Written Answers Nos. 329-349
329. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on recent developments in Turkey, including the bomb attack in Istanbul; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2624/17]
View answer342. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the increased violence in Turkey and, in particular, the bombings in Istanbul, which have resulted in many lives being lost. [1907/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 342 together.
I was deeply shocked by the twin bomb attack outside the Vodafone Arena football stadium in Istanbul on 10 December, in which 46 people tragically lost their lives, most of them police officers, and some 160 people were injured. I issued a statement on 11 December, in which I expressed, on behalf of Ireland, my utter condemnation of the appalling attack and extended my condolences to the families of all those affected by this horrific event. Our Embassy in Ankara joined with other EU representatives in Turkey in a statement which unequivocally condemned this despicable act of terrorism.
In addition to this heinous attack, Turkey has endured several other terrorist attacks over the past this year carried out predominantly by ISIS or the PKK and its affiliates. Over the course of 2016, more than 600 people lost their lives in some 20 terrorist attacks. Turkey has already suffered three terrorist attacks since the beginning of this year. I issued a statement after the deplorable mass shooting at the Reina nightclub in Istanbul in the early hours of New Year’s Day, in which 39 were brutally murdered. Only a few days later, on 5 January, a car bomb exploded at a checkpoint in Izmir, killing two people and on 16 January, at least four policemen lost their lives in a bomb attack on a police vehicle in Diyarbakir, south-east Turkey.
I utterly reject terrorism in all its forms. Ireland, along with our European partners, stands in solidarity with Turkey in the fight against terrorism.
I remain deeply concerned about the overall situation in Turkey in respect of human rights, democracy, rule of law and freedom of expression which are all issues of concern particularly in the aftermath of the attempted coup in July 2016 and the extended state of emergency, which is still in place. The concerns of the EU, which are fully shared by Ireland, were set out in a detailed statement on 8 November last. Unfortunately, these concerns remain current and are still valid.
330. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if recent developments in Turkey, including the preliminary approval of a new constitution, were discussed at the recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2625/17]
View answerTurkey was discussed briefly at the most recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, which I attended last week on 16 January. The constitutional reform package was not discussed.
The issue of constitutional reform has been on the agenda of President Erdogan and the AKP party for a considerable time. Last Friday the Turkish parliament approved a comprehensive package of constitutional amendments proposed by the President. Among the proposals are provisions for an increase in the number of MPs from 550 to 600, a lowering of the minimum age to sit in Parliament to 18 from 25, holding parliamentary and presidential elections concurrently every five years, and a considerable expansion of the executive powers of the President. The next step is a referendum on the complete package which, although no date is yet confirmed, is expected to take place in April.
Given the concerns at EU level and internationally about democracy and the rule of law in Turkey, and given the removal of parliamentary immunity from some 130 democratically elected representatives last May and the subsequent arrest of opposition MPs in November, there are serious considerations about the substance, timing and context of the constitutional proposals.
The Council of Europe, through the Venice Commission, is studying the constitutional package and is scheduled to report on its findings on 10 March. This assessment will be important in informing the position that the EU and Ireland take on the proposed reforms.
331. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a state of emergency has been declared in Gambia; the potential implications of this for the inauguration of a new president; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2821/17]
View answerThe declaration of a state of emergency by Gambia’s former President Jammeh and the move by the Gambian Parliament to extend his term by an additional three months were a clear attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process and frustrate the will of the Gambian people. They were a cause for serious concern and were rightly condemned by the United Nations Security Council.
Therefore, I welcome the developments in the Gambia over recent days. I am pleased that the former President has now accepted the election results and left the country, allowing for a peaceful transfer of power. This positive outcome is a testament to the value of political dialogue and an indication of the important role played by regional organisations in the peaceful resolution of political crises.
