Written Answers Nos. 369-388
369. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the investment by his Department since March 2016 in County Louth and parts of east County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34068/17]
View answerMy Department has not made any investments since March 2016 in County Louth and parts of east County Meath.
370. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the decision to reduce electricity supply to the Gaza Strip which OCHA has warned will have disastrous consequences for the welfare of Gaza’s residents; if he has raised this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34075/17]
View answer380. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps that have been taken by the Government to advance the Middle East peace talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34813/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 370 and 380 together.
I am currently visiting Israel and Palestine, meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, UN bodies including OCHA, and others, in order to discuss these and other issues. I will report fully on my visit later.
However, it is important to address one point that has been raised in the Israeli and Irish media in the context of my visit. My Department funds a number of Israeli and Palestinian NGOs working on human rights issues. This is important work, to support vulnerable people, and we will continue with it.
In relation to the Gaza electricity supply I would also refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 261 on 4 July on this topic.
371. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of actions arising from the EU Ombudsman report on unpaid internships in the European External Action Service with his EU colleagues; if he will recommend action on the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34243/17]
View answerThe EU Ombudsman report on unpaid internships in the European External Action Service is an own initiative report that has not been the subject of formal discussion among EU foreign ministers. I note that High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission Mogherini has responded to the EU Ombudsman on the report outlining how the EEAS internship programme will be revised from next year and I will follow developments in that regard with interest.
The EEAS also recruits Junior Professionals in EU delegations on a paid basis and Ireland participates in that paid programme.
My Department offers a limited number of paid 11 month internships for graduates in the areas of human rights, conflict resolution and legal affairs. Such internships, when available, are typically advertised through the careers offices of Irish third-level institutions and also in the career opportunities section on our website www.dfa.ie. Internship positions also arise from time to time with the Department’s Development Cooperation Division, which administers Irish Aid. These are paid internship positions.
372. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in Stormont on the urgent need to have the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34506/17]
View answer373. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to have further engagement with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in Stormont during July 2017 on the urgent need to have the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34507/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.
Significant progress has been made in the talks, although a number of key issues remain to be resolved. Notwithstanding the challenge of the remaining issues to be resolved, I believe than an agreement can be reached – an agreement that would allow a power-sharing Executive to be formed on a sustainable basis. All parties are committed to the successful operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and everyone agrees that devolution is the best way to deliver for all the people of Northern Ireland.
The Governments can support and encourage but, in the final analysis, it is only the parties themselves that can make an agreement with each other. All sides may now wish to reflect on how progress can best be made. I have encouraged all parties to maintain dialogue with each other over the coming weeks.
I will remain in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland party leaders, in the weeks ahead. The Government will spare no effort in fulfilling its solemn duty as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and this includes working to ensure the effective operation of all of its institutions. We will continue to work to this end with the British Government to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to reach agreement on formation of a new Executive. The Government wishes to see this achieved as soon as possible.
374. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet with representatives of civic society organisations in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34508/17]
View answerAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and on behalf of the Government as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, I will maintain regular engagement with a broad range of civic society organisations, groups, and representatives, across all communities and parts of Northern Ireland. I look forward to deepening this engagement in the weeks and months ahead. My focus will be to hear perspectives and experience from across civic and civil society - both North and South - on how the Government can continue to support and achieve the full and effective implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements, including to address the difficult legacy of the past, through the establishment of the architecture provided for under the Stormont House Agreement.
My Department will also continue to support the vital work of civil society on furthering peace and reconciliation through the Reconciliation Fund. The Reconciliation Fund has been running since 1982, and was increased significantly in 1998, following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. As part of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the Government committed to guaranteeing the continued allocation of €2.7 million annually to the Reconciliation Fund. In the first round of 2017 funding, grants amounting to nearly €1 million were allocated in support of 55 organisations. The closing date for the second round of 2017 funding will be Tuesday 19 September and more details are available on the Department’s website.
I look forward also to continuing, together with the Taoiseach, the Government’s All Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit in the period ahead, with stakeholders North and South. The All Island Civic Dialogue provides a vital platform, ensuring that civil society voices - North and South - are heard and taken account of as a central input to the Government’s engagement as we participate in the EU-UK negotiations and deal with the all-island implications of Brexit.
375. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or the British Foreign Secretary the need for the British Government to respond positively to the unanimous requests of Dáil Éireann to provide access to papers and files pertaining to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34509/17]
View answerDealing with long-outstanding issues relating to the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland are of the utmost importance to me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for the Government. The Programme for a Partnership Government highlights this priority, with specific reference to implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin Monaghan bombings.
The 17 May marked the 43rd anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, which saw the biggest loss of life in a single day during the Troubles. My predecessor Minister Flanagan participated on behalf of the Government in the commemoration ceremony that day and in addressing the commemoration ceremony, he reaffirmed the Government’s determination to continue - and to complete - our efforts to seek the truth of those awful events of 17 May 1974.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings that was adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 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 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow.
