in relation to Irish Aid matters are generally for internal management usage and not for publication. However, many are published on the Irishaid.ie website or, in appropriate cases, can be made available on request.

Public Relations Contracts Data

Questions (351)

Niall Collins

Question:

351. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the use of external public relations firms employed by his Department per annum since March 2011 in tabular form; the list of uses of the external public relations firm; the internal Department policy with regard to employing external groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39503/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

A table containing the information is set out below. My Department has not incurred expenditure on external public relations services since March 2011. The expenditure in question has rather arisen in the context of specific initiatives under Ireland’s overseas development programme for which we have from time to time commissioned companies with a public relations and communications background to provide other professional services such as project management, logistics and event management.

DHR Communications has been contracted to manage and administer grants to journalists reporting on international development issues under the Simon Cumbers Media Fund (SCMF) and to manage and administer annual Africa Day celebrations.

The SCMF involves managing three funding rounds each year, including the annual SCMF student competition. This typically involves the following activities:

Convening national and regional information workshops;

Managing and administering the application process;

Organising the judging process

Providing detailed feedback to all applicants;

Processing grant payments and keeping detailed administrative and financial records;

Maintaining and updating the SCMF website.

It should be noted that expenses paid to third parties account for approximately 30% of the total paid to DHR for managing and administering the Simon Cumbers Media Fund. This includes costs associated with maintaining and updating the SCMF website, facilitating the judging process and raising awareness of the Fund among journalists.

Following a competitive tendering process, DHR was also engaged to plan, manage and execute a national Africa Day flagship event in Dublin. This includes the administration of a small grants scheme for regional events which DHR managed on behalf of the Department in partnership with a number of local authorities. DHR also worked to raise public awareness of the Africa Day events, including through the use of social media and the Africa Day website. This public awareness work represented a very minor element of the overall project and was conducted in close co-operation with my Department’s communications office.

Africa Day Family Days were hosted by the Department in Iveagh Gardens in 2009 and 2010, in CHQ in Georges Dock in 2012 and at the Farmleigh Estate annually since 2013. In 2011, the Department supported a series of smaller-scale performances, family events, art exhibitions, debates and educational activities instead of hosting a flagship event.

In relation to the expenditure on Africa Day, expenses paid to third parties accounted for between 70% and 80% of the total costs listed below. This included expenditure on security, sanitation, venue set-up, health and safety issues and small grants to facilitate the participation of community groups.

DHR also provided short-term management support services for the Review of the White Paper on Irish Aid, including the logistical management of the nationwide public consultation activities.

The table below sets out the payments for project and event management since 2011.

Payments for Project and Event Management 2011 to 2016

Name of Project/Event	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016 (to date)
DHR Communications: SCMF	€73,237	€47,430	€73,836	€60,338	€83,757	€131,344
DHR Communications: White Paper Review	€25,000	€26,026	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
DHR Communications: Africa Day	€6,806	€90,851	€118,644	€143,829	€179,221	€206,126
Total	€105,043	€164,307	€192,480	€204,167	€262,978	€337,470

Ministerial Correspondence

Questions (352)

John Brady

Question:

352. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has used any private unsecured email accounts for official business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39585/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have not used any private unsecured email accounts for official business.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (353)

Seán Crowe

Question:

353. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the increase in the assassination of human rights defenders, HRDs, in Colombia and regarding ongoing threats and intimidation against them (details supplied); and if he will call on the Colombian government to immediately implement the protection mechanisms for HRDs that are enshrined in the peace accords and in national law. [39639/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the reports of violence and the deaths of human rights defenders in Colombia to which the Deputy refers. These developments are of great concern and are being closely monitored by my Department and by the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, which is accredited to Colombia. I condemn unreservedly any intimidation or violence perpetrated against human rights defenders in Colombia and elsewhere.

Officials from my department regularly meet representatives of human rights organisations which are active in Colombia and last month hosted a delegation from Peace Brigades International. This meeting discussed the worrying increase in assassinations and attempts on the lives of local leaders and human rights defenders in Colombia.

