Written Answers Nos. 91-112
91. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of meetings the strategic communications unit has had regarding planning for the forthcoming national development plan; and the persons with whom the meetings were held. [6687/18]
View answer92. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the number of tenders the strategic communications unit is processing. [6688/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.
Staff in the Strategic Communications Unit in my Department have had several meetings with senior officials in the relevant Departments across Government to coordinate a comprehensive public information campaign for Project Ireland 2040 - the National Development Plan and the National Planning Framework. As with all cross-Government campaigns, the overall objective is to inform citizens of the programme of integrated investments - economic, social, infrastructural and environmental - that will impact on their lives in the coming years, in an easily accessible way.
The Strategic Communications Unit is not processing any tenders currently. However, contracts have been awarded to the following companies:
|
Provision |
Awarded to |
|
Provision of research and insight |
Behaviour and Attitudes |
|
Provision of digital creative services |
Radical Digital |
|
Provision of integrated creative and digital campaign services |
TBWA |
|
Provision of media strategy planning and buying services |
PHD |
|
Development of Government identity system for roll out across Government Departments |
Zero-G |
|
Provision of marketing pitch specialist services |
Agency Assessments |
Procurement for these contracts took place centrally for priority cross-government campaigns, which means that government departments can avail of a central source, rather than issuing separate tenders, which in turn improves efficiency and saves money.
These contracts were procured in accordance with standard public procurement rules through the Office of Government Procurement.
93. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the staffing make-up of the strategic communications unit within his Department as at 31 January 2018; the amount spent on the unit since June 2017; and the details of all moneys spent to date. [6739/18]
View answerAs at 31 January 2018, there were fifteen staff working in the Strategic Communications Unit, the breakdown of which is set out in the following table.
|
Grade |
Number |
|
Director |
1 |
|
Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Assistant Principal |
4 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer equivalent (Acting) |
1 |
|
Administrative Officer |
3 |
|
Communications & Media Assistant |
3 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
The salaries of the staff in the Strategic Communications Unit are met from my Department's administrative salary budget. Details of non-pay expenditure in 2017 and up to 9th February in 2018 in respect of the Strategic Communications Unit are set out in the following table.
|
Details |
2017 |
2018 (to 9th February) |
Total |
|
Travel & Subsistence |
€3,423.21 |
€299.34 |
€3,722.55 |
|
Advertising and Incidental Expenses |
€35,186.33 |
€124,161.61 |
€159,347.94 |
|
Postal & Telecommunications |
€626.48 |
€214.79 |
€841.27 |
|
Office Equipment |
€10,848.60 |
€7,296.36 |
€18,144.96 |
|
Total Expenditure |
€50,084.62 |
€131,972.10 |
€182,056.72 |
94. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; and the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form, since 1 January 2016. [6755/18]
View answerThe following tables detail expenditure by my Department on photography, public relations and communications advice, for the years 2016, 2017 and to the end of January, 2018.
2016 - PHOTOGRAPHY
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Supply of Jpeg Images of Ceann Comhairle with Queen, taken during her visit to Ireland in 2011 - January 2016 |
€17.22 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Flag-Raising Ceremony 1 January 2016 |
€120.52 |
|
Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd |
Photos from National Library for Press Office |
€28 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Flag-Raising Ceremony, 1 January 2016 |
€524 |
|
Getty Images International |
All About Jobs - purchase of one year iStock subscription for stock photos for All About Jobs section of merrionstreet.ie 18 Feb 2016 - 18 Feb 2017 |
€1966.77 |
|
M. McNally Photographer |
Taoiseach's visit to London, U.K. 9 November 2015. |
€278.47 |
|
AM Photography |
9 September 2015. Taoiseach's visit to Paris, France. |
€250 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Commemoration Ceremony and Parade and Kilmainham Gaol Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Easter Sunday 27 March 2016 |
€2520 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Commemoration Ceremony and Parade and Kilmainham Gaol Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Easter Sunday 27 March 2016 |
€579.60 |
|
Irish Gallery of Photography Ltd |
Photograph presentation for State Reception Dublin Castle 27th March 2016 |
€4674 |
|
Lensmen & Assoc |
Photography at Interfaith Ceremony and Unveiling of Remembrance Wall, Glasnevin Cemetery, Sunday 3 April 2016 (1916 Centenary event) |
€430.50 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photographs of new Cabinet at first meeting in Cabinet room, Government Buildings, 11 May 2016, and syndication to daily and Sunday newspapers and online media outlets |
€873.76 |
|
British Irish Council |
Official Photo of the British Irish Council Summit Dublin 2015 |
€782.04 |
|
MacInnes Photography Ltd |
Photography services for Somme Centenary Commemoration Ceremony 9 July 2016 |
€1554.72 |
|
MacInnes Photography Ltd |
Photography services for National Day of Commemorations, 10 July 2016 |
€1554.72 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photography for Visit of VP Biden, 21-26 June 2016 |
€3047.94 |
|
Marty Katz Photographer |
Taoiseach's visit to Washington DC, USA, 14-15 March 2016. St. Patrick's Day Visit. |
€1405.36 |
|
Marty Katz Photography |
Taoiseach's visit to Washington DC. USA. 17-18 May 2016. Ireland 100 at Kennedy Centre. |
€1703.42 |
|
Lensmen & Assoc |
Event Photography for inaugural meeting of Citizens' Assembly on 15th October 2016 |
€553.50 |
|
Provision Photographs Ltd |
Photography for Smart Cities Event - 9th December 2016 - Cork |
€170.25 |
|
Maxwell Photography |
Photocall Package for meeting of Citizens' Assembly 26th and 27th Nov 2016 |
€854.85 |
COMMUNICATIONS ADVICE/PUBLIC RELATIONS: No expenditure.
