Written Answers Nos. 158-177
158. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who have attempted to gain illegal entry to the State in each of the past four years; the actions taken in response to such attempts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28112/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, every State has a duty to protect its borders and to refuse entry to those persons not entitled to enter the State. This is a fundamental exercise of State sovereignty necessary to protect the security of the State and to prevent illegal immigration.
The exercise of powers in this area is subject to the law and respect for individual rights. In enforcing the law in this respect, Ireland is no different from other countries who also remove individuals who have no lawful right to enter or remain in their territory.
Over the last four years the number of persons refused permission to enter the State is as follows:
2017: 3,7462016: 3,9512015: 3,4502014: 2,473
In general, a person may be refused permission to enter the State on one or more of the twelve grounds set out in Section 4 (3) of the Immigration Act 2004, as amended by the International Protection Act 2015. Every person refused permission to enter the State is served with a notice in which the reason, or reasons, for refusing an application for permission to enter the State is set out.
A person refused a permission to enter the State may be removed from the State. Section 5 of the Immigration Act 2003 (as amended by the International Protection Act 2015), contains the main provisions dealing with the removal from the State of persons refused permission to enter the State. It specifies that a person to whom this section applies may be arrested by an immigration officer or a member of An Garda Síochána and detained in a prescribed place of detention for the purpose of facilitating their removal from the State, which must be as soon as is practicable. In the vast majority of cases persons are returned on the next available flight or vessel within a short period of time. Others are granted a temporary permission to enter the State pending removal usually on the condition they report to their nearest Garda station. Removals are generally operational matters for the Garda National Immigration Bureau, who work closely with officials of my Department in arranging the necessary travel documents and other papers required.
159. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the terms of the opt-in to the EU receptions directive, including the conditions of asylum seekers' access to work, will be announced; if provisions will be made to reduce restrictions to the right to work as the policy stands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28120/18]
View answerTogether with Minister of State with special responsibility for Equality, Immigration, and Integration, I made an announcement today in regard to these matters. The Government has approved a broad and generous access to the labour market for qualified applicants amongst a number of other important reforms in a range of areas covered by the Directive including reception conditions for applicants, improved identification of vulnerability and children’s rights. These measures are a further step on the road we have pursued in recent years to significantly reform our protection process.
Under the Directive, asylum seekers will have access to the labour market nine months from the date when their protection application was lodged, if they have yet to receive a first instance recommendation from the International Protection Office, and if they have cooperated with the process.
Eligible applicants may apply for a labour market permission, which covers both employment and self-employment. The Labour Market Access Unit (LMAU) of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), on my behalf, will process applications. The permission will be granted to eligible applicants for six months and will be renewable until there is a final decision on their protection application. Eligible applicants will have access to almost all sectors of employment.
The Directive also includes important provisions in relation to health, education, children’s rights, and material reception conditions for applicants, which include housing, food, clothing and a daily expense allowance. These other benefits will apply to all applicants in the protection process regardless of when they made their application.
The Directive will bring the State into line with standards across the EU Member States for reception conditions for international protection applicants, including standards in accommodation centres. This continues the recent and ongoing positive work carried out to enhance living arrangements for applicants and their families, and to further provide a wide range of supports and services to asylum seekers. Participation in the Directive is another important step in the reform of our international protection and reception systems.
An information campaign is being launched to ensure that applicants, employers, trade unions, NGOs and all other relevant bodies are fully informed of the labour market access and eligibility arrangements that will apply. Full details and an application form will also be available on the INIS website (www.inis.gov.ie).
160. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28142/18]
View answerI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order signed on 23 April 2009.
The statutory criteria which must be considered in relation to a decision to make a deportation order under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 include national security and public policy, the character and conduct of the person concerned and the common good. In determining whether to make a deportation order, in addition to the factors set out in Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, the Minister of the day must also consider all relevant constitutional and international human rights arising including those enshrined in the Refugee Convention, the UN Convention Against Torture and the European Charter of Human Rights. The question of not returning a person to a place where certain fundamental rights would be breached (or non refoulement as it is referred to) is fully considered in every case when deciding whether or not to make a deportation order. This involves consideration of whether returning the person would result in the life or freedom of that person being threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, or whether the person would be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
I have met the family involved and am aware of the circumstances of the case. As I have already stated in the Dáil, when the court proceedings conclude I will use my powers as Minister to consider this case fully, including from a humanitarian point of view.
161. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether section 8 of the Civil Liability Act 2004 requires amendment to reduce to one month the period in which a personal injury claim can be submitted in view of the fact that data protection rules mean CCTV footage can be kept for only one month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28159/18]
View answerThe matter which the Deputy has raised is one that I have recently dealt with in my Written Reply to Question no. 271 on 19 June 2018 which I will therefore reiterate on this occasion.
The amendment of Section 8 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 has been recommended by the Cost of Insurance Working Group Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance. The Working Group, chaired by Minister of State for Financial Services and Insurance, Michael D'Arcy TD, is undertaking a review of the factors which are influencing the increased cost of insurance, and brings together the relevant Departments and Offices involved. The Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance was published in January 2018 and is available on the website of the Department of Finance.
My Department is the lead in relation to Recommendation 6 of the Report which aims at amending the wording of section 8 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 to ensure that defendants are notified of a claim having been lodged against them. The intention is not to interfere with the discretion of the courts to deal with cases appropriately but to assist in enhancing the effectiveness of the statutory requirement for a plaintiff to serve a notice in writing on the defendant stating the nature of the wrong alleged to have been committed by him or her.
Among the amendments recommended to be made to section 8 is a reduction from two months to one month in the statutory time period for a plaintiff in a personal injuries action to serve a notice in writing on the alleged wrongdoer stating the nature of the wrong alleged to have been committed by him or her. In the view of the Working Group, this may be justified by way of being in alignment with data protection legislation which provides that data shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for the purposes for which it is obtained. This is relevant for personal injuries cases where CCTV may have captured relevant footage. Generally, the retention period for data protection purposes is one month, beyond which retention is only permitted in certain circumstances, including for example, in the context of an investigation.
In keeping with the relevant recommendations and timelines of the Working Group the relevant amendments to section 8 are under preparation at my Department so that a suitable legislative vehicle can be availed of for their timely introduction and enactment.
162. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if amendments to sections 25 and 26 of the Civil Liability Act 2004 will be considered in order to make it a matter of routine that misleading insurance claims are reported to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28160/18]
View answerThe issues raised by the Deputy are among those being considered by the Cost of Insurance Working Group that was established by the Minister for Finance in July 2016 and is chaired by Minister of State, Michael D'Arcy TD. The objective of the Working Group is to identify and examine the drivers of the cost of insurance, and recommend short, medium and longer term measures to address the issue of increasing insurance costs, taking account of the requirement for the need to ensure a financially stable insurance sector. A significant factor identified by the Working Group in its reports, which are available with action updates on the Department of Finance website, is the impact of fraudulent insurance claims.
In its Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance published in January 2017, the Working Group reviewed sections 25 and 26 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004. It noted that the number of recorded prosecutions and convictions for the offence of false evidence in section 25 is very low and that this suggests a need for further co-operation between the insurance industry and An Garda Síochána. The Working Group noted its understanding that while the majority of the initial applications in respect of fraudulent actions under section 26 were refused it would appear from more recent reported judgments that more claims are now being dismissed following a successful action under section 26. The Working Group concluded that it is satisfied that sections 25 and 26 do not need further review.
However, a number of other measures are being taken by way of ensuring that sections 25 and 26 can have their intended effect in relation to insurance fraud. Key to this approach has been the convening of a roundtable by the Department of Finance in late 2017 to listen to the views of key stakeholders in relation to insurance fraud and which has met several times since to progress a number of specific recommendations contained in the Cost of Insurance Working Group’s Report of January 2018 relating to the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance. Recommendations 11 and 12 of that report concern the production of statistics by An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service on complaints, investigations, prosecutions and convictions relating to fraud within the personal injuries area. My Department has liaised with the Garda authorities in relation to the production of these statistics, and I am informed that the necessary Pulse update is anticipated to be in place by the end of June 2018.
Recommendation 13 of the same report recommends that Insurance Ireland, An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions agree a set of guidelines in respect of the reporting of suspected fraudulent insurance claims. While guidelines were published in 2004, the Working Group noted that these have only been used to a very limited extent over the years and proposed that a new set of guidelines should be developed, using the 2004 iteration as a starting point.
