Written Answers Nos. 85-103
85. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the expenditure on apprenticeship training in 2016; the allocation for 2017; the male and female apprentices in training by each employment sector and sub sector in 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40117/17]
View answerA total of €69.6 million was spent on apprenticeship training in 2016. A budget allocation of €98.7 million has been made available for apprenticeship training in 2017, an increase of over 40%.
The information requested by the Deputy in respect of apprenticeship training in 2016 and to date in 2017 is set out in the following tables.
|
Apprentice Population |
2016 |
2017 to date (31.8.17) |
||||
|
By Gender and Trade |
Female |
Male |
Grand Total |
Female |
Male |
Grand Total |
|
Construction Total |
6 |
2,243 |
2,249 |
5 |
2,701 |
2,706 |
|
Brick and Stonelaying |
87 |
87 |
112 |
112 |
||
|
Cabinet Making |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
||
|
Carpentry and Joinery |
1 |
881 |
882 |
1 |
1,029 |
1,030 |
|
Floor and Wall Tiling |
- |
|||||
|
Painting and Decorating |
1 |
50 |
51 |
1 |
72 |
73 |
|
Plastering |
37 |
39 |
60 |
60 |
||
|
Plumbing |
2 |
1,032 |
1,034 |
1 |
1,258 |
1,259 |
|
Stonecutting and Stonemasonry |
27 |
27 |
32 |
32 |
||
|
Wood Manufacturing and Finishing |
2 |
126 |
128 |
2 |
136 |
138 |
|
Wood Machinist |
- |
|||||
|
Electrical Total |
19 |
4,127 |
4,158 |
18 |
4,898 |
4,916 |
|
Aircraft Mechanics |
146 |
146 |
133 |
133 |
||
|
Electrical |
16 |
3,394 |
3,410 |
15 |
4,084 |
4,099 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation |
1 |
259 |
260 |
1 |
279 |
280 |
|
Electronic Security Systems |
61 |
61 |
1 |
105 |
106 |
|
|
Instrumentation |
1 |
29 |
30 |
1 |
35 |
36 |
|
Refrigeration |
1 |
238 |
239 |
262 |
262 |
|
|
Engineering Total |
1 |
1,639 |
1,640 |
2 |
1,715 |
1,717 |
|
Farriery |
15 |
15 |
17 |
17 |
||
|
Industrial Insulation |
31 |
31 |
37 |
37 |
||
|
M.A.M.F. |
578 |
578 |
582 |
582 |
||
|
Metal Fabrication |
618 |
618 |
1 |
652 |
653 |
|
|
*Pipefitting |
1 |
59 |
60 |
1 |
74 |
75 |
|
Sheet Metalworking |
94 |
94 |
115 |
115 |
||
|
Toolmaking |
244 |
244 |
238 |
238 |
||
|
Motor Total |
6 |
2,243 |
2,249 |
4 |
2,321 |
2,325 |
|
Agricultural Mechanics |
148 |
148 |
152 |
152 |
||
|
Construction Plant Fitting |
215 |
215 |
238 |
238 |
||
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
470 |
470 |
487 |
487 |
||
|
Motor Mechanics |
6 |
1,258 |
1,264 |
3 |
1,285 |
1,288 |
|
Vehicle Body Repairs |
152 |
152 |
1 |
159 |
160 |
|
|
Printing & Paper Total |
1 |
18 |
19 |
1 |
17 |
18 |
|
Print Media |
1 |
18 |
19 |
1 |
17 |
18 |
|
Priniting |
||||||
|
Bookbinding |
||||||
|
Grand Total |
33 |
10,270 |
10,315 |
30 |
11,652 |
11,682 |
Data extracted from MIS End-of-Year 2010-2015 - 13.12.16
*Please note: From end of 2016 Pipefitting is included in the Engineering Family of Trade.