2017 - PHOTOGRAPHY
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Frank Fennell Photography Ltd |
Photography services for visit of UK PM Theresa May, including supply of images and distribution to media. |
€695.25 |
|
K. Ziegler |
Photography services for the Taoiseach’s visit to Rome, November 2016 |
€357 |
|
Dowlings Pharmacy |
Passport photos |
€12 |
|
Dowlings Pharmacy |
Visa photos |
€12 |
|
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Photography services for the Department of the Taoiseach |
€571.95 |
|
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Photography services: Ministers receiving their seals of office |
€438.52 |
|
Donal Moloney |
Photography for "Finite Lives" report |
€5,675 |
|
Marty Katz Photography |
Photography services for Taoiseach, Washington DC, St. Patrick’s Day events. |
€2,354.24 |
|
Tom Sandler Photography |
Photography services for Taoiseach visit to Toronto, Canada Trade Mission |
€594.62 |
|
Maxwell Photography Ltd |
Photography services, appointment of ADC |
€258.30 |
COMMUNICATIONS ADVICE/PUBLIC RELATIONS
|
Company |
Detail |
Amount |
|
Q4 PUBLIC RELATIONS |
PR and Communication Services for Data Summit 2017 |
€30,750 |
2018 - PHOTOGRAPHY: No expenditure to date.
COMMUNICATIONS ADVICE/PUBLIC RELATIONS: No expenditure to date.
95. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent on naval surveillance to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in each of the years 2008 to 2017, inclusive. [6994/18]
View answerThe primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State’s fishery protection legislation and its obligations as a member of the European Union.
Naval surveillance to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is an integral part of that role and as such, it is not possible to separate out the cost of surveillance to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing from overall costs in the years 2008 to 2017.
96. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of persons, by county, who were in receipt of the widows of deceased War of Independence veterans' pension at the end of 2017 or for the date the most recent information is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7345/18]
View answerAs at end-January 2018, the information requested by the Deputy is set out in tabular format as follows.
|
County |
Widows of deceased Veterans of the War of Independence – numbers in receipt of pensions from the Department of Defence |
|
Cavan |
2 |
|
Clare |
3 |
|
Cork |
6 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
|
Dublin |
6 |
|
Galway |
2 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
|
Laois |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
|
Meath |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
9 |
|
Waterford |
4 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
|
Total |
48 |
97. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form, since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6745/18]
View answerThe total expenditure by the Department of Defence for photography for the period 1 January 2016 to date is outlined in the following table. There was no expenditure on public relations or communications advice by the Department of Defence in this period.
|
Amount |
|||
|
2017 |
Photography services |
Maxwell Photography |
€590.40 |
The total relevant expenditure for the Defence Forces for the period in question is as outlined in the following table.
|
Year |
Service |
Companies |
Amount |
|
2016 |
Photography Services |
Amelia Stein |
€5,000 |
|
2016 |
Public Relations and Communications Advice |
Kantar, Fleishman Hillard and PRII |
€59,000 |
|
2017 |
Photography Services |
Nil |
N/A |
|
2017 |
Public Relations and Communications Advice |
Kantar, Fleishman Hillard, PRII, Communication Clinic |
€59,000 |
98. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason former Army servicemen have not received an increase in their Army service pension in the past nine years; his plans to increase their Army service pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6848/18]
View answerThe last occasion that public service pensions, including Defence Forces pensions, were increased was on 1 September 2008. Up until then, public service occupational pensions, including Defence Forces pensions, were generally adjusted in line with, and from the same operative date as, relevant pay increases applied to other corresponding public servants. In the intervening years since end-2008, the Deputy will be aware that the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Acts 2009 – 2013 reduced public service pay and pension rates.
The pre-existing non-statutory linkage of pension adjustments to movements in the pay of serving public servants – sometimes referred to as "pay parity" – lapsed in 2010, when the values of pensions in payment were left unchanged notwithstanding pay cuts at the beginning of 2010 that affected all public servants under the FEMPI legislation.
Moreover, due to a ‘grace period’ associated with the 2010 pay cuts, public servants who retired in the period up to end-February 2012 had their pensions based on the higher ‘pre-cut’ salary levels. This has led to the current situation whereby post-February 2012 retirees, on a like-for-like basis, mostly receive lower pensions than their counterparts who retired before them. In addition, from the beginning of 2011, a progressively structured "Public Service Pension Reduction" (PSPR) had reduced the rates of public service pensions above specified thresholds.
The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in his reply to Questions Nos. 373 and 378 of 20th June 2017 indicated that the pension differential arising between pre and post-2012 retirees and the lapsing of pay parity have created the conditions under which – as we move beyond "FEMPI" legislation and the progressive removal of the PSPR towards more normal pay and pension setting conditions in the public service – the issue of how to adjust the post-award value of public service pensions through appropriate pay or other linkages has required consideration.
In this context, the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA) 2018-2020 sets out the policy on pension increases as now adopted by Government for the duration of that agreement, that is, to end-2020. Section 6.2 of the PSSA states that policy on public service pensions in payment will be guided by the following three elements:
First, the need to adopt an equitable approach to the various public service pensioner cohorts differentiated by date of retirement (in particular pre and post end-February 2012) is affirmed. Second, for those who retired or will retire after end-February 2012, to the extent that they retired on reduced salaries for pension award purposes, they will receive pension increases in line with pay increases received by their peers currently in employment, in accordance with the terms of the collective Agreement. Third, when alignment is achieved between pre and post end-February 2012 pensioners, as will happen progressively for salary ranges up to €70,000 in 2020 under the proposed collective agreement, pay increases will continue to benefit pensions in payment for the duration of this Agreement.