In line with the intention to use the existing guidelines to inform the drafting of new, more fit for purpose guidelines, An Garda Síochána produced a draft document which was communicated to Insurance Ireland. The draft document proposed a number of changes to the section of the existing guidelines concerning the station or section within An Garda Síochána to which a formal complaint should be made. Insurance Ireland signalled its agreement with the changes proposed at the fraud roundtable session of 26 March. It was agreed that further consultations with stakeholders regarding the proposed guidelines would take place, including with insurance providers not represented by Insurance Ireland. Two such consultations have already been held and the next meeting of the Roundtable, scheduled for later this week, will aim to finalise the new guidelines in the context of the feedback received. Agreement on the new set of guidelines is expected to be completed on time in Quarter 3 2018.
The fraud roundtable process also intends to examine the follow-on procedure in circumstances where fraud or exaggeration is identified in court or acknowledged by a judge. Recommendation 12 of the Working Group’s Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance proposes that where an application under Section 26 of the Civil Liability Act 2004 is successful, this fact should be communicated to An Garda Síochána by the Courts Service. I understand that the fraud roundtable is currently engaging with the Courts Service in this regard.
As I think the Deputy will appreciate from these developments, a concerted policy approach is being taken with the support of the Cost of Insurance Working Group to address the issue of insurance fraud. This is being done by means of a series of mutually reinforcing measures that will include the type of enhanced Garda reporting that the Deputy has raised. At the same time they are intended, in their collective implementation, to give greater effect to the existing provisions of sections 25 and 26 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004 .
163. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to establish an insurance fraud unit in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28161/18]
View answerRecommendation 26 of the ‘Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance’, published in January 2017, relates to exploring the potential for further cooperation between the insurance sector and An Garda Síochána in relation to insurance fraud investigation. Specifically, this involves considering the feasibility of establishing a specialised and dedicated insurance fraud unit within An Garda Síochána, funded by industry.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) has engaged with Insurance Ireland, submitting a mechanism for further cooperation and a costed proposal to Insurance Ireland in the latter half of 2017. Insurance Ireland has agreed to explore the proposal further, subject to a full cost benefit analysis, to be carried out by Insurance Ireland’s Chief Financial Officers Working Group. The intention would be that such a dedicated Garda unit would be funded by Insurance Ireland members and non-members alike, i.e. all entities writing non-life insurance business in Ireland.
Further progress on this recommendation is dependent upon the outcome of this cost benefit analysis, which is currently awaited. As I have previously informed the House, Insurance Ireland has indicated that it expects to be in a position to provide an update in this regard by the end of June 2018.
Any proposed agreed mechanism will, of course, ultimately be subject to the approval of the Garda Commissioner and myself, as Minister for Justice and Equality.
164. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extra efforts that are being made to tackle increased anti-social incidents on the DART; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28278/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the allocation of all Garda resources, including personnel, is solely a matter for the Garda Commissioner and his management team and I have no direct role in this regard. However, I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continue to monitor all new and emerging crime trends in our communities, particularly in the Summer months.
I am advised by An Garda Síochána that Garda management engages extensively with transport operators and a range of regional and local operations have been put in place to address incidents of anti-social behaviour. An Garda Síochána maintains close contact with local and senior management in Irish Rail and other transport providers. Gardaí also have a good working relationship with the public transport services providers and patrols of uniformed and plain-clothes Gardaí, including personnel on foot patrols and other community engagement duties, are routinely employed when deemed appropriate by Garda management.
Working with communities to tackle public disorder and reduce anti-social behaviour remains a key priority for An Garda Síochána. This approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour. I might add that there is a range of strong legislative provisions available to An Garda Síochána to combat anti-social behaviour, including provisions under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts, the Criminal Damage Act and the Intoxicating Liquor Acts. There are also the incremental provisions contained in the Criminal Justice Act 2006 which provide for warnings and civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults and Part 13 of the Act which provide for warnings, good behaviour contracts and civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by children.
While An Garda Síochána will continue to tackle this problem head-on, they cannot eradicate the problem of anti-social behaviour alone. Specifically in relation to young offenders, it is also up to us as adults, particularly the parents and guardians of our young, to ensure that children are raised to be respectful and law-abiding. These lessons begin in the home, are further reinforced in our schools and then by society in general. We must all work together to ensure that such behaviour is never normalised and is tackled immediately.
166. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if e-car charging points are provided at his Department's buildings in Dublin or in other locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28399/18]
View answerMy Department does not have e-car charging points in any of its Departmental offices. The requirement for such charging points will be kept under review.
167. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the way in which a person who has had a ruling in his or her favour from the Labour Court can have that ruling upheld in cases in which his or her employer refuses to accept the ruling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28184/18]
View answerThe Labour Court engages with parties in industrial relations disputes in which resolution of issues at local level has not proved possible. In such instances, the dispute can be referred to the Court for an opinion in the form of a recommendation of the Court. However, in line with the voluntary nature of industrial relations in Ireland recommendations of the Labour Court are not binding on the parties. It follows therefore that there is no statutory mechanism by which recommendations of the Labour Court made under the Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2015 can be enforced in law.
Separately, since 2015 the Labour Court is the single appellate body for complaints arising under employment/equality law. The procedures for enforcing a determination of the Labour Court in this instance arise as a result of the appeal of a decision of an adjudication officer of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). These procedures are set out at section 45 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015.
A decision of the Labour Court arising from an appeal of an adjudication officer of the WRC must be implemented within 42 days from the date on which the notice was given to the parties in writing. In circumstances where an employer fails to implement a decision of the Court within the prescribed time periods, an application may be made to the District Court for an order directing the employer to carry out the decision.
Ultimately, failure to comply with an order of the District Court is a criminal offence under section 51 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015. A person found guilty of such an offence is liable on summary conviction, to a class A fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.
168. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if trade missions are planned for Kuwait in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28265/18]
View answerCurrent planning envisages a ministerial led trade mission to Kuwait in the latter half of 2018. It will feature high profile buyer networking events and individual itineraries of buyer meetings for participating Enterprise Ireland client companies. Enterprise Ireland has prioritised Enterprise Ireland client activity in Kuwait for 2018, and ran a client networking event in Kuwait in February which coincided with a visit by Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development Ciaran Cannon.
The Trade Mission in November will be especially relevant to Enterprise Ireland clients in the Agri/Food Tech, Maritime/Logistics, Healthcare, ICT, Fintech, Retail and Professional Services sectors. This trade mission is timed to coincide with the Gulf Food Manufacturing and SeaTrade Exhibitions.
Enterprise Ireland is the state agency under my aegis with responsibility for helping Irish companies to internationalise and scale. Enterprise Ireland’s Trade Missions and Events promote the capabilities of client companies to potential business partners and customers in international markets; a central element of the agency’s strategy for 2017 -2020: Build Scale, Expand Reach. In 2017 Enterprise Ireland ran 57 Ministerial-led international trade events, including trade missions to Japan, China and Oman.
On the 12th of March, Enterprise Ireland announced that it is set to undertake over 200 international and domestic trade events in 2018 to accelerate the number of Enterprise Ireland clients diversifying into new markets, beyond the UK and into the Eurozone and global markets. The number of trade events being undertaken represents a 50% increase on 2017, reflecting the challenge that Brexit poses for Irish businesses. 70 of these export focused trade events will be led by Government Ministers.
Irish Companies have enjoyed success on previous Trade Missions to the Gulf states including a visit to Oman and UAE in November 2017 where three Irish companies announced deals with Oman partner companies. On the same Trade Mission, Enterprise Ireland and Atlantic Bridge signed agreements with the Oman Technology Fund to further facilitate market entry in Oman for Enterprise Ireland clients and co-investment opportunities in Irish companies. On the same trade mission, the Dublin-based manufacturer of aviation fabrics and carpets, Botany Weaving, announced that it has secured a multi-million dollar deal with a UAE airline.
Outside of Trade Missions, Enterprise Ireland covers the Middle East & North Africa markets from its strategic office locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha. The Gulf States represent a significant market opportunity for export-focused Irish companies as a region heavily reliant on imports and with major ambitions for infrastructural development.
The Gulf region has become a hub for international air travel, connecting Ireland to Asian and African markets and facilitating global expansion for Irish enterprises. A recent economic report commissioned by the Arab-Irish Chamber of Commerce forecasts that Irish exports to the Arab markets have the potential to reach €9 billion over the next two decades.
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her Department continues to pursue market opportunities for Irish products globally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28339/18]
View answer170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her Department has redoubled its efforts to establish new markets inside and outside the European Union for Irish products in order to compensate for the consequences of Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28340/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.