Officials from our Embassy in Mexico also regularly interact with organisations working to promote and defend human rights in Colombia. In this context Ireland has provided more than €5 million to international and local civil society organizations in Colombia since 2009, including to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Christian Aid, amongst others.

In addition, Ireland regularly raises issues relating to human rights directly in Bogotá and via the UN and European Union.

International support for the implementation of the peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) will be vital to ensuring the long term stability of Colombia. Ireland has pledged to contribute €3 million to the European Union Trust Fund for Colombia, which was formally established on 12 December of this year. This Fund will support the implementation of the peace agreement and Ireland has been closely involved in discussion of its governance structures and strategic direction.

In this context, Ireland has advocated a strong human rights perspective in the Fund’s strategic plan, in keeping with our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights internationally. We will continue to prioritise this issue as the agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC is implemented in the months and years ahead.

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Questions (354)

Michael Harty

Question:

354. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government has plans to defend the undocumented Irish in the United States should there be any attempt to deport them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39667/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US and agreement on a facility for future pathways for migration between Ireland and the US have been key objectives for the Government. Notwithstanding the changing political context in the United States, the Government’s commitment to these objectives remains constant.

The Taoiseach availed of his recent separate telephone conversations with President Elect Trump and Vice President Pence to raise our concerns in regard to immigration matters. I was also able to raise the issue of Immigration Reform in the United States with Speaker Paul Ryan in a courtesy phone call on Wednesday, 23 November.

The new Administration does not take office until 20 January and the process of considering and announcing nominations to its senior posts is ongoing. Nevertheless, during the transition period, the Government will avail of all opportunities for contact with the incoming Administration to sensitise them to our concerns and interests in regard to immigration reform, and the plight of the undocumented in particular.

The Government has raised the issue of immigration reform with US interlocutors – including at the highest levels – on many occasions. It will continue to use high-level visits to and from the US, as well as Ireland’s diplomatic representation in the United States, to advance these aims. The Embassy in Washington has worked closely with members of the US Congress - in both the House of Representatives and the US Senate, and on both sides of the aisle – to advance progress on this matter and will continue to do so. We are fortunate to be able to draw on the assistance of the Friends of Ireland in Congress and the many representatives of Irish America who share our commitment to immigration reform.

Conscious of the challenges that may lie ahead, the Government will continue to support, through my Department’s Emigrant Support Programme, the work of the Irish Immigration Centres across the US, who do so much to help undocumented Irish citizens in the US. This year we are committing almost € 1 million to support their work.

The Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassy in Washington continue to work closely with Irish-American community leaders in actively pursuing all viable opportunities to advance immigration reform. A new Administration and a new Congress will take time to settle in. We will of course pursue this issue in our contacts with the incoming Administration and Congress and encourage and promote any realistic possibilities for a solution that may arise.

Departmental Legal Cases

Questions (355)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

355. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has been involved in any court proceedings that involved non-disclosure agreements in the past five years; and if so, if the specific court ruling prevented knowledge of the court proceeding being known and knowledge of the participants to the court proceeding from being made known for each of these agreements. [39868/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department has not been involved in any court proceedings in the past five years that involved non-disclosure agreements.

Common Security and Defence Policy

Questions (356)

Joan Burton

Question:

356. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Foreign Minister of Germany and Foreign Minister of France regarding defence co-operation between EU member states. [38304/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In recent months I have had discussions with my German and French counterparts in the framework of EU Foreign Affairs Councils and in direct bilateral meetings. The bilateral meetings have primarily focused on Brexit and its implications.

On 8 July I met the Foreign Minister of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Berlin, and on 1 December I met the Foreign Minister of France, Jean-Marc Ayrault, in Paris.

