Damien English
Ceist:11 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the progress being achieved on the European Union near neighbour policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10039/04]
Written Answers.
The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies received from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 10, inclusive, answered orally.
European Neighbourhood Policy.
At its meeting in October 2003, the General Affairs and External Relations Council invited the Commission and the High Representative, Mr Solana, to present detailed proposals on "action plans" early in 2004 under the European Neighbourhood Policy, ENP, in order to take the matter forward by June 2004. The Council decided that the first package of "action plans" would cover Ukraine, Russia and Moldova to the east and Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan and Israel, as well as the Palestinian Authority.
The Commission has held the first technical consultations with some partner countries in January-February 2004 on the key features and goals of the "action plans". These will be agreed political documents with partner countries and joint ownership of the plans is a key element for their success.
The guiding parameters for the ENP are now being finalised by member states and the Commission, in close co-operation with the High Representative. The Commission intends to adopt a further strategy paper in May and further discussion on the "action plans" is envisaged in the relevant Council bodies. Further consultations with partner countries will be held as appropriate.
Once these discussions have concluded, it is intended to have those "action plans" which are ready and the overall ENP strategy approved by the Council in June 2004.
Foreign Relations.
Dan Neville
Ceist:12 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the bilateral economic relations between Chile and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9995/04]
Ireland's bilateral economic relations with Chile are well established and continue to evolve. Chile, like Ireland, is a small open economy that has enjoyed increasing prosperity driven by the strong promotion of trade. Ireland and Chile are both very dependent on foreign trade, and growing economic links are an important part of developing a mutually beneficial relationship.
In 2003 Ireland's total merchandise trade with Chile was worth just over €80 million. This is the highest level of trade ever reached between Ireland and Chile and represents a more than four-fold increase in trade since 1990. The balance of trade in 2003 was slightly in Ireland's favour with exports to Chile valued at just over €42 million and imports from Chile worth just over €38 million.
President McAleese has just completed a State visit to South America which included Chile. The President was accompanied by a trade mission organised by Enterprise Ireland. The mission was comprised of 14 companies from a variety of sectors, all of whom were eager to develop business relationships with their Chilean counterparts.
In addition to Irish companies increasing their sales to Chile, there is also scope for Irish and Chilean companies to join forces in opening up new market opportunities both across South America and in other regions where Chile is successfully doing business. Similarly, Ireland offers excellent opportunities to Chilean companies which are seeking business partnerships in product development, marketing and sourcing in the newly expanded European Union.
The visit of President McAleese follows the State visit of President Lagos of Chile to Ireland last summer. These visits are important steps in forging new business partnerships between our two countries.
Ireland is looking to conclude a double taxation agreement with Chile. At present a team from the Revenue Commissioners is in Chile conducting the opening round of negotiations on such an agreement. The existence of a double taxation agreement will encourage both trade and investment between our two countries.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:13 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the British-Irish interdepartmental co-ordinators group last met; its purpose and functions; its programme of work for 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4776/04]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the group which meets to co-ordinate the Irish position on the work of the British-Irish Council. In this context officials from relevant Irish Government Departments meet as appropriate to consult and liaise on the ongoing programme of work of the BIC, established under Strand Three of the Good Friday Agreement. The group is chaired by officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Department of the Taoiseach and other Departments which are involved in the Council's programme, including the Departments of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Social and Family Affairs, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Health and Children, are represented. The most recent meeting of the group took place in February 2004.
The British-Irish Council's current programme of work includes a number of priority areas as agreed at the inaugural BIC summit in December 1999. These include the important area of misuse of drugs where the Irish Government takes the lead role, with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs co-ordinating the work.
The Government also participates in all of the other areas of work within the British-Irish Council including environment, social inclusion, knowledge economy, transport, health — telemedicine, tourism, and minority and lesser-used languages. The next BIC summit is currently scheduled to take place later this year in Guernsey, focusing on tourism. Ministerial and official meetings in a number of other priority areas are also planned in the coming months.
The Government remains committed to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and to the successful operation of all of its institutions.
Dialogue Among Civilisations.
Joe Costello
Ceist:14 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland, as President of the EU, or in its own right, will be holding a regional conference on Islam and the western world as part of its preparation for the Dialogue Between Civilisations initiative of the United Nations. [9898/04]
There are no plans to organise such a conference. The Government favours continuing dialogue among cultures in order to improve mutual understanding. The United Nations General Assembly designated 2001 as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilisations. Ireland played its part in this initiative when it hosted in Dublin on 30 and 31 May 2001 a meeting of the group of eminent persons who had been appointed by the United Nations Secretary General to report on the dialogue among civilisations process. Important progress was made by the group at its Dublin meeting in preparing the groundbreaking report that was submitted to the United Nations General Assembly. This report led to the General Assembly adopting a global agenda for dialogue among civilisations unanimously in November 2001. This agenda is intended to promote dialogue so as to reduce misunderstandings and mistrust and bring about the basis for non-violent resolution of disagreements and potential conflicts.
In November 2001, the group of eminent persons that Secretary General Annan had appointed to consider this matter issued a report, Crossing the Divide: Dialogue Among Civilisations. This was not a UN document per se and did not contain recommendations but rather observations about new trends which would assist the process of dialogue. The report contended that diversity was an aspect of humanity to be celebrated and urged that dialogue be seen as a soft tool of diplomacy. As noted by the Secretary General’s Personal Representative on the issue, Giandomenico Picco, dialogue was an opposing force to terrorism which equated diversity with enmity. Subsequently Secretary General Annan issued his own report to the General Assembly which inter alia restated the critical importance of dialogue among civilisations as a means of preventing conflict.
The General Assembly discussed the report on 8-9 November 2001 and on 9 December adopted Resolution 56/6 on the Global Agenda for Dialogue Among Civilisations which inter alia stated the valuable contribution that dialogue among civilisations could make to improved awareness and understanding of common values shared by all mankind and set out a general programme of action. Secretary General Annan is to report later this year on the implementation of this programme of action. The work begun by that initiative has since been carried through in other fora. The EU has played its part in furthering dialogue. One specific initiative being undertaken by the EU is the Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for a Dialogue of Cultures. One of the foundation’s guiding principles notes that “the values of dialogue, tolerance and respect for the other, which are common to all religions, constitute an important factor in bringing closer together cultures and civilisations.” Ireland announced at the sixth Euro-Mediterranean meeting of Foreign Ministers, held in Naples on 2 and 3 December, a financial contribution of €100,000 to the Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue of Cultures.
In addition, Ireland has carried forward the EU's proposed Strategy on the Mediterranean and Middle East. Last week in Brussels, the Presidency presented to the European Council an interim report on the policy. The principles outlined in this report will form the basis of consultations with the countries of the region in coming weeks, which have begun with the visit to the region by me this past Monday. We will continue to build on these contacts at opportunities such as the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership Mid-Term Ministerial Meeting on 5 and 6 May and the EU ministerial meeting with the Gulf Co-operation Council, GCC, on 18 May.
Our relations with our partners in the region have been built on consultation. I believe that for this policy to succeed, it must be based on transparency, dialogue and consultation. The Union must work in full partnership with the countries of the region to help it meet the challenges facing it. Our goal should be to create a common zone of peace, prosperity and progress.
Foreign Conflicts.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:15 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the necessity of differentiating between the war in Iraq and multilateral support within the European Union and the United Nations community for a concerted approach towards dealing with terrorism on the world scale. [10105/04]
For Ireland, as indeed for several other members of the EU, it was a matter of greatest regret that the Iraqi crisis reached a point where military conflict began. This is exactly the outcome which we had worked to avoid during our time on the Security Council. The Government has consistently opposed the use of force, except as a last resort after all other possible means have been tried and failed.
There are different viewpoints on the compatibility of the war on Iraq with United Nations resolutions. The letter of 20 March 2003 from the US Permanent Representative to the President of the Security Council stated that "in view of Iraqi material breaches, the basis for the ceasefire has been removed and the use of force is authorised under Resolution 678". There is, therefore, no international legal consensus on this issue. Hence, the Government underlined at the time the overriding political need for a further resolution and for absolute clarity that the way forward was, to partially quote from the Deputy's question, through multilateral support within the United Nations community.
In the wider context of dealing with terrorism, the Government strongly supports a concerted approach within the EU and the broader international community in tackling the problem of terrorism as an issue in its own right
Middle East Peace Process.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:16 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9990/04]
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:58 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the Israeli assassination of Sheikh Yassin constitutes a breach of the human rights clause contained in Article 2 of the EU Association Agreement with Israel; if he has raised or will raise this issue with his European colleagues; the action he proposes to be taken by the EU; the action he proposes to be taken by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9966/04]
Joan Burton
Ceist:103 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is concerned at the failure of the Government of the United States to condemn the assassination by Israeli forces of the Hamas leader, Sheik Ahmed Yassin. [9893/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 58, and 103 together.
The position of Ireland on the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin was fully reflected in the statement agreed by the Foreign Ministers of the European Union and acceding countries during their meeting on the day of the killing. Foreign Ministers condemned the particular killing and recalled the position of the European Union on extra-judicial killings in general. In their statement they said:
The European Union has repeatedly condemned the terrorist atrocities committed by Hamas which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israelis. The EU recognises Israel's right to protect its citizens against terrorist attacks. Israel is entitled to do this under international law. Israel is not, however, entitled to carry out extra-judicial killings. Furthermore, the assassination which has just been carried out has inflamed the situation. The Council called on all sides to exercise restraint and to refrain from acts of violence, which will only lead to more deaths and will put a peaceful settlement still further from reach.
The contents of the Foreign Ministers' statement were conveyed to the Israeli authorities immediately.
The complete opposition of Ireland to extra-judicial killings is well known. Extra-judicial killings are in contravention of international law and do nothing to increase security or advance the peace process and this is also the position of the European Union. The Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel commits both sides to conduct their relations on the basis of respect for human rights and democratic principles. The policy of extra-judicial killing calls into question Israel's commitment to this element of the Association Agreement. The concerns of the European Union about Israeli conduct were raised by the Foreign Ministers of the European Union with Israel during the last Association Council in November.
I have noted the reactions of a number of United States representatives to this assassination. Like the European Union, the United States is firmly opposed to extra-judicial killings. As far as I am aware there has been no change in that position. It is the sovereign right of each country to decide how it wishes to express its position.
Spanish Elections.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:17 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the attempts by pro-militaristic tendencies in the European Union and the media to construe the democratic victory of Senor Zapatero in Spain as appeasement of terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9899/04]
The elections in Spain were undoubtedly free and fair and the outcome reflects the democratic will of the Spanish people. Ireland's approach to the savage attack on Madrid was one of sympathy and solidarity with the people of Spain, reflected in particular in the attendance by the Taoiseach at the service of remembrance in Madrid on 23 March. Our response to this attack, which was not just an attack on Spain but all our democracies, was to ensure that there was a comprehensive response at EU level. To this end, the Presidency proposed a package of measures for consideration by our partners and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform convened a special meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers on 19 March to take this work forward. This was followed by further work on the proposals by Foreign Ministers under the Minister for Foreign Affairs' chairmanship on 22 March, which resulted in final agreement on the very substantive declaration on counter-terrorism at the specially scheduled discussion of EU Heads of State or Government at the European Council on 25 March under the Taoiseach's chairmanship.
By these actions Ireland, as EU Presidency, and all our EU partners demonstrated our solidarity with the people of Spain in response to this terrorist attack. The Government rejects the cheap and misleading suggestions to which the Deputy is referring, as I am sure do most Members of the House. The people of Spain have endured much over the years and to falsely attribute such motives to their free and fair democratic decision does them and democracy a serious disservice.
We look forward to working with the new Spanish Government when it takes office and to continuing the good relations that we enjoy with Spain.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:18 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of peace process talks held at Hillsborough Castle on 23 March 2004; if he will make a comment on the position with regard to the Northern Ireland peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9977/04]
Following a meeting between the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair at Farmleigh on 11 March, the two leaders met with the political parties elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly at Hillsborough Castle on 23 March in an effort to collectively find a way to resolve the current political impasse. Trilateral meetings were held with the DUP, the SDLP, the UUP, Alliance, the PUP and Sinn Féin. The Government also held a bilateral meeting with Sinn Féin. During our meetings we listened carefully to the views of each of the parties and their proposals for addressing the current difficulties. Both Governments also made it clear that there were two crux and related issues which needed to be resolved in order for progress to be made. As we have stated on a number of occasions in recent months, these outstanding issues are: the achievement of final closure in relation to all forms of paramilitarism from all quarters and a commitment from all the parties to the full operation of stable and inclusive political institutions.