Promoting diversified export markets and pursuing new market opportunities for Irish products in light of the potential impacts of Brexit are key priorities for the Government and my Department. This includes markets that are growing as well as markets where we are already well established but with potential for further growth.
The Government’s Enterprise 2025 Renewed strategy published in March 2018 sets out targets for export growth and diversification within the indigenous exporting base, with ambitions to increase exports as a percentage of total sales of Irish owned companies from 52 percent to between 55 and 60 percent by 2020 and increase Enterprise Ireland client exports beyond UK markets from €14.1 billion to €17.4 billion by 2020. The strategy also targets a 50 percent increase in the number of FDI investments from non-US markets by 2020.
In 2017, Enterprise Ireland launched its Eurozone Strategy as a key element of its supports to help companies diversify their export markets. In particular, it aims to increase exports to the Eurozone by €2bn per annum by 2020, equivalent to 50 percent increase. This would represent one of the most significant shifts in Enterprise Ireland supported client exports into the Eurozone and is particularly important in the context of Brexit.
The Government’s Trade Strategy, Ireland Connected, supports an extensive programme of Ministerial-led trade missions, as part of a major drive towards market diversification. Enterprise Ireland delivered an impressive programme of international trade events in 2017, giving Irish companies the opportunity to meet with potential buyers and network with key influencers in countries around the world. In total, 57 internationally focused trade events were organised by Enterprise Ireland in 2017 including ministerial-led trade missions to Canada, Singapore, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and a major trade programme as part of the State visit to Australia and New Zealand.
In relation to 2018, the programme of ministerial-led trade missions and events has been finalised and published by Enterprise Ireland, with 70 Ministerial-led trade visits planned to 33 different markets, including to date missions to the USA, Mexico, Russia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Poland and Czech Republic. Missions to EU markets will be a priority focus for the 2018 programme, together with missions to key markets where the EU has or is negotiating free trade agreements. As part of the St. Patrick’s Day “Promote Ireland” Programmes, Ministerial visits around the world were organised to ensure that we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland's trade, tourism and investment interests.
Furthermore, in June 2018, the Government formally launched the ‘Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025’ initiative. Global Ireland will support efforts to grow and diversify export markets, inward investment and tourism, as Brexit becomes a reality. It will ensure that Ireland is better positioned to build the alliances necessary to advance its interests and defend its positions in a post-Brexit EU, while also helping to secure our deep and positive relationship with the UK and its constituent parts into the future. Under the Global Ireland initiative Enterprise Ireland will further increase the diversification of client exports into new markets, with the ambition that 70% of exports will go to markets beyond the UK by 2025.
As well as the global efforts supported by our agencies, key to our success has been our commitment to trade liberalisation in order to open new markets for our indigenous sectors. The EU has successfully concluded a number of important trade agreements with trading partners and is in the process of negotiating or upgrading its agreements with many more. These existing EU Agreements and new trade deals will continue to be very important for Ireland. With a small domestic market, further expansion in other markets is essential to our continued economic growth. In this regard Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new Free Trade Agreements, opening new markets for Irish companies and increasing export and investment opportunities.
The EU–Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force provisionally from the 21st September 2017. Irish companies may now take advantage of the all-important provisions of CETA including the elimination of tariffs on almost all key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, the easing of regulatory barriers and more transparent rules for market access. CETA presents new opportunities for Irish business and professionals to work and provide services in Canada.
On the 21st April 2018, the EU and Mexico reached an agreement in principle on a new trade agreement that will be part of the broader Global Agreement. The Agreement will provide a platform to increase Irish exports to Mexico, the current total value is just over €2 billion per year with total imports of nearly half a billion euros per year. It will further remove industrial tariffs and important agricultural tariffs. This will be significant for Ireland’s important Agri-food sector especially for dairy, pork and poultry products. Ireland is a significant exporter to Mexico of powdered milk and milk derivatives but there are currently significant barriers both to increasing powdered milk exports and to commencing exports of fresh dairy produce. There are many exciting opportunities in Mexico for Irish businesses including manufacturing, automotive, engineering, telecommunications, ICT, aerospace, software and service and manufacturing technology. The Agreement will also open up public procurement markets to Irish businesses and remove technical barriers to trade which will reduce the costs of entry to the Mexican market.