Where EU security and defence has been discussed, the focus has been on the EU Global Strategy. The Global Strategy, which the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini presented to the European Council in June 2016, commits the EU to promoting the objectives of peace, security, prosperity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law through a comprehensive approach using the range of instruments available to the European Union, including political, diplomatic, economic development, trade, peace-keeping and crisis management tools.

Ireland's approach to these issues is framed within the scope of the Treaties, and of the Lisbon Protocol which protects Ireland’s military neutrality.

Ireland supports the comprehensive approach to conflict prevention and resolution.

We will continue to work closely and constructively with other Member States to achieve the goals established in this area by Heads of State or Government at successive European Councils.

Election Monitoring Missions

Questions (357, 358)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

357. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the election roster members and separately non-roster members sent abroad from 2013 to date for monitoring elections and referenda in tabular form; the cost to his Department of members sent to each election and referendum observation; and the process by which election observers are selected for particular election observation missions. [40066/16]

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

358. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the weight given to factors such as language, gender and length from last assignment for election monitoring roster members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40067/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together.

International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains and administers a roster of observers for such missions. The aim is to ensure that Ireland is represented at an appropriate level in international election observation missions organised in the main by the OSCE and the EU.

A full list of observers who have served on election observation missions from 2013 to mid-November 2016, together with the costs arising, is set out in the tables below. Those names marked with an asterix are officials from the Department, who work on relevant geographic desks, or election Focal Points who on occasion also participate in such missions.

The European Union covers the costs associated with EU Election Observation Missions. For OSCE missions, the Department covers all costs incurred by the individual Irish election observers. This includes a daily allowance based on OSCE guidance, to cover the cost of food, accommodation and local transport costs in country. A return air fare is also provided. In addition, all Irish election observation roster members undertaking a mission, receive a once-off grant annually of €600 from the Department to cover pre-departure mission expenses. Insurance cover is also provided by the Department for all observers. The costs incurred by officials are paid on the same basis as other election roster members, but no pre-departure grant is provided.

For each election observation mission, the EU or OSCE set out their specific requirements and, on the basis of expressions of interest and application form submitted by roster members, the Department draws up a list of observers. In selecting nominees to be put forward, the specific criteria set by the EU or OSCE, including relevant local and regional experience and language proficiency, form the principal basis for decision-making. Issues of gender balance and length of time since serving on a mission are also taken into account. In many cases, the EU and OSCE also invite Member States to nominate observers with limited experience. Following consideration of the applicants, a draft list of nominees is submitted for Ministerial approval.

For EU missions, the final selection of observers submitted by the Department rests with the European Commission. In the case of OSCE election missions, all of the observers nominated by the Department are usually selected. By the end of 2016, it is envisaged that 67 observers will have participated on missions this year, compared to 46 in 2015.