In addition, both Governments have acknowledged the need to continue to meet their commitments in regard to the full implementation of the Agreement, particularly in the areas of rights and equality. Work on this agenda is being actively advanced throughthe framework of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
Mindful of the need to restore confidence in the process, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair at Hillsborough clearly stated their preference to see early progress on the key issues, and preferably before the local and European elections in June. Both Governments will remain in close contact with all the parties over the coming weeks to advance all opportunities for progress, including through the ongoing review of the operation of the Agreement.
Middle East Peace Process.
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:19 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recently published Amnesty International report, Israel and the Occupied Territories — the Place of the Fence/Wall in International Law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10000/04]
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:68 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects that the International Court of Justice will issue its advisory opinion as requested by the General Assembly of the United Nations in regard to the construction of a wall by the Israeli authorities in the occupied Palestinian territories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9903/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 68 together.
The International Court of Justice has now received all written submissions from interested parties and has heard the oral submissions. The court has indicated that it will deliver its advisory opinion expeditiously, due to the importance of the matter. It is for the court alone to determine the schedule of its deliberations. No date for delivery of the opinion has been set but my understanding is that it may be delivered to the General Assembly of the United Nations some time between the end of May and the middle of July.
I am aware of the Amnesty International report to which the Deputy refers. The question of the consequences of the construction of the separation barrier in international law is the subject of deliberation by the International Court of Justice at present.
Ireland's views on the illegality of the construction are well known. In October 2003 Ireland and our European Union partners sponsored a resolution in the General Assembly of the United Nations demanding "that Israel stop and reverse the construction of the wall in the occupied Palestinian Territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, which is in departure of the armistice line of 1949 and is in contradiction of relevant provisions of international law."
Ireland also made a written submission to the International Court of Justice to assist in its deliberations on the advisory opinion sought by the General Assembly of the United Nations. In our submission we argued that the construction of the wall in departure from the armistice line was illegal.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:20 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the report he has received from the British authorities of the circumstances in which a person was kidnapped from a public house in Belfast and violently assaulted on Friday, 20 February 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9910/04]
As the Taoiseach informed the House on 25 February, it was the view of the Northern Ireland security forces that by ramming the vehicle the PSNI had saved the individual's life. At that time it was the clear view of the Chief Constable that the people involved in the incident were members of the Provisional IRA. This view was subsequently confirmed at senior official level at a meeting convened by the secretariat of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. Four individuals are now before the courts facing serious criminal charges as a result of this incident.
In response, and reflecting its seriousness, the Irish and British Governments issued a joint statement which expressed our deep concern at the serious impact it had on the Review of the Good Friday Agreement. Both Governments made clear that the achievement of a sustainable basis for political progress in Northern Ireland requires a full and a permanent cessation of all paramilitary activity. We also made clear that the core issues of completion of the transition to exclusively democratic means and securing the commitment of all parties to stable political institutions are inextricably linked. Both Governments are now determined to intensify our engagement with the parties to achieve this end.
In the joint statement the Governments reported that they had asked the Independent Monitoring Commission to examine these events in the context of its first report and to bring that report forward from July. As the Deputy is aware, the two Governments established the Independent Monitoring Commission with the purpose of ensuring compliance with a number of key commitments to the Agreement. The two Governments have asked the IMC to consider the events of 20 February in the context of the preparation of its first report. This report is expected to cover all incidents and activities within its remit since the commission was established in early January, and will now be issued early next month.
Diplomatic Representation.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:21 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reasons Ireland has established diplomatic relations with Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9979/04]
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:66 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the matters discussed recently at meetings held between the Government and Dr. Sein Win, Burmese Prime Minister in exile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9980/04]
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:73 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reasons underlying the Government’s decision to establish diplomatic relations with the military regime in Myanmar/Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10077/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 66 and 73 together.
The decision to establish diplomatic relations with Burma/Myanmar was taken in the context of Ireland's current Presidency of the European Union, and the need for Ireland, as EU Presidency, to be in a position to deal directly with the Burmese authorities. Of the other EU member states, only Luxembourg does not have diplomatic relations with Burma.
Our previous reticence over appointing an ambassador to Burma, however satisfying it may have been as a gesture of disapproval, manifestly had no effect on the behaviour of the Burmese authorities. As Presidency of the EU we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to speak to the Burmese authorities on behalf of the EU. We will in particular demand the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and other political prisoners, the participation of the National League for Democracy in the forthcoming national convention, a timetable for progress towards democracy and an improvement in the human rights situation in Burma.
Our ambassador designate visited Burma from 23 to 25 February. The ambassador used this opportunity to convey our views to the Burmese Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, whom he met along with other EU heads of mission. He also met with five members of the central executive committee of the National League for Democracy and with representatives of Burma's ethnic nationalities. This visit, and the access the ambassador gained, confirmed the practical value of the Government's decision to establish diplomatic relations.
Both Ireland and the EU are strongly critical of serious and persistent human rights abuses, the lack of fundamental freedoms and the absence of political progress in Burma. The EU Common Position on Burma, which provides for a visa ban on members of the regime and a freeze on all their financial assets in the European Union, is due to expire on 29 April 2004. Ireland, together with our EU partners, will discuss in due course what revisions in the Common Position, if any, may be necessary in view of developments in Burma.
On 26 March, Mr. Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, addressed the current session of the Commission on Human Rights. Mr. Pinheiro, who said that he had been unable to visit Burma before the session, confirmed that the authorities have now agreed in principle to his next visit. In his statement, he recalled the events of 30 May 2003 as a setback for the overall human rights situation in Burma and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained or put under house arrest. In particular Mr. Pinheiro sought the restoration of freedom for Aung San Suu Kyi and the three members of the NLD Central Executive Committee.
Ireland continues to work with Burma's Asian neighbours to encourage them to bring their influence to bear on Rangoon. For example, the question of Burma was on the agenda for the EU Ministerial Troika to India of 16 February and was discussed during the troikas at political director level with China on 26 February and Japan on 27 February. The EU's concerns will feature in discussions at the ASEM Foreign Ministers' meeting in April 2004, which the Minister for Foreign Affairs will host in Kildare.
At the request of Burma Action Ireland, I met with Dr Sein Win, head of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, who was in Ireland from 4 to 8 March 2004 as part of a tour of European cities. I took the opportunity that our meeting provided to update Dr. Win on the background to the establishment of diplomatic relations with Burma/Myanmar and I undertook to keep Burma Action Ireland informed of any further developments in our diplomatic relations with Burma/Myanmar. We discussed the best way to promote a return to democracy in Burma/Myanmar, including through the European Union's relations with Burma/Myanmar's neighbours, and in this regard I noted that Burma/Myanmar had been on the agendas of Troika meetings with India, China and Japan in the first two months of Ireland's Presidency. Dr. Win raised the possibility of engagement with education projects for Burmese children and I invited him to contact my officials in this regard.
Our goals continue to be the return of democracy to Burma, an end to human rights violations, and the realisation of peace and prosperity for the long-suffering people of Burma. We believe that the appointment of an ambassador to Burma enlarges the platform from which Ireland can and will seek to promote these goals, goals which are also shared widely in the international community.
Foreign Conflicts.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:22 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s view of recent developments in Haiti and the ousting of President Aristide; if the Government has recognised the new regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9919/04]
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:79 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an account of the situation in Haiti; and if he will make a statement on the matter [10021/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 79 together.
The parliamentary elections of May 2000, which returned a majority for President Aristide's Lavalas party, were judged by international observers to be marred by fraud and consequently the opposition declined to participate in the presidential elections of November 2000. President Aristide was returned by default for a second term. As a result of the fraudulent elections, all EU aid, with the exception of aid for strictly humanitarian purposes, was suspended under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group. The EU considered that Haiti had violated democratic principles, an essential element of the agreement and indicated that it was not prepared to resume aid until Haiti had met the conditions established by the Organisation of American States, OAS, which was closely involved in attempts to facilitate discussions between the Government and the opposition.
The political stalemate between President Aristide and the constitutional opposition continued. In February 2004 violent disturbances broke out. The Caribbean Community, CARICOM, with the support of the OAS, the US, Canada and the EU, led high-level efforts to restore stability and governability through a "Prior Action Plan" which involved a series of confidence-building measures. Unfortunately, these efforts failed. On 29 February President Aristide signed a letter of resignation and left the country. In accordance with the Haitian constitution, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Boniface Alexandre, was sworn in as interim head of state. He immediately asked the UN Security Council to deploy an international security force. On the same day the Security Council adopted Resolution 1529, which inter alia authorised the deployment of a multinational interim force, MIF, for no more than three months; declared its readiness to establish a follow-on United Nations Stabilisation Force; and called on UN member states to support the constitutional succession and political process under way in Haiti and requested the Secretary General to elaborate a programme of action to assist the constitutional political process, support the humanitarian and economic assistance and promote human rights and the rule of law.
A 3,400-strong force is currently deployed in Haiti, composed of troops from the USA, France, Canada and Chile. Following an initial focus on securing key sites in Port-au-Prince, troops have now begun to move beyond the capital. The security situation is slowly stabilising but remains very difficult because of the absence of an effective local police force.
Political progress is under way. On 9 March, a seven-member council of elders — composed of representatives of civil society, the churches and the political parties — nominated Gérard Latortue, a former Foreign Minister, as interim Prime Minister. Mr Latortue then appointed his interim government which was sworn in by President Alexandre on 17 March.
Ireland and its EU partners have welcomed the formation of the interim Government, which now gives reason to hope for substantial progress in establishing democracy and the rule of law, so that the country can break out of the political deadlock experienced in recent years and regain the stability for which it yearns. We have also welcomed Prime Minister Latortue's statements in support of national reconciliation, which we consider to be essential to Haiti's development. Ireland and its EU partners are also working to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Haiti, in close co-operation with the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The UN has sought the assistance of the international community in raising the budget of $35 million which it has identified as being necessary to meet urgent humanitarian needs and to establish the basis for recovery for the Haitian people over the next six months. The Government has announced a contribution of €500,000 in response to this.
The challenge now for Haiti is to organise free and fair elections for a government which will be not only elected democratically but will also then go on to govern with full respect for democratic norms and the rule of law. Ireland and its EU partners will support all measures that seek to promote and uphold democratic principles, working in close co-operation with other interested states and organisations such as the UN, the OAS and CARICOM. The European Commission is expected to shortly examine whether conditions are appropriate for a progressive reactivation of all instruments of development co-operation.
Arms Trade.
Joan Burton
Ceist:23 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government is in favour of the adoption of an international arms trade treaty at the UN Arms Conference in 2006, in view of the fact that such a treaty would prevent the export of arms where they might contribute to violations of human rights and humanitarian law. [9894/04]
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:33 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will endorse the Control Arms joint campaign of Oxfam and Amnesty International; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9984/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 33 together.
I understand that the primary objective of the Control Arms campaign launched by Amnesty International, Oxfam and International Action Network on Small Arms, IANSA, is to take action to prevent the proliferation and misuse of arms, through the adoption of minimum standards for the control of arms transfers.
I support the principle of having legally binding international agreements on the control of arms exports, with as wide a participation as possible. This is particularly important with respect to small arms and light weapons. Ireland is committed to working with others to ensure that the illicit trafficking of such weapons is dealt with effectively by the international community.
While work on the drafting of the text of the proposed international arms trade treaty is still ongoing, it is a promising initiative and I commend the NGOs concerned for their efforts. An official of my Department participated in a conference held last November at Cambridge University in England, the purpose of which was to examine the text of the proposed treaty. I understand that the text is currently being re-examined from a legal perspective by those NGOs involved in the arms control campaign who met last month in Costa Rica and that as a consequence of those discussions revisions to the text may be made.