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. Following my own appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I raised the matter in person with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire at a meeting in Belfast last month. I will remain actively engaged with the British Government on an ongoing basis on this matter, as will my officials.
In our discussions so far, 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.
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 Dáil Éireann.
376. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of introducing a minimum wage of €15 an hour for all employees under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34602/17]
View answerI have asked Payroll Shared Services Centre to run the necessary report to estimate the cost to the Department of introducing a minimum wage of €15 an hour for all employees under the aegis of the Department.
The estimated cost is approximately €1.48 million per annum.
This figure does not include the cost of temporary staff that may be employed by this Department from time to time.
377. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of introducing a minimum weekly gross wage of €600 for all full-time employees under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34603/17]
View answerI have asked the Payroll Shared Services Centre to run the necessary report regarding the cost to the Department of introducing a minimum weekly gross wage of €600 for all full time employees under the aegis of this Department.
The estimated cost is approximately €0.9 million per annum.
This does not include the cost for temporary officers that may be employed by the Department from time to time.
378. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps his Department will take following the most recent postponement of the trial of an Irish citizen (details supplied) detained abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34811/17]
View answerThis case remains the top consular priority of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and very significant resources continue to be deployed to support this citizen and his family.
The trial in which he is a defendant was back in court twice in the past ten days – on 4 July and again on 9 July - for further hearings. Our Embassy team was in the court to observe the proceedings, as they have been at every hearing in the case, and reported to me on developments.
The latest hearings saw further progress in the case. The last of the prosecution witnesses have now been called.
Our understanding is that the defence lawyers, including our Irish citizen’s representative, will soon have their opportunity to present their case on behalf of their clients.
I had a telephone conversation on 9 July with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. I underlined in the strongest possible terms the Government’s position on this case and our determination to see our citizen back in Ireland with his family as soon as possible. I will be continuing to look at the case in detail, and engaging with key relevant parties, including representatives of the Egyptian Government at all appropriate levels.
Our Embassy team is making arrangements to attend at the next hearing, on 16 July, and officials at the Embassy in Cairo are also preparing the paperwork for the necessary permits to pay a further consular visit to this citizen in the coming weeks.
Officials from my Department have been in contact with this citizen’s family and Irish legal representative a number of times in recent days. Updates have been provided to them on the developments in the court case and on my contact with Minister Shoukry.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department will be continuing to work day-in and day-out to secure this individual’s return to Ireland at the earliest possible moment. This is our objective, and we are working relentlessly in order to achieve that outcome.
379. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details on the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34812/17]
View answerThe Treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons leading to their total elimination, which was adopted by 122 States at the United Nations on 7 July 2017, represents the successful outcome of many years of work by committed States and Civil Society partners who have been concerned at the slow pace of multilateral nuclear disarmament efforts, including the lack of progress on commitments undertaken in the context of the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Recognition of the catastrophic consequences of any nuclear weapons detonation has been a driving force behind this international momentum to prohibit nuclear weapons, following the holding of three major humanitarian consequences conferences between 2012 and 2014, which highlighted, firstly, that the risk of an accidental or deliberate detonation is far higher than had been previously thought, and secondly, that there is no global response capacity which could adequately address the aftermath of a nuclear weapons detonation, a concern which has been highlighted in particular by the International Committee of the Red Cross, (ICRC).
I am proud that Ireland has played a leadership role, together with Austria, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and South Africa, in bringing forward the UN Resolution convening the Diplomatic Conference that negotiated this ground-breaking new treaty. Ireland has consistently been in the vanguard of the move for multilateral nuclear disarmament since we joined the UN over sixty years ago. We remain unwavering in our commitment to the NPT, to which Ireland has a historic connection as the first State invited to sign, in recognition of our efforts on this issue at the UN. We view this new Treaty as strengthening the NPT and the shared, global vision of a world free from nuclear weapons. Work on a number of options for legal pathways to multilateral nuclear disarmament, carried out by Ireland and our partners in the New Agenda Coalition (NAC), which was formed in 1998 to give renewed impetus to the NPT’s disarmament provisions, has also been highly influential in informing the preparatory work on the new Treaty.
This new Treaty complements the NPT, but it also implements it. The NPT always envisaged further effective measures on nuclear disarmament and this new treaty represents one such effective measure. This Treaty, through its core prohibitions on the Development, Testing, Production, Manufacture, Acquisition, Possession or Stockpiling of nuclear weapons, will establish an important global norm and will help us to continue to raise awareness of the risks posted by the continued existence of these weapons. The Treaty honours the memory of the victims of nuclear weapons and the key role played by survivors in providing the living testimony which calls on us to ensure that these weapons are never used again. It also provides pathways for the accession of those States possessing nuclear weapons, when they decide to join.