Under the Lansdowne Road Agreement, certain public servants including relevant Defence Forces members received pay increases from 1 January 2016 (where basic salary was less than €31,000) and from 1 April 2017 (a €1,000 pay increase for all public servants with basic salaries below €65,000). In December 2017, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform authorised the application of those 2016-2017 pay increases to certain public service pensions. Backdated to 1 September 2017, this pension increase is essentially confined to post-February 2012 retirees who retired on basic salaries of not more than €65,000 – in line with current pension increase policy as adopted by Government. In January, 2018 the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform authorised that the basic pay increases provided for in 2018-2020 during the period of the Public Service Stability Agreement also be passed on to the pensions of relevant public servants who retired post-February 2012.
I am advised that, in line with the current public service pension increase policy, my Department has commenced the detailed work of implementing these pension increases in the case of relevant military pensioners who retired since March 2012. I am also advised that this will be a significant undertaking for my Department and its payroll provider, as each pensioner rate will have to be examined at individual level on an ongoing basis as the various pension increases are worked through.
Finally, the progressive removal of the Public Service Pension Reduction (PSPR) from pensions in payment has been happening in three stages over the period 2016 to 2018. As of 1 January 2018, it means that most public service pensioners, including about 95% of military pensioners, are not affected by PSPR at all.
99. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of the Naval Service missions in the Mediterranean Sea each year to date; the number of Defence Forces personnel deployed on the missions per annum; the annual cost of the missions; if the use of Naval Service vessels in Operation Sophia has reduced the availability of the vessels for search and rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6930/18]
View answerThe additional costs incurred from the deployment of Naval Service vessels to the Mediterranean under Operation Pontus and Operation Sophia comprise the costs of allowances, fuel and other ancillary costs. Details of these costs and the numbers of Naval Service personnel deployed in the Mediterranean for each of the last three years are set out in the following table.
|
YEAR |
COST |
No. of Defence Forces personnel deployed on Naval Service vessels |
|
2015 |
€2.6m |
184 |
|
2016 |
€2.1m |
175 |
|
2017 |
€2.19m |
188 |
Irish Naval Service vessels were first deployed in the Mediterranean in May 2015 on Operation Pontus. Naval vessels deployed again on Operation Pontus in 2016 and 2017. Following Government and Dáil approval, the L.É. Niamh deployed on 6 October 2017 to join Operation Sophia and returned to Ireland on 20 December 2017.
Operation Pontus was a humanitarian search and rescue mission undertaken as part of a bilateral arrangement with the Italian authorities. The sole focus of the mission was the rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean.
Operation Sophia is primarily a security operation which specifically seeks to counter human trafficking and smuggling in the Southern Central Mediterranean by taking action against the criminal networks and disrupting the smugglers' business model. By improving maritime security, Operation Sophia is actively contributing to EU and international efforts for the return of stability in Libya. In addition, Operation Sophia plays an important role in training the Libyan Coastguard. So far, 201 Libyans have been trained by EU Member States and this work is ongoing.
The specific tasks assigned to naval vessels by the Operation Sophia Force Commander depend on the operational requirements in the Mediterranean area at any given time. In the course of its deployment, the crew of L.É. Niamh were engaged both in security tasks and in responding to Safety of Life at Sea events (search and rescue) in the area of operation.
The UN migration agency (IOM) has reported that the number of migrants arriving in Europe by sea in 2017 was the lowest figure since the crisis began in the Mediterranean. The number of migrants and refugees entering Europe by sea during 2017 was 171,635, which is less than half (47%) of the 2016 arrivals of 363,504. This reduction is reflected in the amount of Search and Rescue activity conducted by the Naval Service in 2017. In advance of joining the EU naval mission in October 2017, the Irish Naval vessel, L.É. William Butler Yeats, on its 3 month deployment on Operation Pontus, rescued 701 persons. In the following three month period from October to December 2017, 613 migrants were rescued by an Irish Naval vessel, L.É. Niamh, operating as part of Operation Sophia.
In addition to this international commitment, the Naval Service in 2017 continued to meet national operational requirements which included fishery protection duties, maritime security operations and maritime search and rescue.
100. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions he plans to take on foot of the whistleblowers' response to the O'Toole report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6931/18]
View answerI sent the report of the independent third party appointed to review protected disclosures alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substances to the three individuals who made the disclosures and I have received their views. I am currently considering the next steps in light of those views and in the context of ongoing litigation.
101. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on research carried out by former airmen concerning 56 deaths with the average age of 48 as outlined in a protected disclosure; the action taken by his Department on foot of the protected disclosure; his plans to commission an investigation into these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6932/18]
View answerThe recent correspondence refers to issues which were the subject of a report by an independent third party appointed to review protected disclosures alleging exposure to chemical and toxic substances. I am currently considering the next steps in light of the views received from the individuals concerned and in the context of ongoing litigation. My consideration will also be informed by this recent correspondence.
102. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if all the recommendations of the 2016 health and safety inspection report at Baldonnel have been implemented; the timeframe for the completion of outstanding recommendations; if a further inspection is scheduled by the Health and Safety Authority to examine compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6933/18]
View answerOn 21 October 2016, the HSA issued its Report of Inspection to the Air Corps. This Report listed a number of matters requiring attention which included the areas of risk assessment.