I also understand that the UN Arms Conference in 2006 will review progress made under the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, which was agreed in 2001. The remit of the proposed international arms trade treaty is not confined to small arms and light weapons but also currently includes heavy weapons. Pending finalisation of the text of the proposed draft treaty and clarification of its focus, it would be premature to consider what actions would be appropriate in 2006. Ireland will, however, continue to be associated with the process and will closely monitor developments.
The proposed treaty is currently under discussion within the EU. Discussions have taken place at working group level, most recently earlier this month, and will continue during Ireland's Presidency of the EU.
Situation in Uganda.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:24 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the findings of an investigation by the International Criminal Court into serious crimes committed in Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10006/04]
I take it the Deputy is referring to the recent announcement by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr Luis Moreno Ocampo, that Uganda has referred to him the situation concerning the activities of the Lord's Resistance Army in northern Uganda. In accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute, it now falls to the prosecutor to evaluate the information made available to him, and then to decide whether to initiate an investigation. The prosecutor has indicated that a formal announcement of the initiation of an investigation, which will concern all relevant crimes allegedly committed in the territory of Uganda, will take place shortly. As yet, however, no "findings" have been made by the ICC in relation to crimes allegedly committed in Uganda.
In investigating a situation, the prosecutor will seek to establish whether there is sufficient evidence to charge particular persons with crimes falling within the scope of statute. Any decision as to guilt or innocence of any individuals charged is then a matter for the judges of the International Criminal Court in accordance with the Rome Statute of the ICC.
In view of the likelihood of an investigation being undertaken, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the situation in northern Uganda. However, I express my conviction that any investigation conducted by the Prosecutor of the ICC will illustrate the integrity and independence of that institution.
General Affairs Council.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:25 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his participation in and the outcome of the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 and 23 March 2004. [9920/04]
On behalf of the Presidency I chaired the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on 22 March 2004. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Roche, attended the Council as the Irish national representative.
In advance of the Council, the Minister of State appeared before the Joint Committee on European Affairs on Friday, 19 March 2004, to review the Council's agenda. Following the Council, my Department forwarded the relevant conclusions prepared by the Council Secretariat to the committee for information. These are also available on the following Internet address: www.ue.eu.int/newsroom/indexem.htm.
In accordance with its usual practice, the Council met in two sessions, one dealing with general affairs and the other dealing with external relations. During the session on general affairs, the Council took note of the resolutions, decisions and opinions recently adopted by the European Parliament and also took note of the standard Presidency report on the progress of work in other Council configurations. The Council also considered the Presidency's draft annotated agenda for the European Council of 25 to 26 March. The principal items in the draft annotated agenda were the Lisbon Strategy, the IGC, terrorism and the international situation.
The Council addressed a wide range of issues in the session on external relations and adopted conclusions in relation to the Middle East, the EU Strategic Partnership with the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Iran, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and the Western Balkans. Ministers had an in-depth discussion on the situation in Kosovo following the recent outbreak of ethnically-motivated violence. The Council reiterated its commitment to the development of a stable, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo, and its support for the efforts of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Harri Holkeri, and the standards before status process.
Ministers adopted an interim report on the EU Strategic Partnership with the Mediterranean and the Middle East. They condemned the extra-judicial killing of Hamas leader, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, and seven other Palestinians by Israeli forces. The Council held a discussion on Iran in light of the recent meeting of the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA. Ministers considered the approach which the Union will adopt at the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva. Ministers reviewed the preparations for the forthcoming Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers' meeting in Ireland. In addition, the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement with Russia and the situation in Haiti were discussed under any other business.
A ministerial meeting with the Council of Europe took place in the margins of the General Affairs and External Relations Council at which a number of issues of interest to the EU and the Council of Europe were discussed.
European Constitution.
Pat Breen
Ceist:26 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the outcome of the tripartite summit of France, Germany and the United Kingdom on 18 February 2004; if he is concerned at the development of a two-speed Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10009/04]
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:42 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give his assessment of the prospects of concluding negotiations on a new treaty or constitution for the European Union during the period of the Irish Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9908/04]
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:48 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the progress made in negotiations on an EU constitution, in particular the 20 outstanding issues that he recently cited for the negotiations on the EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5891/04]
Richard Bruton
Ceist:64 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the proposals put forward by the de Borda Institute towards a preference voting system for the Council of Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10014/04]
Joe Higgins
Ceist:84 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will argue for the retention of the national veto in international trade agreements in the fields of health, education, cultural and audio-visual services, to be included in the draft EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter [4403/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:97 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the EU is progressing in a cohesive manner with the various treaties and that a two speed or inner core Europe is not emerging; and if he will make a statement on the matter [10051/04]
Dan Boyle
Ceist:131 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the views on Mr Jean-Didier Hache, executive secretary of the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions’ Islands Commission, who has said that the rights of 13 million people living in offshore and remote locations must be recognised in the proposed constitution for the European Union. [7722/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:135 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to ratification of a European Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10288/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 42, 48, 64, 84, 97, 131 and 135 together.
For my general assessment of the situation in the Intergovernmental Conference, I refer Deputies to my reply to Question No. 5.
A major outstanding question in the IGC is the definition of qualified majority voting. A wide range of proposals has been put forward on this issue from member states and third parties, including that advanced by the de Borda Institute, on a preference voting system for the Council of Ministers. In our Presidency report to the European Council, we made clear our belief "that a solution, if it is to command consensus, must be based on the principle of double majority, must allow for greater efficiency in decision-making than the provisions in the current Treaties, and must have due regard to balance among all Member States and to their specific concerns."
As a participant in the IGC, the Government has, with a small number of other member states, supported the retention of unanimity in decision-making on international agreements under the Common Commercial Policy in the areas of health, education and social services. The draft constitutional treaty as it stands provides for unanimity in respect of culture and audio-visual services. As Presidency, it is our task to seek to achieve an overall balanced outcome which is acceptable to all member states.
The Government is aware of the views expressed by the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions on the rights of those living in offshore and remote locations. The draft constitutional treaty includes a number of provisions both of a general and specific nature that can help address the concerns expressed. In particular Article III-116, which deals with economic, social and territorial cohesion, states that: "the Union shall aim at reducing disparities between the levels of development of the various regions and the backwardness of the least favoured regions or islands, including rural areas".
The question of the ratification of the constitutional treaty will be for each member state to decide in accordance with its constitutional requirements. In the case of Ireland, I expect that ratification of the constitutional treaty will require a referendum.
My strong view is that as the European Union continues to enlarge, moving forward together is the best way for Europe to advance. This view is widely shared across the Union and is reflected both in the positive outcome of the European Council and in the collegiate spirit of that meeting.
As was made clear at the time, the Government had no difficulty with the tripartite summit between France, Germany and the United Kingdom on 18 February. It should be noted that the meeting was not the first such summit between the three states and that there are also a number of other groups of member and accession states that meet on a regular basis. As the Union grows, the importance of such bilateral and multilateral contacts will grow. There is also scope in the treaties for enhanced co-operation among groups of member states. What is important is that the structures and procedures of the Union and the interests of all member states are respected.
EU-US Summit.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:27 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the issues on the agenda for the EU-US Summit in June 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10073/04]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:85 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the approach that he will take to improve the EU-US relationship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9997/04]
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:90 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if details have now been confirmed for the planned EU-US summit to be attended by President Bush at the end of June 2004; if a location has been agreed; the likely agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9901/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 85 and 90 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Questions Nos. 2, 4 and 6 today on the same issue.
Irish Citizenship.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:28 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received any representations from any other EU country suggesting that the current right to Irish citizenship of anyone born on the island of Ireland was being abused by residents of their country or that the law or the Constitution should be changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9906/04]
I have not received any such representations. The substantive issues referred to by the Deputy are matters for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
EU-US Summit.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:29 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the US authorities have requested permission to bring special weapons, such as the so-called mini-gun, to accompany President Bush on his visit here; and if so, the Government’s views on the request. [9302/04]
Joe Costello
Ceist:104 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has received any request for diplomatic immunity for US personnel who may visit here as part of the entourage of President George Bush during the planned EU-US summit; if any such request has been for security personnel; the terms of the immunity sought; and if the Government intends to provide it. [9902/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 104 together.
The security of visiting Heads of State is the responsibility of the Garda Síochána and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on operational security issues. I can confirm that no such requests have been received or are expected to be made for immunity.
EU-China Relations.
David Stanton
Ceist:30 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether Tibet is an integral part of China; if the pursuit of a one-China policy has been discussed by the EU in the context of Ireland’s Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9982/04]
The European security strategy was adopted by the European Council on 12 December 2003. It includes a recommendation that a strategic partnership be developed between the EU and China. In view of our respective international roles and increasing political and economic weight, it is important that the Union and China work together to promote global stability, peace and sustainable development. We must also engage with China on issues such as human rights, on which we have had traditionally differing views.
In 1971 Ireland voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. Since then we have recognised the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate Government of China. Ireland, together with our EU partners, adheres to the one-China policy and recognises Tibet as an integral part of China.
Discussions on EU relations with China, and the situation in Tibet, have been ongoing at every level in the first three months of our Presidency. Most recently I held useful discussions on these issues with Mr. Zhang Yesui, Vice-Foreign Minister of China, on the occasion of his visit to Dublin on 12 March 2004.
The Union's long-standing one-China policy was discussed among EU Foreign Ministers in October 2003. The General Affairs and External Relations Council welcomed and generally endorsed the Commission policy paper entitled A Maturing Partnership — Shared Interests and Challenges in EU-China Relations. It clearly and expressly reaffirmed that the EU continues its one-China policy. The continuing commitment of the EU to the policy was also reiterated at the most recent EU-China Summit that took place in Beijing last October.
In the course of the GAERC discussions last October, the Council welcomed recent efforts by the Chinese Government to put stronger emphasis on sustainability and social issues.At the same time, while acknowledging improvements in relation to the establishment of the rule of law and the development of the legal system, the Council noted that we remained concerned about the significant gap that continues to exist between the human rights problem in China and internationally accepted standards.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, encourages the continuation of the dialogue between the Chinese authorities and representatives of the Dalai Lama. I welcome the statement issued on 10 March 2004 by the Dalai Lama. He expressed the hope that this year may see a significant breakthrough in relations with the Chinese Government. He has instructed his envoys to continue the process of dialogue with Beijing at an early date. Similarly, it is encouraging that the Chinese delegation at the most recent session of the EU-China human rights dialogue, held in Dublin on 26 to 27 February 2004, indicated a willingness, in principle, to continue to meet representatives of the Dalai Lama.
During the recent discussions with Vice-Minister Zhang, we emphasised the importance of dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama on the Tibet issue. We also noted our strong desire for progress and positive developments on this matter given that both sides are now expressing themselves ready to talk.
Nuclear Weapons.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:31 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the possible development of weaponry with a nuclear capability within Iran; and if the matter was discussed during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. [9988/04]
Discussion by the EU on Iran and its nuclear programme took place on a number of occasions during Ireland's Presidency. Last January the General Affairs and External Relations Council had an exchange of views on developments in Iran following a briefing by High Representative Solana on his visit to the country on 12 and 13 January. The Council also examined the matter in February.
Earlier this month Iran was on the GAERC agenda. On 13 March the Council welcomed the adoption, without a vote, of an IAEA board of governors' resolution on Iran's nuclear programme and called on Iran to comply with its provisions.
The Council also welcomed Iran's signature of the IAEA Additional Protocol, recalled that Iran committed itself to act in accordance with its provisions, pending its entry into force, and urged its implementation of an early ratification. The Council also welcomed the decision by Iran on 24 February to extend the scope of its suspension of enrichment related and reprocessing activities, and its confirmation that the suspension applies to all facilities in Iran. Ministers called on Iran to start, in accordance with the decision, immediately, comprehensively and verifiably the full suspension of all such activities and to refrain from all fuel cycle activities that can also be used to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons.
At the same time the Council expressed serious concern that a number of questions on Iran's nuclear programme remain outstanding. It urged Iran to provide full and proactive co-operation with the agency in resolving all such questions in a spirit of full transparency. Ministers agreed to continue their discussions in light of the IAEA Director General El Baradei's next report that is due in May. The report is scheduled for consideration at the meeting of the IAEA board of governors in June.
