Written Answers Nos. 140-161
140. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason for the delayed Air Corps members' duty and ration payment issuing on time for the past three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24476/18]
View answerThe process for the payment of Security Duty Allowances is that all approved claims are downloaded electronically from the Defence Forces Personnel Management System on the 10th of each month (or closest working day) in respect of the previous four weeks and sent to the Department’s Finance Branch from where they are immediately forwarded electronically to the Department’s payroll provider – the National Shared Services Office - for payment in the next available payroll. (Payrolls are prepared in advance). In May 2018, over 16,000 claims were processed from all units including the Air Corps for some 4,200 members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF).
My Department has not been made aware of any recent late payments of duties that have been approved by the Air Corps but if the Deputy can forward any details I will have the matter examined further.
In relation to the late payment of ration refunds to personnel in the Air Corps, claims in respect of 97 personnel were submitted to my Department in February and March last which were due to be paid on 4th April. However, on examination of the claims a number of issues arose in relation to the entitlement of certain personnel to the refund and the verification of certain administrative details. These issues have now been addressed and 30 personnel who are entitled to a refund are due to be paid on 13th June 2018. Claims which were submitted in April and May have been processed and will also be paid on the 13th June 2018.
141. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the implementation of the Programme for a Partnership Government as it applies to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24574/18]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government (PfG) identified a total of 14 separate commitments that were assigned to my Department in 2016. Many of these overlap with White Paper on Defence implementation projects and their importance is reflected in the various Objectives and Actions that are set out in the Strategy Statement of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces 2017-2020.
Two of the PfG commitments, the award of a 1916 medal to all members of the Defence Forces who served in 2016 and the introduction of a pilot employment support scheme, have been implemented in full.
In relation to the remaining commitments, progress continues to be made across all fronts. These include ongoing implementation of the White Paper on Defence, efforts to increase serving strength levels within the Defence Forces including increased female participation, supports for veterans, while plans have been developed to guide a wide range of equipment and infrastructure investment priorities including those identified in the PfG. In relation to the latter, a maintenance and upgrade programme for the armoured personnel carrier fleet is well underway, a contract has been placed for the acquisition of three new PC12 aircraft which will replace the current Cessna fleet, while a new Offshore Patrol Vessel is scheduled for delivery later this year. A range of other equipment priorities are also being progressed and, in addition, some €35m worth of infrastructure projects are at various stages of implementation. In relation to Civil Defence, the commitment to establish an inter-agency guidance team has been met and this is now is now up and running.
I am satisfied that good progress continues to be made across the range of PfG commitments assigned and that these will continue to be a priority for my Department.
142. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the consideration that has been given to making an annual financial contribution towards military veterans' organisations such as an organisation (details supplied) that provides help and support to former soldiers. [24706/18]
View answerI recognise the valued public service given by former servicemen and women of the Defence Forces to the State. As such, officials from my Department hold regular meetings with recognised veterans’ organisations, including the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA), at which issues of concern to their members are discussed. IUNVA has enjoyed the long standing official recognition of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. As part of that process the Department has a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with IUNVA.
Under the terms of the Service Level Agreement, and as part of the supports currently offered to veterans, my Department provides financial support by way of an annual subvention to IUNVA, to support and encourage its work. This subvention is currently €11,000 per annum. This funding provided to IUNVA by the Department of Defence is to support the general overheads of the organisation.
143. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the starting salary and relevant expenses and conditions for serving soldiers; and the way in which it compares to living wage standards. [24707/18]
View answerRates of pay and conditions of employment in the Defence Forces have traditionally been set by reference to, inter alia, relative levels of pay across the various sectors of the Irish public service. Defence Forces pay is increasing in line with recent public sector pay agreements. The focus of these increases is weighted in favour of those on lower pay.
Members of the Defence Forces received increases in pay in 2017 under the Lansdowne Road Agreement. In addition, in a deal agreed with PDFORRA, improved payscales for general service recruits and privates who joined the Permanent Defence Force post 1 January 2013, were backdated to 1 July 2016 and paid in August 2017.
The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 provides for further increases in pay ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the Agreement with the focus of the agreement once again being on the lower paid. By the end of the agreement the payscales for all public servants (including members of the Permanent Defence Force) earning up to €70,000, will be restored to pre-FEMPI levels. The restoration of cuts to allowances will also be considered in the context of the Agreement. An increase of 1% on annualised salaries due from 1 January 2018 has been paid to members of the Permanent Defence Force.