I wish to commend, in particular, the determination of West Africa’s political leaders to persuade former President Jammeh to step down and respect the democratic will of the Gambian people. It is another important step forward for West Africa’s democracies, where the peaceful handover of power is increasingly the norm. I also wish to commend the actions of the Gambian people whose patience and peaceful political engagement contributed in no small measure to the former President’s decision to leave the country.
I join with EU High Representative/Vice-President Frederica Mogherini in wishing President Barrow every success in his new role. Ireland stands ready to work with the European Union in supporting the new administration in the Gambia, in line with the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well as those of sustainable and inclusive development.
332. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he plans to meet the new UN Secretary General, Mr. António Guterres; the proposals he will raise with the Secretary General on the urgent reform and strengthening of the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2881/17]
View answerI have written to Secretary General Guterres congratulating him on his appointment, and I look forward to meeting with him. I believe that his considerable national and international political experience and his familiarity with the work of the UN leave him well placed to address the challenges that face the organisation. Ireland welcomes the more transparent and open selection process which led to Mr Guterres’ appointment, and looks forward to working with him on our shared goals, including on UN reform.
In the seven decades since its foundation, the UN has been at the heart of significant global progress on a range of issues of importance to Ireland, including sustainable development, human rights, disarmament and conflict resolution. Ireland is convinced that the principle of multilateralism upon which the UN is founded, offers the best approach to tackle the complex and interconnected issues facing the world. However, we recognise that in addition to the UN’s many successes and achievements, there have also been failures. The ongoing crises in the Middle East and Africa illustrate clearly the urgent need for the UN to develop the capacity to respond more effectively to conflict.
Ireland welcomes Mr. Guterres’ identification of conflict prevention and the pursuit of sustainable peace as a core priority for his term in office. In our statement to the Security Council on 10 January, Ireland underlined our support for this approach. I believe there is a responsibility for the UN to focus more directly on the reason for its foundation – to prevent war, rather than to react to it once it has been waged. I look forward to discussing this subject with Mr. Guterres.
This prioritisation reflects the urgent need to respond to the causes of conflict which are at the root of the migration and humanitarian crises facing the world today, and is in line with Ireland’s approach to peace and security in our own foreign policy. We agree that the implementation of the recommendations of the three high-level reviews of the UN’s response to situations of conflict will serve as a useful first step in this regard. Ireland engaged fully with the reviews on (1) UN Peace Operations, (2) Peacebuilding Architecture and (3) Women, Peace and Security, and has called for the implementation of their recommendations as part of our advocacy for UN reform.
Ireland will also continue to advocate for reform of the UN Security Council. We believe that the UN Security Council must become more representative, more transparent and more efficient to ensure that the UN can respond appropriately to situations of conflict and mass atrocity. The blockages and inaction of the Council in recent years have greatly damaged its credibility and have resulted in disastrous consequences for people living in conflict zones. As a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) group of states, Ireland advocates for reforms to the membership and working methods of the Security Council, including the use of the veto. We will continue to use this and other available fora to call for reform.
Ireland also welcomes Mr. Guterres’ commitment to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted in 2015, these ambitious goals have the potential to transform our world by 2030. Their comprehensive and interconnected nature mean that the UN institutions and Member States will need to work in a more coordinated and collaborative manner than ever before in order to achieve success. Reform of UN structures and ways of working will be required.
The nature of much of the UN’s working environment, often in places of crises, armed conflict and underdevelopment, means that it faces challenges which most organisations do not have to face. In order to ensure that the UN addresses these challenges, the UN needs to be in a position to plan and respond as effectively as possible. In this respect, effective management of its financial and human resources is crucial. Ireland will support the new Secretary-General in his efforts to improve delivery and accountability both at UN Headquarters and in the field, including in peacekeeping operations.
333. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Secretaries General in his Department; the annual pay of each Secretary General within his Department at 1 Jan 2017; the expected change in that pay as a consequence of the provisions of the Lansdowne Road agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2909/17]
View answer334. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of assistant Secretaries General in his Department; the annual pay of each assistant Secretary General within his Department at 1 January 2017; the expected change in that pay as a consequence of the provisions of the Lansdowne Road agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2925/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 334 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:
My Department has 18 Assistant Secretary Generals, 3 Deputy Secretary Generals, 1 Secretary-General III, 2 Second Secretaries, 1 Secretary-General II and 1 Secretary General (DFA) salary scale.
|
Grade |
Number in Grade |
Annual Salary scale with effect from 1 July 2013 |
|
Assistant Secretary General |
18 |
€119,572 - €124,917 - €130,706 - €136,496 (Non PPC scale) €125,761 - €131,385 - €137,481 - €143,535 (PPC scale) |
|
Deputy Secretary |
3 |
€156,380 |
|
Secretary General III |
1 |
€167,300 |
|
Second Secretary |
2 |
€175,126 |
|
Secretary General II |
1 |
€176,350 |
|
Secretary General I |
0 |
€185,350 |
|
Secretary-General (DFA) |
1 |
€199,381 |
Under the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2015 (FEMPI Act 2015), for those on salaries in excess of €110,000 the salary reductions imposed under the FEMPI Act 2013 will be restored in three equal phases on 1 April 2017, 1 April 2018 and 1 April 2019. A circular setting out the revised salary rates applicable from 1 April 2017 to general Civil Service grades, including Secretaries General and Assistant Secretaries General, is currently in preparation and will be issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in due course.
335. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when a decision will be made in respect of an application for foreign birth registration submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in processing the application in view of the fact that all supporting documentation requested has been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2971/17]
View answerApplications for Foreign Births Registration generally take between four and six months to process from the time all the required documentation has been submitted.
The application referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 01 September 2016. Following an examination of the application, further supporting documentation was requested from the applicant on 23 November 2016 and was subsequently received by my Department on 9 January 2017.
A determination will be made and the applicant notified in the coming weeks, which is within our processing targets.
336. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss the increased violence and attacks particularly on civilians in Aleppo at the next EU Council meeting. [37349/16]
View answerI have discussed the protection of civilians, the humanitarian crisis and the continued pursuit of a sustainable political resolution to the Syrian conflict, as well as in Aleppo specifically, at the Foreign Affairs Council on many occasions, most recently in January. While it has not yet been confirmed whether Syria will be on the agenda for the February meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, I will use any appropriate opportunity to underline Ireland's’ concerns on the matter.
Ireland and our EU partners remain fully supportive of the central role of the United Nations in working for a political transition and settlement of the conflict in Syria. We are considering how the EU can best strengthen its diplomatic efforts to build cooperation with other regional and international stakeholders to assist the UN in finding a way forward. I will continue to engage actively within the EU, in particular at future Foreign Affairs Council meetings, and globally until our objectives are realised.
337. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the discussions at the recent North-South Ministerial Council meeting with regard to the report on infrastructure commitments in the Fresh Start agreement and the North West Gateway initiative. [38576/16]
View answerAt the Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council on 18th November 2016 in Armagh the Council considered an update by a group of Senior Officials from relevant Departments, North and South, on the progress being made on implementing the commitments by the Government, set out in Section E of the Fresh Start Agreement, to provide support and funding for North-South infrastructure projects.
The Council welcomed the meetings held in October 2016 between officials and key stakeholders about the possible options for the Narrow Water Bridge Project and noted that further discussions would be held in January 2017.
It was also noted that Phase One of the re-opening of the Ulster Canal from Lough Erne to Castle Saunderson is progressing and that the tender for the final stage of Phase One was expected to issue shortly with a planned site commencement in spring 2017. Ministers also welcomed the establishment of an Ulster Canal Advisory Forum of key stakeholders which held its first meeting in September and which will be looking at funding paths for further development of the Canal.