Ireland supports the EU position on Iran's nuclear programme. It will, with our EU partners, continue to closely monitor the situation.
International Conventions.
Arthur Morgan
Ceist:32 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland did not sign the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families; and if the Government is considering signing it. [8022/04]
Ireland has not signed the convention. In December 1990 it was adopted by the UN General Assembly and it entered into force on 1 July 2003, following its ratification by the requisite 20 states. To date only 22 states have ratified or acceded to it. No EU member state has signed, ratified or indicated an intention to ratify it. The convention has not acquired universal recognition as a standard for the protection of the rights of migrant workers.
Ireland's position on the ratification of international instruments generally, including the convention, is kept under review in light of prevailing circumstances. There is also an ongoing assessment and prioritisation of Ireland's international commitments.
Where Ireland wishes to ratify or accede to an international instrument, the Government must first ensure that our domestic law conforms with the agreement. It must make any necessary legislative changes or be satisfied that none are required before ratification takes place. As signature of an instrument is an indication of an intention to ratify it, the Government would also intend to ratify, and take steps to do so, before signing an international instrument.
My Department examined the convention. In order for Ireland to ratify it significant changes must be made across a wide range of existing legislation, including legislation addressing employment, social welfare provision, education, taxation and electoral law. These changes would have implications for our relations with our EU partners and the acceding states, none of whom have signed or ratified the convention. They have not signalled an intention to do so. There would possibly be implications for the operation of the common travel area between Ireland and the UK. At present there are no plans to introduce changes in the necessary areas before Ireland could ratify or consider signing the convention.
Existing legislation protects the rights of migrant workers and their families. The human rights of migrant workers and their families are also protected under the Constitution and by Ireland's commitments under international human rights instruments to which the State is party.
Question No. 33 answered with QuestionNo. 23.
Foreign Conflicts.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:34 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10005/04]
Security in Iraq remains bleak. I condemned the recent terrorist attacks that caused so many deaths and I reiterate my condemnation. They are an attempt to disrupt the process of restoring sovereignty and stability to Iraq. Recent attacks focused on vulnerable targets with a high risk of civilian casualties, including religious ceremonies, and tried to promote sectarian violence.
Recently there have been some positive political developments. On 8 March Iraq's governing council signed an interim constitution, The Transitional Administrative Law. It will be the supreme law of Iraq during the transition period. It sets out a number of key elements on issues such as religion, fundamental rights and the transitional system of government.
Following this, and in response to the UN Secretary General's report on the holding of elections, the Iraqi governing council invited the UN to assist with the transition process. In a letter dated 17 March it welcomed UN help with the formation of an interim Iraqi Government to which sovereignty will be transferred on 30 June. Preparations for direct elections will be held before the end of January 2005. Secretary-General Annan replied to the invitation saying that he asked his special adviser, Lakhdar Brahimi, and an electoral assistance team to return to Iraq as soon as possible to lend the advice and assistance required. On 24 March the Security Council adopted a presidential statement welcoming the missions of both teams and called on all parties in Iraq to give their co-operation and support.
I support the rapid transfer of power to a democratically elected Iraqi Government. I hope that agreement on the transitional administrative law will lead to the transfer of power to a sovereign Iraq. I welcome the invitation to the UN. A UN role in the transition process is an essential element in its success. I hope that the political transition process will lead to peace and stability in Iraq.
Emigrants Services.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:35 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in regard to the Taoiseach’s statement to the Dáil on 10 March 2004, he will give the number of development officers placed in Irish emigrant communities abroad; the regions to which they have been appointed; the total funding or resources available to the development officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9913/04]
In 2003, 16 welfare organisations primarily in London, Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, received Díon grants as contributions towards the salaries of development workers.
A total of €886,890 in Díon grants was paid to these 16 organisations in 2003. Of this amount, approximately €584,359 was allocated to support the employment of these development workers.
My Department has also provided additional funding to the Federation of Irish Societies in Britain to support a five year capacity building project. This will involve the creations of three posts for community development regional workers, one covering London and the south east, one covering the midlands and the west and the third covering the north and the east.
Foreign Conflicts.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:36 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of the Government’s support for Kosovo and its political future. [10125/04]
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:96 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the increasing tensions in Kosovo. [10024/04]
Joe Sherlock
Ceist:107 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s view of the current problems in Kosova, particularly for minorities, in view of the recent outbreak of ethnic violence. [9917/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to influence EU policy in regard to the ongoing Albanian-Serb-Kosovar tension and violence. [10295/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 96, 107 and 141 together.
Kosovo has stabilised since the violence of 17 and 18 March when at least 19 people were killed and hundreds wounded. It remains very tense. On 23 March two policemen, one an officer serving with the UN in Kosovo and one a member of the Kosovo police service, were shot dead. Over 3,000 people were displaced from their homes, mostly ethnic Serbs, and there has been widespread destruction of property, including private homes and places of worship. The KFOR international peacekeeping force in Kosovo was strengthened significantly in response to the violence. I pay tribute to the Irish contingent in KFOR for its efforts to stabilise the problem and to restore calm.
The EU remains committed to the development of a secure, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999. As Presidency, Ireland reacted strongly to the recent violence. On 17 March I contacted the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Kosovo, Harri Holkeri, and immediately issued an EU Presidency statement calling for calm. This was followed by a statement on behalf of the EU at the UN Security Council public meeting on 18 March. On 22 March I chaired a meeting of GAERC in Brussels and Kosovo was one of the main items on its agenda. The Council condemned the violence and asked High Representative Solana to visit Kosovo as soon as possible and to assess the problem.
On 25 and 26 March the European Council reaffirmed the EU's strong support for Special Representative Holkeri, the UN Mission in Kosovo and KFOR in their determined efforts to stabilise the situation and to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244. It also reconfirmed its support for the policy of standards before status. We must now reassert the primacy of politics in Kosovo and ensure that there is no further descent into ethnic violence.
The EU is agreed that political leaders in Kosovo, especially the Kosovo Albanian leadership, need to take responsibility for the problem and ensure that there is not a repeat of ethnically motivated violence or threats of violence. Those responsible for it must be brought to justice. Kosovo's provisional institutions of self-Government must demonstrate their commitment to a multi-ethnic country. Last week's European Council called on them to take an immediate step in this direction by allocating resources for the urgent reconstruction of damaged property, including places of worship, to ensure that internally displaced persons can return to their homes in safety. Political leaders in Kosovo must now work closely with the UN Mission in Kosovo and with KFOR to ensure the physical security and the protection of the rights of all sections of the population, including members of minority communities.
Under Ireland's Presidency, the EU is considering how it can strengthen its role in support of the UN led policy of standards before status. Over the coming weeks the Government, as EU Presidency, will remain in close contact with Special Representative Holkeri, High Representative Solana and the Commission and other member states to ensure that the EU makes an effective contribution to the restoration of a political process for Kosovo. It is clear that the future for the people of Kosovo lies in the eventual integration of the countries of the western Balkans region into European structures, as agreed at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Thessaloniki last June. The issue of the final status of Kosovo can only be addressed once sufficient progress has been made on the implementation and review of standards. Despite the recent violence and continuing tensions, this must include the resumption of progress in the direct dialogue on practical matters between Belgrade and Pristina.
Kosovo has been under UN administration since the end of the conflict in 1999. The EU has specific responsibility as part of the UN Mission for reconstruction and economic development in Kosovo. In the four years to the end of 2003 the EU provided almost €960 million in assistance to Kosovo. The Government, through Development Co-operation Ireland, is also providing bilateral assistance to support health, education, employment generation and democratisation in Kosovo. Almost €1 million was provided in direct bilateral assistance in the period 2002-03. Ireland has also provided funding for the UN Office of Missing Persons and Forensics. It identifies body remains and has helped to address one of the most sensitive post-conflict issues in the region. Ireland has assisted the UN refugee return programme for Kosovo and provides support for the privatisation process through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Ireland also contributes to the regional activities of several multilateral agencies active in the western Balkans, including the Council of Europe, the OECD and the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:37 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent attempts by mercenaries operating in the interests of multi-national oil interests to destabilise the Government of Equatorial Guinea; and if he will make a statement on the matter [9900/04]
Reports indicate that foreign nationals were involved in a plot to overthrow President Teodoro Obiang Nguema. The alleged plot involved 67 alleged mercenaries and on 7 March they were arrested in Harare when their plane landed. I and my EU partners are concerned about attempts to overthrow a government by force.
Ireland, as Presidency of the EU, will continue to monitor the problem in Equatorial Guinea, in consultation with EU partners and it will make known its concerns, as appropriate.
HIV-AIDS Crisis.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:38 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the progress of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in highlighting the spread of HIV-AIDS and in presenting the EU with solutions to combat the problem; and if he raised the issue of crippling debt on third world countries during the Presidency. [10049/04]
The Government made the HIV-AIDS pandemic one of its priorities for our Presidency of the EU. The fight against HIV-AIDS is a major imperative of Ireland's development policy and we are using our Presidency to advance it. We want to see the disease mainstreamed into EC development policy.
Three key related events have been or will be hosted during our Presidency. On 23 and 24 February an interministerial conference on HIV-AIDS was held in Dublin. There were representatives from over 50 countries from the EU, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We secured an agreement set out in the Dublin Declaration that will provide a basis for stronger regional co-operation across 55 countries to fight AIDS. A meeting between European and African parliamentarians on the challenges the disease presents to governance in Africa will be held in Dublin in April. In June the Government will host a meeting on the importance of investing further in the development of an effective vaccine against the disease.
The EU collectively increased funding to combat the spread of HIV-AIDS and accounts for 55% of all resources pledged to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria. We want to see the disease mainstreamed in EC development policy. We have chosen HIV-AIDS as a topic for the open discussion between Ministers and representatives of civil society at the ACP-EU Council of Ministers meeting in Gaborone in May.
The Government continues to use whatever opportunities that arise during its Presidency to promote our national debt strategy. While members states have agreed to contribute generously to debt relief from the EU budget, there is no common position on debt relief policy. It is the Government's view that there is no scope at present for securing a common EU position that would go beyond the current heavily indebted poor country initiative of the World Bank.
The Presidency has been engaged with the Commission in its study on the issue of debt relief for poor countries and the adequacy of the HIPC initiative. We are determined to continue to work closely with the Commission on this issue and to work with the Commission in giving practical effect to the conclusions of this study.
As part of that approach, we intend to keep HIPC debt at the top of our political agenda in discussions with our EU and developing country partners. During my address to the European Parliament's development committee I highlighted aspects of our policy on debt relief to the parliamentarians. On 15 and 16 February we discussed and reached significant agreement on the issue of debt relief during high level discussions with our African partners.
In April development Ministers will participate in the GAERC Council meeting. Again, we will consider debt relief in the context of the EU's commitments to financing development.
Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:39 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his efforts to implement the draft EU Constitution’s solidarity clause prior to an agreement on an EU Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9108/04]
Dan Boyle
Ceist:55 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the EU Solidarity Protocol; if it will not involve EU troops being sent outside of the EU’s border. [10071/04]
Joe Higgins
Ceist:93 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has sought the support of EU leaders for the implementation of a clause contained in the draft EU Constitution that would commit all member states to help each other in response to terrorist threats. [9095/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 55 and 93 together.
Last week a Declaration on Solidarity Against Terrorism was adopted by the Heads of State or Government of the EU member states at a meeting of the European Council. It formed part of the EU's response to the terrorist attacks in Madrid on 11 March.
The declaration calls on member states to act in the spirit of the solidarity clause of the draft treaty establishing a constitution for Europe. The declaration clearly states that each member state must determine its response to a request for assistance. It does not commit member states to help each other. Any decision that has military implications under the solidarity clause would be taken by unanimity.
The declaration was based on the solidarity clause of the draft treaty establishing a constitution for Europe. The clause does not affect Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. It should not be confused with the mutual defence clause of the draft treaty. Our response to a situation covered by the solidarity clause would be consistent with relevant national constitutional and legislative provisions.