The Air Corps as a consequence of this HSA report have implemented an improvement plan, which was conducted over eight phases and completed in December 2017.
I have been informed by military authorities that the HSA has formally noted the high level of cooperation from the Air Corps. Any further inspection is a matter for the HSA alone.
It must be noted that in the Air Corps health and safety is a matter of ongoing monitoring, supervision and adjustment.
103. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 288 of 25 October 2017 and 568 of 12 December 2017, the status of the Reserve Defence Force lieutenant to captain fixed promotion scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7388/18]
View answerAs I outlined in my recent reply the Lieutenant to Captain promotions in the RDF, referred to by the Deputy, are being processed. I anticipate that they will be completed in the near future.
104. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the new customs partnership-type deal with his British or other EU counterparts. [6819/18]
View answer105. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his officials have spoken to Mr. Michel Barnier regarding a new customs partnership proposal for the UK. [6820/18]
View answer107. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken with his British counterparts about concerns he or his Department officials may have about Mr. Michel Barnier's comments on 5 February 2018 when he said in London to Prime Minister May that trade barriers will be unavoidable if the UK continues to choose to leave the customs union; and if they discussed a customs partnership. [6903/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 105 and 107 together.
Future EU-UK customs arrangements will be addressed within the context of discussions on the future relationship between the EU and the UK. It is hoped these can start in the spring, depending on the provision by the UK of greater clarity on its objectives, including in regard to customs.
In this regard, the EU has intensified its preparatory work with a view to the adoption by the European Council in March of additional Guidelines on the framework for the future EU-UK relationship.
I have been consistently clear that the optimal outcome would be for the UK to, in effect, remain in the Single Market and Customs Union. This is ultimately a decision for the UK and its current position is that it wishes to leave the Single Market and the Customs Union. The EU remains open to all options, but its approach will be calibrated, in line with the principles agreed by the European Council, in response to what the British are putting on or taking off the table. This is a position that Michel Barnier has expressed on a number of occasions, including on 5 February.
In the 8 December Joint Report from the EU and UK negotiators on progress in phase one of the Brexit negotiations, the UK undertook that, in the event that it is not possible to resolve the border issue as part of a wider EU-UK future relationship agreement, or through specific solutions proposed by the British Government, it will maintain full alignment with those rules of the Customs Union and Single Market which support North South cooperation, the all-island economy and protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts. Ireland and the Commission are agreed on the need for the legally binding Withdrawal Agreement under Article 50 TEU to include satisfactory arrangements achieving this objective.
I and my officials continue to set forward Ireland’s position on these issues at EU level through the General Affairs Council (Art. 50) and the relevant preparatory bodies as well as through bilateral contacts with Michel Barnier and the EU Taskforce and EU27 counterparts. This includes my meeting this morning with Foreign Minister Linas Linkevièius of Lithuania.
While stressing that Ireland is a member of the EU27 and that the issues involved can only be substantively negotiated with the European Commission, Brexit also naturally arises during the frequent bilateral contacts which I have with UK Ministers, including in the last fortnight with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Chancellor Philip Hammond, Minister Alan Duncan and Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington. I most recently met Mr Lidington on Friday last, 9 February, the day when the most recent EU-UK negotiating round finished. In addition to making clear the Government’s position on island of Ireland issues, I strongly impressed upon him the need for the UK to come forward with more concrete proposals, including on a customs partnership if that is what they choose to seek.
106. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he and his Department officials saw the draft text of the transition section of the Brexit withdrawal agreement that was circulated on 6 February 2018. [6902/18]
View answerThe European Commission Taskforce presented the draft legal terms for transitional arrangements to the EU27 Member States on 6 February, in advance of its publication on 7 February. The relevant Council bodies in Brussels are currently finalizing this text.
The position paper is fully based on the negotiating directives agreed at the General Affairs Council (Article 50) on 29 January, following the normal preparatory discussions at official level.
Ireland has taken a very active part in all EU27 discussions on the EU-UK negotiations, including on issues which are not specific to Ireland.
We have consistently pushed for transitional arrangements, which are hugely important for giving certainty to individuals and businesses. It is, therefore, welcome that the necessary technical work on this issue is being prioritized.
108. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount spent by his Department on photography, by photographer and-or agency, public relations or communications advice external to the media officers of his Department, by agency; the use of public relations or communications advice by an agency fully funded by his Department by agency and month, in tabular form, since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6749/18]
View answerPhotography - 2016 to date
My Department only avails of the services of external photographic agencies where it is warranted, in particular for major events and State occasions. This is a service which my Department provides so that the media can easily and freely avail of photography where their own staff photographers cannot be fully accommodated. Events such as the visit of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall in May 2017 and those by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada in July 2017 and UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in November 2017 resulted in positive overseas media coverage of Ireland.
Through the Office of Government Procurement an updated Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of Professional Photography and Videography is now in operation. My Department procures the services of external photographic agencies via this Framework where necessary.
In addition, my Department continues to avail of in-house resources for photography whenever possible.
The cost of photography to my Department for events which took place in 2018, 2017 and 2016 are listed in Tables 1, 2 and 3. In the time available, it has not proved possible to compile a breakdown of photography costs associated with events organized by Ireland’s network of 80 diplomatic missions abroad.