The Council noted that a Public Inquiry into the A5 road project is underway in Northern Ireland and that the Inspector’s report is expected around May 2017. Subject to the successful completion of statutory procedures, a decision can then be made regarding progression to the construction stage, which remains programmed for late 2017. Under the Fresh Start Agreement the Government committed to providing an additional £25m to the A5 project on top of the £50m already committed. This project will deliver much improved access to Donegal and the North West region.
The Council also received an update in relation to the North West Gateway Initiative. Ministers welcomed the establishment by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership which will aim to work with central government North and South to ensure the North West region can reach its full potential.
The North South Ministerial Council Plenary meeting was advised that Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council have finalised governance, financial management and administrative arrangements for oversight and delivery of the North West Strategic Growth Plan and the associated €5m North West Development Fund which was established under Fresh Start. I am pleased that my own Department has played a leading role in this regard – contributing €2.5 million to the Fund.
It is the intention that a further update on the Fresh Start infrastructure commitments and the North West will be brought to the next NSMC Plenary meeting.
338. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Mr. Michel Barnier's comments on 6 December 2016 regarding Brexit and in particular his comments regarding the conclusion of the Brexit negotiations being in autumn 2018. [40117/16]
View answerMichel Barnier took office as head of the European Commission’s Brexit Taskforce on 1 October 2016. As agreed at the meeting of the EU 27 Heads of State or Government at their meeting on 15 December, Mr. Barnier be the EU’s chief negotiator with the UK once the British Government has triggered Article 50, which the British Prime Minister has confirmed will be no later than the end of March.
In the negotiations, the Commission and Mr. Barnier will be mandated by the Council, under the political guidance of the European Council.
Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union provides the legal framework for withdrawal by a Member State. As set out in the Article and as stated by Michel Barnier during his press conference on 6 December, an agreement between the EU and the UK on British withdrawal has to be concluded within two years of the triggering of Article 50 unless there is a unanimous decision by the European Council to extend this period. This timeframe includes both the negotiations themselves and the approval processes for the agreed outcome on both the EU and UK sides. This includes the need for the European Parliament to give its consent to the withdrawal agreement. In terms of the UK, Prime Minister May confirmed in her speech on 17 February that she will seek the approval of the UK Parliament for the agreement. The time to complete these procedures must be built into the two year period.
The exit agreement has to take account of the framework for future relations between the EU and UK. This broader issue should therefore be discussed in the same timeframe and it is to be hoped that a joint understanding will be reached. However, formal negotiations on a future EU-UK agreement or agreements can only begin after the UK has left the EU. Given Prime Minister May’s recent statement, these negotiations are likely to be complex and multifaceted and may well last a period of several years. Ratification by all Member States and the European Parliament is also most likely to be required.
Consideration will also need to be given in due course to the need for a transition period between both agreements, which would also need to be negotiated and agreed by both sides.
Regarding Michel Barnier’s wider comments last month, I welcome his clear statement that Irish issues will be a priority in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.
Ireland’s engagement with Mr. Barnier and his Taskforce at political and official levels has been and continues to be very constructive. Dublin was one of the first capitals visited by Mr. Barnier in his Brexit role. During his visit on 12 October last, in addition to my own bilateral meeting with him, he had very positive discussions with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and the Minister of State for European Affairs.
For my own part I had an excellent exchange with Mr. Barnier; he is well-known to us in Ireland, has a strong appreciation of our close historical, political and economic ties with the UK, and also knows of our strong commitment to EU membership. During our discussions, I took the opportunity to emphasise Ireland's unique set of priorities with regard to Brexit, and the many complex issues relating to Northern Ireland, the Common Travel Area and the depth of our economic and trade relationship with the UK.
Mr. Barnier will have a critically important role to play in the forthcoming negotiations. At political and official levels we will continue to work closely with the Commission team as we address the particular challenges ahead.
339. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the latest developments in the Fresh Start agreement. [40119/16]
View answerFull and timely implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and successor agreements, including the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement, is a key priority for the Government, as reflected in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
The forthcoming coming election in Northern Ireland will obviously impact on delivery of Fresh Start by the devolved institutions. Effective devolved Government, underpinned by a genuine spirit of partnership, is what the people of Northern Ireland voted for in 1998 and what they expect their politicians to deliver and the Government will work with all parties in support of this in the post-election period.
In the fourteen months since the Fresh Start Agreement was signed there has been sustained progress with implementation, with each administration actively pursuing the necessary work to fulfil the respective commitments.
Progress on implementing the provisions of both the Fresh Start and Stormont House Agreements are considered at periodic review meetings. These are co-convened by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I, who attend them along with the First and deputy First Ministers and, where relevant to her portfolio, the Northern Ireland Minister for Justice. These review meetings are important in providing political direction and momentum for the full implementation of the Agreements. The last review meeting was held in Belfast on 14 December 2016.
The Fresh Start Agreement provided for the establishment of the Joint Agency Task Force on cross-border crime. That Task Force was launched in Dublin in December 2015, and has quickly become fully operational and is progressing its work to tackle cross-jurisdictional organised crime and bring to justice those involved in it. The Task Force builds on existing operational arrangements to tackle organised crime, including that linked to paramilitarism, on a cross-border basis. The Task Force reports on its work to the two Justice Ministers within the framework of their regular meetings under the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Criminal Justice Co-operation, as provided for in the Fresh Start Agreement.
The Government is also meeting its commitments as regards infrastructure projects under the Fresh Start Agreement. This includes a contribution of €25 million from the Irish Government in 2019 for the upgrading of the A5 Western Transport Corridor road project, which is in addition to the €50 million previously committed. The Government’s committed funding of €2.5 million to the North West Development Fund has been provided and is to be matched by the NI Executive. Discussions are continuing at senior official level with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding co-operation on other infrastructure projects, including the Narrow Water Bridge project and the Ulster Canal and exploring financing options for future border infrastructure projects.
A key element of the Fresh Start Agreement relates to the ending of the legacy of paramilitarism and there was substantive progress on this front in the second half of 2016.
Following on from a report by an Expert Panel, the Northern Ireland Executive published its Action Plan on Tackling Paramilitary Activity, Criminality and Organised Crime in July. On 13 September, I signed an international agreement with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to establish the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC). The IRC will report annually on progress towards ending continuing paramilitary activity connected with Northern Ireland. These reports will inform future Northern Ireland Executive Programme for Government commitments through to 2021. The Government will shortly bring forward legislative proposals before the Oireachtas to establish the IRC in law, with the aim of getting the IRC legally established as soon as possible.
Following the December review meeting, both Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive announced the appointees to the Independent Reporting Commission. These Commissioners bring a wealth of experience and a broad range of skills. The Government has appointed Mr. Tim O’Connor a former Secretary General to the President and former senior official of my Department, with considerable experience of the peace process.
The Northern Ireland Executive and the British Government have also proceeded with implementation of their respective commitments under the Fresh Start Agreement. The Executive signed off on the 2016-17 Budget last December and the Welfare Bill implementing the relevant provisions in the Agreement passed into UK law on 25 November 2015. The UK Treasury has also approved the release of monies from the Stormont House Agreement funding to support integrated education.
The institutional reforms provided for under the Fresh Start Agreement have also been implemented, including the reduction in the number of Executive Ministries from 12 to 9 and the option for parties entitled to a place in the Executive to instead designate as part of the formal opposition in the Assembly.
In June, the Co-Chairs and members of the Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition Commission were appointed by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Commission is now progressing its work, as foreseen in the Stormont House Agreement and reiterated in Fresh Start.
On 6 December, the then First and deputy First Minister announced the formation of a civic advisory panel, which was provided for under the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements. The 6-person panel will consider specific issues relevant to the Executive’s Programme for Government and engage with civic society stakeholders. Reporting to the Executive, the panel may also propose subjects it wishes to consider.
