Written Answers Nos. 130-158
130. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the policy in relation to the need for note-taking when Ministers or Ministers of State meet business and other leaders; and the way in which this policy is outlined. [46498/18]
View answerThe Code of Conduct for the guidance of Office Holders, which was drawn up in accordance with the Standards in Public Office Act 2001, provides that in all cases where meetings are arranged for the purpose of transacting official business, office holders should be accompanied by an official who would act as a note-taker in the office holder’s own interest. The code advises that in any event, an official or adviser should attend before the conclusion of a meeting to record details of any decisions reached.
131. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his conversation with Prime Minister May on 5 November 2018 regarding Brexit. [46530/18]
View answerI spoke by phone to the British Prime Minister, Theresa May on 5 November. The Prime Minister sought the call in order to update me on the current state of the Brexit negotiations.
We both emphasised our commitment to avoiding a hard border and the need for a legally operable backstop.
The Prime Minister raised the possibility of a review mechanism for the backstop.
I indicated an openness to consider proposals for a review, provided that it was clear that the outcome of any such review could not involve a unilateral decision to end the backstop.
I recalled the prior commitments made that the backstop must apply ‘unless and until’ alternative arrangements are agreed.
We both expressed the hope that the negotiations could conclude in a satisfactory manner as soon as possible.
132. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Taoiseach the number of persons on a wage at or below the minimum wage level by gender and age. [46378/18]
View answerThe Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of employment (ILO) in the State. This survey replaced the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) from Q3 2017.
The most recent figures available are for Q2 2018 when the number of employees aged 15 years and over reporting earning the National Minimum Wage or less in the State was 141,700 (7.4%).
Tables 1 and 2 below show the total number of employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by National Minimum Wage (NMW) earnings status, gender and age group in Q2 2018.
Table 1 Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by gender and National Minimum Wage (NMW) earnings status
'000
|
Gender |
National Minimum Wage earnings status |
Q2 18 |
|
Male |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
63.6 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
810.3 |
|
|
Not stated |
85.4 |
|
|
Total |
959.3 |
|
|
Female |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
78.1 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
803.5 |
|
|
Not stated |
72.2 |
|
|
Total |
953.8 |
|
|
All employees |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
141.7 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
1,613.8 |
|
|
Not stated |
157.6 |
|
|
Total |
1,913.1 |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: Q2=Apr-Jun.
Table 2 Employees (ILO) aged 15 years and over classified by age group and National Minimum Wage (NMW) earnings status
'000
|
Age group |
National Minimum Wage earnings status |
Q2 18 |
|
15-19 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
28.4 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
20.8 |
|
|
Not stated |
8.4 |
|
|
Total |
57.7 |
|
|
20-24 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
41.4 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
112.2 |
|
|
Not stated |
24.7 |
|
|
Total |
178.3 |
|
|
25-34 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
31.7 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
400.7 |
|
|
Not stated |
39.3 |
|
|
Total |
471.7 |
|
|
35-44 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
16.0 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
493.7 |
|
|
Not stated |
32.7 |
|
|
Total |
542.4 |
|
|
45-54 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
11.4 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
356.1 |
|
|
Not stated |
29.5 |
|
|
Total |
397.0 |
|
|
55-59 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
[6.5] |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
127.8 |
|
|
Not stated |
11.1 |
|
|
Total |
145.5 |
|
|
60-64 years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
[4.1] |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
78.9 |
|
|
Not stated |
8.3 |
|
|
Total |
91.3 |
|
|
65+ years |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
* |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
23.5 |
|
|
Not stated |
[3.5] |
|
|
Total |
29.3 |
|
|
All employees |
Employees reporting earning National Minimum Wage or less |
141.7 |
|
Employees reporting earning more than National Minimum Wage |
1,613.8 |
|
|
Not stated |
157.6 |
|
|
Total |
1,913.1 |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland
* Estimates for numbers of persons or averages where there are less than 30 persons in a cell are not produced as estimates are too small to be considered reliable.
Parentheses [ ] indicate where there are 30-49 persons in a cell, estimates are considered to have a wider margin of error and should be treated with caution.
Data may be subject to future revision.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: Q2=Apr-Jun.
133. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the advisers and constituency staff working for him both in respect of his role as Taoiseach and in respect of his role as a constituency Member; and if he will list all appointments in 2017 and to date in 2018. [46843/18]
View answerDetails of the four staff employed by my Department since 2017 to work in my Constituency Office are set out in Table 1 below. Details of advisers appointed to support me in my role as Taoiseach in 2017 and to date in 2018 are set out in Table 2 below.
Table 1
|
Constituency Office |
|
|
Salary Scale (Equivalent) |
Number of Employees |
|
Personal Assistant (Higher Executive Officer Scale) |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
2 |
|
Clerical Officer |
1 |
Table 2
|
Name |
Role |
Appointment Date |
Cessation Date |
|
Brian Murphy |
Chief of Staff |
14 June 2017 |
n/a |
|
John Carroll |
Head of Policy and Programme Implementation |
05 July 2017 |
n/a |
|
Patrick Geoghegan |
Special Adviser to the Taoiseach |
14 June 2017 |
n/a |
|
Angela Flanagan |
Special Adviser to the Taoiseach |
14 June 2017 |
n/a |
|
Philip O'Callaghan |
Special Adviser to the Taoiseach |
14 June 2017 |
n/a |
|
Clare Mungovan |
Special Adviser to the Taoiseach |
08 January 2018 |
n/a |
|
Jim D'Arcy |
Special Adviser to the Taoiseach |
04 September 2017 |
n/a |
|
Nick Miller |
Spokesman and Communications Adviser to the Taoiseach |
14 June 2017 |
31 Oct 2017 |
134. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the policy regarding the need for note-taking when Ministers or Ministers of State meet business and other leaders; the way in which this policy is outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46488/18]
View answerThe requirement for note taking is dependent on the nature, subject and brevity or otherwise of any of my meetings. Where a formal meeting on a specific issue is convened, it is the normal practice for a note of the principal issues raised to be taken and any action points arising from the meeting. This practice is understood and applied by my Department.
135. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the defence budget allocation for officers and enlisted personnel, respectively, in 2019. [46701/18]
View answer136. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the defence budget allocation for officers and enlisted personnel, respectively, in each of the years from 2015 to 2018. [46702/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
The pay of Officers and Enlisted Personnel of the Permanent Defence Force is provided for in Subhead A.3 of Vote 36 – Defence. The following table sets out the budget allocations for this subhead for the years 2015 to 2018.
|
A.3 Permanent Defence Force: Pay |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Officers (incl Army Nursing Service) |
€83.2m |
€83.2m |
€82.7m |
€83.7m |
|
Enlisted Personnel |
€299.3m |
€297.9m |
€299.5m |
€307.5m |
|
Social Welfare – Employer’s Contributions |
€35.0m |
€35.0m |
€35.0m |
€37.0m |
The breakdown of the 2019 budget allocation has not yet been finalised.
137. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of senior positions held by both men and women, respectively, in his Department. [46997/18]
View answerThe number of senior established positions held by both men and women in my Department are set out in the table below.
|
Grade |
Men |
Women |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
0 |
|
Assistant Secretary/ Director |
3 |
1 |
|
Principal |
11 |
6 |
138. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 323 of 25 October 2018, notwithstanding the fact that allowing the aircraft in question to refuel and transit through Shannon Airport is not in breach of the 1944 International Air Services Transit Agreement, the way in which the transit of a large numbers of troops from a belligerent state through a neutral state on their way to and from war zones complies with Article 2 of the 1907 Hague Convention (V) on neutrality; and the further way in which it complies with the High Court decision in Horgan v. An Taoiseach (details supplied). [46551/18]
View answerThis Government is fully committed to Ireland’s longstanding policy of military neutrality, which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances.
Whilst the judgment of Mr. Justice Kearns in the 2003 High Court case of Horgan v Ireland did include certain observations on the customary international law of neutrality, these were not relevant to the outcome of the case. The plaintiff’s action failed on other grounds.
This Government will continue to promote and uphold Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality. This is reflected in the imposition by my Department of conditions on landings and overflights by foreign military aircraft and similarly in the advice it provides to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on requests for exemptions by civilian carriers under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973.
139. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the policy regarding the need for note-taking when Ministers or Ministers of State meet business and other leaders; the way in which this policy is outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46492/18]
View answerThere is no formal policy in my Department with regard to note taking when I or Ministers of State meet business people, leaders or other contacts. The requirement for note taking depends on the particular context and is determined on a case by case basis, taking into account the nature, subject matter, length and location of the meeting. Any notes of meetings, as well as my diary, are subject to Freedom of Information legislation.
140. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the level of reported ethnic and linguistic tensions in Cameroon in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46580/18]
View answer141. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the political and security situation in Cameroon; the representations that have been made to the Cameroon Government on these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46581/18]
View answer142. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of support being provided to refugees in Cameroon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46582/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 140 to 142, inclusive, together.
The current situation in Cameroon is complex and worrying.
Cameroon held Presidential elections last month amidst security and humanitarian crises. In addition to the grave challenge posed by insecurity in the Anglophone North West and South West regions, Cameroon is also highly affected by the operations of the Boko Haram. A further complication is the large number of refugees from the crisis in the Central African Republic who are taking refuge in the east of Cameroon.
I met the Cameroon Minister for Education in February, when we discussed the situation in his country. The escalation of violence in its South West and North West regions is the most pressing threat to political stability in Cameroon.
The current unrest in the South West and North West regions began in November 2016 when English-speaking teachers and lawyers demonstrated against the dominant use of the French language. Separatists demanded the English-speaking North West and South West secede from the rest of the country. At least 400 civilians, 170 members of the armed forces, and an unknown number of separatists have died in violence associated with the secession crisis. According to UN OCHA, approximately 437,500 people have been displaced, with 26,000 people having sought refuge in Nigeria .
While Ireland does not have an Embassy in Cameroon, our Embassy in Nigeria continues to monitor the situation closely as many refugees from Cameroon are crossing the border into Nigeria. Our Ambassador in Nigeria recently met with Cameroonian refugees based in Calabar, Nigeria. Following this meeting, concerns raised by the refugees were brought to the attention of the Country Representative of UNHCR in Abuja.
The Department is engaged in monitoring in the evolving humanitarian situation and its regional impact, via the UN Resident Coordinator, UNOCHA, the EU delegation in Yaoundé, and in contacts with regional bodies.
In this context, I recall the EEAS statement of 28 September on the situation in Cameroon, which called for constructive and inclusive dialogue for a sustainable solution. It remains the responsibility of the Government of Cameroon to create a secure environment in which all citizens are protected from violence, and where international human rights standards, including protection for minority groups, are upheld.
Ireland supports the humanitarian efforts of United Nations and civil society bodies providing aid to those affected by the conflict. Irish Aid rapid responders have been deployed to Cameroon and to Nigeria to assist the United Nations to respond to the needs of displaced persons and refugees. In addition, Ireland is directly providing non-food item kits for 5,000 displaced households in Cameroon.
Ireland participated in the May 2018 review of the human rights situation in Cameroon by the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.
143. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the assessment that has been made of the circumstances surrounding the recent kidnapping of approximately 80 persons, including children, from a school in the town of Bamenda, Cameroon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46583/18]
View answerI am aware of the kidnapping on Monday 5 November of 78 schoolchildren and three others in the town of Bamenda in North West Cameroon.
The Government fully supports the 6 November statement of the EU calling for the schoolchildren to be freed immediately and without conditions, expressing solidarity with the families of the kidnap victims, and calling on all parties to engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue in order to find a solution to the ongoing crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon.
I am pleased to hear reports that all 78 children have now been freed and hope that the remaining victims will be freed immediately and without conditions.
The Government remains concerned by the deteriorating political and security situation in Cameroon and will continue to monitor human rights and humanitarian developments in close coordination with our EU partners and through the Embassy of Ireland in Abuja.
144. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the assessment that has been made of the circumstances surrounding the death of a person (details supplied) in the town of Bamenda, Cameroon on 30 October 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46584/18]
View answerI am aware of the case of a death late last month of a US citizen in the town of Bamenda in Cameroon. The person in question had been in Cameroon for 12 days when he was shot in a crossfire between Government forces and separatist elements, part of the ongoing violence in that country relating to the desire of certain English speaking communities to secede.
The circumstances of the killing remain disputed. Official Cameroon sources say that the person in question was killed by secessionists planning an attack on a nearby university, and that four secessionists involved were subsequently killed by Government forces. Secessionists allege that Government forces were to blame for the killing.
I understand that the US State Department is providing assistance to the family of the deceased to return to the US.