Consortia Led Apprenticeships Total 2016/2017 @ 31 August 2017
|
- |
Female |
Male |
Grand Total |
|
Electrical |
0 |
27 |
27 |
|
Industrial Electrical Eng |
- |
27 |
27 |
|
Engineering |
3 |
53 |
56 |
|
Manufacturing Engineering (Level 6) |
1 |
29 |
30 |
|
Manufacturing Engineering (Level 7) |
2 |
7 |
9 |
|
Polymer Processing Tech |
- |
17 |
17 |
|
Financial Services |
44 |
61 |
105 |
|
Accounting Technician |
5 |
4 |
9 |
|
Insurance Practice |
39 |
57 |
96 |
|
Total (Consortia-Led) |
47 |
141 |
188 |
|
Grand Total (All) |
77 |
11,793 |
11,870 |
86. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the process for applying to increase the number of State funded apprenticeship places in an existing sector or to facilitate places in a new sector to deal with skills shortages in certain areas. [40119/17]
View answerSOLAS does not operate a capacity model in the managing of the provision of the existing craft apprenticeship programmes. Apprenticeship is a demand driven alternance training programme and the allocation of provision is determined by the level of recruitment of apprentices by approved employers.
As the Deputy is aware, the Apprenticeship Council was established in November 2014 to oversee the expansion of the apprenticeship system in Ireland into a range of new sectors of the economy. One of the Council’s first tasks was to issue a call for proposals from industry and education providers for new apprenticeships. Over 80 proposals were received from a wide range of sectors and occupations. The Council has been working with consortia to develop their proposals into sustainable apprenticeships that can be delivered on a nationwide basis.
To date nine new apprenticeship programmes have been developed by the Apprenticeship Council following its first call for proposals, in Insurance Practice, Industrial Electrical Engineering, Polymer Processing Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Manufacturing Engineer, Accounting Technician, Commis Chef and two programmes in International Financial Services (Associate & Specialist).
Further new apprenticeships are to be submitted for validation to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) in September and, subject to successful validation, it is expected that a further six new schemes will get underway later this year in various sectors including ICT and Haulage.
Earlier this year we published the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland 2016–2020 which sets out how state agencies, education and training providers and employers will work together to deliver on the Action Plan for Education commitments on the expansion of apprenticeship and traineeship in the period. One of the key commitments set out in the plan for this year was the issuing of a second call for apprenticeship proposals to refresh the pipeline of proposals already established through the first call. The second call closed on the 1st September with 77 proposals received from a wide range of occupations. The Council is currently assessing proposals received and will report its findings in November.
87. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the trading scenario that exists with respect to the EU’s green line regulation in Cyprus and the free movement of persons, goods and services across the line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40121/17]
View answerThe Republic of Cyprus has been a Member State of the European Union since 1 May 2004 and, in the absence of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, the application of the laws and regulations of the EU to the northern part of the island is suspended. Regulation (EC) No. 866/2004 sets out the terms under which the relevant provisions of EU law apply to the dividing line in Cyprus, between the area in which the acquis communautaire applies and the area in which it is suspended.
The regulation stipulates that the Republic of Cyprus shall carry out checks on all persons crossing the line, sometimes known as the "Green Line". Goods are permitted to cross the line from the northern part of the island “on condition that they are wholly obtained in the areas not under effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus or have undergone their last, substantial, economically justified processing or working in an undertaking equipped for that purpose” in the northern part of the island. Where services are supplied across the line, they are, for taxation purposes, deemed to be subject to the same VAT rate as services supplied to persons in the area under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
The Regulation provides that the prime responsibility for the special rules covering the crossing of goods, services, and persons belongs to the Republic of Cyprus.
Ireland fully supports the achievement of a mutually acceptable and comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
88. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he has taken to address the domestic response to Brexit; his views on whether the response has been adequate to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39850/17]
View answerAs Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, I am involved in coordinating the whole-of-Government response to the significant challenges that arise for Ireland within the context of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, including for many of our economic sectors and regions. In this capacity, I am working closely with colleagues across Government who have policy responsibility in the areas that will need to be addressed in order to assist these sectors and regions in dealing with the many challenges resulting from Brexit. This co-operation also involves the relevant State Agencies. Ensuring that Ireland’s interests are reflected in the EU’s approach to the ongoing EU-UK negotiations is a central dimension of Ireland’s strategic response to Brexit. In this regard, our overriding objective is to work with our EU27 partners to achieve the closest possible relationship between the EU and the UK. The closer we come to this objective, the less the negative consequences for Ireland and for specific sectors.
Beyond the negotiations, the Government’s overall response to Brexit will continue to be structured around five principal pillars:
sustainable fiscal policies to ensure capacity to absorb and respond to economic shocks, not least from Brexit;
policies to make Irish enterprise more diverse and resilient, to diversify trade and investment patterns, and to strengthen competitiveness;
prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in the sectors and regions most affected by Brexit;
realising economic opportunities arising from Brexit, and helping businesses adjust to any new logistical or trade barriers arising;
making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy.