Any action taken under the terms of the declaration will not involve troops being sent outside the borders of the EU. In accordance with the Union's European security and defence policy, military personnel under EU auspices can only be deployed outside the borders of the EU to undertake humanitarian, peacekeeping and crisis management tasks. This is known as the Petersberg Tasks.
Foreign Conflicts.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:40 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the political problem in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9993/04]
There is a long history of conflict between India and Pakistan. These nuclear armed countries came close to the brink of war on two occasions in 2002. The problem in Kashmir remains serious. Recently there have been encouraging political developments. Both countries began a composite dialogue that included the Kashmir issue. A ceasefire along the control line has existed since 25 November.
Following the talks between the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of India, the 5 January South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation Summit took place and the President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of India attended. Since then they made a joint statement announcing that they had agreed to commence a process of composite dialogue. On 18 February the foreign secretaries of the Foreign Ministries of India and Pakistan met and agreed to modalities for the composite dialogue and their foreign ministers will meet in August. The foreign secretaries are expected to meet again in May or June for talks on security, confidence building measures and Kashmir.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, and the international community attaches the greatest importance to these significant and positive developments between India and Pakistan. This new process has raised a shared hope that it will lead to progress in resolving this long-standing dispute. We hope that it will lead to improved relations between India and Pakistan and advance peace and stability in the region.
The EU is ready to support both countries in their efforts to reduce tension and to seek a lasting solution to their outstanding differences, including the issue of Kashmir. Last September Ireland participated in an EU Troika visit to Kashmir at the level of heads of mission in New Delhi. An EU Troika to Islamabad on 21 October 2003, in which Ireland also participated, included a discussion of the Kashmir issue as a core element of the mission. At the fourth EU-India summit, held in New Delhi on 29 November 2003, the EU welcomed recent steps and expressed the hope that differences could be resolved peacefully through dialogue.
As Presidency, I led an EU Troika mission to India on 16 February and to Pakistan on 18 February. The Troika welcomed the composite dialogue between Pakistan and India. It also welcomed the agreement of a timetable for further discussions with a view to reaching a peaceful settlement between the two sides on a range of issues including Kashmir. The Troika conveyed the Union's willingness to assist the process in any way considered appropriate by both parties.
Following the Troika missions the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted conclusions on India and Pakistan on 23 February. The Council welcomed the start of composite dialogue and indicated that the EU is ready, at the request of the parties, to assist in appropriate manner.
The question of Kashmir is regularly discussed by officials of EU member states. EU heads of mission in New Delhi and Islamabad also regularly engage with Indian and Pakistani officials on the issue. Ireland, along with our EU partners, remains committed to supporting every advance in this critical dialogue.
State Visits.
John Deasy
Ceist:41 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent visit of the Vice-President of Colombia to Ireland; and his views on the matters discussed with him during his visit. [10044/04]
Mr. Francisco Santos Calderón, Vice-President of Colombia, visited Ireland on 22 and 23 March as part of a tour of a number of European countries in preparation for the current session, from 15 March to 23 April, of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva. He also wanted to discuss overall EU relations with Colombia.
The Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and officials in my Department met him during his visit. I was unable to meet him because of my participation in the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 22 March and meetings in Northern Ireland on 23 March. He also met the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, a number of non-governmental organisations working in Colombia, representatives of the Bring Them Home campaign and family members of the three Irishmen on trial in Colombia.
In the course of the official meetings with Vice-President Santos, the key matter for discussion was the human rights problem in Colombia. He outlined the significant improvement in the security situation in 2003 as evidenced by: a significant reduction in the overall murder rate; in murders of trade unionists and other particularly vulnerable groups; massacres of civilians; forced displacements; attacks against towns; kidnappings and hostage taking. The Vice-President acknowledged that the level and frequency of such grave crimes continues to be extremely high.
The Irish Government took the opportunity to impress upon him our concern at some aspects of the Colombian Government's policies, in line with EU policy, as set out in the conclusions of the GAERC's meeting on 26 January. In the context of the current session of the Commission on Human Rights, we raised, inter alia, EU concerns at the granting of judicial powers to the security forces and the failure by the Colombian Government to implement the specific recommendations on human rights of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The Taoiseach also took the opportunity of his meeting with the Vice-President to raise the case of the three Irishmen on trial in Colombia. He reiterated his concern for their safety and security and conveyed our hope that the trial would be concluded as expeditiously as possible.
Question No. 42 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
EU-Ukraine Relations.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:43 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the upcoming EU-Ukraine Troika at foreign ministerial level on 30 March. [9996/04]
The EU-Troika with Ukraine has been postponed. At present we are actively seeking an alternative date.
When an new date has been arranged we anticipate that the troika discussion will be wide-ranging. Key issues to be addressed are: democratic and economic reform in Ukraine; internal developments in the EU; ensuring stability and security and meeting common challenges in the European continent; and strengthened co-operation between the EU and the Ukraine in the European neighbourhood.
The Presidency work plan for the Ukraine was adopted by GAERC at its meeting on 26 January. It highlights the importance of an action plan for the Ukraine under the European Neighbourhood Policy. Support for the Ukraine's integration into the European and world economy and the further enhancing of EU-Ukraine co-operation in the field of justice and home affairs are also important elements of the work plan.
The Troika meeting will offer both sides an opportunity to discuss the reform process in the Ukraine. The process is a fundamental element in the successful development of relations between the EU and Ukraine. A meeting will provide an opportunity for the Ukrainian side to update the EU on progress made in addressing the concerns highlighted by the Presidency in a declaration made on 18 March. We requested media freedom and democratic standards in the Ukraine. This would allow a fair presidential election to be held in the Ukraine in the autumn.
Death Penalty.
Michael Ring
Ceist:44 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the use of the death penalty in Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9998/04]
The death penalty has not been carried out in Turkey since 1984.
Over the past two years Turkey has enacted a wide range of legislative reforms as part of its efforts to fulfil the Copenhagen political criteria for EU candidate countries. The third major package of legislation was enacted on 9 August 2002. It provided for the abolition of the death penalty except in times of war, the imminent threat of war and for crimes of terrorism. The sixth package, which entered into force on 19 July 2003, removed the exemption for crimes of terrorism.
Protocol No. 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights deals with the abolition of the death penalty in times of peace. It was enacted in Turkey on 1 December 2003 following completion of the ratification procedures. On 9 January 2004 Turkey signed Protocol No. 13 of the European Convention on Human Rights that prohibits the death penalty in all circumstances, including times of war.
The EU is opposed to the death penalty in all cases and aims at its universal abolition. The Government warmly welcomes the decision of Turkey to abolish it in all circumstances. This represents a significant step towards full respect for European human rights standards.
EU Summits.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:45 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the outcome of the EU spring summit meeting held at Brussels on 25 and 26 March 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10011/04]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:53 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his participation in and the outcome of the spring European Council in Brussels on 25 and 26 March 2004. [9921/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 53 together.
The Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance, the Minister of State for European Affairs and I attended the European Council in Brussels on 25 and 26 March 2004.
The Deputy will be aware that the Taoiseach made a detailed statement to the Dáil yesterday, 30 March, 2004, on the outcome of the European Council. The European Council conclusions and the declarations adopted have been forwarded to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs. The European Council focused on a range of issues, including the Intergovernmental Conference, terrorism, the Lisbon strategy and the international situation.
On the IGC, the Government's report was warmly welcomed by partners. The European Council requested the Presidency to continue its consultations and as soon as appropriate to arrange for the resumption of formal negotiations. It also committed itself to agreement on the constitutional treaty no later than the June European Council. This is a very significant step forward.
The European Council discussed the European Union's response to the terrorist attacks in Madrid on 11 March. The Presidency brought forward a package of measures designed to enhance the capacity of the European Union to meet the threat of terrorism. These were adopted by the Council as the Declaration on Combating Terrorism, a comprehensive document which balances the need for effective action to protect the security of EU citizens, including the accelerated implementation of already agreed measures, with the need for a longer-term counter-terrorism strategy. The declaration also includes provision for the establishment of the position, within the Council Secretariat, of a counter-terrorism co-ordinator. Former Dutch Interior Minister and MEP, Dr. Gijs de Vries, has been appointed to the role. A related Declaration on Solidarity against Terrorism, which calls on member states to act jointly in the spirit of the solidarity clause of the draft constitution if a member state is the victim of a terrorist attack, was also adopted by the European Council.
As Presidency, Ireland proposed to partners that discussion of the Lisbon strategy should centre on the themes of sustainable growth and more and better jobs. Discussions on the sustainable growth theme focused on maintaining sound macro-economic policies and promoting competitiveness and innovation, while ensuring that social cohesion and environmental sustainability would also remain centre stage.
The European Council agreed, in the context of an overall employment strategy, that member states should give urgent attention to four particular structural challenges: adaptability, attracting more people into the labour market, improving the quality of employment and investing in human capital. The European Council agreed that a high level group would be established under the chairmanship of Mr. Wim Kok to carry out an independent review to contribute to the mid-term review of the Lisbon strategy next year.
The European Council also addressed a number of important international issues. It adopted conclusions on the Middle East peace process, Iraq, the strategic partnership with the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Russia, Côte d'Ivoire Afghanistan and Cyprus. It reviewed the situation in Kosovo following the recent outbreak of ethnically motivated violence. It is essential that the primacy of the political process be reasserted and to this end the European Council reiterated its full commitment to the development of a stable, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo as well as the EU's continued support for the work of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Harri Holkeri, and the standards before status process.
On Afghanistan, the European Council looked forward to the international conference on Afghanistan, taking place in Berlin on 31 March and 1 April, and reaffirmed the Union's commitment to assisting the people of Afghanistan in the reconstruction of their country. The European Council also considered the current state of negotiations on a Cyprus settlement. It reiterated the European Union's support for the UN-led negotiations and reaffirmed its readiness to accommodate the terms of a settlement in line with the principles on which the EU is founded. The European Council also welcomed the interim report on the EU strategic partnership with the Mediterranean and the Middle East which was adopted by Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council the previous Monday, 22 March. On the margins of the European Council, EU Foreign Ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the current state of relations with Syria.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:46 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the outcome of a recent EU-Canada summit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10030/04]
The EU-Canada Summit which took place in Ottawa on 18 March 2004 provided an opportunity to deepen our partnership across the full range of foreign policy and economic and trade issues. The summit meeting was divided into three parallel meetings of Heads of State or Government, Foreign Ministers and Trade Ministers, followed by plenary discussions on important issues such as globalisation and multilateralism.
The outcome of the summit was very positive with a high level of convergence on most issues. The summit identified a clear determination on both sides to translate this convergence into tangible results. International issues such as counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, issues in the Middle East and the World Trade Organisation received significant attention. The summit adopted three important documents: the EU-Canada Partnership Agenda, the framework for the EU-Canada Trade and Investment Enhancement Agreement, and a Declaration on EU-Canada relations. All three documents encapsulate the willingness of both the EU and Canada to enhance our close relationship. I have asked for copies to be placed in the Oireachtas Library.
EU Presidency.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:47 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Macedonia and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10042/04]
The Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Branko Crvenkovski, led a high level political delegation which visited Dublin on 22 March for the presentation of the country's application for membership of the European Union. The Taoiseach accepted the application in his capacity as President of the European Council. The Government welcomes the Macedonian application and especially the presence on this occasion of a delegation which was so clearly representative of the two main communities in the country and of the cross-party support for the development of closer relations with the EU. The Taoiseach confirmed to Prime Minister Crvenkovski that the next step will be the consideration of the application by the Council of Ministers. The Council is likely to request the European Commission to prepare a formal opinion, in line with the practice adopted for the application submitted by Croatia in February 2003.
Deputies will be aware that Prime Minister Crvenkovski had to cut short his earlier visit to Dublin, on 26 February, because of the tragic death of President Boris Trajkovski in a plane crash in Bosnia. The Government has conveyed condolences on this tragic loss. I would like to pay tribute to the enormous contribution which the late President made to peace, stability and reconciliation in his country, and throughout the region of the western Balkans. He was committed to his country's European future and it was one of his last official acts to sign the application for EU membership. Presidential elections will now be held on 14 April.
