Written Answers Nos. 38 - 58
38. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the annual expenditure on commercial archaeology services in his Department by provider in each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28743/18]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is currently being collated in my Department and I will forward same on directly to the Deputy shortly.
39. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the person (details supplied) who put the wristbands on persons while on the LE Niamh when the vessel participated in rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28842/18]
View answerIrish Naval Service vessels were first deployed as part of 'Operation Pontus' in May 2015 to assist the Italian authorities with the migrant crisis. This was a humanitarian search and rescue mission conducted in accordance with a bilateral agreement with the Italian authorities and in accordance with the applicable international conventions on the rescue of persons in distress at sea.
In 2015, L.É. Niamh deployed from July to September and during its deployment, rescued a total of 4,127 migrants from unseaworthy vessels. I am advised by the Defence Forces that in the course of the event in question on 5 August 2015 involving L.É. Niamh, no wristbands were applied to persons rescued by personnel on L.É. Niamh. I am also advised that the Naval Service cannot stand over the provenance of the photograph used in the article in question and which is credited to 'Irish Navy'.
The deployment of Irish Naval Service vessels on a humanitarian search and rescue mission in the Mediterranean over the period 2015 to 2017 has been an important element in Ireland's response to the migration crises in the Mediterranean.
L.É. Samuel Beckett is currently deployed in the Mediterranean as part of the UN mandated EU naval security operation, 'Operation Sophia' and will be replaced in mid-July by L.É. James Joyce.
40. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of charging ports and parking bays for electric vehicles at his Department building and other buildings used by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28888/18]
View answerThere are currently no e-car charging ports or parking bays provided at any of my Department’s locations. However, the options and benefits of providing such facilities are currently under consideration.
41. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the issue of foreign soldiers in US military fatigues being seen regularly inside and outside Shannon Airport; if they have been issued individually or collectively with written consent to access the countryside in County Clare or within Shannon Airport wearing the military uniform of a foreign army contrary to section 317 of the Defence Act 1954; and the action he will take to prevent future violation of the provisions of the Act. [29269/18]
View answer42. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he has taken to prevent members of foreign armed forces entering or landing here while wearing a foreign military uniform as per section 317(1) of the Defence Act 1954. [29270/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together.
The wearing of military uniforms in the State is governed by Section 317 of the Defence Act 1954 which prohibits the wearing of a foreign military uniform without ministerial permission.
Requests for persons to enter the State wearing any foreign uniform are dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Such requests are forwarded to my Department for observations and information purposes.
Foreign military personnel enter the State from time to time in order to attend official meetings, seminars, courses and various diplomatic and other social functions. This is, in general, standard international military custom and practice. Visits of foreign Naval vessels are also arranged through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Such arrangements generally include the wearing of uniforms ashore as part of the routine protocol arrangements.
In the context of the requirements of Section 317 of the Defence Act, 1954, the US authorities were given express permission in 2003 by the then Minister for Foreign Affairs for their military personnel to wear uniforms in the transit areas of Irish airports, including Shannon Airport. The observance of the conditions relating to this permission is a matter which is dealt with through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
43. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of consents in writing he and his predecessors issued as per section 317(1) of the Defence Act 1954 to foreign soldiers entering or landing here in each year since 2003. [29272/18]
View answerThe wearing of foreign military uniforms in the State is governed by Section 317 of the Defence Act 1954. The provisions of this section prohibit the wearing of a foreign military uniform without ministerial permission.
My Department routinely receives such requests from various States, which are shared with other Government Departments, including the Department of Defence and the Department of Justice and Equality, for their observations and information purposes. The reasons for such requests vary from attendance at official meetings, courses and seminars, to diplomatic functions.
In the context of the requirements of Section 317 of the Defence Act 1954, express permission was granted by the then Minister for Foreign Affairs in January 2003 to the US authorities for their military personnel to wear their uniforms in the transit area of Irish airports. Where it is necessary for such personnel to move beyond these areas, a specific request must be sought.
In the following table I have provided the number of uniform requests granted by my Department from 2013 to 29 June 2018, based on the information currently to hand. It was not possible in the time available to provide the required detail from 2003.
|
Year |
Number of consents granted |
|
2013 |
38 |
|
2014 |
38 |
|
2015 |
45 |
|
2016 |
78 |
|
2017 |
67 |
|
2018 up to 29 June |
41 |
44. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues that were discussed at the EU meeting he attended on 25 June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28655/18]
View answerI attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 25 June, where Ministers discussed security and defence, the implementation of the EU Global Strategy, developments in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, and Jordan. We were also briefed on the situation in Yemen by the UN Special Envoy.