Policy decisions in support of these objectives will arise across a wide range of policy areas and that will continue to fall within the direct responsibility of other Government colleagues, including the annual budgetary process; the forthcoming National Planning Framework 2040; the new 10-year National Capital Plan; the Review of Enterprise 2025 Policy, and sectorial policies and investment decisions in areas such as agriculture, enterprise, transport, communications and energy.
The Government has already taken important steps in this regard, including in Budget 2017, the Action Plan for Jobs 2017, and our Trade and Investment Strategy. Further discussions are taking place in the context of next month’s Budget 2018.
As Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, I will be stepping up the overall strategic oversight of these efforts across Government. This will involve building upon the extensive cross-Government research, analysis and consultation with stakeholders that has already been undertaken and ensuring a coordinated approach that facilitates the early identification of potential synergies across Government. New interdepartmental coordination mechanisms are currently being put in place to reflect the enhanced responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in this regard.
I will also be continuing the Government’s intensive programme of engagement with EU partners and with the UK, with a view to ensuring Ireland’s priorities and concerns with regard to the EU-UK negotiations are fully understood. This engagement, together with the Government’s engagement with other international partners, are also aimed at supporting our trade diversification efforts and our efforts to realise the economic opportunities arising from Brexit.
Engagement with stakeholders on the ground in Ireland will also be a key priority and I have already convened a new Brexit Stakeholder Forum, which met for the first time on 13 September. This brings together the voices of business, unions, state agencies, political parties and leading experts who have an important contribution to make in helping to shape the Government’s response to Brexit, both in terms of the EU-UK negotiations and the Government’s economic response. I will also be convening the third plenary session of the All-Island Civic Dialogue on 28 September.
89. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his understanding of an invisible Border with Northern Ireland. [32104/17]
View answerAs the most tangible symbol of the Peace Process, the invisible border on the island of Ireland is essential to the continuing normalisation of relationships. Protecting the gains of the Peace Process is one of the Government’s priorities in the ongoing withdrawal negotiations, including the avoidance of a hard border. The avoidance of a hard border on the island of Ireland is a shared objective of the Irish and British Governments and our EU partners. The EU negotiation guidelines contain a very strong acknowledgment of Ireland’s unique circumstances, including the need to avoid a hard border. The negotiating directives for the Task Force and the recent paper on Guiding Principles for the Dialogue on Ireland/Northern Ireland fully reflect this.
On 4 September, I met Michel Barnier, the EU’s Chief Negotiator on Brexit, and his team, our second meeting since my appointment. During our discussion, I thanked Mr. Barnier for pursuing Ireland’s unique interests in the negotiations and for the high level of engagement Ireland enjoys with his team. We agreed that, while good progress was made in the last round of negotiations on the Common Travel Area, more detailed work is required on protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the peace process, including in avoiding a hard border. I welcomed indications that EU and UK objectives on the Irish issues are converging but noted that the UK needs to back this up with tangible commitments that can pave the way for practical solutions.
Flexible and imaginative solutions will be required to avoid a hard border, including any physical border infrastructure. Ireland has made clear its expectation that there will need to be a political solution and not just a legal or technical one, given that this represents a unique and unprecedented set of circumstances.
90. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the meetings and interactions he has had with his EU colleagues on the distinct issues facing Ireland as a consequence of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39701/17]
View answer94. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the implications for Ireland arising from Brexit continue to be in the forefront of discussions with EU partners and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40076/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 94 together.
Since I took up office in June, engagement on Brexit with EU and UK colleagues has been a central element of my work. Engagement with our EU partners has yielded clear results in ensuring that Ireland’s unique issues and concerns have been fully understood by the EU27 and have been reflected in the EU’s negotiating position. As the negotiations enter an important phase over the coming weeks and months, continuing such engagement with EU partners, both at political and official level, will remain a key priority. On Monday 4 September, I met with Michel Barnier, the EU’s Chief Negotiator on Brexit, and his team. This was our second meeting since my appointment. It was a constructive meeting in which we discussed the evolution of the negotiations and the Irish specific issues, which are one of the three priority issues for phase one of the negotiations. While some progress is being made on these issues, most notably with regard to the Common Travel Area, much work is still required on protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process, including sustaining North South cooperation and avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. The Government supports the Task Force’s Guiding Principles on Ireland and Northern Ireland which reflects our priorities and sets out important principles that should form the basis of future solutions on the Irish specific issues as part of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement.