Election Observation Missions 2013

Country	Organisation	Role	Forename	Surname	Total Cost €
Jordan	EU	LTO	Mary	O'Shea	600
Jordan	EU	STO	Abdi H	Ibrahim*	0
Armenia	OSCE	STO	Dermot	Ahern	3447
Armenia	OSCE	STO	Maca	Hourihane	3447
Armenia	OSCE	STO	John	Purcell	3447
Armenia	OSCE	STO	Edward	Naessens	3447
Armenia	OSCE	STO	Elizabeth	Mullan	3447
Armenia	OSCE	STO	Simon	Deignan	2400
Armenia	OSCE	STO	Pat	Carroll	3447
Kenya	Carter Centre	STO	John	Lynam	0
Paraguay	EU	LTO	Grattan	Lynch	762
Paraguay	EU	STO	Chiara	Popplewell*	0
Paraguay	EU	STO	Ciaran	Kinsella	45
Pakistan	EU	LTO	Edward	Horgan	227
Pakistan	EU	LTO	Donal	Blake	827
Pakistan	EU	STO	Sheena	McMahon	827
Pakistan	EU	STO	Mary	Boland	725
Pakistan	EU	STO	William	Bulman	725
Albania	OSCE	STO	John	Mulvihill	3727
Albania	OSCE	STO	Catherine	Brophy	3727
Albania	OSCE	STO	Brendan	Gogarty	3727
Albania	OSCE	STO	James	McCarthy	3727
Albania	OSCE	STO	Padraic	McDunphy	3727
Albania	OSCE	STO	Andrew	Richardson	3788
Albania	OSCE	STO	Jerry	O’Brien	3788
Albania	OSCE	STO	Patrick	O’Reilly	2990
Mongolia	OSCE	STO	Theresa	Reidy	5781
Mongolia	OSCE	STO	Joseph	Scanlon	5781
Mongolia	OSCE	STO	Ronan	O’Brien	5781
Mali	EU	LTO	Dorcha	Lee	797
Mali	EU	STO	Mary	Dowling	642
Guinea	EU	LTO	Colm	Fahy	190
Guinea	EU	STO	Philippe	Carr	649
Azerbaijan	OSCE	LTO	Geraldine	Power	2941
Azerbaijan	OSCE	LTO	Seamus	Martin	5388
Azerbaijan	OSCE	STO	John Thomas	Kelly	3382
Azerbaijan	OSCE	STO	Joseph	Mangan	3382
Azerbaijan	OSCE	STO	Christopher	Andrews	3476
Azerbaijan	OSCE	STO	Maria	Kiernan	3338
Azerbaijan	OSCE	STO	Asa Karl	Cusack	3433
Azerbaijan	OSCE	STO	Annetta	Flanigan	3382
Azerbaijan	OSCE	STO	Cathal	Kelly	3382
Azerbaijan	OSCE	STO	Paul	Brennan	3382
Madagascar	EU	LTO	Mary	Boland	296
Madagascar	EU	LTO	Grattan	Lynch	296
Madagascar	EU	LTO	Traolach	Sweeney	896
Madagascar	EU	STO	Aidan	O'Shea	653
Madagascar	EU	STO	Robert	Sampson	653
Georgia	OSCE	LTO	Peter	McMahon	6726
Georgia	OSCE	STO	Eamonn	Walsh	3638
Georgia	OSCE	STO	Peter	Cotter	3587
Georgia	OSCE	STO	Kevin	Cronin	3883
Georgia	OSCE	STO	Fergus	Gleeson	3723
Georgia	OSCE	STO	Fidelma	McHale	3723
Georgia	OSCE	STO	Caroline	Brennan	3784
Georgia	OSCE	STO	Una	McGurk	3784
Georgia	OSCE	STO	Vincent	McCorley	3784
Georgia	OSCE	STO	Suhail	Ahmad	3883
Georgia	OSCE	STO	Ann	Ormonde	3978
Honduras	EU	LTO	Celeste	MacKenzie	801
Honduras	EU	STO	Patrick	Maher	664
Honduras	EU	STO	Ciaran	Kinsella	664
Kosovo	EU	LTO	Paul	O'Shea	843
Kosovo	EU	STO	James	Somers	642
Nepal	EU	LTO	Frank	Scott	797
Nepal	EU	STO	Terry	Duffy	664
Nepal	EU	STO	Victoria	Somers	664
Mali	EU	LTO	Thomas	Earlie	831
Tajikistan	OSCE	STO	Fergal	McCusker	4039
Tajikistan	OSCE	STO	Cecilia	Keaveney	4039
Tajikistan	OSCE	STO	Anne	Donnellan	4039
Tajikistan	OSCE	STO	Gerard	Buckley	4039