Following the series of pay increases in the last 12 months, a three star private on completion of training starts on €27,257 (inclusive of military service allowance). This represents an increase of 25% on the starting payscale of this rank in the last 12 months. This starting pay compares very favourably with other entry level pay rates across the public service. In addition to basic pay and military service allowance, a range of duties attract additional allowances.
A newly commissioned officer starts on a salary in excess of €35,000 per annum (inclusive of military service allowance), following 15 months training. If officers are already graduates they start on a salary in excess of €40,000 per annum (inclusive of military service allowance). These rates of pay compare favourably with the average graduate salary across all sectors.
There is an ongoing programme of HR development within the Defence Organisation. A number of initiatives have been instigated, including a review of the Conciliation and Arbitration scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force; a review of the criteria governing contracts for enlisted personnel and a review of skills gaps across the Defence Forces. These measures address a range of issues and are aimed at ensuring that the Defence Forces retain the capabilities to undertake the roles assigned by Government.
144. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the provision made for former soldiers who find themselves homeless after leaving the Army. [24708/18]
View answerAt the outset, let me state that housing and homelessness remains the Government’s number one priority. The issue of housing and homelessness is a matter in the first instance for the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. My Department does not have a housing budget and does not provide homes or accommodation for retired personnel.
My Department recognises the valued public service given by former servicemen and women of the Defence Forces to the State. As such, officials from my Department hold regular meetings with recognised veterans’ organisations including the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (O.N.E.), at which issues of concern to their members are discussed. O.N.E. has enjoyed the long standing official recognition of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces. As part of that process the Department has a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with O.N.E.
O.N.E. is dedicated to looking after the welfare of ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces by way of providing accommodation to homeless, elderly or disabled members in need of such domestic accommodation and shelter and other assistance that may be required. O.N.E. is a limited company with charitable status and has accommodation in Smithfield, Dublin (Brú na bhFiann with 30 places), Athlone (7 places), Letterkenny (7 places) a drop-in centre in Limerick, and an advice centre in Dundalk.
Any retired soldier, male or female, may contact the Smithfield centre directly and O.N.E. will assist by directing the person to other facilities within the Health Services, the local authority services, or offer a room if vacant, in Dublin, Athlone or Letterkenny.
I am aware that O.N.E. is proposing to increase the number of advice centres in other locations such as Cathal Brugha Barracks, McKee Barracks, Custume Barracks, Finner Camp, Dún UÍ Mhaoliosa Barracks and Stephens Barracks. My Department is currently working with O.N.E. in this regard.
As a charitable organisation, I am aware that O.N.E. is heavily dependent on fundraising to finance its operation. In this regard, under the terms of the SLA, and as part of the supports currently offered to veterans, my Department provides financial support by way of an annual subvention to O.N.E. to support and encourage its work. This subvention is currently €44,000 per annum. The funding provided to O.N.E. by the Department of Defence is to support the general overheads of the organisation. It is not for the provision of services that are provided to citizens, including members of O.N.E., from other arms of the State such as housing, health, social assistance, etc. Dublin City Council continues to support, on an ongoing basis, the O.N.E. homeless initiative in Smithfield.
I have also committed to meeting the recognised veterans associations, including O.N.E., on an annual basis and I provide support by attendance at specific events whenever I can. Later this month on the 27th June, I will be attending the launch of O.N.E.’s annual Fuchsia fundraising appeal. I am advised that Defence Forces units and installations throughout the country undertake fundraising in support of the work of O.N.E. on behalf of veterans. The military authorities encourage such fundraising as an illustration of the solidarity and bonds that exists between veterans and serving personnel.
The Defence Organisation and I are committed to continued engagement with O.N.E. into the future.
145. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the sections and parts of all legislation brought forward by his Department in each of the past four years that have yet to be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25175/18]
View answerThere have been no sections or parts of legislation brought forward by my Department in the past 4 years that have yet to be commenced.
146. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his Department's capital allocation in each of the years 2019 to 2023; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each of those years. [25568/18]
View answerThe National Development Plan (NDP) sets out Departmental Capital Allocations for the period 2018–2022. Capital allocations for 2023 were not included in the National Development Plan. A total of €541 million has been allocated to the Defence Vote for the years 2018-2022, as follows:
Defence Capital Allocations 2018-2022
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Total |
|
€Million |
77 |
106 |
113 |
120 |
125 |
541 |
This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and ensure that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all the roles assigned by Government.