While Ireland does not have an Embassy in Cameroon, our Embassy in Nigeria continues to monitor the situation closely. My Department is engaged in monitoring in the evolving humanitarian situation and its regional impact, via the UN Resident Coordinator, UNOCHA, the EU delegation in Yaoundé, and in contacts with regional bodies.
In this context, I recall the EEAS statement of 28 September on the situation in Cameroon, which called for constructive and inclusive dialogue for a sustainable solution. It remains the responsibility of the Government of Cameroon to create a secure environment in which all citizens are protected from violence, and where international human rights standards, including protection for minority groups, are upheld.
145. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the potential threat to a person (details supplied); the actions he will take in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46652/18]
View answer154. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Pakistan accused of blasphemy and convicted of the offence under Pakistan's blasphemy law and sentenced to death; and if will he raise the person's case with his Pakistani counterpart and request that the person is freed and removed from the exit control list. [47069/18]
View answer156. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he made representations to the Pakistani Government or its ambassador regarding the high-profile imprisonment of a person (details supplied) for blasphemy; if requests have been made to his Department to offer asylum to the individual and that person's family following the public disturbances and disorder following the individual's release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47182/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145, 154 and 156 together.
Under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Ireland works within and alongside the EU and UN to address the persecution of religious minorities wherever it occurs.
I am aware of the case of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman convicted in 2010 of Blasphemy and sentenced to death. Following an appeal, the Supreme Court of Pakistan recently overturned her conviction. I commend the judges of the Supreme Court for doing so and for upholding the rule of law in a very difficult situation.
I continue to follow developments in the case and strongly condemn all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur and who the victims are.
Ireland attaches great importance to the fundamental human rights of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief.
I am fully aware of the vulnerable situation of persons belonging to religious minorities in Pakistan and will continue to raise the issue with the Pakistan Government as well as through the framework and mechanisms of the European Union and the United Nations.
Decisions on granting asylum rest with the Minister for Justice and Equality. I understand that neither Ms. Bibi nor her family members have sought asylum in Ireland to date. I also understand that any request for international protection in Ireland from Ms. Bibi would be given every consideration.
146. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the representations made to the Tanzanian Government on the level of the threat to the LGBT community and supporters of opposition parties there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46738/18]
View answer‘The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy For Changing World’ states clearly that: “We are committed to promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systemic discrimination in many countries.” There is no situation in which a person’s fundamental human rights should be prejudiced because of their sexual orientation.
This clear policy informed the Tánaiste’s letter to the Foreign Minister of Tanzania, Mr Augustine Mahiga, immediately upon learning of statements by the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner targeting members of the LGBTI+ community. The Tánaiste called upon the Tanzanian Government to ensure the protection of LGBTI+ people in line with Tanzania’s national and international human rights commitments.
Minister Mahiga subsequently issued a formal statement, distancing his Government from the Regional Commissioner’s comments and reiterating Tanzania’s commitment to uphold its international human rights obligations.
My Department, including through the Embassy of Ireland in Dar es Salaam, is monitoring the situation in Tanzania and working closely with partners in support of the protection and promotion of human rights.
147. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the sanctions he is seeking at EU level against Saudi Arabia for the killing of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46773/18]
View answerIreland fully supports calls for independent and impartial investigation into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. High Representative Federica Mogherini has issued a statement on behalf of the European Union insisting on the need for ‘continued thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full accountability of all those responsible for it’. Having called for investigation we must wait and give consideration to findings based on verifiable evidence before considering next steps. Our approach will be in tandem with our EU partners and will depend on the next steps taken by Saudi authorities.
As previously mentioned in the Dáil, I met with the Saudi Ambassador, H.E. Mr Nail bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, on 18 October and stressed the widespread shock caused by the case and the necessity for credible and open investigation. It is imperative that an investigation gets to the facts of the case and ensures that those responsible for the killing are held accountable. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have reiterated Ireland’s concerns to the Ambassador in recent weeks.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental right under international human rights law. Journalists play a vital role in holding governments to account. Ireland has consistently raised issues of human rights in Saudi Arabia, at bilateral, EU and international level. At the UN Human Rights Council in September, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on ‘Safety of Journalists’, condemning all violence against journalists and urging all states to ensure accountability for such attacks.
Ireland specifically raised the Khashoggi case at the UN Human Rights Council on 5 November in our intervention during the Universal Periodic Review of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Ireland will continue to raise concerns about human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities, and at EU and international levels, whenever appropriate opportunities arise.
148. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress being made for the undocumented Irish. [46806/18]
View answer150. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on reports that Irish persons may be eligible for E3 visas in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46970/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 150 together.
The Government continues to pursue two key objectives with regard to Irish immigration to the United States; firstly, increased pathways for legal migration by Irish citizens to the US; and secondly, seeking some form of relief for undocumented Irish citizens living in the US.
The Taoiseach and I continue to prioritise this issue in all our engagements with the US Administration and Congress.
The Government’s Special Envoy to the United States Congress on the Undocumented, Deputy John Deasy, has also been active on the issue and our Embassy in Washington, D.C., continues to engage on an ongoing basis with the Administration and with a wide range of contacts on Capitol Hill.
I welcome the recent tabling of a Bill in the US Congress that, if passed, would allow Ireland to avail of E3 Visas and provide another very welcome pathway for Irish people to gain experience in the US. I not underestimate however the significant difficulties involved in securing the passage of this Bill; requiring as it does a two thirds majority in the House and sixty votes in the Senate.
The Government - including through the Embassy and the work of Deputy John Deasy - will continue to engage proactively with the US Administration and elected representatives, both Democratic and Republican, on Irish immigration issues and specifically on this Bill.
Government efforts to assist the undocumented Irish in the US will also continue, as they have under previous Administrations. Through our many high-level contacts and discussions, the Government continues to explore a number of different options. This remains a very challenging issue, however, as immigration reform has been a sensitive and divisive issue within the US political system for decades.
On the welfare of the undocumented Irish, the Embassy, as well as our six Consulates across the United States, work closely with Irish Immigration Centres, who support the needs of Irish citizens in the United States, including those who are undocumented. These Centres all receive annual funding from the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme to support their important work.
The Taoiseach and I, together with our Government colleagues, Special Envoy Deputy Deasy, and our Embassy in Washington, D.C., will continue to give full priority to these issues.
149. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made at EU level to protect the territorial integrity of Georgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46969/18]
View answerIreland, together with the EU, continues to reaffirm its unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, as and when the opportunity presents itself across all local, EU and International platforms.
Central to this support is the Eastern Partnership Initiative, which provides a framework for cooperation between the EU and six countries in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood, including Georgia. The aims of the Eastern Partnership are to promote peace and stability in the region and to enhance economic and political integration between the participating countries and the EU. The model of cooperation with each of the participating states has been tailored to meet their needs and priorities and those of the EU.
At the fifth Eastern Partnership Summit in Brussels in November 2017 a revised Eastern Partnership multilateral architecture was adopted to contribute to the goals of the partnership, particularly by supporting the implementation of the “20 Deliverables for 2020" which sets the future priorities for the initiative. This roadmap identifies a range of short and long-term milestones aimed at developing a stronger economy, governance, connectivity and society to make tangible and pragmatic improvements to the lives of citizens in partner countries. A Ministerial meeting last month, which I attend, provided an opportunity for progress to be reviewed and for re-commitment to the objectives of the partnership.
The EU remains committed to its political association and economic integration with Georgia and the successful implementation of the Association Agreement, including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, which entered into force in July 2016.
The EU has praised Georgia's reform efforts while underlining the need to ensure the sustainability of the changes which have already taken place including on democratic development and fundamental freedoms, on constitutional and parliamentary reform, and anti-corruption reforms.
Georgia’s new peace initiative, which the EU has fully supported, ‘A Step to a Better Future’ is aimed at improving the humanitarian and socio-economic conditions of people residing in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, and at fostering people-to-people contacts, confidence building and reconciliation among the divided communities.
In addition, the appointment last year of a new EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, as well as the EU Monitoring Mission, in which Ireland has representatives, are visible and substantial signs of the Union's commitment to helping Georgia address its security challenges.
151. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has considered the possibility of a Palestinian sponsored visa programme in circumstances in which persons have a sponsor here that has agreed to provide employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46971/18]
View answerVisas, which relate solely to entry into Ireland, are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. Work permits are a matter for the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. A Palestinian or other person who has secured a Work Permit on the basis of an offer of employment may apply for a work visa to enter the country for that purpose.
In relation to providing opportunities for Palestinians, my Department is in the process of implementing an expanded scheme of educational scholarships specifically for Palestinians who wish to study in Ireland.
152. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent remarks by the French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron supporting the foundation of a true European army (details supplied); his further views on EU institutions being used for increased militarisation; his views on calls for increasing militarisation at the upcoming peace summit in Paris; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46988/18]
View answerThe media reports to which the Deputy’s question refers relate primarily to comments made by the French President in the context of the recent launch by France and eight other European states of a “European Intervention Initiative (EI2)”. The EI2, according to those participating, is envisaged as a rapid deployment force in order to facilitate a European security response to external emergency crisis situations.
Ireland is not a party to the EI2 and we are not giving consideration to participation. The EI2 is totally outside of EU structures because, as the Protocol on the concerns of the Irish people on the Treaty of Lisbon states explicitly, the Treaty does not provide for the creation of a European Army. There is therefore no legal basis for an EU army.
The EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) is an integral part of the Union’s common foreign and security policy. It provides the Union with an operational capacity to undertake missions outside the EU for peace-keeping, conflict prevention and strengthening international security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. Member States contribute civilian and military personnel and assets to these peace support missions: Ireland currently deploys up to 19 civilians in missions in Georgia, Kosovo, Libya, Mali, Niger, Palestine and Ukraine and a further 30 personnel to military missions and operations in Mali, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Mediterranean. Ireland is a strong supporter of CSDP and of recent initiatives which improve the capacity of the Union to contribute to international peace and security, particularly in support of the UN. Ireland does not believe that these contributions and initiatives are or should be characterised as “militarisation” of the EU.
The Paris Peace Forum, which concludes today, is an event hosted by President Macron. It is not an EU-hosted or managed event. The Forum is discussing key issues such as climate change, human rights, debt and inequality, civil; society space, reform of the UN Security Council and migration. Its stated purpose is to make clear that tackling global challenges requires international cooperation and to advocate for multilateralism. As a strong supporter of both multilateralism and international cooperation, Ireland is attending the Forum and is represented by its Ambassador to France.
153. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of senior positions held by both men and women, respectively, in his Department. [47001/18]
View answerThe number of senior positions held by both men and women respectively in my Department at the 30th September 2018 are outlined in the table below:
|
Grade |
Female |
Male |
|
Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
|
Second Secretary General |
1 |
3 |
|
Deputy Secretary General |
0 |
1 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
7 |
16 |
|
Counsellor |
31 |
53 |
|
Principal Officer |
5 |
15 |
|
Principal Development Specialist |
2 |
2 |
|
Totals |
46 |
91 |
The Deputy may also be interested to know that there are 59 male Heads of Mission and 24 female Heads of Mission posted to our 83 overseas Missions.
155. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the work of his Department's committee on human rights; the details of its membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47181/18]
View answerThe NGO Standing Committee on Human Rights was established in 1997 to facilitate formal consultation on human rights aspects of foreign policy on foot of a commitment contained in the 1996 White Paper on Foreign Policy. This was restated in The Global Island, Ireland's current Foreign Policy document, which commits the Government to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue with Irish civil society on human rights issues through the Committee.
Members of the Committee are appointed by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. When appointing a new Committee this year, it was decided to change its name to the DFAT Committee on Human Rights to reflect more accurately its composition, which includes not only NGOs but also the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and its Northern Ireland counterpart as well as the Irish Congress of Trade Unions together with a number of individual members, mainly current or past Irish office holders in UN and Council of Europe human rights bodies. The full current membership of the Committee is listed below.
The Committee is chaired by the Director of the Human Rights Unit and meets three to four times per year. DFAT officials and representatives from other Government Departments are invited to attend to give updates on issues which may be of interest to Committee members.
The current Committee met for the first time on 5 September 2018 and the most recent meeting of the Committee took place on 12 November 2018. Topics discussed at this meeting include Ireland’s campaign for a seat on the Security Council, Ireland’s new international development policy and civil society space.
157. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Finance if he has announced, or his plans to announce, changes to capital gains tax or capital acquisitions tax regarding solar panels on farmland as part of budgetary measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46658/18]
View answerFinance Act 2017 amended sections 598 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, and section 89 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003 to allow that the leasing of agricultural land for solar energy production may be considered qualifying agricultural activity for CGT retirement relief and CAT agricultural relief. These measures apply to disposals made on or after 1 January 2018 where 50 per cent or less of the total area of the leased land was used for that purpose.