During my visit to Brussels earlier this month I also met with MEPs from across the political spectrum within the European Parliament, including with Guy Verhofstadt, the Parliament's Coordinator on Brexit, and with Irish MEPs. This provided a valuable opportunity to engage with them at the beginning of a new parliamentary term and to update them on Ireland’s perspective on the negotiations. I am glad that Guy Verhofstadt is visiting Ireland today, as it is a further indication of the priority afforded by the European Parliament to Ireland’s unique concerns within the context of Brexit.
Since my appointment, I have also held bilateral meetings with a number of my EU colleagues, including my Estonian, Luxembourg, French, Slovak, Belgian and Spanish counterparts. I also welcomed the Finnish Foreign Minister to Ireland in July. Earlier this month I had short meetings with my counterparts from Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Slovenia, as well as the Cypriot Minister for Defence, at the Gymnich/Informal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.
My officials also continue to meet their counterparts in other Member States, and of course the Permanent Representation in Brussels is also key to this work.
In my meetings with EU partners to date, I have laid particular emphasis on Ireland’s objective of protecting the gains of the peace process and avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. I have been clear on the unique nature of the circumstances on the island of Ireland and this point has been echoed by Mr Barnier. We are acutely aware of the potential impact of Brexit on the border region and on people living there. In emphasising the need for imaginative and flexible political solutions for the island of Ireland, the Government has been equally clear that we will only pursue solutions that are compatible with our aim of protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. I will continue to deliver this message in my engagements in the coming weeks.
Engagement with the UK, in particular on Irish-specific issues, is also important. In this regard, I met the UK’s Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, David Davis, in London on 6 July, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council on 17 July, and more recently, with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, and the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, in Dublin on 22 and 31 August respectively. In these meetings, I welcomed the publication of UK position papers on its exit from the Union, including the paper on Northern Ireland and Ireland, but stressed that the UK needs to back this up with tangible commitments that can pave the way for practical solutions. I emphasised that, while the Government maintains regular contact with the British Government, the serious issues involved can only be substantively considered and addressed through the ongoing EU-UK negotiations.
91. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the budget assigned to the recently appointed Government envoy to the United States Congress; if the budget has come out of existing resources; if his Department has received additional funding due to the creation of this role; the number of staff appointed to assist the envoy in their duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39964/17]
View answer92. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the meetings held by the recently appointed Government envoy to the United States Congress; the dates and location of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39965/17]
View answer106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made to identify with and support the needs of undocumented Irish in the US; the extent to which ongoing negotiations continue to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40090/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 92 and 106 together.
On 30 June, the Taoiseach appointed Deputy John Deasy as Government envoy to the US Congress to work on the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States.
Deputy Deasy undertakes his work with the US Congress and Irish immigration centres under my overall direction and that of the Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon, TD. I have discussed the Government’s priorities in this area and how the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade can best support him in this new, important role.
In meeting the challenges of this new role, Deputy Deasy works closely with and is supported by the recently appointed Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, Dan Mulhall, as well as the Embassy of Ireland in Washington, DC, and our Consulates across the United States.
Our Embassy and Consulates continue to monitor issues regarding immigration reform in the United States on a continuing basis. They also work very closely with Irish immigration centres in the United States in providing support to Irish immigrants in the US, including members of the undocumented community.
As the Taoiseach has indicated, Deputy Deasy will not be provided with any additional remuneration for this role. His travel and subsistence expenses are covered from within the existing resources of my Department. Likewise, the staff resources required by Deputy Deasy for his work are drawn from existing resources in relevant sections of my Department, as needed and on a case by case basis.
Deputy Deasy has made two substantive visits since his appointment – one at the end of July and the other at the beginning of September. In Washington DC he met with senior political contacts from both sides of the aisle. The Deputy will appreciate the confidentiality which have to attach to such meetings on so politically sensitive a topic in the U.S.
Deputy Deasy has also engaged with Irish community and political representatives in New York and Boston. He remains in continuing contact with the Embassy in Washington and with officials of the Departments of the Taoiseach and of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The work of Deputy Deasy forms part of the ongoing engagement by my Department on the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States. In addition to the Deputy’s meetings with prominent leaders, on both sides of the aisle, our diplomatic network across the United States continues to engage at every opportunity with representatives of the Administration, as well as Irish community centres, to seek relief for the undocumented.