The EU has worked closely with the authorities in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to consolidate peace and stability following the conflict of 2001. That conflict was brought to an end by the Ohrid Framework agreement, brokered by the EU. Its objective is the creation of a truly multi-ethnic Macedonia. It provides for a series of constitutional amendments to safeguard minority rights, strengthen local government and secure equitable representation for the two main ethnic communities at all levels in the state administration. Important progress has been made over the past year. A census has been conducted successfully, and its results released. A dozen more laws required under the agreement have been adopted. Key draft laws on decentralisation are currently before Parliament. The main political challenges in the period ahead will be to ensure effective progress on the difficult but essential issues of decentralisation and equitable representation.
The EU continues to play a central role in support of the reform process in the country, politically, economically and in terms of security. This close co-operation is being maintained during Ireland's Presidency of the EU. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will formally enter into force on 1 April, the first of these agreements with the countries of the region to do so. In co-operation with the Macedonian Government, the EU is helping to address the continuing security challenges in the country, through the EU police mission, Proxima, which has been in place since 15 December 2003.
The EU-Western Balkans summit in Thessaloniki last June agreed that the future of the countries of the region lies in their eventual integration in to EU structures. Progress towards this goal will be made through implementation of the detailed and wide-ranging reforms required under the EU's Stabilisation and Association Process. The Macedonian application for membership of the EU is an important step for all the people of the country. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Crvenkovski agreed last week that progress in the European integration process would be directly linked to continued progress on the full implementation of all aspects of the Ohrid Framework Agreement.
Question No. 48 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
International Criminal Court.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:49 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had contact with the US administration with regard to their difficulties in becoming signatories of the statutes that established the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10018/04]
The United States of America signed the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in December 2000. However, in May 2002, the US informed the Secretary General of the United Nations that it did not intend to become party to the statute, and that it accordingly had no obligations arising from its signature. The objections of the US to the International Criminal Court are based on its view that, because of the independence of the prosecutor of the ICC, US citizens and in particular its military forces, could be subjected to politically motivated prosecutions before the court.
As I have stated previously, while I recognise these concerns I do not share them. The jurisdiction of the ICC is complementary to national jurisdictions, meaning that the court will become involved in a case only where a state with jurisdiction over a crime is unable or unwilling genuinely to carry out an investigation or prosecution. The Rome Statute contains strong and carefully drafted safeguards to prevent politically motivated prosecutions. I would also point to the integrity, character and professional qualifications of the persons who have been elected to serve as prosecutors and judges of the court.
This view is shared by our EU partners. In recent years, approaches have been made to the US on behalf of the EU, outlining the EU position on the court and urging US support for it. In addition, the EU Council Conclusions on the ICC of 30 September 2002 recall the shared objective of the EU and US of individual accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, and call for a broader dialogue between the EU and US on all matters relating to the ICC. I wish to reiterate my hope that, in time, the ICC will come to enjoy universal support, based on the common interest of all states in seeing that the most heinous crimes of international concern do not go unpunished.
Middle East Peace Process.
Kathleen Lynch
Ceist:50 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the matters discussed and conclusions reached at his recent meeting in Dublin with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Silvan Shalom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9904/04]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:54 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Government’s approach to that conflict; the Government’s views on the Israeli Government’s targeting of Hamas leaders for assassination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10081/04]
Michael Noonan
Ceist:75 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will advise on the current situation in the Middle East; if he has had recent contact with the Government of Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9994/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 54, and 75 together.
The Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Silvan Shalom, visited Dublin on 27 February for discussions on the Middle East peace process. In the course of our discussions, he briefed me on developing Israeli ideas on a withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. I outlined for him the five criteria which the European Union Foreign Ministers had agreed on 23 February which must be fulfilled for such a move to attract international support. For the information of the House, these are that it must take place in the context of the road-map; it must be a step towards a two state solution; it must not involve a transfer of settlement activity to the West Bank; there must be an organised and negotiated hand-over of responsibility to the Palestinian Authority; and Israel must facilitate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza.
We also discussed the lack of progress in implementation of the road-map. I stressed the fact that the road-map contains all the elements which will have to form part of any comprehensive peace settlement. I suggested that, if the first phase of the road-map was proving too difficult to implement, then the parties should proceed by implementing a series of small, concrete and visible measures to build confidence.
The situation in the Middle East remains a major source of concern. The cycle of violence must be broken and a ceasefire implemented and observed by both sides. Clearly, a policy of extra-judicial killing does nothing to help the situation. Ireland's position on this matter was clearly set out in the statement adopted by European Foreign Ministers on 22 March, the day of the Yassin assassination. The situation in the Middle East remains a major source of concern. The cycle of violence must be broken and a ceasefire implemented and observed by both sides. Clearly, a policy of extra-judicial killing does nothing to help the situation. Ireland's position on this matter was clearly set out in the statement adopted by European Foreign Ministers on 22 March, the day of the Yassin assassination, to which I have referred earlier.
Foreign Conflicts.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:51 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he and his EU colleagues have reviewed the situation in the Balkans with particular reference to recent developments there; if he has satisfied himself that adequate resources are available to meet all possible eventualities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10050/04]
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:99 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature of the continued work of Ireland’s EU Presidency with the western Balkans; his views on the steps towards EU membership being taken by Croatia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10017/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:134 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU colleagues can prevent further outbreaks of violence in the Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10287/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:142 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he, through the EU, can prevent human rights violations in the Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10296/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 99, 134, and 142 together.
During Ireland's Presidency, the Government is committed to maintaining the priority attached by the EU to the development of relations with the countries of the western Balkans. The situation in the region is reviewed every month by the General Affairs and External Relations Council. The most recent meeting of the Council, which was chaired by me on 22 March, and the European Council in Brussels on 25-26 March considered recent developments in the region, especially the situation in Kosovo and the political situation in Serbia and Montenegro. The EU has taken the lead role in working with the countries of the western Balkans to consolidate peace and stability in the region, and to promote economic development and respect for human rights and the rule of law. EU assistance to the region in support of these objectives will amount to €4.65 billion over the period 2000 to 2006.
The EU-Western Balkans Summit, which was held in Thessaloniki last June, confirmed that the future of the region lies in its eventual integration into European structures. The achievement of this objective will involve the fulfilment of clear and objective political and economic criteria by the democratically-elected Governments of the countries of the region, under the EU's Stabilisation and Association Process. As Presidency, Ireland will ensure that the commitments made in the Thessaloniki agenda, which was agreed at the summit, will be fully implemented on the EU side. This will include the agreement by the Council on European partnerships for each of the countries of the western Balkans, outlining the specific progress required for further movement in the integration process.
The December 2003 European Council requested the incoming Irish Presidency and High Representative Solana, in co-ordination with the Commission, to present concrete proposals for the implementation of the European security strategy in a number of areas, including the elaboration of a comprehensive policy towards Bosnia and Herzegovina. Work on the comprehensive approach is going well and I expect that it will be considered by the General Affairs and External Relations Council in June. As Presidency, Ireland is also facilitating practical steps for the possible transition from the NATO-led SFOR peacekeeping force in Bosnia to an EU-led force. The EU police mission has made good progress in co-operation with the Bosnian authorities since it was launched in January 2003. The General Affairs and External Relations Council on 23 February 2004 appointed Assistant Garda Commissioner, Kevin Carty, as head of the police mission.
Croatia formally applied for membership of the European Union in February last year. The Commission opinion on the application is expected in the near future. The opinion will be based on an assessment of Croatia's progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen political criteria for candidate states. Issues of particular importance in Croatia's case will include progress in wide-ranging institutional reforms, minority rights and the implementation of measures to enable the return of refugees who had to leave their homes during the conflicts of the 1990s. The assessment of Croatia's co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia will be crucial. If the Commission opinion is positive, Ireland as Presidency will facilitate its consideration by member states with a view to a possible decision on candidate status by the June European Council.
The Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Branko Crvenkovski, presented his country's application for EU membership to the Taoiseach in Dublin on 22 March. The next step will be for the Council to consider the application. It is probable that the Council will request the Commission to prepare its formal opinion. I believe that the progress being made by both Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in their relations with the European Union should act as an encouragement to neighbouring countries in their own reform processes and as a contribution to peace and stability across the region.
The situation in Kosovo has been of particular concern in recent weeks. It has stabilised following the violence of 17 and 18 March, but remains very tense. The immediate EU reaction to the violence was to encourage the restoration of calm and to support the work of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo, Mr. Harri Holkeri. The European Council last week reiterated the EU's commitment to the creation of a secure, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo. It called on Kosovo's political leaders to take immediate, practical steps to enable the return of displaced persons to their homes. It underlined the need for Kosovo's leaders to develop, together with UNMIK and KFOR, security and other institutional arrangements to ensure the protection of the rights of members of all communities in Kosovo. The European Council reaffirmed the Union's strong support for Special Representative Holkeri, for UNMIK, and for KFOR in their determined efforts to stabilise the situation and to ensure the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244. It confirmed the EU's support for the policy of standards before status.
In Serbia, a new Government, headed by Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, was formed on 2 March. The EU has stated clearly that it is ready to work with the new Government, on the basis of its policies and actions. The General Affairs and External Relations Council on 22 March urged the Government to make clear its commitment to political and economic reform and the fulfilment of international obligations. These include full co-operation with the tribunal in The Hague, the fight against organised crime, and continued reconciliation and co-operation with neighbouring countries. It is important that the Government resumes co-operation with the Government in Montenegro on the harmonisation of the two economies of the state union of Serbia and Montenegro. This will enable further progress towards the completion of the Commission's feasibility study on the possible opening of negotiations with Serbia and Montenegro for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement.
EU Presidency.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:52 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the next ASEM meeting will take place; the agenda for this meeting; the views that the Asia member states of ASEM have communicated to EU member states of ASEM regarding the political situation in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10047/04]
As EU Presidency, Ireland will host the sixth meeting of ASEM Foreign Ministers on 17 and 18 April 2004. ASEM, the Asia-Europe Meeting, is an informal multilateral process of dialogue and co-operation, bringing together the 15 EU member states and the European Commission, with ten Asian countries — Brunei, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The ASEM process was established in 1996 as a forum for informal dialogue between European and Asian partners to facilitate an open exchange of views and discussion of political, economic and cultural issues of concern to the two regions. It was formed with the objective of strengthening the relationship between Europe and Asia, in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership. ASEM has now grown into a process of ongoing and useful dialogue, which includes summit-level meetings every second year, annual meetings of Foreign and Finance Ministers, and a range of meetings and activities at official level across the three ASEM pillars.
At our April meeting, discussions will range across the three pillars on which the ASEM process is based — political, economic and cultural. This will provide a very useful opportunity for open exchanges across the wide range of issues of concern to Asian and European partners. Along with current regional and international issues, the working methods and the future membership of the ASEM process will be the principal items for discussion by Ministers. ASEM provides a unique and very useful forum for open dialogue with our Asian partners, particularly on issues such as Burma-Myanmar which continue to be of serious concern to the international community.
Our Asian partners continue to emphasise their preference for engagement with the Burmese regime, rather than its international isolation, and for this reason continue to press strongly for Burma to be accepted as a member of ASEM as soon as possible, along with the ten EU accession states, Laos and Cambodia. While they stress that the situation in Burma is an internal matter, and as such should not be subject to undue outside interference, our contacts with Asian partners on this question have illustrated that we share common goals — the return of democracy to Burma, an end to human rights violations, and the realisation of peace and prosperity for the long suffering people of Burma. The visit to Burma from 3-5 March 2004 of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Razali, was a step in the right direction, and it is important that his access to Burma and to Aung San Suu Kyi continues. It is encouraging that our Asian partners are making active efforts to bring Burma towards democracy and reconciliation. I refer in particular to the Bangkok process, the first meeting of which was held on 15 December 2003, and I look forward to further progress in this regard.
Question No. 53 answered with QuestionNo. 45.
Question No. 54 answered with QuestionNo. 50.