Public Relations and Communications Advice - 2016 to date
My Department has not incurred expenditure on external public relations or communications advice since 1 January 2016. My Department has from time to time commissioned companies with a public relations and communications background to provide other professional services such as project management, logistics and event management, particularly in relation to Irish Aid public outreach activities. A table containing this information is set out.
DHR Communications has been contracted to manage and administer grants to journalists reporting on international development issues under the Simon Cumbers Media Fund (SCMF) and to manage and administer annual Africa Day-related events.
The SCMF involves managing three funding rounds each year, including the annual SCMF student competition. This typically involves the following activities:
- Convening national and regional information workshops;
- Managing and administering the application process;
- Organising the judging process;
- Providing detailed feedback to all applicants;
- Processing grant payments and keeping detailed administrative and financial records;
- Maintaining and updating the SCMF website.
It should be noted that expenses paid to third parties account for approximately 30% of the total paid to DHR for managing and administering the Simon Cumbers Media Fund. This includes costs associated with maintaining and updating the SCMF website, facilitating the judging process and raising awareness of the Fund among journalists.
Following a competitive tendering process, DHR was also engaged to plan, manage and execute a national Africa Day flagship event as hosted by my Department at the Farmleigh Estate in 2016 and 2017 and also to support other Africa Day regional events held outside Dublin. This included the administration of a small grants scheme for the regional events which DHR managed on behalf of the Department in partnership with a number of local authorities. DHR also worked to raise public awareness of the Africa Day events, including through the use of social media and the Africa Day website. This public awareness work represented a very minor element of the overall project and was conducted in close cooperation with my Department’s communications office.
In relation to the expenditure on Africa Day, expenses paid to third parties accounted for between 70% and 80% of the total costs listed. This included expenditure on security, sanitation, venue set-up, health and safety issues and small grants to facilitate the participation of community groups.
Table 4 sets out the payments for project and event management since 2016.
Table 1: Photography - 2018
HQ Total: €676.50; Total: €676.50
|
Description |
Date |
Cost |
Minister |
Photographer |
|
Closing Ceremony of celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Ireland 19/01/2018 |
23/01/2018 |
€676.50 |
MoS Cannon |
Julien Behal |
Table 2: Photography Costs - 2017
HQ Total: €40,119.29; Mission Total: €14,216.21; Department Total for 2017: €54,335.50
|
Description |
Date |
Cost |
Minister |
Photographer |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
13/12/2016 |
€351.85 |
MoS McHugh |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Senator Gary Harte Iveagh House Lecture 14/12/2016 |
17/01/2017 |
€575.64 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Minister Flanagan Portraits 21/12/2016 |
17/01/2017 |
€292.74 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
02/03/2017 |
€351.85 |
MoS Doyle |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Minister Flanagan Portraits email jpegs |
07/03/2017 |
€68.88 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of Bosnian Foreign Minister |
07/03/2017 |
€516.60 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of New Zealand Foreign Minister |
07/03/2017 |
€551.04 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of Japanese Foreign Minister |
07/03/2017 |
€740.07 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography US Ambassador Farewell Event |
07/03/2017 |
€120.54 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography All Island Civic Dialogue Media Trip 16/02/17 |
13/03/2017 |
€1,412.04 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of Australia Foreign Minister 24/02/17 |
13/03/2017 |
€671.58 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of Secretary of State for NI James Brokenshire 14/02/17 |
13/03/2017 |
€413.28 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of UAE Foreign Minister 20/02/17 |
13/03/2017 |
€585.48 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Bundestag And Milliband Visit 23/02/17 |
13/03/2017 |
€878.22 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of French Foreign Minister 22/02/17 |
13/03/2017 |
€654.36 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Email of Jpeg for annual report 22/03/17 |
22/03/2017 |
€14.00 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
07/04/2017 |
€351.85 |
MoS Byrne |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of Luxembourg Foreign Minister 10/03/17 |
25/04/2017 |
€1,222.62 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography: Launch of Online Passport Service 30/03/17 |
25/04/2017 |
€585.48 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Email of Jpegs for Civic Dialogue 17/02/17 |
25/04/2017 |
€189.42 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
27/04/2017 |
€351.85 |
MoS English |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
16/05/2017 |
€351.85 |
MoS Corcoran |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier 12/05/17 |
17/05/2017 |
€1,100.85 |
Minister Flanagan |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Global Irish Civic Forum 04/05/17 |
17/05/2017 |
€1,168.50 |
Minister Flanagan |
Photocall Ireland |
|
Photography Royal Visit Kilkenny 11/05/17 |
18/05/2017 |
€999.38 |
Minister Flanagan |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Min Flan meeting Deputy PM Vietnam 24/04/17 |
23/05/2017 |
€204.30 |
Minister Flanagan |
Denis Byrne |
|
Photography Royal Visit Farmleigh Gallery 11/05/17 |
23/05/2017 |
€467.40 |
Minister Flanagan |
Photocall Ireland |
|
Photography GAA & Irish Abroad Global Games Launch 24/05/17 |
09/06/2017 |
€522.75 |
MoS McHugh |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Visit of Danish Foreign Minister 02/06/17 |
13/06/2017 |
€977.85 |
Minister Flanagan |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Chinese Visit to Iveagh House 08/06/17 |
13/06/2017 |
€522.75 |