The EU is continuing its negotiations with Mercosur and recently announced the successful conclusion of negotiations of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. The agri-food sector, in particular will see benefits from access to Japan’s highly valuable export market, with improved access for beef, pork, cheese and processed agricultural products. In addition, the EU’s trade deal with Singapore is hoped to come into force by the end of the year, creating further opportunities across a diverse range of sectors for Irish-based enterprises. In May 2018, the Trade Council of Ministers adopted a decision authorising the opening of negotiations on free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand, as wellas adoption of the respective negotiating directives for the Commission.
Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new FTA’s giving Irish firms expanded market access and a predictable trading environment in third countries. My Department has recently commissioned a study to examine the economic opportunities and impacts for Ireland arising from FTAs, both currently in place and in negotiation. The objective is to deepen our understanding of how Ireland can best take advantage of these opportunities, and ensure that our businesses are prepared to access new markets.
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her Department continues to foster interaction with authorities throughout the globe with a view to encouraging enhanced trade in preparation for Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28343/18]
View answerThe Government and my Department is engaging with international partners through a range of strategies, initiatives and articulation of Irish trade interests at international fora. This is particularly important in the context of Brexit and the need to support companies to diversify their product and market bases.
The Government’s Trade Strategy, ‘Ireland Connected: Trading and Investing in a Dynamic World’ supports an extensive programme of Ministerial-led trade missions, as part of a major drive towards market diversification. Enterprise Ireland delivered 57 internationally focused trade events in 2017 including ministerial-led trade missions to Canada, Singapore, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and a major trade programme as part of the State visit to Australia and New Zealand.
In relation to 2018, the programme of ministerial-led trade missions and events has been finalised and published by Enterprise Ireland, with 70 Ministerial-led trade visits planned to 33 different markets, including to date missions to the USA, Mexico, Russia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Poland and Czech Republic. Missions to EU markets will be a priority focus for the 2018 programme, together with missions to key markets where the EU has or is negotiating free trade agreements. As part of the St. Patrick’s Day “Promote Ireland” Programmes, Ministerial visits around the world were organised to ensure that we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland's trade, tourism and investment interests.
Furthermore, in June 2018, the Government formally launched the “Global Ireland – Ireland’s Global Footprint to 2025” initiative, which is the most ambitious renewal and expansion of Ireland’s international presence ever undertaken, including the objective of opening at least 26 new diplomatic missions and expansion of our agencies including the overseas networks of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Board Bia. Global Ireland will support efforts to grow and diversify export markets, inward investment and tourism, as Brexit becomes a reality. It will ensure that Ireland is better positioned to build the alliances necessary to advance its interests and defend its positions in a post-Brexit EU, while also helping to secure our deep and positive relationship with the UK and its constituent parts into the future.
Specifically, Global Ireland 2025 aims to strengthen our presence in the United States, including a new flagship ‘Ireland House’ – a hub for diplomacy, trade, business and cultural promotion in Los Angeles, and expanding our presence elsewhere in the Americas. It will also expand our presence in the Asia-Pacific region, including a new flagship Ireland House in Tokyo. It also strengthens our presence in North and West Africa, and in the Middle East and Gulf region as well as augmenting diplomatic and agency presence across our main European markets.
As well as the global efforts supported by our agencies and embassies, key to our success has been our commitment to trade liberalisation in order to open new markets for our indigenous sectors. The EU has successfully concluded a number of important trade agreements with trading partners and is in the process of negotiating or upgrading its agreements with many more. These existing EU Agreements and new trade deals will continue to be very important for Ireland. With a small domestic market, further expansion in other markets is essential to our continued economic growth. In this regard Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new Free Trade Agreements, opening new markets for Irish companies and increasing export and investment opportunities.
The EU–Canada Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) entered into force provisionally from the 21st September 2017. Irish companies may now take advantage of the all-important provisions of CETA including the elimination of tariffs on almost all key exports, access to the Canadian procurement market, the easing of regulatory barriers and more transparent rules for market access. CETA presents new opportunities for Irish business and professionals to work and provide services in Canada.
On the 21st April 2018, the EU and Mexico reached an agreement in principle on a new trade agreement that will be part of the broader Global Agreement. The Agreement will provide a platform to increase Irish exports to Mexico, the current total value is just over €2 billion per year with total imports of nearly half a billion euros per year. It will further remove industrial tariffs and important agricultural tariffs. This will be significant for Ireland’s important Agri-food sector especially for dairy, pork and poultry products. Ireland is a significant exporter to Mexico of powdered milk and milk derivatives but there are currently significant barriers both to increasing powdered milk exports and to commencing exports of fresh dairy produce. There are many exciting opportunities in Mexico for Irish businesses including manufacturing, automotive, engineering, telecommunications, ICT, aerospace, software and service and manufacturing technology. The Agreement will also open up public procurement markets to Irish businesses and remove technical barriers to trade which will reduce the costs of entry to the Mexican market.