As such CGT retirement relief and CAT agricultural relief currently provide for solar panels on agricultural land to be considered qualifying assets if the relevant conditions of the respective reliefs are met.
158. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the changes in flat rate expenses to take effect from 2019; the number of workers affected; the savings expected to accrue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46473/18]
View answer164. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Finance if flat rate expenses allowances for shop assistants have been withdrawn for 2019; the reason for the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46552/18]
View answer169. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Finance the reason flat rate expenses (details supplied) have been removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46683/18]
View answer170. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Finance the expected saving from removing flat rate expenses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46684/18]
View answer171. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Finance the changes to flat rate expenses by the Revenue Commissioners at all grades made in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46685/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158, 164 and 169 to 171, inclusive, together.
The legislation governing the deductibility of expenses incurred in employment is set out in section 114 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA), which provides that for an expense to qualify as a deduction against income from an office or employment, the expense must be wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the office or employment.
Revenue have advised that they operate the flat rate expense regime on a concessionary basis. They do so where both a specific commonality of expenditure exists across an employment category and the statutory requirement for the tax deduction as set out in section 114 of the TCA is satisfied, namely, the expenses to be covered by the flat rate amount are wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the office or employment.
The flat rate expense is agreed following engagement between Revenue and the relevant representative body for the particular group of employees who incur the same expense. This regime developed incrementally over the last 40 to 50 years, and currently incorporates some 53 employment categories covering broadly 134 individual flat rate expenses. A primary advantage of this regime is that it provides an efficient and transparent mechanism for a significant number of PAYE workers (over 536,000 in 2018), who incur a similar expense in the course of their employment duties, to obtain tax relief in respect of the expense without having to submit annual claims to Revenue. It also gives rise to efficiencies for Revenue by reducing the administrative cost of processing large volumes of identical claims for similar groups of employees.
Given the historic nature of some of the flat rate expenses and having regard to changes in employment circumstances, regulations and work practices across employments, Revenue commenced a comprehensive review of flat rate expenses this year. The purpose of the review, which is in line with best practice and good corporate governance, is to ensure the expenses agreed are still justified and appropriate to modern day employments and work practices and are in accordance with the legislative requirement for deduction as set out in section 114 of the TCA. Arising from the review, there may be an adjustment to the quantum of particular flat rate expenses. The flat rate amount may be increased or decreased or it may be withdrawn by Revenue where the continuation is no longer justified.
The flat rate expense categories initially selected by Revenue for review in 2018 were based on a combination of two factors, the quantum in terms of number of claimants and the value. Revenue advised that they will continue their work in this area during 2019, and any revision to a flat rate expense will be communicated to the relevant representative body involved in the review process. It will also be communicated by Revenue by way of update to the relevant Tax and Duty Manual, which is available on the Revenue website.
The flat rate expense for shop assistants was included in the current review. Revenue have advised that this flat rate expense is now to be withdrawn as they are satisfied that the legislative basis underpinning tax relief for expenses does not justify its continuation. For 2018 there were 75,822 recipients of this particular flat rate expense of €121, which gives rise to a total gross value of €9.1 million.
I am advised by Revenue that the flat rate expense categories listed in the table below will be withdrawn with effect from 1 January 2019. It is not possible for Revenue to accurately quantify the tax saving/cost associated with this withdrawal as it depends on the particular circumstances of the individual recipients.
|
Flat Rate Expense Category |
Flat Rate Expense Amount |
Number of recipients in 2018 |
Total gross value of Flat Rate Expenses - 2018 |
|
Agricultural Advisers |
€671 |
122 |
€81,862 |
|
Cardiac Technician |
€107/€212 |
881 |
€177,535 |
|
Journalist in employment |
€381/ €153 |
8,134 |
€2,255,910 |
|
Professional Valuer in the Valuation Office |
€680 |
42 |
€28,560 |
|
Freelance Actors in employment |
€750 |
682 |
€511,500 |
|
Shop Assistant |
€121 |
75,822 |
€9,174,656 |
Revenue have advised that, outside of the flat rate expenses regime, all employees retain their right to claim a deduction under section 114 of the TCA 1997 in respect of an expense incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the performance of the duties of their employment, to the extent which the expenses are not reimbursed by the employer.