My EU colleagues and I discussed ongoing work on security and defence issues, and took stock of progress on the implementation of the EU Global Strategy. Ireland continues to play an active role in shaping the Common Security and Defence Policy to equip the EU to act as an effective international peace provider in support of the UN.
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, updated the Council on his efforts to prepare a framework for peace negotiations. Ireland fully supports the efforts of the UN Special Envoy and his team as they work towards a peace agreement.
Following this, the Council discussed developments in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region. I welcomed the resolve expressed by the EU to deepen its engagement in the region. I also debriefed the Council on my recent visit to Jordan and called on the EU to step up its efforts to support the resilience of that country.
45. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he held bilaterals when he attended the EU meeting on 25 June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28656/18]
View answerI had a bilateral meeting in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council on 25 June with the new Spanish Foreign Minister, Josep Borrell. I congratulated him on his recent appointment and wished him well in his new role.
We discussed Brexit and I updated him on the progress that has been made to date on Irish issues and on the UK Prime Minister’s December and March commitments in this regard. Minister Borrell confirmed that Ireland had Spain’s full support.
In the context of Brexit, we also discussed the issue of Gibraltar, which is primarily being handled bilaterally between Spain and the UK.
In conclusion, I welcomed Spain’s humane response to the migrants aboard the Aquarius and referred to the involvement of the Irish navy in search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
I also held a bilateral meeting with the new Italian Foreign Minister, Enzo Moavero Milanesi. The discussion focused mostly on migration, and in that context the EU's Africa policy, and briefly on Brexit.
I acknowledged the serious challenges faced by Italy on migration, underlining Ireland's solidarity with Italy and pointing to our continued commitment to operation Sophia through the deployment of a naval vessel. I agreed that Italy cannot be expected to deal with the migration crisis single handedly and greater EU solidarity is needed.
I underlined our ambition to strengthen the EU's policy on Africa and indicated a willingness to work closely with Italy on this.
On Brexit, I thanked Italy for their support and solidarity and hoped that the new Italian government will be as strong in this support as compared to the previous government. The Minister, referring to his visits to Northern Ireland in the past and more recently and witnessing himself the invisible border, assured me that Ireland has Italy's full support on this.
46. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to or met the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland recently; the position regarding reconvening the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28657/18]
View answerOver the course of many months, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form an Executive.
The devolved, power-sharing institutions are at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement and are the best means for achieving accountable, representative decision-making for all the people of Northern Ireland.
Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. In light of this, the Government has been working with the British Government to consider means by which we can support the political process, in accordance with the Agreement, in the period ahead.
I am in very regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley, as we seek a way beyond the current impasse. We met most recently in Cork on 11 June and will meet again in London on 4 July.
The Secretary of State and I have each conducted contacts with the Northern Ireland political parties to hear their views on how, at this stage, the two Governments can support the political process, in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement.
All parties have re-affirmed their commitment to operating the devolved institutions and provided views on their key concerns and issues to be addressed in seeking a way forward.
In light of this, the Secretary of State and I are considering how best the two Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, can chart a way forward that will give the best prospects for getting the devolved institutions operating again without delay.
A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference will take place on 25 July. The Government looks forward to this meeting of the Conference in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement. Both Governments as co-guarantors of the Agreement are fully committed to working together to achieve the earliest operation of the devolved institutions, and to working together for the mutual benefit of all of the peoples of these islands.
The Good Friday Agreement is the indispensable framework for providing stable, inclusive, power-sharing government for all the people of Northern Ireland and for sustaining our interlocking relationships – within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland, and between the UK and Ireland.
47. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with President Juncker when he was in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28658/18]
View answerOn Thursday 21 June, I attended a meeting between the Taoiseach and the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker. Also present were EU’s Chief Negotiator on the UK’s withdrawal from the UK, Michel Barnier, and Commissioner Hogan.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to take stock of the state of play in the EU-UK negotiations in advance of the June European Council, notably in relation to the draft Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. In this regard, the Taoiseach and President Juncker were in full agreement that the progress reported in the Joint Statement from EU and UK negotiators of 19 June fell very far short of the EU’s expectations.
I welcome that President Juncker reiterated the EU’s full support for Ireland, and that the Protocol, including the backstop, is an integral and indispensable part of the Withdrawal Agreement. This is fully consistent with the strong message of solidarity Ireland received from its EU27 partners at the European Council (Art.50) last week.
I further welcome that the Conclusions adopted by the European Council (Art. 50) on 29 June sent a clear message to the UK that it must respect the commitments it has made and that, in the absence of agreement on a backstop, it will not be possible to finalise the Withdrawal Agreement as a whole, including the transition arrangements.
The Taoiseach and I and President Juncker shared the view that the talks should intensify with a view to making the necessary progress and I welcome that this has also been reflected in the Conclusions.