I can assure the Deputy of my continued commitment, and that of the Government, to working with our U.S. contacts to make the case for relief for the undocumented Irish.
93. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community effort has been adequately co-ordinated in the aftermath of emergencies globally such as the Horn of Africa affected by starvation, famine and war; the extent to which the efforts there are hampered by competing demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40075/17]
View answer2017 has been a year of unprecedented humanitarian crises, including the reoccurrence of the threat of famine in the Horn of Africa. The international community’s coordinated response can and is working. For example, following UN Secretary General Guterres’ February 2017 call to action to address the four famines threatening more than 20 million people across South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen, the international community provided more than $2.4 billion in humanitarian support. The relief efforts, coordinated by OCHA (UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs), have saved lives and alleviated imminent famine – however, the severe threat remains. The Irish Government is strongly committed to responding to the unprecedented humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa. Today more than 22 million people are facing varying levels of food insecurity across the region - over 10 million people in Ethiopia, 6 million people in South Sudan, 3.2 million people in Somalia, and 3.2 million people in Kenya. The continued provision of timely humanitarian assistance to avert a catastrophe in the region is essential. Ireland, through the Irish Aid programme, has provided €127 million in humanitarian assistance in the Horn region since 2012. We have provided €23 million so far this year, and we continue to monitor the situation through our embassies on the ground and our humanitarian partners.
A priority for Ireland in responding to humanitarian crises, is ensuring that life-saving assistance reaches those most in need, as quickly as possible. Ireland supports the role of OCHA in coordinating the response to humanitarian crises, and provides them with core funding (€2.9 million in 2017) to facilitate their operation. Ireland also supports the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) which delivers funding quickly to humanitarian responders, including underfunded crises, aiming to ensure that competing demands do not mean crises are forgotten. In 2017, Ireland provided €22 million to CERF making us the fifth largest donor this year.
Ireland remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance where it is needed most, working with partners who can ensure that such assistance is delivered in a coordinated and effective manner. However, we also recognise that humanitarian aid alone is not the answer. We will continue to focus our efforts on supporting the international system to find peaceful ends to conflict driving humanitarian need.
95. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which it is planned to ensure that Ireland's position as a member of the EU is not in any way diminished in the course of Brexit-related discussions or any EU generated review of taxation or other structural reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40079/17]
View answerSince I took up office in June, engagement on Brexit with EU partners has been a central element of my work. This approach, building on the work done by my predecessor, has yielded clear results in ensuring that Ireland’s unique issues and concerns have been fully understood by our EU27 partners and have been reflected in the EU’s negotiating position. As the negotiations enter an important phase over the coming weeks and months, continuing such engagement with EU partners, both at political and official level, will remain a key priority. In my meetings with EU partners to date, I have laid particular emphasis on Ireland’s objective of protecting the gains of the peace process and avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. I have strongly emphasised the need for an imaginative and flexible political solution. In so doing, I have been equally clear that we will only pursue solutions that are compatible with our aim of protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. We have made clear to EU partners, to third countries, and to business and civil society, that Ireland’s place is at the heart of the European Union. Moreover, the Irish people are strongly committed to EU membership as has been shown in numerous opinion polls over many years. It is imperative that we use our influence to shape the future direction of the European Union. Each Member State, Ireland included, will be bringing its own contributions to the debate . We will continue to work closely with partners to advance and defend Ireland's interests across the range of policy areas, including taxation.
We have undertaken extensive analysis of the consequences of Brexit and our unequivocal conclusion is that our future interests are best served by remaining a fully committed member of the European Union, notwithstanding the UK’s departure.
I will continue to deliver this message in my engagements in the coming weeks.
96. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Irish Aid continues to deliver its services directly to those for whom aid is planned throughout the globe; if donor states remain satisfied in this regard; if breaches have been reported in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40080/17]
View answerI am keenly aware of the importance of ensuring that Ireland’s development and humanitarian assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries, making a real difference to the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable people around the world. Ireland provides assistance through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, Irish Aid.
To effectively deliver services across a variety of contexts, we work with implementing partners such as national Governments, NGOs, and multilateral partners including the United Nations, and the European Union.
