Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:1 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the way in which he proposes to keep the Dáil advised of developments in his area of responsibility, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Affairs Developments.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:2 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has formed an opinion as to the desirability of establishing a joint committee on Foreign Affairs.
Nora Owen
Ceist:103 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which he intends keeping the Dáil informed on developments in his Department other than through Question Time, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 103 together.
I would like to put on record my commitment to ensuring that opportunities are provided for regular, detailed and well-informed Dáil discussion of developments in the Department's area of responsibility.
I believe that an Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs would help to promote this kind of discussion and the Taoiseach and myself are well disposed towards the establishment of such a committee. In my view, the existing Joint Committee on the Secondary Legislation of the European Communities, in their seventh report published last February, made a persuasive case for establishing a new committee with wider terms of reference.
The Taoiseach indicated in the Dáil on 18 February that proposals in relation to a Foreign Affairs committee will be brought forward shortly. The terms of reference of such a committee will be a matter for the Oireachtas and there will be an opportunity for discussion with other parties in this House before decisions are taken. This may be done through the Whips.
Apart from any decision that may be taken in relation to an Oireachtas committee, I envisage keeping the Dáil fully informed of developments in my area of responsibility through Question Time and through statements to the Dáil on appropriate occasions. The Department will also continue to publish the six-monthly report on developments in the European Communities and the annual report on Ireland's Official Development Assistance.
As somebody who spent a long time on the back benches I assure the House I will give any Senator or Deputy every facility and co-operation either personally or through the Department.
May I take the opportunity on the first occasion Deputy Andrews, after his long experience on the back benches, is answering questions as Minister for Foreign Affairs to congratulate him on his appointment and wish him every success in his new career. My good wishes are genuinely meant.
Arising from the Minister's reply, I congratulate him on taking the ball on the hop from the Opposition's demand for the setting up of a Foreign Affairs committee. I am very glad the Minister has accepted the idea in principle. I wish to see this committee set up with the minimum delay. Will the Minister assure us that he will consult with the Opposition on the terms of reference of the proposed committee? Bearing in mind our experience on other committees of the House will the Minister ensure that the committee have the power to send for persons, papers and records and also have the power to engage and remunerate advisers to assist in a particular field of inquiry if the committee so decide?
I thank the Deputy for his kind words, they are very much appreciated. Consultations in advance of any such committee being established will be held through the party Whips. Naturally the terms of reference could be discussed in the context of any such consultations.
First, I congratulate Deputy Andrews on his appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Let me place on the record of the House that he brings to his appointment a recognised experience and interest in human rights.
I welcome the setting up of a committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Minister will agree I have had an interest in this area for some time. On consultations on the appropriate terms of reference, will the Minister favour the strong end of the spectrum of a Foreign Affairs committee rather than the weakened, as for example the Foreign Affairs committee of the House of Lords? Even if the committee were to fall short of the powers of the Danish Committee on Foreign Affairs I ask the Minister to consider striking the balance towards the Danish rather than the British end of the spectrum. Will the Minister comment on his personal orientation to such a suggestion?
I am very appreciative of the kind remarks of my colleague in Opposition. I have known him in his professional role as Labour spokesman on Foreign Affairs and I have accompanied him on foreign travel on other issues, in particular human rights.
On the question of the orientation and terms of reference of the committee, it would be helpful if Deputy Higgins would discuss his views with his party Whip so that they can be discussed during the consultation process on the terms of reference. We would benefit greatly from his experience and wisdom in this area.