The Taoiseach and I also discussed a number of other important EU issues ahead of the June European Council, in particular migration. While noting Ireland was less directly affected than other Member States, we made clear our wish to play our part in developing a comprehensive EU approach, based on ensuring strong external borders; solidarity between Member States; and working in partnership with countries of origin, including in Africa, to underpin political and economic development, so that people can enjoy better lives and opportunities in their home countries.
48. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to or met with the leaders of Sinn Féin, Ms Michelle O'Neill and Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, since they met with Prime Minister May; the persons who attended the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28659/18]
View answerI am in very regular contact with the leaders of Sinn Féin and of all of the political parties in Northern Ireland, in fulfilment of the Government’s role as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, as we work with the British Government to seek a way beyond the current impasse on the operation of the devolved institutions of the Agreement.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have each conducted contacts with the Northern Ireland political parties to hear their views on how, at this stage, the two Governments can support the political process, in accordance with the Agreement.
All parties re-affirmed their commitment to operating the devolved institutions and provided views on their key concerns and issues to be addressed in seeking a way forward.
In light of this, the Secretary of State and I are considering how best the two Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, can chart a way forward that will give the best prospects for getting the devolved institutions operating again without delay.
A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference will take place on 25 July. The Government looks forward to this meeting of the Conference in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement. Both Governments as co-guarantors of the Agreement are fully committed to working together to achieve the earliest operation of the devolved institutions, and to working together for the mutual benefit of all of the peoples of these islands.
The Good Friday Agreement is the indispensable framework for providing stable, inclusive, power-sharing government for all the people of Northern Ireland and for sustaining our interlocking relationships – within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland, and between the UK and Ireland.
49. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the annual expenditure on commercial archaeology services in his Department by provider in each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28747/18]
View answerThere has been no expenditure on commercial archaeology services within this Department in the years 2013 to 2017, or to date in 2018.
50. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has written to or spoken to President Erdogan of Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28788/18]
View answerPresidential and parliamentary elections took place in Turkey on Sunday 24 June.
The preliminary conclusions of an OSCE/Council of Europe International Election Observation Mission are that voters had a genuine choice, despite the lack of conditions for contestants to compete on an equal basis. They said the incumbent President and his party enjoyed a notable advantage and that this was reflected in excessive coverage by government-affiliated public and private media. The Observer Mission also found that the restrictive legal framework and powers granted under the state of emergency limited fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression, including in the media.
The re-election of President Recep Tayyip Erdoðan in the first round should be officially confirmed later this week and it is expected that the President will be formally inaugurated on 8 July.
Neither the Taoiseach nor I have been in contact, in writing or in person, with President Erdogan.
The European Union’s relationship with Turkey was considered at a meeting in Luxembourg last week of the General Affairs Council. The Council re-affirmed the importance it attaches to its relations with Turkey as a key partner and said the EU remains committed to maintaining an open and frank dialogue with the country. The Council noted that Turkey’s co-operation with the EU in the area of migration, by implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement, has saved the lives of many of those undertaking dangerous crossings in the Aegean Sea.
But the General Affairs Council also found that Turkey has been moving away from the European Union and that accession negotiations have, therefore, come to a standstill. Concerns were expressed about backsliding on the rule of law and fundamental rights and measures targeting journalists, academics, members of political parties, parliamentarians, human rights defenders, social media users and others exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms. No further chapters will be considered for opening or closing in the accession negotiations and no further work towards the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union is foreseen.
51. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of charging ports and parking bays for electric vehicles at his Department building and other buildings used by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28892/18]
View answerNo charging ports or parking bays for electric vehicles are provided at my Department’s buildings in Dublin or in other locations.
52. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which reconstruction or improvement works in Gaza are being hampered by the Israeli authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28930/18]
View answerAll construction work in Gaza is severely hampered by Israeli restrictions on types and quantities of materials that are allowed into the Strip. This includes reconstruction of war damaged buildings, including large numbers of houses, and construction of essential infrastructure, such as badly needed water, sewage and electricity utilities. Even those projects which are approved are subject to delays, and additional costs, due to the restrictions.
In my contacts in the region I have discussed a number of possible projects to improve conditions in Gaza, with Israeli and Palestinian leaders and others. An easing of restrictions imposed by Israel would be essential elements of these. I will continue to take this work forward.
I am very conscious of the needs of the Palestinian people, and particularly the needs of those in Gaza. Last week, Ireland pledged additional humanitarian funding of €250,000 for the work which the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) undertakes there. This additional funding will support the Agency in delivering urgently needed food, shelter, education and social services for 1.3 million Palestine refugees in Gaza.
53. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the situation in Gaza and the West Bank continues to be monitored by international interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28931/18]
View answerThe situation in Gaza and the West Bank continues to be a major topic of international interest and discussions, even as multiple other crises and conflicts currently afflicting the wider Middle East region also demand our attention. International attention is focused both on specific issues and events in Gaza and the West Bank, and the broader objective of a resolution of the conflict and an end to the Israeli occupation, something which is essential for the long term future of the Palestinian territory, and indeed also for Israel.
At EU level, issues relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict are regularly discussed at both Ministerial and official level. In the last six months, for example, the members of the Foreign Affairs Council have held meetings on the margins of the Council with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Abbas, and the group of Arab Foreign Ministers, as well as discussing the situation in Gaza specifically at their meeting in May.
The same issues are also discussed regularly at UN level, at the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Human Rights Council.
In the last year, the United States Government has also been working to develop an initiative to restart negotiations for a final peace agreement.
Ireland has worked consistently to encourage international attention to this long running conflict. I have made three visits to Israel and Palestine, including Gaza, in my first year in office, and there and elsewhere I have held numerous meetings on the subject with Israeli, Palestinian, Arab, European and American interlocutors. I have focused on pressing for stronger EU engagement notwithstanding other problems in the region; on encouraging and seeking to shape the US initiative; and on exploring practical ideas to improve conditions on the ground, especially in Gaza. The situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territory will remain high on my agenda.
54. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to have a bilateral meeting with his Danish counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28962/18]
View answerIreland and Denmark have a close bilateral relationship, strengthened by our shared membership of the European Union where we share common positions on many issues. In the context of the Government’s goal of strengthening of alliances with the Nordic and Baltic countries, there have already been six ministerial visits to Denmark this year. Last year, Mr Anders Samuelsen, Foreign Minister of Denmark, visited Dublin and the border region at the invitation of my predecessor, Minister Charlie Flanagan.
Ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council in April, I hosted a dinner for my Nordic, Baltic and Dutch colleagues, which Minister Samuelsen attended. We also regularly speak to each other at Council meetings. I look forward to visiting Copenhagen at the next suitable opportunity.
55. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is an access officer assigned to the Passport Office, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29134/18]
View answerMy Department, which has responsibility for the Passport Service, has a designated officer in its Human Resources Section to act as Access Officer. The Access Officer co-ordinates the provision of assistance and guidance to people with disabilities in accessing services provided by my Department and generally to act as a point of contact for people with disabilities wishing to access such services.
The Department’s induction pack, which is provided to all new entrants, includes contact and role details for the Access Officer. The Department also has a dedicated Intranet page on disability issues. This acts as a central source of information for Departmental staff on all issues relating to disability.
The Department provides assistive technology and equipment to a number of staff with disabilities. Accommodation is provided as necessary for staff with disabilities participating in training sessions, seminars and promotion competitions organised by the Department.
The Department’s Customer Service Plan commits to regularly reviewing public offices to ensure that they meet occupational and safety standards and ensuring that the needs of staff and customers with disabilities are identified and catered for.
56. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated amount it would cost in 2019 to increase the budget allocated to the emigrant support programme by 15%. [29230/18]
View answerThe budget for the Emigrant Support Programme in 2018 is €11.595 million and is unchanged in recent years.
An increase of 15% on the 2018 budget would cost €1,739,250, leading to a total figure of €13,334,250.
57. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the frequency with which the Irish Aid election observer panel is renewed; the rules of the application process for interested persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29364/18]
View answer58. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the selection process for the election observer panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29365/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 58 together.
International election monitoring missions play an important role in the promotion of democracy and human rights. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade maintains and administers a roster of individuals to participate in election observation missions, organised in the main by the OSCE and the EU. The recent practice in Ireland has been for the election observation roster to be set up to include 200 volunteers and to last for five years. The current roster has been extended for one year until end-2018 to allow sufficient time for the mobilisation of 200 volunteers with appropriate experience and a subsequent vetting process.
The public call for applications to establish a new roster will issue on 2 July and will be open until 20 August 2018. The call will be published on two Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade websites: www.dfa.ie and www.irishaid.ie and will also be publicised on the Department’s social media.
A candidate information booklet setting out all of the necessary details including the eligibility requirements and the process leading to the establishment of the roster will be on the aforementioned websites. In addition, this material can be emailed to applicants upon request. All candidates will be required to complete and submit a detailed written application setting out their educational and other formal qualifications, ICT skills, languages, regional and country experience, employment details and references.
In terms of the selection of candidates for the new roster, candidates will need to demonstrate for the first qualifying stage that they meet the essential criteria set out in the application booklet. The second stage is a qualitative scoring of their application under specific headings related to election observation and democratisation.
The process to appoint these volunteers to the roster will be managed by the Election Observation Desk in the Department and the volunteer mobilisation will be run in accordance with established best practice.