Like other donor countries, Ireland participates in a system of peer reviews by the OECD. These reviews have commended our aid allocations to Sub-Saharan Africa and other areas of greatest need, and note that Ireland remains committed to delivering its programme according to international best practice.
To ensure assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries, high standards of accountability are maintained. Prior to funding, all requests are appraised against clear criteria that consider risk, results, and financial accountability. Funding is regulated by agreements setting out the terms and conditions related to the funding award. Partners are subject to monitoring to ensure intended recipients are benefitting, results are being achieved, and resources are being used and accounted for in accordance with terms set out in the agreements. Partners must seek formal approval from Irish Aid prior to making adjustments to approved areas of activities or expenditure. Any breaches of the terms of agreements are addressed in accordance with Departmental policies and procedures. Monitoring is undertaken by a combination of specialist staff, Embassy-based internal auditors, independent experts, and the independent Evaluation and Audit Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. That Unit’s work is regularly reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of this Department. In addition, the Comptroller and Auditor General provides independent assurance that Official Development Assistance is being provided in accordance with the law, is managed to good effect, and is properly accounted for.
The critical test is of course demonstrated results, which are reviewed quarterly and reported upon in the Irish Aid annual report. It is anticipated that the 2016 annual report will issue later this month.
97. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he remains satisfied that ongoing discussions on Brexit continue to have full regard for Ireland's unique position within the EU and adjoining a neighbouring part of the island of Ireland which is about to leave the European Union; if it continues to be recognised that the Good Friday Agreement remains a commitment by the EU, the Irish and British governments, the people of Northern Ireland and the international nature of the agreement involving the US and the aforementioned countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40081/17]
View answerSince taking up office, engagement on Brexit with EU partners has been a central element of my work. This approach has yielded clear results in ensuring that Ireland’s unique issues and concerns have been fully understood by our EU27 partners and have been reflected in the EU’s negotiating position. Our EU partners are fully aware of and supportive of the importance of respecting the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and protecting the gains of the peace process. On Monday 4 September, I met with Michel Barnier, the EU’s Chief Negotiator on Brexit, and his team. During our discussion, I thanked Mr. Barnier for pursuing Ireland’s unique interests in the Brexit negotiations and for the high level of engagement that Ireland enjoys with his team. We agreed that, while good progress was made in the last round of negotiations on the Common Travel Area, more detailed work is required on protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the peace process, including in regard to North South cooperation and to avoiding a hard border, as well as other issues such as protecting the EU rights of Irish citizens in Northern Ireland. Overall, I welcomed the indications that EU and UK objectives on the Irish issues are converging but noted that the UK needs to back this up with tangible commitments that can pave the way for practical solutions. Following this meeting, on 7 September, the European Commission Taskforce published a paper on “Guiding Principles for the Dialogue on Ireland/Northern Ireland”, building on the European Council Guidelines agreed earlier this year. This paper reflects the priority Irish issues identified by the Government, including the complex issue of the border, and makes it clear that it is the UK’s responsibility to propose workable solutions in this regard.
In all of my engagements, I have laid particular emphasis on Ireland’s objective of protecting the gains of the peace process and avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. I have been clear on the unique nature of the circumstances on the island of Ireland and this point has been echoed by Mr Barnier. I am acutely aware of the potential impact of Brexit on the border region and on the people there. In emphasising the need for imaginative and flexible political solutions for the island of Ireland, I have been equally clear that we will only pursue solutions that are compatible with our aim of protecting the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. I will continue to deliver this message in my engagements in the coming weeks and months.
The Good Friday Agreement itself is an international agreement conducted between the UK and Ireland which is registered with the UN. Successive US Administrations have provided immensely valuable support to the peace process over the last three decades. The Government look forward to continued engagement by the current US Administration in Northern Ireland, including that of the US State Department.
98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU continues to monitor and encourage the positive and democratic process in the western Balkans; the degree to which each country there complies with the acquis communautaire in line with EU requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40082/17]
View answerAt the European Council in March, the EU reaffirmed its unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans and stressed the importance of the countries concerned continuing on the reform path, having good neighbourly relations with each other, and further developing inclusive regional cooperation initiatives. The EU’s commitment to encourage progress was further underlined by the High Representative/Vice President Frederica Mogherini at various regional fora during the summer period, for example, the Dubrovnik Forum, South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit and the Trieste Summit. All six candidate and potential candidate countries are advancing along their respective European paths. There has been real progress in the integration process, as illustrated in the outcomes of the Trieste Summit which include an initiative to develop a Regional Economic Area and the signature of a Transport Community Treaty for the region.