Minister Flanagan |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography All Island Civic Dialogue Event in Letterkenny 22/05/17 |
13/06/2017 |
€442.80 |
MoS McHugh |
Clive Wasson |
|
Photography Royal Visit Dublin Friday 12/05/17 |
15/06/2017 |
€1,136.52 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
15/06/2017 |
€351.82 |
MoS McHugh |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of Prince Albert of Monaco 23/06/17 |
27/06/2017 |
€1,014.75 |
n/a |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Joint Ireland UK Messines Commemoration 07/06/2017 |
27/06/2017 |
€500.00 |
Minister Flanagan |
Eric Flamand |
|
Photography Visit of Finnish Foreign Minister 03/07/17 |
06/07/2017 |
€1,383.75 |
Minister Coveney |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Visit of Prime Minister of Canada 3-4/07/17 |
06/07/2017 |
€2,736.75 |
n/a |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Passport Stats press Photo 18/07/17 |
19/07/2017 |
€611.85 |
Minister Coveney |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Visit of Japanese Princess Takamado 09/07/17 |
19/07/2017 |
€522.75 |
Minister Flanagan |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Amb O'Neil, Min Cannon, Iveagh House and Min Coveney meeting with SoS of Northern Ireland |
02/09/2017 |
€2,214.00 |
n/a |
Julien Behal |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
05/09/2017 |
€454.20 |
Minister Mitchell O'Connor |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of former President of Finland Ahtisaari |
06/09/2017 |
€854.85 |
Minister Coveney |
Julien Behal |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
21/09/2017 |
€351.85 |
MoS Phelan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Missile Control Conference |
24/10/2017 |
€984.00 |
Minister Coveney |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Reconciliation Forum 28/10/17 |
07/11/2017 |
€799.50 |
Minister Coveney |
Julien Behal |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
14/11/2017 |
€351.85 |
MoS Cannon |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Visit of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson |
24/11/2017 |
€922.50 |
Minister Coveney |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Team Ireland Conference Croke Park |
24/11/2017 |
€645.75 |
Minister Flanagan |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Visit of Latvian Foreign Minister |
24/11/2017 |
€522.75 |
Minister Coveney |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Human Rights Conference |
24/11/2017 |
€522.75 |
Minister Coveney |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Future of Europe Launch event |
24/11/2017 |
€731.85 |
Minister Coveney |
Julien Behal |
|
Photography Brexit Media trip |
24/11/2017 |
€2,829.00 |
n/a |
Julien Behal |
|
New Years' Greetings by the President for the Diplomatic Corps |
€1,064.80 |
MoS McEntee |
Maxwell Photography |
|
|
Photography Team Ireland Conference |
20/12/2017 |
€479.70 |
N/A |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Presidential Distinguished Service Awards |
08/12/2017 |
€473.93 |
An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and MoS Cannon |
Fennell Photography |
Table 3: Photography Costs - 2016
HQ Total: €21, 681.87; Mission Total: €10,030.36; Department Total for 2016: €31,712.23
|
Description |
Date |
Cost (€) |
Minister |
Photographer |
|
Photography: TRI LATERAL MEETING WITH SOSNI, NI EXC |
18/01/2016 |
€568.26 |
Minister Flanagan and Minister Fitzgerald |
Maxwell Photography |
|
PHOTOGRAPHY: COMMEMORATIONS EVENT MOS DEENIHAN in Iveagh House |
21/01/2016 |
€676.50 |
MoS Deenihan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography: UN60 SYMPOSIUM IN IVEAGH HOUSE with Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan and Peter Sutherland |
18/01/2016 |
€895.44 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
JAMES HIGGINS PHOTOS JANUARY 7 2016 |
08/02/2016 |
€457.88 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
4 JPEGS OF IRISH AID AWARDS 16/06/15 |
18/01/2016 |
€68.88 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Networking event - Minister Flanagan |
16/02/2016 |
€551.04 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Maxwell Photography- BT Young Scientist |
16/02/2016 |
€671.58 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for Minister Flanagan Reception |
14/04/2016 |
€691.26 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for US Delegation 24/03/2016 |
14/04/2016 |
€912.66 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Good Friday Agreement/Abbey Theatre 10/04/16 |
17/05/2016 |
€1,627.91 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
jpegs Min Flanagan Reception 26/03/16 |
17/05/2016 |
€51.66 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography at Grangegorman Cemetery 26/05/16 |
17/06/2016 |
€947.10 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Euros Safety leaflet launch 27/05/16 |
17/06/2016 |
€843.78 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Min Flanagan photo new cabinet 06/05/2016 |
17/06/2016 |
€17.22 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Prince Of Wales Visit |
23/06/2016 |
€1,421.74 |
MoS McHugh |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography For Travelwise app Launch |
14/07/2016 |
€551.04 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography For VP Biden Visit June 2016 |
14/07/2016 |
€1,412.04 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for Italian Foreign Minister Visit |
24/08/2016 |
€964.32 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for Dutch Foreign Minister Visit 31/08/16 |
26/09/2016 |
€757.68 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for UN USG Herve Ladsous |
14/10/2016 |
€258.30 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography Northern Ireland Sec Visit |
14/10/2016 |
€499.38 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for UN Youth Delegates |
14/10/2016 |
€206.64 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for SoS David Davis Visit |
14/10/2016 |
€516.60 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for SOS John Kerry Visit |
07/12/2016 |
€1,785.34 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for First Min Nicola Sturgeon |
08/12/2016 |
€654.36 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for Polish Foreign Minister |
08/12/2016 |
€680.19 |
Minister Flanagan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
22/02/2016 |
€351.85 |
MoS Phelan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Photography for New Year Greetings 27 Jan 2016 |
22/02/2016 |
€882.00 |
N/A |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