With regard to the establishment of a framework for dealing with the legacy of the past, as envisaged in the Stormont House Agreement but on which final agreement could not be reached during the Fresh Start Agreement talks, the Government remains committed to the full implementation of these commitments. I will continue to engage with the Secretary of State and with the parties in Northern Ireland, to see how we can find a route to a final agreement on legacy issues. There has been positive work and discussions ongoing over the last number of months. There remain a number of outstanding issues, but there is an urgent need to achieve progress - so that the institutions can be established and start working to meet the needs of victims and survivors and support broader societal healing. The Government will continue its engagement to achieve the establishment of these legacy institutions at the earliest possible opportunity following the Assembly election.
341. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the inquiry into the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. [1711/17]
View answerDealing with the legacy of the past relating to the conflict in Northern Ireland is a major priority for me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for the Government. This commitment is reflected in the Programme for a Partnership Government, which makes specific reference to pursuing the issue of the Dublin Monaghan bombings.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings adopted in this House on 25 May last year has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government. These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the bombings.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these all-Party Dáil motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government. The Taoiseach has raised the issue with Prime Minister May, emphasising the Government’s continued support for the Dáil motions. I have also raised the matter on a number of occasions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, most recently at our meeting in Belfast on 19 January.
In our discussions, I have advised Secretary of State Brokenshire that the Dáil motions represent the consensus political view in Ireland that an independent, international judicial review of all the relevant documents is required to establish the full facts of the Dublin Monaghan atrocities. I have also underlined to the Secretary of State that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government and indeed this House, and emphasised the urgent need for a response from the British Government.
Secretary of State Brokenshire has acknowledged the importance that the Government and Dáil Éireann attach to this case, but indicated that the British Government is still considering how it could respond in a way which would adequately address the motions and be consistent with its obligations.
The Government will continue to pursue this matter with the British Government, urging them to provide a satisfactory response to the motions that have been adopted by this House.
There are many families throughout these islands and beyond who continue to deal not only with the awful pain of losing a loved one, but also with the struggle for answers decades after these traumatic events. Accordingly, the establishment of a new comprehensive framework for dealing with the past, as envisaged in the Stormont House Agreement, is a priority for the Government.
I am continuing to engage with the Secretary of State and with the Northern Ireland parties to ensure the Executive is up and running as soon as possible after the upcoming Assembly elections, so that a way can be found to achieve a final agreement on legacy issues at political level. There has been positive work and discussions ongoing over the last number of months. There remain a number of outstanding issues, but there is an urgent need to achieve progress, so that the institutions can be established and start working to meet the needs of victims and survivors and support broader societal healing and reconciliation. The Government will continue its engagement to achieve the establishment of these legacy institutions at the earliest possible opportunity following the Assembly election.
344. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on advancing political stability after the elections in Northern Ireland on 2 March 2017 and on having a fully functioning Executive thereafter and implementing in full the outstanding areas of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements. [2733/17]
View answer355. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions his Department has planned in the event of the power-sharing Administration in Northern Ireland not being formed after new elections. [1991/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 344 and 355 together.
As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is constantly engaged with the British Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and the political parties to support the peace process and political progress in Northern Ireland on the basis of the Agreement. In recent weeks, both the Taoiseach and I had intensified contacts with the parties and the British Government on the political difficulties that were threatening the continuation of the Executive.
Following the resignation of the deputy First Minister on 9 January, it was clear that the prospect of a resolution ahead of the triggering of an Assembly election was slim. However both Governments, in their capacity as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, made full use of the narrow window available to encourage that any avenues for resolution between the parties prior to an election be fully explored.
In the event, an Assembly election has been triggered and will be held on Thursday 2 March. It is important to emphasise that this eventuality is one covered by the legislation governing the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland. When parties in an administration cannot agree, an election is the consequence and the outcome of that is now for the electorate in Northern Ireland to determine.