Election Observation Missions 2014

Country	Organisation	Role	Forename	Surname	Total Cost €
Serbia	OSCE	LTO	Cecilia	Keaveney	5001
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia	OSCE	STO	Sean	O’Callaghan	5949
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia	OSCE	STO	John	Durnin	2720
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia	OSCE	STO	Eric	Byrne	2720
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia	OSCE	STO	Gabrielle	Brocklesby	2720
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia	OSCE	STO	John Paul	Coakley	2720
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia	OSCE	STO	Almha	O’Keefe	2720
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia	OSCE	STO	Aisling	Schorderet*	1982
Guinea Bissau	EU	STO	Diarmuid	Cunniffe	642
Egypt	EU	STO	Michael	Boyle	649
Malawi	EU	LTO	Aidan	O’Shea	155
Malawi	EU	STO	Michael	Kavanagh	657
Malawi	EU	STO	Ellen	McCabe	657
Ukraine	OSCE	LTO	Michael	Verling	15136
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	David	Denny	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Finbar	O’Sullivan	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Frank	Kennefick	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	James	Doody	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	John	Moore	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	John	Cousins	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Kevin	Grogan	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Noel	Brennan	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Peter	Donovan	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	John	Lynch	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Peter	Emerson	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Andrew	Richardson	3785
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Fidelma	MacHale	3185
Ukraine	EU	STO	Deirdre	Grogan	638
Ukraine	EU	STO	Patrick	McDaniel*	38
Ukraine	EU	STO	Patrick	Mulvihill	638
Kosovo	EU	LTO	Nicholas	Murphy	600
Kosovo	EU	STO	Adrienne	Boyle	600
Turkey	OSCE	LTO	Barbara	O’Shea	5711
Tunisia	EU	LTO	Dorcha	Lee	975
Tunisia	EU	STO	Robert	Sampson	638
Bosnia Herzegovina	OSCE	LTO	Diarmuid	Peavoy	5686
Bosnia Herzegovina	OSCE	STO	Eithne	MacDermott	3047
Bosnia Herzegovina	OSCE	STO	Jack	Purcell	3047
Bosnia Herzegovina	OSCE	STO	Geraldine	O’Neill	3047
Ukraine	OSCE	LTO	Andrew	Richardson	8548
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Marie	Cross	3373
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Kevin	Grogan	2773
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Dominic	Hannigan	3373
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Elizabeth	Mullen	3373
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Finbar	O’Sullivan	2773
Ukraine	EU	STO	Kieran	Dalton	638
Ukraine	EU	STO	Brian	Fagan	638
Ukraine	EU	STO	Ciara	Gilvarry	638
Moldova	OSCE	STO	Caroline	Brennan	2486
Moldova	OSCE	STO	Mary	O’Shea	2486
Moldova	OSCE	STO	Paddy	Donnelly	2486
Moldova	OSCE	STO	Patrick	Quinlan	2486
Moldova	OSCE	STO	Terry	Duffy	2486