The Treaty will be open for signature at the UN from 20 September 2017 and it is my intention that Ireland will sign the Treaty as soon as the necessary arrangements to do so are in place.
381. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of new passports that have been issued in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34814/17]
View answerThe number of passports issued in each of the years requested is as follows:
|
Year |
Number issued. |
|
2014 |
632,156 |
|
2015 |
672,760 |
|
2016 |
733,060 |
|
2017 (1 January to 13 July) |
503,343 |
382. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the North-South Ministerial Council. [31456/17]
View answerThe North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has played a key role in developing consultation, cooperation, and action on the island of Ireland on matters of mutual interest and within the competence of the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive. My Department works closely with the Department of the Taoiseach in regard to NSMC matters and the Taoiseach co-chairs the NSMC Plenary meetings with the Northern Ireland First Minister and deputy First Minister.
However, in the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive and specifically a First and deputy First Minister the North South Ministerial Council cannot meet.
As the formal means for bilateral discussions between the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, the NSMC has a crucial role to play in the Brexit discussions and the negotiations ahead. The most recent NSMC Plenary meetings on 4th July 2016 in Dublin Castle and on 18 November 2016 in Armagh saw the Government and the Executive agree on a number of important common principles for dealing with Brexit on an all-island basis, scoping out the sectoral implications of Brexit for Ireland, North and South, and agreeing to work together to optimise North-South planning in the phases preceding and following Brexit. It was agreed that this work would be taken forward through continuing bilateral discussions within the NSMC at sectoral level, as well as through a high-level working group comprising senior officials from the Government and from the Northern Ireland Executive Office.
At the Plenary meeting of the NSMC 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 set out in Section E of the Fresh Start Agreement, to provide support and funding for North-South infrastructure projects. The review is ongoing and a further report will be presented at a future Plenary meeting. The Senior Officials have since met in February 2017 and again in early June to consider progress on all of the Section E commitments.
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 NSMC Plenary meeting was advised that Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council had finalised the necessary arrangements for oversight and delivery of the North West Strategic Growth Plan and the associated €5m North West Development Fund which was established under the Fresh Start Agreement. I am pleased that the Irish Government has played a leading role in this regard – contributing €2.5 million to the Fund. The Inaugural meeting of the North West Strategic Partnership was subsequently held on 7 December 2016 and attended by senior officials from Departments, North and South, and I welcome that the second meeting of the Partnership was held in Letterkenny on 28 June 2017.
The Government remains engaged with the political parties in Northern Ireland. I am hopeful that meetings of the North South Ministerial Council will soon recommence to enable further important engagement on progressing all-island cooperation in general and in particular addressing the challenges of Brexit.
383. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason it is taking so long for a person (details supplied) to receive a working visa here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33597/17]
View answerI have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department that the person concerned applied to EU Treaty Rights Unit to be treated as a Permitted Family Member of an EU Citizen based on their relationship to an EU Citizen sibling on 15 February 2016.
Following a consideration of the file, the application was refused on 02 December 2016 as they had failed to meet the criteria laid out under the Free Movement of Persons Regulations 2015.
The person concerned requested a review of the decision on 23 December 2016. It should be noted that there is a large volume of applications currently on hand and this review will be considered in due course.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
384. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of disqualified drivers who were caught driving while they should have been off the road in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [34145/17]
View answerI have requested the information the Deputy is seeking from An Garda Síochána and will contact the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.
385. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the Government will reciprocate with Australia with the new working visa system and bring it into line with the new Australian regulations allowing for persons to visit Australia on a working visa up to the age of 35 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33643/17]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring to the Working Holiday Authorisation Scheme which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
I am advised that further information on the Scheme can be obtained from the Department Foreign Affairs and Trade website on the following webpages https://www.dfa.ie/travel/visas/working-holiday-visas/
386. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which plans are progressing for the relocation of Clonmel Garda station to the former Kickham Army Barracks site in Clonmel; the timeframe for the relocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33707/17]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
The Garda Building and Refurbishment Programme 2016-2021, which is an ambitious 5 year Programme that will benefit over thirty locations around the country, makes provision for the development of a new District HQ at Clonmel to be funded by way of a public private partnership (PPP) project.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the proposed site for the new Garda Station in Clonmel is located within the former Kickham Barracks site and that arrangements to transfer appropriate ownership to the Office of Public Works are in train. This entails the Council carrying out some works on the site to enable the site to be delineated and it is understood that these are underway. I understand that the transfer is expected to be finalised shortly.
387. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of drugs seizures in each Dublin metropolitan Garda district in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and the quantity, type and value of drug seizures involved. [33794/17]
View answerI have requested a report from the Garda authorities and I will write to the Deputy when it is received.
388. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of different instances in which counterfeit euro notes have been seized by or have come into the possession of An Garda Síochána in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the total notional value of euros involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33795/17]
View answerI have sought an update from An Garda Síochána in relation to this matter and will contact the Deputy directly when the information is to hand.