The following priority investment programmes and projects have been identified for inclusion under the Capital Allocation in the National Development Plan:
- Equipment renewal and replacement programmes including mid-life upgrade of the Army Mowag APC armoured fleet along with investment in further force protection, transport, communications and information technology, weapons and ammunition systems;
- Procurement of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles;
- Replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Aircraft;
- CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement Programme;
- On-going Naval vessel replacement programme, including acquisition of a multi-role vessel;
- Mid-life refit of the Naval Service vessels LÉ Niamh and LÉ Roisín;
- Virtual Desktop Architecture (VDA) project for Defence Forces;
- On-going investment in the modernisation and renewal of barrack infrastructure including accommodation, catering, workshops, storage and training facilities.
In addition, during the lifetime of the National Development Plan, other equipment replacement and infrastructural development projects will be advanced across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as well as Civil Defence projects. These projects will be implemented on the basis of identified requirements and priorities, as set out in the White Paper.
The capital funding provided under the National Development Plan emphasises the importance attached by the Government to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all the roles assigned by Government.
147. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the new Naval Service ship LÉ George Bernard Shaw will arrive into the fleet; the estimated cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25598/18]
View answerMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The most significant investment of recent years by the Defence Organisation has been on the procurement of the new Off-Shore Patrol Vessels for the Naval Service. This programme has seen the delivery of three new naval Service vessels since 2014. The LÉ Samuel Beckett was commissioned in May 2014, LÉ James Joyce was commissioned in September 2015 and LÉ William Butler Yeats was commissioned into service in October 2016.
In June 2016, a contract for an additional sister ship was agreed at a cost of €54.3m, bringing investment in the new ships programme to some €250 million since 2010. The build of the fourth ship, to be named LÉ George Bernard Shaw, is progressing well at Babcock Marine Appledore in the UK. The ship is scheduled to undergo Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT) in mid July 2018, and the delivery date of the ship will be confirmed on the successful completion of the SAT.
The White Paper on Defence provides for the replacement of the current Naval Service flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel (MRV). It is the Government’s intent that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks, both at home and overseas. Planning has commenced on this project and it is intended to hold a public tender competition in due course for the supply of the MRV. This, of course, is subject to the availability of funding within the overall Defence capital funding envelope. The cost of the MRV will only be know once the tender competition is concluded.
The acquisition of these modern new vessels, combined with an ongoing maintenance regime for all vessels within the fleet, will ensure that the operational capabilities of the Naval Service, as the State’s principal seagoing agency, are maintained to the greatest extent.
148. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the EU fines paid in each of the years 2015 to 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25730/18]
View answerNo EU fines were paid by my Department for the years 2015 to 2017.
149. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if recent developments and loss of life on the Israel and Palestine border will be discussed at the June 2018 European Council meeting. [24564/18]
View answer150. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will be requesting for the Israel-Palestine issue to be placed on the agenda of the June 2018 European Council meeting. [25652/18]
View answer155. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in particular discussions on the Middle East conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24342/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 149, 150 and 155 together.
In view of the violent events in Gaza leading up to and culminating on 14 May, I requested that these tragic and destabilising events should be added to the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council on 28 May. Accordingly, it was discussed by Ministers in informal format over lunch.
Many Ministers expressed their deep concern at the disproportionate use of force by Israel, and the appalling number of casualties. These concerns had already been expressed in EU and national statements, and at the UN Human Rights Council, where Ireland and others supported a successful resolution which will, inter alia, establish a commission of inquiry into these events.
In my intervention I also argued strongly that events such as these will only recur if the vicious cycle in Gaza is not broken. It was essential not to despair of progress in Gaza but instead to redouble our efforts to find practical ways to begin to ease the situation there, and to provide hope. The inhabitants of Gaza must be able to see a political and economic perspective to end the blockade and end their isolation, otherwise more militant voices and groups will inevitably be strengthened.
The meeting also discussed humanitarian assistance, the difficult position of UNRWA, the recent move of the United States Embassy, and the prospects for a peace initiative by the US.
151. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the €3.5 million allocated to Article 50 negotiations as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the €3.5 million allocation that has been spent; the way in which the funds have been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24320/18]
View answerBrexit has been prioritised across the entire range of work of my Department. Additional staff have been assigned to the key Divisions with responsibility for Brexit matters, namely the European Union Division and the Ireland, UK and Americas Division (IUKA), to cover the issues arising from the UK exit process. The work of those staff is primarily targeted at the management of the negotiations on UK withdrawal and subsequent agreements; enhanced Brexit co-ordination, promotion and public engagement on the Future of Europe.
There has been a marked increase also in demand for passports and citizenship via foreign birth registration from applicants in Northern Ireland and in Britain and this has had an impact on the Passport Service and on Consular Division.
Many business units across my Department at headquarters in Dublin are involved in the response to the UK exit, including the Legal Division, the Trade Division and the Policy Planning Unit. The additional resources will contribute to developing targeted responses in new and mature markets to mitigate the economic impact of British withdrawal. Overseas, additional posts have been assigned to our Embassies in London, Berlin, and Paris as well as the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels with a focus on trade and economic promotion and further enhancement of key strategic relationships and partnerships
These measures remain under review. The Department will allocate additional staff resources as necessary to further augment our level of support across Government and across our diplomatic mission network.
The additional Brexit-related expenditure is in line with profile and it is expected that the additional allocation will be fully spent by year end.
152. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the €2 million allocated to deepening Ireland's global footprint as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the €2 million allocation that has been spent; the way in which the funds have been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24321/18]
View answerUp to €2 million was allocated in Budget 2018 to cover initial expenditure by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the Doubling of the Global Footprint Initiative. Work has begun on the initial phase of the expansion of Ireland’s Diplomatic Network which includes the Government decision to open new Embassies in Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Colombia; Amman, Jordan; and Wellington, New Zealand; and new Consulates General in Vancouver, Canada and Mumbai, India.
A project team has been assembled to manage the expansion and extensive planning is currently underway to ensure the initiative makes the most efficient use of the Department’s Human and Financial resources.
Based on the current timelines envisaged, we expect the majority of allocated expenditure for 2018 to be incurred in the latter half of the year when the first of the new offices will open.
153. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the €1.5 million allocated to passport service and consular operational costs as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the €1.5 million allocation that has been spent; the way in which the funds have been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24322/18]
View answerThe expenditure of the additional allocation to the Passport Service is in line with profile and is expected to be fully expended by the year end.
There has been a strong increase in demand for passports due to a variety of factors including a general increase in the number of Irish residents travelling abroad, a growing population, as well as a significant rise in application numbers from Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Total demand in the first four months of the year was up 8% on last year.
The continuous implementation of service improvements has been central to my Department’s response to increasing application volumes. The Passport Reform Programme is delivering major upgrades to the passport service technology platforms and business processes as well as significant customer service improvements.
The Passport Service received sanction this year for 220 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) for appointment to the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. All TCOs in this intake have been fully trained and placed since March. These TCOs are working together with permanent staff to process passport applications and to deal with the high number of enquiries being made through the Passport Service’s various customer service channels.
The number of Full Time Equivalent staff permanently employed by my Department and assigned to the Passport Service stood at 322 at the beginning of 2018, an increase of 12 compared to 2017. In addition, over 30 additional permanent staff have been assigned to the Passport Service since the beginning of 2018.
154. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the €13 million allocated to overseas development assistance as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the €13 million allocation that has been spent; the way in which the funds have been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24323/18]
View answerThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our priorities are clearly laid out in the Government’s development policy, ‘One World One Future’. In line with our commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, our aid programme is sharply focused on delivering our goals of reducing poverty and hunger, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth and building more equitable and better systems of governance.
For budget 2018, the Government announced a total allocation of €707 million to Official Development Assistance (ODA). Just over €500 million is being managed by my Department through Vote 27 International Cooperation, publically known as Irish Aid. This represents an increase of over €13 million on the 2017 Vote allocation. A further €207 million is being managed through other Government Departments and through Ireland’s share of the EU Development Cooperation budget.
As an integral component of the overall financial management and control of the aid programme, Irish Aid operates a comprehensive budgeting system. Clear criteria are in place to inform the budget allocation process. Following a period of extensive discussion and analysis a detailed budget allocation for the 2018 programme was approved by an inter-Departmental committee, enabling Ireland to respond to existing needs, ongoing humanitarian crises and overall priorities as defined in the ‘One World, One Future’ document.