Election Observation Missions 2015

Country	Organisation	Role	Forename	Surname	Total Cost €
Nigeria	EU	LTO	Cecilia	Keaveney	600
Tajikistan	OSCE	LTO	Sheena	Walsh McMahon	8123
Tajikistan	OSCE	STO	Maria	Kiernan	3819
Tajikistan	OSCE	STO	Gerard	Buckley	3819
Tajikistan	OSCE	STO	Donal	MacDonald	3819
Tajikistan	OSCE	STO	Denis	Kirby	3819
Tajikistan	OSCE	STO	Eimear	O’Casey	3819
Uzbekistan	OSCE	LTO	Seamus	Martin	6626
Kazakhstan	OSCE	LTO	Michael	Verling	10513
Kazakhstan	OSCE	STO	Deirdre*	Bourke	2660
Kazakhstan	OSCE	STO	Kieran	Dalton	2660
Kazakhstan	OSCE	STO	John	Burke	3260
Kazakhstan	OSCE	STO	Marga	Foley	3260
Kazakhstan	OSCE	STO	Fergus	Gleeson	3260
Turkey	OSCE	LTO	Edward	Horgan	6071
Haiti	EU	LTO	Colm	Fahy	600
Haiti	EU	STO	Diarmuid	Peavoy	600
Haiti	EU	LTO	Dorcha	Lee	600
Guinea	EU	LTO	Thomas	Earlie	600
Guinea	EU	STO	Peter	Ballagh	600
Sri Lanka	EU	LTO	Mary	Boland	600
Sri Lanka	EU	STO	McGrath	Jean Marie	600
Belarus	OSCE	LTO	Peter	McMahon	12241
Belarus	OSCE	STO	Eithne	Mac Dermott	2723
Belarus	OSCE	STO	John	Mulvihill	2723
Belarus	OSCE	STO	Noel	Brennan	2723
Belarus	OSCE	STO	Frances	Ball	2723
Belarus	OSCE	STO	Dermot	Ahern	2723
Tanzania	EU	LTO	Philippe	Carr	600
Tanzania	EU	STO	Audrey	Ryan	600
Tanzania	EU	STO	Andrea	Breslin	600
Kyrgyzstan	OSCE	STO	John	Lynch	3380
Kyrgyzstan	OSCE	STO	Almha	O’Keefe	3380
Kyrgyzstan	OSCE	STO	Michael	Coyne	3380
Turkey	OSCE	LTO	Barbara	O’Shea	6753
Myanmar	EU	LTO	Marion	Roche	600
Myanmar	EU	STO	Michael	Boyle	600
Myanmar	EU	STO	Helen	Keogh	600
Burkina Faso	EU	STO	Traolach	Sweeney	600
Burkina Faso	EU	STO	Asa Karl	Cusack	600
Guinea	EU	LTO	Thomas	Earlie	600
Guinea	EU	STO	Peter	Ballagh	600
Belarus	OSCE	LTO	Peter	McMahon	12241
Belarus	OSCE	STO	Eithne	MacDermott	2923
Belarus	OSCE	STO	John	Mulvihill	2923
Belarus	OSCE	STO	Noel	Brennan	2923
Belarus	OSCE	STO	Frances	Ball	2923
Belarus	OSCE	STO	Dermot	Ahern	2923
Tanzania	EU	LTO	Philippe	Carr	600
Tanzania	EU	STO	Audrey	Ryan	600
Tanzania	EU	STO	Andrea	Breslin	600
Kyrgyzstan	OSCE	STO	John	Lynch	3636
Kyrgyzstan	OSCE	STO	Almha	O'Keefe	3636
Kyrgyzstan	OSCE	STO	Michael	Coyne	3636
Turkey	OSCE	LTO	Barbara	O'Shea	6753
Ukraine	EU	STO	Terence	Fleming	600
Ukraine	EU	STO	Annetta	Flanigan	600
Ukraine	EU	STO	Ruadhan	Mac Aodhain	600
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Geraldine	Power	5452
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	John	Mulvihill	4849
Ukraine	OSCE	STO	Mark	Long	3341