In my discussions with each of the party leaders in Northern Ireland, I have urged all parties in the election to be measured and responsible in their rhetoric so that the political institutions of the Agreement will not be damaged in the longer-term. I will continue to underline this imperative in the weeks ahead.
Effective devolved Government, underpinned by a genuine spirit of partnership, is what the people of Northern Ireland voted for in 1998 and what they expect their politicians to deliver. After the election, it will therefore fall to the parties to form a power-sharing Executive and this will require the parties to find a way forward on issues which contributed to the calling of the election. In this regard, it is of the utmost importance that all parties bear in mind the principles of mutual respect, partnership and equality, which underpin the Good Friday Agreement. The Government is of course always ready to support and assist the parties in any way we can. Our commitment as a co-guarantor of the Agreement is a constant one – in good times and bad.
A number of elements of the Good Friday Agreement and St Andrews Agreement have not yet been fully implemented. The Government’s firm position is that the Good Friday Agreement and the successor Agreements must be implemented in full, and this is reflected in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The Agreements, and the principles and values underpinning them, are at the core of the Government’s approach to peace, reconciliation and prosperity on this island.
Several of the outstanding provisions are specifically referenced in the 2014 Stormont House Agreement including provisions on the Irish language, the obligation to promote a culture of tolerance, mutual respect and mutual understanding at every level of society and new priorities for North South cooperation. The Stormont House Agreement provides for regular review meetings with the participation of the Government, the British Government and the Executive party leaders.
At the last two Review Meetings – most recently in December – I had the opportunity to draw attention to these outstanding commitments, which go to the heart of the Good Friday Agreement, so that they remain on the political agenda.
The Government views as a solemn responsibility our role and mandate as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement. We have been unstinting in our efforts to uphold the principles of the Agreement and to advance the full implementation of all provisions.
The Government will continue to work with the British Government and the political parties to fulfil the full promise of the Good Friday Agreement and to advance political stability, reconciliation and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland.
345. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects the report on business and human rights to be published. [3087/17]
View answerFollowing the publication of the Working Outline of the National Plan on Business and Human Rights in late 2015, my Department engaged in an extensive consultation process with the aim of ensuring the broadest possible participation in the development of the Plan. Work on the Plan is nearing conclusion and I expect that it will be published within the next three months.
Ireland continues to engage in EU and UN discussions aimed at promoting the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Most recently, Ireland, together with other EU Member States, reiterated our collective commitment to the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles at the fifth UN Annual Forum on Business and Human rights in Geneva in November 2016.
346. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has engaged with the Minister for Finance regarding Ireland's development aid budget commitment of reaching 0.7% GNI; and the timeframe for doing so. [3088/17]
View answerThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy for international development, “One World, One Future”, clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) in Official Development Assistance (ODA) as economic conditions allow.
In the Programme for Government we have set out our ambition to make progress towards the UN target as resources permit. It is important this progress is made in a sustainable and manageable way, which continues to strengthen Ireland's recognised role as a reliable and effective partner in providing development assistance.
Since 2011 we have made annual contributions in excess of €600 million and have cumulatively allocated over of €4.5 billion in the period 2011 to 2017. This represents a remarkable commitment of public funds towards development and humanitarian assistance for some of the most vulnerable people in the world.
I am pleased that we have been in a position to begin to increase funding for ODA, allocation an additional €40 million for 2016 and a further €10 million for 2017. The total 2017 allocation for ODA will be €651 million.
Based on current Department of Finance forecasts for GNP we anticipate the ODA/GNP percentage outturn for 2016 to be in region of 0.3% with a similar level projected for 2017. The reduction in the percentage has been affected by the step change in the measurement of Ireland’s GNP.
I can reaffirm our commitment to making incremental, sustainable progress towards achieving the 0.7% UN target by 2030, over the period of the Sustainable Development Goals. While budget allocations are ultimately a matter for Government, I want to assure the Deputy that I, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, will continue to make the strongest possible case for increasing annual allocations to ODA over the lifetime of this Government.
347. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline Ireland's engagement regarding the UN talks on nuclear proliferation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3089/17]
View answerA UN-mandated Diplomatic Conference to negotiate a treaty to prohibit Nuclear Weapons leading to their total elimination will begin in New York on 27 March. Ireland will pay an active role in these negotiations. It is our view that the negotiations will provide a solid basis for much needed progress on nuclear disarmament. The negotiations will be open to all States, to civil society partners and to international organisations to ensure the broadest possible level of agreement and Ireland is encouraging widespread participation.
The Conference has come about as a result of a UN Resolution brought forward by Ireland, together with our partners Austria, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria and South Africa. This was adopted at the UN General Assembly in October with 123 states voting in its favour and will mark the first nuclear disarmament multilateral negotiations in over 20 years.
Nuclear disarmament is a long-standing priority for Irish foreign policy. We remain resolute in our commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the cornerstone of non-proliferation architecture. The Resolution makes clear that the planned negotiations will be a part of a process towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons. It also underlines that any new legal instrument that comes about from the negotiations will reinforce the NPT, not weaken it. Ireland will continue to assert this in all future engagement and negotiations as we maintain our historic commitment to nuclear disarmament.
348. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to examine the possibility of reopening the Irish embassy to the Islamic Republic of Iran in Tehran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3090/17]
View answerThe Embassy of Ireland in Ankara is accredited on a non-residential basis to Iran. Ireland is also represented in Iran by an Honorary Consul.
The configuration of the State’s diplomatic and consular network is kept under ongoing review by the Government. A range of factors are taken into account in considering our diplomatic representation overseas. These include our national political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.
The Government is of course conscious of the political, economic and trade factors that might warrant the opening of resident diplomatic missions in Iran and elsewhere, and this is taken fully into account in the ongoing review of Ireland’s diplomatic and consular network.
349. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland, through his Department or through Irish Aid, can support those Iraqi refugees, predominantly Christians living in Jordan who have been dependent on the fund-raising activities of persons and groups to provide them with food, shelter, health care and education. [3202/17]
View answerIreland continues to respond to the immense humanitarian needs arising from the crises across the Middle East region. We recognise the need to support the countries such as Jordan which have demonstrated remarkable generosity in hosting refugee communities fleeing from conflict in Syria and Iraq.
In 2016, Ireland provided more than €3 million through the Irish Aid humanitarian programme, managed by my Department, to meet the humanitarian needs of Iraqis, including vulnerable populations inside Iraq in besieged areas, those displaced internally, and those who have been forced to flee to neighbouring countries.
Irish Aid funding, channelled through NGO and UN partners best placed to respond, was used to provide humanitarian supplies and urgently-needed access to food, health, water and sanitation services, with a particular focus on the protection of children, women and the most vulnerable.
In 2016, Ireland also provided €1.5 million to the UN’s Jordan Humanitarian Fund, which allocates critical funding to local and international NGO partners to meet the urgent needs of refugees now residing in Jordan.
Ireland has previously provided funding to support the work of the UN Refugee Agency in Jordan, which aims to provide protection and life-saving assistance to refugees fleeing violence and conflict in the region.
Through Ireland’s annual contributions to European Union institutions, we support the EU’s humanitarian actions in Iraq and Jordan. To date, the European Commission has contributed more than €750 million in assistance to refugees and vulnerable communities in Jordan, including Iraqi, Syrian, and Palestinian refugees.
The protection of vulnerable communities across the Middle East, including the threat to ancient Christian communities in Iraq and elsewhere, is of deep concern to Ireland. In his address to the UN General Assembly in October, Minister Flanagan raised the plight of religious minorities in particular.
We are continuing to monitor closely the complex situation in Iraq and the region and will continue to provide assistance to the most vulnerable.