Sub-Saharan Africa remains our priority region, where we direct assistance to the poorest communities, particularly but not exclusively in Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ireland also engages in Vietnam and neighbouring countries. In addition to development assistance, Ireland leads in humanitarian response, including to the ongoing Syria crisis and also to the situation in the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as to emergencies as they arise.
Our programme is delivered through a wide range of partners and channels, including partner government systems, Irish and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and missionary organisations, the EU, and the UN and other multilateral agencies and organisations. We continue to engage with UN and multilateral agencies whose core mission and objectives are closely aligned to Ireland’s aid priorities, allowing us to work with and support vulnerable communities across most developing countries.
As at the end of May 2018, my Department has disbursed almost €150 million of the 2018 allocated funding to a wide variety of partners and programme areas in line with robust and prudent grant management procedures. I am confident of a full disbursement by the year end as we deliver on our commitment in the fight against poverty and hunger, continue to bring real and sustainable improvements some of the world’s poorest communities and increase our response to the unprecedented level of humanitarian needs worldwide.
156. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passports issued in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of passport applicants from Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24343/18]
View answerThe numbers of passports issued in each of the years requested are as follows:
|
Year |
Passports issued |
|
2014 |
632,156 |
|
2015 |
672,760 |
|
2016 |
733,060 |
|
2017 |
781,375 |
|
2018 (January 1st – May 31st) |
376,746 |
The numbers of passport applications received from Northern Ireland and Great Britain for the period requested are as follows:
|
Year |
Passport applications from Great Britain |
Passport applications from Northern Ireland |
|
2014 |
43,449 |
48,475 |
|
2015 |
46,229 |
53,715 |
|
2016 |
63,453 |
67,582 |
|
2017 |
80,752 |
82,274 |
|
2018 (January 1st – May 31st) |
44,962 |
46,898 |
157. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the target time for issuing passports across all services; the actual time for issuing passports across services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24344/18]
View answerThe turnaround timeframe for a passport application will depend, in the first instance, on the channel through which the application was submitted. The Passport Service provides a range of channels to Irish citizens wishing to apply for a passport. These include a postal application system, online passport application service, in person counter application facilities in Dublin and Cork and the network of Irish Missions worldwide. The table below shows target and actual turnaround times for all of the Passport Services application channel.
|
Type of Passport Application |
Target Turnaround Times |
Actual turnaround Times |
|
Online Passport Application |
10 working days |
10 working days with 50% processed in 5 working days |
|
An Post Passport Express Renewal Applications |
15 working days |
15 working days |
|
An Post Passport Express First Time Application, and Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacements |
20 working days |
35+ working days |
|
Northern Ireland and Great Britain Passport Express Renewal Applications |
15 working days |
17 working days |
|
Northern Ireland and Great Britain Passport Express First Time Applicants and Lost/Stolen/Damaged Replacements |
20 working days |
35+ working days |
|
Missions |
30 working days |
24 working days |
|
Great Britain Renewals |
20 working days |
21 working days |
|
Great Britain First time applicants/renewals with lost/stolen passports |
30 working days |
44 working days |
Turnaround targets are determined on the basis of available resources and projected demand. Turnaround times are among a number of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by which the Passport Service measures its success in delivering a modern and responsive public service.
Measures taken by the Passport Service to minimise the impact of peak time application volumes on turnaround times for all categories of applications include the recruitment of additional staff and the use of targeted overtime for all Passport Offices.
The Passport Service received sanction this year for 220 Temporary Clerical Officers (TCOs) for appointment to the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork. All TCOs in this intake have been fully trained and placed since March. These TCOs are working together with permanent staff to process passport applications and to deal with the high number of enquiries being made through the Passport Service’s various customer service channels.
158. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the political situation in Italy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24345/18]
View answerFollowing the elections held in March, consultations led by President Mattarella led at the end of May to agreement by the Lega (League) and Movimento Cinque Stelle (the Five Star Movement) to form a coalition government. Mr Giuseppe Conte was sworn in as Prime Minister on 1 June and last week both houses of the Italian Parliament voted confidence in the new Government, giving it its official mandate.
Italy and Ireland are fortunate in having excellent bilateral relations and I look forward to these continuing. I hope to meet my new Italian colleague, Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi, in the very near future.
159. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take to ensure that aid is properly managed in Syria and reaches those most in need in view of the fact that Ireland will lead the international donor group which supports the work of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24352/18]
View answer161. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the safeguards in place to ensure that aid from Ireland to Syria is properly used and is going to its intended targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24354/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 161 together.
Ireland’s humanitarian response inside Syria is targeted at those in greatest need, channelled in line with the humanitarian principles of independence, impartiality, neutrality and humanity.
Decisions on the allocation of Irish funds are based on analyses of the highest priority needs, together with assessments of which organisations are best placed and have the appropriate capacity to respond to those needs. Given the complexity of operation in a conflict zone, Ireland’s assistance inside Syria is channelled through the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. It is recognised that provision of humanitarian aid to areas in conflict, including Syria, presents significant challenges, particularly when it comes to the political and security environment. Ireland’s partners working in such environments are therefore subject to careful systems assessments and must demonstrate transparency, accountability, and effective and efficient use of funds.
In addition to the standard robust grant management and appraisals processes, a dedicated Humanitarian Advisor for the Middle East, based in the Irish Embassy in Ankara, also oversees programmes and partners in receipt of Irish funding. This includes membership of donor advisory boards, based in the region, who oversee the allocation of support to various partners. In addition, Ireland participates in international donor coordination mechanisms that monitor and oversee the work of our partners. Through Ireland’s upcoming chairmanship of the OCHA Donor Support Group, in particular, we will support OCHA to lead an effective and principled global humanitarian response, including inside Syria.
Through our annual contributions to EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response inside Syria. Implementation of humanitarian aid managed by the EU is ensured through several layers of checks and monitoring, including regular field visits. Regular evaluations are also undertaken, the results of which are publicly available.
Ireland will continue to monitor closely the humanitarian situation across the region affected by the Syria crisis. We will also continue to ensure that Irish and EU assistance reaches those in greatest need in the most efficient and effective way possible, with robust monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure this.
160. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to ensure that sanctions against Syria are fully enforced and not bypassed by the Assad regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24353/18]
View answerThe brutal repression of dissent by the Assad regime has led to a conflict that over the past seven years has cost the lives of over 400,000 people, has left over 13 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and has caused the largest displacement of people since World War Two. The Assad regime and its allies have repeatedly targeted civilians, including through use of “starve or surrender” techniques, forced displacement in the interest of demographic engineering, denial of humanitarian assistance and deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure such as schools, markets and hospitals, including chemical attacks.
Ireland supports EU restrictive measures (sanctions) targeting the Assad regime and its supporters, and will continue to do so as long as repression continues. The sanctions currently in place include notably an oil embargo, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze of the assets of the Syrian central bank within the EU, export restrictions on equipment and technology that might be used for internal repression as well as on equipment and technology for monitoring or interception of internet or telephone communications. In addition, over 250 persons and almost 70 entities are targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze over the violent repression against the civilian population in Syria. Most recently, in March, the Council added an additional 4 persons to the list of those targeted by EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime for their role in the development and use of chemical weapons against the civilian population. On 28 May 2018, the Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime until 1 June 2019. Given the ongoing repression of the civilian population, the EU decided to maintain its restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters, in line with the EU strategy on Syria.
EU Regulations have what is termed "direct effect" in Irish law, meaning that they apply and must be complied with in the same way as Irish legislation. In Ireland, penalties for breaches of sanctions are provided for by Statutory Instrument (SIs). A comprehensive list of SIs may be found in the Irish Statute Book. Within the EU each Member State is required to designate Competent Authorities that are engaged with sanctions issues including ensuring that sanctions measures are implemented. In Ireland's case, there are three such Competent Authorities: the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and the Central Bank of Ireland.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade represents Ireland internationally on sanctions-related matters, including communicating with the EU, the UN and other states in respect of international restrictive measures. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation is the Competent Authority for implementation of trade-related sanctions and the Central Bank of Ireland is the Competent Authority for the implementation of financial sanctions as they relate to financial institutions. Given the multi-sectoral nature of sanctions measures however a wide range of Government stakeholders are engaged on sanctions related issues.
Ireland will continue to support all efforts to ensure a lasting peace and full accountability for war crimes in Syria, in the context of bringing peace and stability to the region.