Election Observation Missions 2016

Total Cost €	Surname	Forename	Role	Organisation	Country
0	Flanigan	Annetta	LTO	EU	Uganda
600	Doody	James	STO	EU	Uganda
600	Nolan	William	STO	EU	Uganda
0	Crowe*	John	STO	EU	Uganda
12398	McCusker	Fergal	LTO	OSCE	Kazakhstan
4707	Kelly	Cathal	STO	OSCE	Kazakhstan
4707	Dowling	Mary Jo	STO	OSCE	Kazakhstan
4707	Moynihan	Rebecca	STO	OSCE	Kazakhstan
4707	Byrne	Eric	STO	OSCE	Kazakhstan
4707	Choiseul	Anne	STO	OSCE	Kazakhstan
4707	Cronin	Kevin	STO	OSCE	Kazakhstan
600	Mac Kenzie	Jean Celeste	LTO	EU	Peru
0	Boland	Mary	LTO	EU	Peru
6978	Blake	Donal	LTO	OSCE	Serbia
7577	Keaveney	Cecilia	LTO	OSCE	FYROM
5156	Byrne	Elaine	STO	OSCE	Mongolia
5156	Ahmad	Suhail	STO	OSCE	Mongolia
5156	O’Luain	Fiachra	STO	OSCE	Mongolia
5156	Donnelly	Patricia	STO	OSCE	Mongolia
5156	Gogarty	Brendan	STO	OSCE	Mongolia
0	Roche	Marion	LTO	EU	Zambia
0	O'Shea	Barbara	STO	EU	Zambia
0	Boyle	Michael	STO	EU	Zambia
600	Cunniffe	Diarmuid	STO	EU	Gabon
8201	Burke	John	LTO	OSCE	Belarus
2951	Donnellan	Anne	STO	OSCE	Belarus
2951	Fagan	Brian	STO	OSCE	Belarus
2951	Kitt	Tom	STO	OSCE	Belarus
2951	Tighe	Paul	STO	OSCE	Belarus
3099	Kelly	John	STO	OSCE	Belarus
2951	Blacking	Lelia	STO	OSCE	Belarus
18219	MacDermott	Eithne	LTO	OSCE	Russia
3970	Donnelly	Paddy	STO	OSCE	Russia
3970	O'Neill	Geraldine	STO	OSCE	Russia
3970	Coakley	John Paul	STO	OSCE	Russia
3970	Maher	Patrick	STO	OSCE	Russia
3970	Smith	Colin	STO	OSCE	Russia
3370	O'Sullivan*	John	STO	OSCE	Russia
600	O'Shea	Paul	STO	EU	Jordan
600	Brennan	Paul	STO	EU	Jordan
8528	Donovan	Peter	LTO	OSCE	Georgia
2957	O'Cinnseala	Niall	STO	OSCE	Georgia
2957	Foley	Marga	STO	OSCE	Georgia
2957	Scanlon	Joseph	STO	OSCE	Georgia
2957	Naessens	Edward	STO	OSCE	Georgia
2957	Mullan	Elizabeth	STO	OSCE	Georgia
3022	Daly	Brian Bernard	STO	OSCE	Montenegro
3022	Barker	Patricia	STO	OSCE	Montenegro
6707	McMahon	Peter	LTO	OSCE	Moldova
2280	Mangan	Joseph	STO	OSCE	Moldova
2280	Carroll	Pat	STO	OSCE	Moldova
2280	Kinsella	Ciaran	STO	OSCE	Moldova

Election Monitoring Missions

Questions (359, 360, 361)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

359. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the review procedures which are open when a person is dissatisfied with the selection process for election monitoring roster members. [40068/16]

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

360. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of election monitoring roster members who have not been selected for any missions and the reasons for their non-selection. [40069/16]

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

361. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the current election monitoring roster can be amended in any way before a new roster is established; if any additions have been or can be made to the existing roster; and if so, the additions that have been made. [40070/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions 359 to 361, inclusive, together.

The current Election Observation Roster maintained and administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was established in May 2013 for a period of five years. This followed a review of the previous roster and a public call for applications. Following the independent appraisal and ranking of the 263 eligible applications, the 200 individuals who achieved the highest scores were selected to serve on the new roster and a reserve panel of the next 10 highest scoring individuals was also established, from which replacements would be drawn should any members leave the roster during the five year period.

Taking account of members who have left the roster, and those who have been added from the reserve panel, the current roster complement stands at 198 and the reserve panel has been fully utilised. Of this current roster, 128 members have undertaken missions since 2013 while 70 members have not yet served on a mission. In the vast majority of cases, the reason for non-participation is that members have not yet applied to go on a mission.

In the case of EU missions, the final selection of nominees submitted by the Department rests with the European Commission. In the case of OSCE election missions, all of the observers nominated by the Department are usually selected.

Officials of the Department’s Election Desk do take into account any feedback received from roster members, but are also mindful that the numbers of applicants for election missions are always higher than the available places.

Ireland actively participates in the European Commission and European External Action Service - led European Observation network, which brings together election observation Focal Points from all EU Member States, together with Norway, Switzerland and Canada. The network facilities exchange of information and international best practice on all aspects of election monitoring and roster administration and helps to ensure that Ireland is acting in accordance with best practice in the operation of the roster.