Serbia and Montenegro are furthest along in the accession process: Serbia is a highly influential player in the region, and, with ten out of the 35 chapters of the acquis communautaire already opened, is making good progress. Montenegro has 26 chapters open, and preparations to open the remaining chapters are well advanced.
A new Government has recently been formed in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which has been a candidate country since 2005. We hope that this will mark the end of an ongoing political crisis, which required intensive engagement by the EU over the last two years. We also hope that the focus can now turn to the many reforms required to progress in the accession process.
It is expected that Albania will be the next country to formally open accession negotiations, having been granted candidate status in 2014. Albania has made considerable progress in its undertaking to address the ‘Five Key Priorities’ on judicial reform and anti-corruption measures.
A potential candidate country, Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted its formal application to join the EU in February 2016, and is currently in the process of completing a detailed questionnaire on all aspects of the acquis . The response to the questionnaire will be assessed by the Commission before deciding whether candidate status can be granted.
Kosovo is still at an early stage in numerous areas in terms of its EU path, although there has been some progress on the normalisation of relations with Serbia, including an agreement on infrastructure and the granting of an international dialling code for Kosovo .
Ireland is a strong supporter of the accession process, viewing it as a transformative driver for stability, peace and democracy, and supports all efforts to enhance regional relationships and institutional reform.
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union continues to interact with Ukraine in a supportive manner with particular reference to the protection and continuation of the democratic process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40083/17]
View answerThe EU remains fully committed to assisting Ukraine in delivering its political and economic reform programme and has provided unprecedented levels of support to underpin the Government’s efforts. This support includes loans, budget support, humanitarian aid, technical assistance and trade preferences. In addition, the EU is playing a key role in helping to reform the civilian security sector through its Advisory Mission to Ukraine. 1 September 2017 marked an important milestone in relations with Ukraine when the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement legally entered into force. The fully ratified Agreement will allow the EU to further strengthen its cooperation with Ukraine and to deepen the country’s political association and economic integration with the Union. The provisional application of the trade part of the Agreement since last year has already seen a welcome increase of 25% in two way trade and this is expected to continue in the coming years. The most recent EU-Ukraine Summit took place in Kyiv on 13 July and provided an opportunity to assess progress on the reforms, in particular the fight against corruption.
As regards the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, the EU continues to back efforts to secure implementation of the Minsk peace agreements within the framework of the OSCE Trilateral Contact Group (OSCE, Russia and Ukraine) and the Normandy Format (France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine). The Minsk agreements offer the only basis for a stable and lasting political resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and the European Union remains firmly committed to facilitating their full implementation.
100. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union continues to support the democratic process in Armenia and other states in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40084/17]
View answerThe EU continues to engage with Armenia and five other countries in the Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) through the Eastern Partnership Initiative. At the most recent Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga in May 2015, the EU re-affirmed its determination to pursue closer relations with these six countries but also recognised the need for greater differentiation in the EU’s engagement to take into consideration the particular interests and objectives of each partner country. Armenia has expressed a wish to negotiate a more tailored approach to its relations with the EU. Negotiations on a new EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) were concluded at the end of February 2017 and preparations for signature are underway. The new comprehensive agreement will provide a stable framework for the further development of bilateral relations. The EU and Armenia have identified a series of Partnership Priorities across four key areas: strengthening institutions and good governance; economic development and market opportunities; connectivity, energy efficiency, environment and climate action; and mobility and people-to-people contacts. The fifth Eastern Partnership Summit will take place in Brussels on 24 November 2017 and will be an opportunity for the EU to reaffirm its strong commitment to the Eastern Partnership initiative.
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position with regard to the release of women and girls captured by the Boko Haram or Al Shabab in their respective regions; the number of women and girls still not released; if sufficient measures are being taken to prevent reoccurrences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40085/17]
View answerThe Government has consistently condemned the acts of violence being perpetrated by both Al Shabab and Boko Haram, which remain a threat to the peace, stability, and prosperity of Somalia and Nigeria respectively, and neighbouring countries. The brutal activities of these groups have resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions more. They also involve the clear and persistent abuse of human rights, especially of women and girls. While it is difficult to identify the exact numbers of women and girls being held captive by Boko Haram, in recent months the Government of Nigeria has made substantial progress against the group. In 2014 over 200 girls known as the ‘Chibok girls’ were kidnapped by Boko Haram in Borno State in the north-east of Nigeria. Varying numbers of girls have been released at different times, with the largest number freed in May 2017. However over 100 remain unaccounted for.