Question No. 55 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:56 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will be represented at the Euro-Arab Parliamentary Dialogue Meeting in Tunisia in April 2004; and if so, the form and composition of the representation. [9897/04]
The Government has not received an invitation to participate in this meeting. I understand, however, that the Oireachtas had been invited to participate and that a decision had been taken by the relevant Committees of the Oireachtas to do so. However, the latest information is that this meeting has now been postponed from its planned date of 27-28 April and that a new date has not yet been arranged. The Government of course welcomes any meeting which enhances dialogue between Europe and the Arab world, and hopes that the meeting will go ahead as soon as possible.
EU Enlargement.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:57 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the planned date for the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10037/04]
The European Council in December 2003 emphasised the continuity and irreversibility of the ongoing enlargement process of which Bulgaria and Romania form an integral part. Over the past year, these countries have significantly taken forward their preparations for membership, which is reflected in the well-advanced state of their accession negotiations. To date, Bulgaria has closed 26 negotiation chapters and Romania has closed 22. The Union's objective is to conclude negotiations with both countries in 2004, sign the Accession Treaty in 2005 and that the two countries should accede in January 2007, if they are ready. Negotiations will be concluded on the same basis and principles applied to the ten acceding states.
The March session of the General Affairs and External Relations Council secured agreement among member states on an overall financial package for the accession of Bulgaria and Romania. Reaching agreement at this early stage represented an important step forward in the negotiations. The Commission will now prepare negotiating positions for the finance-related chapters, which are expected to be brought forward in the coming weeks. As Presidency, Ireland is endeavouring to advance negotiations as rapidly as possible, in line with the clear political mandate given by the December European Council.
Question No. 58 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
EU Presidency.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:59 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will be attending the ceremonies to be held in Kigali, Rwanda in April 2004 to mark the tenth anniversary of genocide in that country; if Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union will mark this date appropriately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10025/04]
I intend to travel to Kigali on 7 April 2004 in order to attend the ceremonies which the Government of Rwanda has organised to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the horrific genocide in Rwanda. The date of 7 April 2004 has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda and I believe it is important for the European Union to be appropriately represented at the commemoration ceremonies in order to demonstrate the Union's solidarity with the people of Rwanda and with the victims of the genocide. The scale of the brutality and horror which occurred at this time must never be forgotten.
As President of the Council of Foreign Ministers, I will address the main commemoration ceremony in Kigali on 7 April on behalf of the European Union. It is also the Presidency's intention to issue a declaration by the European Union to mark the anniversary. This declaration will state the European Union's intention that crimes against humanity such as occurred in Rwanda in 1994 must never again be tolerated or allowed occur without prompt active intervention by the international community. I will also refer in my statement to the major efforts which are being undertaken during our Presidency to improve the EU's capacities in the area of early warning and conflict prevention and which are designed to try and prevent a recurrence of the kinds of atrocities perpetrated in Rwanda in 1994.
State Airports.
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:60 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his statement in Ottawa in March 2004 concerning the use of Shannon Airport by US troops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10076/04]
I think that the Deputy may be referring to a report of an interview, published in The Irish Times newspaper on 19 March 2004, which I gave during the course of a visit to Canada. In this interview, I stated, in the context of the issue of the use of Shannon Airport by the US military, that the Government makes its decisions on the basis of its assessments of what, in an overall context, is in the best interests of the country. I also repeated the view of the Government that we cannot allow the fear of terrorism to dictate our arrangements with other countries.
EU Membership.
John Bruton
Ceist:61 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Turkey fulfils the Copenhagen criteria for membership of the European Union; and if not, the respects in which it is deficient. [9558/04]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:101 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the remarks attributed to the European Commission Internal Market Commissioner that Turkey should act as a buffer to Iran, Iraq and Syria for the European Union, and should not be given membership of the EU for that reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10033/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 101 together.
The Helsinki European Council in December 1999 decided that Turkey is a candidate country destined to join the European Union on the basis of the same criteria applied to other candidate states. The Copenhagen European Council in December 2002 made the clear commitment that if the European Council meeting in December 2004 decides that Turkey has fulfilled the Copenhagen political criteria, the EU will open accession negotiations without delay. These political criteria require a candidate country to have achieved stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities. The decision to be taken in December will be on the basis of a report and recommendation by the Commission. It will be the result of a transparent process, based on an objective assessment prepared in co-operation with Turkey throughout this year, under the terms of the revised accession partnership between the EU and Turkey.
The Government has welcomed the remarkable progress made by Turkey over the past two years in legislating for wide-ranging reforms. Further legislative reform is expected over the coming months. The EU continues to encourage Turkey to pursue the full and effective implementation of the reforms. The Government has maintained regular contact with the Turkish Government in relation to internal reforms and international developments. Representing the Irish Presidency, I led an EU Ministerial Troika which visited Ankara on 8 March for meetings with Prime Minister Erdogan and Foreign Minister Gul. Discussions focused on the reform process, with a particular emphasis on the five areas highlighted for further action by the European Council in December 2003. These concern the independence and functioning of the judiciary, the exercise of fundamental freedoms, civil-military relations, cultural rights and the situation in south-east Turkey. The EU welcomed the progress made by Turkey to date in legislating for reform. I and my colleagues emphasised that a central element in the assessment to be made by the European Council in December will be the effective implementation of the legislative reforms at all levels of the administration and throughout the country. Prime Minister Erdogan and Foreign Minister Gul confirmed that the primary goal of the Turkish Government was to fulfil the Copenhagen political criteria by December 2004.
I have seen the media reports of negative remarks attributed to Commissioner Bolkestein earlier this month on the prospects for Turkey's accession to the EU. I have also noted subsequent reports that the Commissioner stated in the Dutch Parliament on 18 March that he foresaw the possibility of Turkish accession around 2016. In line with the commitments given by the European Council, the Government take the view that if the December European Council decides that Turkey has fulfilled the Copenhagen political criteria, the EU will open accession negotiations without delay.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:62 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made to date with regard to the review of the Good Friday Agreement; the Government’s priorities for the review; the length of time he expects the process to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9909/04]
Since the review of the operation of the Good Friday Agreement was convened on 3 February 2004, we have had the opportunity to meet with all the political parties elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Over the last few weeks, in partnership with the British Government, I have met with the parties on a number of occasions to discuss all aspects of the operation of the Agreement and to collectively examine ways to resolve the outstanding issues. On 9 February, Secretary of State, Paul Murphy MP, and I met with Alliance, Sinn Féin, the SDLP, the DUP and the UUP. In all of our meetings, we discussed a broad range of issues, including institutional matters. However, as the DUP has yet to bring forward its proposals on strands two and three, we have not yet had an opportunity to discuss these matters in detail with them. Secretary of State Murphy also updated me on the strand one meetings that had taken place the previous day.
Following the alleged abduction of a man in Belfast on 20 February, the review meetings on 24 February and 2 March focused primarily on paramilitary activity. Following discussions with all the parties, both Governments asked the Independent Monitoring Commission to bring forward its first report, from July to May, covering all paramilitary activities since its establishment in early January. The commission subsequently indicated that the report would be presented to both Governments in early April. On 9 March, I met with Secretary of State Murphy in Stormont to review developments. On that day, I also met with a DUP delegation and with Mark Durkan, MLA, Leader of the SDLP.
On 26 March, both Governments wrote to the parties, requesting them to submit, by 8 April, further proposals in relation to the operation of the Agreement which they would like to discuss as part of the review process. Both Governments will, in the light of these submissions, make proposals for the time-tabling of further review discussions.
Overseas Development Aid.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:63 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the proposed linkage by the EU of developing states’ efforts in the war against terrorism with receipt of EU development aid agreed at the EU Foreign Ministers meeting on 22 March 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10079/04]
There is nothing in the Declaration on Combating Terrorism, adopted at the European Council on 25 March 2004, which states that receipt of EU development aid will be directly linked to developing states' efforts in combating terrorism. Section 12 of the declaration, on international co-operation, commits the European Union to ensuring effective and practical co-operation with third countries through the "Development of technical assistance strategies, to facilitate vulnerable third countries in enhancing their counter-terrorism capability, and by addressing counter-terrorism concerns into all relevant external assistance programmes to promote good governance and the rule of law".
There is no implication in this to suggest that receipt of EU development aid would in any way be linked with states' efforts to combat terrorism. Rather, the EU is committed to providing assistance to enhance counter-terrorist capacity to those states which require it. The EU, through the European Commission, is already pursuing this strategy in a number of third countries on a pilot basis, pursuant to its obligations under UNSCR 1373, 2001. At the same time assistance will be provided to promote good governance in an attempt to deal with some of the root causes of terrorism, an essential step in the elimination of terrorist violence. Such assistance will be based on the continuing centrality of poverty reduction and of local ownership of development programmes.
The declaration also sets out, in Annex I, seven strategic objectives which will form the basis of a new EU plan of action to combat terrorism to be brought to the European Council in June. The Council has committed, under objective 7, "to target actions under EU external relations towards priority Third Countries where counter terrorist capacity or commitment to combating terrorism needs to be enhanced". In implementing this objective it is proposed to "mainstream counter-terrorist objectives into the work of the geographical working groups and external assistance programmes". Specific measures to achieve this objective will be included in the new plan of action to combat terrorism, to be brought before the June European Council.
The declaration does not mean, in any sense, that the provision of development aid would be contingent on a state's compliance with international counter-terrorism obligations. Rather, the EU will ensure that inter alia account is taken of counter-terrorist concerns in the development of assistance programmes to third countries, including technical assistance programmes such as those designed to enhance border controls or police and judicial systems, or broader programmes designed to promote good governance and the rule of law.
Question No. 64 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
Human Rights Issues.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:65 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives the Government is proposing to take to assist the ending of slavery, bonded labour, and particularly child slavery; the talks that have taken place with other governments and institutions in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9895/04]
The Government is committed to the active promotion of full observance of universal human rights standards, and opposes and seeks the elimination of all forms of contemporary slavery, including bonded labour. Through our participation in international fora such as the UN General Assembly, the UN Commission on Human Rights, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, we raise our concerns in regard to this issue together with like-minded countries. At the current session of the Commission on Human Rights, 15 March-23 April, we will deliver a Presidency statement on contemporary forms of slavery in which the EU will urge all states to prioritise the eradication of all contemporary forms of slavery and to ensure that the human rights of victims are upheld at all times.
Ireland has consistently supported the International Labour Organisation in its efforts to promote core labour standards. In June 1998, Ireland supported the adoption by the International Labour Conference of a declaration on fundamental principles and rights at work. This commits the International Labour Organisation's 175 member states worldwide to respect the principles inherent in the core labour standards and to promote their universal application. Ireland has ratified all of the seven core labour standards.
This declaration emphasises that all member states of the International Labour Organisation have an obligation, arising from the very fact of membership of the organisation, to respect, to promote, and to realise, in good faith and in accordance with the constitution of the International Labour Organisation, the principles concerning the fundamental rights which are subject to those conventions. These principles include the elimination of all forced or compulsory labour and the effective abolition of child labour. In June 1999, the International Labour Conference adopted Convention 182 concerning the prohibition and immediate action for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. Ireland ratified the convention on 20 December 1999 and was the first European Union country to do so.
The Deputy will also be aware of the priority the Government has attached to "children and armed conflict" and "human rights defenders" as part of the EU Presidency. The issues of children and armed conflict and slavery are closely linked and the role of human rights defenders in highlighting instances of slavery and bonded labour is vital in focusing national and international attention. We are currently overseeing the satisfactory progress of the implementation of EU guidelines on children and armed conflict and EU partners have been circulated with a paper on draft EU guidelines for the support of human rights defenders.
Question No. 66 answered with QuestionNo. 21.
Foreign Conflicts.
Damien English
Ceist:67 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the current political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10001/04]
While the peace process in the DRC continues to take hold and remains largely on track, there are some concerns that the pace of implementation of the transition process provided for under the Sun City peace accords needs to be stepped up, with a view to meeting the goal of nationwide elections and the election of a new government in 2005. The European Union, in a declaration issued on 18 March 2004, has urged the Transitional National Government led by President Kabila to speed up its decision-making process and enact the necessary legislative measures to get the transition process back on track, including enactment of electoral laws, faster reform of the justice and security sectors, and appointment of a national co-ordinator to assist with implementation of the necessary DDR — disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration — process.