The EU is continuing its negotiations with Mercosur and recently announced the successful conclusion of negotiations of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. The agri-food sector, in particular will see benefits from access to Japan’s highly valuable export market, with improved access for beef, pork, cheese and processed agricultural products. In addition, the EU’s trade deal with Singapore is hoped to come into force by the end of the year, creating further opportunities across a diverse range of sectors for Irish-based enterprises. In May 2018, the Trade Council of Ministers adopted a decision authorising the opening of negotiations on free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand, as well as adoption of the respective negotiating directives for the Commission.
Ireland will continue to support the EU’s ambitious programme of negotiating new FTA’s giving Irish firms expanded market access and a predictable trading environment in third countries. Ireland continues to actively articulate its trade interests at EU level at the Trade Council and through collaboration with like-minded Member States, in addition to active participation and representation at the World Trade Organisation. My Department has recently commissioned a study to examine the economic opportunities and impacts for Ireland arising from FTAs, both currently in place and in negotiation. The objective is to deepen our understanding of how Ireland can best take advantage of these opportunities, and ensure that our businesses are prepared to access new markets.
Finally, I and my colleague Ministers of State in the Department as well as Ministers across Government, avail ourselves of numerous opportunities to meet international Government colleagues, industry groups and individual companies during each year to promote our trade growth, diversification and FDI strategies.
172. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if e-car charging points are provided at her Department's buildings in Dublin or in other locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28388/18]
View answerAccommodation for my Department is provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in buildings which are either State owned or leased by OPW on our behalf. The accommodation is typically shared with other Government Departments and Offices with limited car parking spaces available to staff.
There are currently no e-car charging points in any of the carparks in locations occupied by the Department and its Offices.
173. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when the new transport support scheme will be established; the reason for the delay in establishing the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28084/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013. Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that the Health Service Executive should continue to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50 per month to the 4,046 people in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. The Health (Transport Support) Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the Spring/Summer session 2018. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I recently brought a Memorandum to Government for proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the cabinet Agenda on 8 May last. I intend to revert to Government with revised proposals to reflect the discussion at Cabinet, in due course.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three year period, was €5,020. Following the closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
174. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the negotiations on the general practitioner contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28086/18]
View answerGeneral practice is one of the cornerstones of our health service and the Government recognises that the contractual arrangements between the HSE and GPs must enable patients' needs to be met while also addressing the sustainability of general practice into the future.
The Government is therefore committed to engaging with the representatives of general practitioners on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the 1989 GMS Contract. Our goal is to develop a contractual framework that has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion, disease prevention and for the structured care of chronic conditions and up-to-date provisions on service quality and standards, performance and accountability.
Officials from my Department and the HSE met with the Irish Medical Organisation at the beginning of May to set out the State's position in relation to the GMS contract and to progress this important issue. The Department subsequently wrote to the Irish Medical Organisation to set out the proposals made at that meeting in writing and is currently awaiting the Organisation's official response.
In line with the long-established approach to such processes, and by agreement of the parties concerned, I am not in position to give further details while discussions between the parties are under way.
Reform of the GMS contract will enable general practitioners to better meet the needs of their patients while promoting general practice as a viable and rewarding career for both existing doctors and future medical graduates.
I look forward to positive and productive engagement with all parties concerned that will facilitate a substantial increase in Government resourcing of general practice on a multi annual basis, contingent of course on agreement to the delivery of much-needed service improvements and contractual reforms.
175. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if a child (details supplied) will be seen by a public orthodontist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28087/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
176. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason respite services have been cut at a facility (details supplied); when they were cut; the location where persons are expected to receive respite in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28090/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
177. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a long-term sustainable all round care plan will be put in place for a person (details supplied); if a plan was agreed following a meeting of 17 professionals associated with the care of the person; if a direct line of communication will be set up by the HSE with the family; the reason a meeting with local HSE officials did not take place as planned; the reason the HSE objected to a public representative being present with the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28105/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