Ireland, with our EU partners, has continued to support the Nigerian Government in its efforts, and reiterated the need for a regional approach to ensuring that those in captivity are released, and to prevent future occurrences. The EU has pledged up to €50 million in support of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, which supports Nigeria and neighbouring countries promotion of regional security.
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), is tasked with supporting peacebuilding and state-building in the country. The EU contributes funding to the mission to reduce the threat posed by Al Shabab.
Ireland continues to monitor developments in relation to both Al Shabab and Boko Haram, and to work with the relevant Governments, regional authorities and other key partners to address the humanitarian crisis through diplomatic engagement and humanitarian funding. To date in 2017 Ireland has provided €5.7 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia, while €5.2 million has been provided to Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region.
102. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which child soldiers continue to be used in various war situations throughout Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40086/17]
View answerThe recruitment and use of child soldiers continues to be a serious problem around the world, including in Africa. Since 2002, the United Nations Secretary-General has issued an annual report on children and armed conflict which lists all armed groups – both state and non-state – that recruit and use children. The most recent list, published in April 2016, includes groups operating in seven African countries. In 1999, the UN Security Council passed its first Resolution (UNSCR 1261) highlighting the impact of armed conflict on children and condemning violations carried out in that context. Since then, the Security Council has developed important tools to strengthen child protection and to promote compliance with international standards.
The new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict was appointed in May of this year. Ahead of the 20 year anniversary of Resolution UNSCR 1261 she has committed to raising public awareness, garnering lessons learned, and developing best practices to combat the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
Ireland has engaged on the issue of child soldiers in various ways including through the core work of our aid programme in addressing socio-economic factors, which are major root causes of this problem. Ireland has also actively supported more targeted and specific interventions including support to UNICEF as well as the International Criminal Court. Ireland’s commitment to addressing the issue of child soldiers is reflected in our Policy for International Development, ‘One World, One Future’.
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps taken by the EU and UN to address the issue of alleged ethnic cleansing in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40087/17]
View answerThe Government is deeply concerned about the situation in Rakhine State, in particular the violence which has ensued following attacks committed by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army militants on 25 August. The excessive response by the security forces of Myanmar/Burma following these attacks is deeply troubling. It is critical that violence in Rakhine State be brought to an immediate end. It has led to a severe humanitarian crisis both within Myanmar, and across the border in Bangladesh, which is seeking to manage the humanitarian needs of well over 400,000 refugees. Ireland fully aligns with the statements made by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini on the 6 and 11 September, in which she called for humanitarian access to be restored and for the root causes of the issue to be addressed. During a European Parliament Debate on Myanmar on 14 September, she also criticised the excesses in the security operations carried out by the Myanmar security forces, and called for an end to the violence. The EU is working to find a solution, both in its bilateral contacts with Myanmar and via its participation in international fora, including the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council which are meeting this month in New York and Geneva. The EU has led a resolution on the human rights situation in Myanmar at the Human Rights Council on an annual basis, most recently in March 2017, in which it renewed the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar by another year.
The EU has also raised its concerns directly with the Government of Myanmar. An EU delegation led by the EEAS raised this when it met with the Myanmar authorities in Naypyidaw in early September, and the EU Delegation in Yangon continues to do so on a regular basis.
The situation in Rakhine State and the resulting humanitarian crisis has been highlighted by UN Secretary General Guterres and by High Commissioner Zeid on a number of occasions in recent weeks. The UN Security Council met on 13 September to discuss the issue. In a subsequent press briefing, the Security Council condemned the violence, welcomed the UN Secretary General’s engagement with the Government of Myanmar and called for a long-term solution in the Rakhine State.
In March this year, a Fact Finding Mission was established further to an EU-led resolution at the UN Human Rights Council to investigate allegations of human rights violations in Myanmar. Ireland has called for an extension of the mandate of the Fact Finding Mission to enable it complete its work. Ireland has also consistently supported the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Ms. Yanghee Lee, who has been actively reporting on the situation in Rakhine State.