14/04/2016 |
€351.85 |
MoS Sherlock |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
14/05/2016 |
€351.82 |
MoS Deenihan |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
14/07/2016 |
€351.85 |
MoS McHugh |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
01/09/2016 |
€351.85 |
MoS Murphy |
Maxwell Photography |
|
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps |
14/10/2016 |
€351.85 |
MoS Canney |
Maxwell Photography |
Table 4: Project Management, Logistics and Event Management Costs (Irish Aid Public Outreach Events) – 2016 to date
|
DHR Communications - Simon Cumbers Media Fund |
DHR Communications - Africa Day |
|
|
2016 |
||
|
January |
€4,506.33 |
|
|
February |
€3,867.93 |
|
|
March |
€4,130.72 |
|
|
April |
€3,916.62 |
€103,861.20 |
|
May |
€4,258.95 |
€48,000.00 |
|
June |
€3,567.00 |
|
|
July |
€3,646.95 |
|
|
August |
€3,567.00 |
|
|
September |
€11,524.20 |
€54,264.76 |
|
October |
€30,313.05 |
|
|
November |
€5,350.50 |
|
|
December |
€60,743.52 |
|
|
2016 Total |
€139,392.77 |
€206,125.96 |
|
2017 |
||
|
January |
€6,323.37 |
€2,558.40 |
|
February |
€3,856.20 |
|
|
March |
€4,026.41 |
|
|
April |
€4,406.28 |
|
|
May |
€7,257.00 |
€152,888.50 |
|
June |
€52,476.00 |
|
|
July |
€18,567.00 |
|
|
August |
€3,567.00 |
€33,594.46 |
|
September |
€3,613.96 |
|
|
October |
€3,932.56 |
|
|
November |
€3,567.00 |
|
|
December |
€30,937.00 |
|
|
2017 Total |
€142,529.78 |
€189,041.36 |
|
2018 |
||
|
January |
N/A |
N/A |
109. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request the Passport Office to organise a national television and radio advertisement campaign to inform members of the public to ensure their passports are still valid prior to booking holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6777/18]
View answerMy Department makes every effort to promote good practice amongst passport holders when planning to travel abroad.
We regularly advise applicants of 3 golden rules:
- to check the validity of the passports in advance of booking travel;
- to apply at least 6 weeks in advance of their travel plans; and
- for eligible adults renewing their passport to consider the Online Passport Renewal Service passport application online facility, which is a fast, secure way for adults renewing their passport.
We promote these and any other relevant messages through various means - the Passport Service website, social media platforms, press releases, posters and leaflets, video material, radio interviews, attendance at relevant promotional events and so on.
The Passport Service undertook an extensive communication campaign, circulating promotional information to libraries, citizens’ information offices, travel agency networks and other public information bodies throughout the State, as well as providing similar promotional materials to all members of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Passport Service is also active on Twitter, regularly releasing key passport messages to its more than 30,000 followers.
The Passport Service also has a practice of hosting stands at appropriate public events to raise awareness of passport-related issues, to promote good practice and safe travel abroad. Recent events attended by the Passport Service include the National Ploughing Championships in September 2017, and the Holiday World Show and the ‘Bride to Be’ show in January 2018 in the RDS.
In addition to these methods, from time to time interviews with the Director or staff of the Passport Service have been conducted with regional radio stations, which provides another opportunity to get the key passport messages to the public.
An extensive media campaign was also commissioned in early 2017, in connection with launch of the award-winning Online Passport Renewal Service, to encourage adults renewing their passports to use this fast, secure and convenient method of applying for a passport. This media campaign included posters at airports and on various forms of public transport. Short promotional video clips were also developed in this regard and have been adapted for different audiences and shared extensively by the Deaprtment on all social media platforms.
Finally, the Passport Service offers a free reminder service. Citizens registering for the reminder service receive an email prior to expiry of their passport to ensure they are aware that they need to apply for a new passport. All passport holders are encouraged to sign up to this free service at https://www.eforms.gov.ie/en/reminder/passport/.
My Department will continue to work hard to promote these important messages relating to passports. I am satisfied that these promotional strategies are the most cost-effective way to reach a wide audience. I would also ask the Deputy and all Members of the Houses to join with me in assisting my Department on this important issue.
110. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the areas of North-South co-operation that fall outside the rules of the Single Market and the customs union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6833/18]
View answerThe Government welcomed the decision of the European Council on 15 December 2017 that sufficient progress had been made in phase one of the Article 50 negotiations. In phase one, we secured concrete commitments on the protection of North South Cooperation, the All-Island economy, the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process. We have also secured clear and strong commitments on avoiding a hard border and the UK has set out, for the first time, how this will be achieved.
In the event that it is not possible to resolve the border issue as part of a wider EU-UK future relationship agreement, which has always been the Irish Government’s preference, or through specific solutions, the UK has committed that “in the absence of agreed solutions, the United Kingdom will maintain full alignment with those rules of the Internal Market and Customs Union which, now or in the future, support North-South cooperation, the all-island economy, and the protection of the 1998 agreement.”
The North South cooperation we enjoy today brings tangible benefits to the daily lives of people in the border region and contributes to economic opportunity and development. It is also a very practical outworking of the peace process which allows for the normalisation of relationships between people across the island, to mutual benefit. The Government is therefore firmly focused on protecting the full range of areas in which North South cooperation exists today.