I am confident that the current roster is well equipped to deal with the requisite requirements of the EU and OSCE. It is envisaged that the current roster will operate until May 2018, but will be kept under review.

Foreign Conflicts

Questions (362, 363, 364)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

362. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the conflict in Yemen; and if he will report on interaction he and his officials have had with authorities in Yemen and the region regarding the conflict. [40110/16]

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

363. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the assistance he and his officials have given to humanitarian relief in Yemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40111/16]

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

364. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the conflict in Yemen with his European Union counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40112/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 to 364, inclusive, together.

I have been monitoring the situation in Yemen with growing concern. Last spring, when a ceasefire was announced after over a year of fighting, it seemed like the conflict might come to an end. However, efforts to broker peace were unsuccessful and, since August, the situation has continued to deteriorate.

UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and his team continue to try to draw the parties to the negotiating table, and I commend them for all of their efforts to date. However, time continues to pass and it does not seem that there is an end to the conflict in sight. Those with influence in the region need to use their sway to convince the parties to lay down weapons and negotiate in earnest.

This war is having a devastating impact on the civilian population of the Gulf’s poorest country. The UN has described the humanitarian situation as “catastrophic”. About 80% of the population is dependent on humanitarian aid. There are reports of a cholera epidemic, and the country is one step away from famine.

In 2015, Irish Aid provided €1,850,000 in response to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. This included €1 million to the UN Humanitarian Pooled Fund in Yemen, which provides rapid, flexible funding to NGOs and UN agencies; €750,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Yemen; and €100,000 to Oxfam Ireland, to assist displaced people. To date in 2016, Ireland has provided €2 million to the UN Humanitarian Pooled Fund in Yemen, and €100,000 to Goal. Total Irish humanitarian response since 2015 is €3,950,000.

This conflict has also been characterised by allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law and the Law of War by all sides. Reports abound of airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, including homes, hospitals and even a funeral. I cannot comment on the intent of these attacks, but I strongly condemn the killing and injuring of innocent civilians in all circumstances. At the Human Rights Council in September, Ireland supported calls for the establishment of an independent international investigation into the situation in Yemen.

Ireland does not have an Embassy in Yemen, but the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia is also accredited to Yemen. I myself recently travelled to the Gulf, where I met with the UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Nizar bin Obaid Madani. While the detail of these conversations is confidential I can confirm that I expressed my concern about the appalling humanitarian situation in Yemen, resulting from the conflict, and about attacks which have directly impacted on civilians.

I have also discussed the Yemeni situation with my EU counterparts. In November 2015, we passed Council Conclusions on the conflict, urging the parties to respect International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, and to begin negotiating a peace settlement in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2216. The humanitarian situation was also discussed several times in Brussels in 2016 at official level.

I encourage the parties to this conflict to lay down arms and return to the negotiating table. As I have said before in this House, a resolution will not come through continued fighting. The only way to end the suffering of the Yemeni people is through peace.

Legislative Programme

Questions (365)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

365. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the name and number of Bills in preparation in his Department and published by his Department since May 2016; the Stage each Bill is at in the Houses of the Oireachtas; the number of Bills from his Department signed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40136/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

No Bills prepared in my Department since May 2016 have been signed into law.

The Protection of Cultural Property in the event of Armed Conflict (Hague Convention) Bill 2016 was presented to Seanad Éireann on 18 July. The purpose of the Bill is to make provision in domestic law enabling the State to ratify the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the event of Armed Conflict and its 1999 Protocol. The second stage debate on the Bill was taken in the Seanad on 27 October and it is expected that the committee, report and final stages will be fixed for a date in the early New Year.

Departmental Staff Redeployment

Questions (366)

Marc MacSharry

Question:

366. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide all examples of entire units that have been re-centralised back to Dublin from within his Department; his Department's rationale for such moves; and if Cabinet approval was sought and given in each case. [40478/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

No such re-centralisation of units has happened in my Department.