The Guidelines agreed by the European Council in December underline that negotiations in phase two can only progress as long as all commitments undertaken regarding citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and the Irish-specific issues during the first phase are respected in full and translated faithfully into legal terms as quickly as possible. A key focus in the current phase of the negotiations is therefore on completing work on the withdrawal issues and on the drafting of the binding Withdrawal Agreement, where we and our EU partners expect to see the commitments made by the UK in phase one on all exit issues, including those involving Ireland, to be translated faithfully into legal terms as quickly as possible.
In this regard, we are working closely with the Commission Task Force and our EU partners in the coming weeks to advance the legal and technical work needed. This work is building on work carried out at the request of the EU and UK Coordinators for the High Level Dialogue on Ireland/Northern Ireland, where officials carried out detailed work over October and November last year to map out areas of cooperation that operate on a North South basis on the island of Ireland and which rely on EU law and policies.
This included looking at the six North South implementation bodies, the areas of cooperation under the North South Ministerial Council, which cover agriculture, environment, health, education, transport and tourism, as well as other areas where there is practical cooperation between North and South, including justice and security, energy, broadcasting and communications, inland fisheries, sport and culture.
The exercise highlighted how the maintenance and future development of meaningful North South cooperation rely on the EU legal and policy frameworks to give direction to this cooperation and to facilitate its operation. The EU frameworks are both overarching and the foundation to North South cooperation in many instances. Much of the cooperation is interconnected, mutually supporting and complementary; it is not easily quantifiable.
All areas of cooperation, to varying extents, rely on or are supported by EU acquis. Much of what happens involves the implementation of EU law and policies in a coherent and coordinated way that benefits the island of Ireland as a whole, particularly for reasons of size, economies of scale and geographic location.
The exercise underlined the need to avoid risks presented by any regulatory divergence from the rules of the EU Single Market and Customs Union. We want to ensure that this cooperation can continue in a meaningful way.
Like the UK, we have consistently said that it is our preference to resolve the Irish-specific issues through the wider future relationship agreement between the EU and the UK. However, in case this is not possible, we must at the same time ensure legal certainty in the Withdrawal Agreement that reflects the commitments made by the UK in phase one of the negotiations.
We will continue to work closely with the Commission Task Force and our EU partners in the coming weeks to advance the legal and technical work needed.
111. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is growing concern for the health and well-being of a number of political prisoners in Bahrain (details supplied); and if he will raise the issues with his Bahraini counterpart. [6949/18]
View answerI am aware of the situation referred to by the Deputy, and I remain very concerned about the human rights situation in Bahrain. Despite repeatedly stating its commitment to improving its human rights record, the Bahraini Government appears to be targeting those who express disagreement with or criticism of the Government. A number of worrying developments suggest an increasingly restrictive attitude to those opposing or challenging the Government in any way. Statements from the Bahraini Government on its commitment to safeguarding human rights enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution are undermined by the many examples of violations of the most fundamental freedoms which we have seen, including violations of freedom of opinion and expression.
Ireland attaches great importance to safeguarding the human rights of all prisoners. Ireland’s concerns about human rights issues and restrictions of civil liberties in Bahrain are regularly conveyed to the Bahraini authorities, including through the Bahraini Embassy in London and through Ireland’s (non-resident) Ambassador to Bahrain. Most recently, in December, officials from my Department met with officials from the Embassy of Bahrain in London, and raised Ireland’s concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain.
Officials from my Department also raised ongoing human rights concerns with Bahrain in the context of its Universal Periodic Review, which took place in Geneva in May 2017. In advance of this review, the Irish Mission to the UN in Geneva supported an event by the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, where human rights concerns in the Kingdom were discussed. Ireland also made specific reference to Bahrain in our Item 4 (Human Rights situations that require the Council's attention) Statement at the Human Rights Council in Geneva in September 2016, expressing concern about “restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association aimed at silencing the voice of civil society and human rights defenders in countries including Bahrain”.
My Department will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Bahrain, and will utilise every appropriate opportunity to raise Ireland’s concerns with the Bahraini authorities.
112. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the hostile approach adopted by the Argentine state towards the indigenous Mapuche people in Argentina; his plans to address matters in this regard (details supplied) with his Argentine counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7368/18]
View answerI am aware of the situation of the Mapuche community in Argentina and the concerns that have been expressed as to their welfare. I am also aware of the historic and continued challenges faced by indigenous populations in many parts of Latin America.
I condemn unreservedly any intimidation, violence, or discrimination perpetrated against indigenous peoples and those seeking to defend their rights, whether in Argentina or elsewhere. I have asked officials at our Embassy in Buenos Aires to report back to me on the particular cases which the Deputy raises and to monitor developments.
In relation to the case of Mr. Maldonado, I echo the statement made by the Committee against Enforced Disappearances of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, recalling the obligation of the Argentine State to carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance and death, and to bring the perpetrators of any potential wrongdoing to justice.
Consistent with our commitment to the advancement of indigenous rights in Latin America, Ireland made a statement at the 28th Session of the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 6 November 2017 expressing concern that the implementation of legislation on human rights in Argentina remained weak in some cases, and that this implementation gap disproportionately affected vulnerable members of Argentine society, including members of indigenous communities. In that regard, Ireland recommended that Argentina develop and implement, in close consultation with civil society, a national human rights plan with clear, specific and measurable goals.
In addition to representations at multilateral level, officials of my Department meet regularly with human rights activists and civil society leaders in Latin America, including those working on indigenous rights. My Department also makes a financial contribution to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to support its work protecting and vindicating human rights in the region.
I can assure the Deputy of the ongoing engagement of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with issues affecting indigenous communities in Latin America.