The recent delays in implementation of the transition process have also been accompanied by an increase in security and political tensions in the eastern DRC. There have also been reports of an attempted coup against the transitional national Government in Kinshasa in recent days though this has been successfully averted. The declaration issued by the Irish Presidency on 18 March has made clear the European Union's serious concerns at the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC and the continuing reports of human rights violations and atrocities inflicted on the civilian population in Ituri, North and South Kivu and Katanga. We have called upon all those still engaging in violence to forswear disorder, show consideration for the population and commit themselves irrevocably to the peace process.
The European Union has also once again urged the transitional Government in Kinshasa to take every possible measure to re-establish and consolidate its authority throughout the territory of the DRC and to hasten the process of creating an integrated national army and police force. In this regard, the EU is providing support, in a two-phase project, towards the establishment of an integrated police unit in Kinshasa, with the emphasis in the initial phase on training and rehabilitation of the training infrastructure.
The European Union has already made a substantial contribution to restoring peace and security in eastern DRC through deployment of the EU-led emergency multinational force, Operation Artemis, to the town of Bunia in Ituri last June. Operation Artemis, the first EU operation to undertake implementation of Petersberg tasks outside Europe, was deployed at the request of the United Nations Secretary General and on foot of UN Security Council Resolution 1484. In September, Operation Artemis handed over control of Bunia to a strengthened United Nations Mission in the DRC, MONUC, having fulfilled its mandate of restoring stability to the town. Ireland contributed five army officers to Operation Artemis and a proportionate share of the costs. Ireland is currently providing two army officers who serve as military observers with MONUC.
The European Union will also, in line with the decision adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council at its meeting last week, proceed with the practice which it has followed for a number of years of putting forward a resolution on the human rights situation in the DRC at the current 60th session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva.
Ireland fully intends to sustain the positive engagement of the EU in the DRC and the Great Lakes region during our Presidency. We will work to prepare the proposed Great Lakes conference which is currently scheduled to take place in November 2004. The conference will focus on peace, security, democracy and development in the Great Lakes region and will be held under the auspices of the African Union and the UN.
As further evidence of Ireland's commitment to the DRC, we will ensure that the office of the EU special representative to the Great Lakes region is utilised to the full in promoting EU policy in the region. In addition, my Department continues to avail itself of bilateral meetings with regional and pan-African parties to stress Ireland's support for the peace process in the DRC and to encourage others to support fully the transitional institutions in that country.
The Government will also continue its constructive engagement in providing substantial humanitarian assistance in response to the enormous suffering caused by conflict and natural disasters in the DRC. Development Co-operation Ireland, DCI, has delivered over €5.5 million in emergency and recovery humanitarian aid for the people of the DRC since 2000, while a further estimated €1.1 million will be made available under DCI's multi-annual programme scheme.
Question No. 68 answered with QuestionNo. 19.
Airspace Regulation.
John Gormley
Ceist:69 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the US Air Force will be patrolling Irish airspace during President Bush’s visit here; if so, will special legislation required for foreign aircraft to police Irish airspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter [9305/04]
Permission for foreign military aircraft to fly in Irish airspace is regulated by the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, which stipulates that foreign military aircraft may only fly in Irish airspace at the invitation of, or with the permission of, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. No such request has been received in respect of the forthcoming visit of President Bush.
Foreign Conflicts.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:70 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any report has been received from the authorities in Burundi regarding the circumstances of the murder of Archbishop Michael Courtney; the progress that has been made with regard to efforts to bring those responsible to justice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9916/04]
The Government was presented with a report on the investigation conducted by the Burundian authorities into the murder of Archbishop Courtney when I met with Foreign Minister Sinunguruza during his visit to Dublin on 9 February. This report, which was also presented simultaneously to the Holy See, has been provided in confidence both to the Government and to the Holy See. Foreign Minister Sinunguruza also met with the family of Archbishop Courtney during his visit to brief them on the circumstances of the Archbishop's murder and to present a posthumous award on behalf of the Government and people of Burundi.
As the Deputy will be aware, arising from the investigation by the Burundian authorities, an individual has now been apprehended and is in custody on suspicion of possible involvement in the ambush which resulted in Archbishop Courtney's murder. Legal proceedings against the individual are now pending. I also understand that the Burundian authorities are continuing to pursue others who they believe may have been involved in the ambush.
No information is as yet available as regards when the trial of the individual in custody is likely to take place. However, the Government is continuing to monitor closely the situation and further information may be provided on the case when I visit Burundi on 8 April.
Human Rights Issues.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:71 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that he will take during Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union to address international concerns with regard to human rights abuses in West Papua; his views on the campaign to revisit the act of free choice decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9989/04]
At the April 2003 meeting of the EU External Relations Council, Ireland, together with our EU partners, adopted revised Council Conclusions on Indonesia, confirming the EU's support for the territorial integrity of Indonesia. The European Union welcomes the progress Indonesia has made in its democratic reform process and recognises the importance of the 2004 elections. The EU notes the Indonesian Government has taken steps to punish members of the security forces responsible for human rights violations. While acknowledging Indonesia's legitimate concern to preserve its territorial integrity, we encourage the Government to strengthen its efforts to protect human rights and put an end to human rights violations occurring in particular in Aceh and Papua, such as extra-judicial executions, disappearances and torture. Indonesia should take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of civilians, human rights defenders, humanitarian workers and political activists.
I will meet with the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Mr. Wirajuda, at an EU ministerial meeting in troika format, to be held in the margins of the ASEM Foreign Ministers' meeting, which I will host in Kildare from 17 to 18 April 2004. Among the matters to be discussed at this meeting will be the situation in Papua, including human rights. This will be an opportunity for the EU to express its concerns about the situation there.
I am aware that 88 Deputies, from all parties, have signed a letter to the Secretary General of the United Nations, supporting a call for the United Nations to review its role in the Act of Free Choice in Papua in 1969. As I have stated previously, the question of a review of the UN's conduct in relation to the Act of Free Choice in Papua, would require the support of UN member states. Inquiries, made at my request by our permanent representative to the UN, confirm that, at present, there is no significant support for such an initiative. There is, moreover, concern that such an approach might prejudice on-going efforts to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the Government in Jakarta, and would not contribute to the amelioration of the current situation of the Papuan people.
Officials of my Department continue to meet regularly with representatives of the West Papua Action Group. On 25 March 2004, they met with Mr. John Rumbiak, a human rights advocate of the Papua-based Institute for Human Rights Study and Advocacy, ELSHAM, Mr. Viktor Kaisiepo, the European Spokesperson, Papua Presidium Council, PDP, and Dr. John Otto Ondawame, of the West Papua People's Representative Office, who briefed them on the campaign.
The Government continues to monitor closely the situation in Papua, and encourages the authorities in Indonesia to act with full regard to the interests of the people of Papua. Ireland, together with our EU partners, will continue to support the development of a strengthened partnership and effective dialogue between the EU and Indonesia. The Government sees this as the most effective framework at this time for addressing our serious concerns about the situation in Papua.
Foreign Conflicts.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:72 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the political and security situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10035/04]
On 17 February 2004, as President of the Council of Ministers, I led an EU Troika mission to Afghanistan, during which separate meetings were held with President Karzai and with Foreign Minister Abdullah. The Troika expressed to its Afghan interlocutors the great importance that the EU attaches to achieving progress in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the Union's commitment to working with the Afghan government and people in the period ahead. The Troika congratulated the President on the adoption of a new constitution and discussed the next stages of Afghanistan's development, including political and security issues.
Elections this year in Afghanistan will constitute the next and final step in implementation of the agreement on arrangements for the re-establishment of permanent Government institutions in accordance with the Bonn Agreement of December 2001. During the Troika, I confirmed that the EU is prepared to send an electoral observation mission and, as a first step, an exploratory mission. The exploratory mission returned last week and a report of its conclusions is awaited. In order for elections to be credible, a successful registration process is needed, and a stable security environment. As the House will be aware, President Karzai has announced in recent days that presidential and parliamentary elections will take place next September.
Stabilising the security situation in Afghanistan is essential for creating an environment conducive to dealing with all the other pressing issues, such as counter-narcotics, reconstruction and the electoral process. The expansion of the international security assistance force, ISAF, under the authority of the United Nations Security Council, is a demonstration of the international community's commitment to Afghanistan and will play a key role in assisting the Afghan Transitional Authority in providing security for the electoral process. At the same time, security is a shared responsibility, and it is important that the Afghan Government approves and implements a comprehensive national security framework, and that both the army and the Ministry of Defence be more representative and reflect the multi-ethnic composition of Afghanistan.
It is important that all irregular forces are disarmed and demobilised or integrated into the national army. I welcome the steps already taken towards this end, but more needs to be done so that the future Afghan Government has unified armed forces at its disposal.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, fully supports President Karzai's uncompromising stance on the illicit cultivation of and trafficking in drugs. It is vital that the international community and the Afghan people work together to eliminate Ireland, together with our EU partners, fully supports President Karzai's uncompromising stance on the illicit cultivation of and trafficking in drugs. It is vital that the international community and the Afghan people work together to eliminate the production, trafficking and consumption of opium in particular. During the Troika meeting with President Karzai on 17 February 2004, we discussed the importance of increasing the risk of penalty to producers and traffickers to prevent illicit narcotics activity in Afghanistan.
I will attend the conference, Afghanistan and the International Community — A Partnership for the Future, which takes place in Berlin from 31 March to 1 April 2004. The conference will provide a welcome opportunity to review the achievements of the Afghan Transitional Authority and of the international community in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The conference will also ensure, beyond the Bonn process, that Afghanistan's development requirements will continue to be addressed.
The EU has made a strong commitment to the future stability and development of Afghanistan, and the European Commission has recently signed a €79.5 million aid package to support the ongoing reconstruction of the country. Taking together contributions from member states and the Community budget, the EU provided over €850 million in 2002 and €835 million in 2003 to help Afghanistan. At the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan, which took place in Tokyo on 21 January 2002, Ireland pledged €12 million in reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan over three years. I am pleased to note that this has now been fully disbursed.
As Presidency, I will deliver a statement at the conference on behalf of the EU and its member states. The statement will emphasise the EU's continuing firm commitment to the reconstruction of Afghanistan and underline the fact that the EU will continue to be one of the major donors towards these costs.
There is a small number of Irish NGOs and individuals who are performing selfless work in advancing Afghanistan's reconstruction, sometimes in dangerous circumstances. I met some of them when I was in Kabul. I would like to record before the House how much we all appreciate their endeavours.
Question No. 73 answered with QuestionNo. 21.
Human Rights Issues.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:74 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the political and security situation in Burundi; his views on a recent Amnesty International report on Burundi concerning human rights abuses in the country, in particular the incidence of rape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9983/04]
There has been significant political progress in Burundi since the signing of the Arusha peace accords in August 2000 and the overall prospects for peace have probably not been as strong in a very long time. Peace agreements concluded between the transitional national Government and the CNDD-FDD movement in November 2003 mean that there is now only one armed group, the FNL, continuing to oppose the peace process. Efforts are continuing to urge the FNL to resume peace negotiations with the government which had begun in January but have since been suspended. As EU Presidency, we have made clear the EU's full support for the current peace efforts and have also called for all sides to conclude a ceasefire and for the FNL to abandon its military campaign and commit fully to the peace process.
The efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement in Burundi have gained renewed momentum since the tragic murder of Archbishop Michael Courtney, the Papal Nuncio to Burundi, on 29 December 2003. The UN Secretary General has now recommended deployment of a UN peace-keeping mission in Burundi to oversee the remaining period of the transition up until the holding of scheduled national elections at the end of October. Ireland, as EU Presidency, has remained very closely engaged in the Burundian peace process and has had a series of contacts with the Burundian Government since the murder of Archbishop Courtney, most recently when I met with Foreign Minister Sinunguruza in Dublin on 9 February 2004. I will be visiting Burundi on 8 April for further consultations on the peace process and to demonstrate the EU's full support for the efforts underway to achieve a lasting peace settlement.
The need to ensure full respect for human rights and to bring to justice those responsible for the very serious incidents of rape and other human rights abuses which Amnesty International have documented in their recent report, clearly represents an imperative for the transitional national government as they seek to re-build Burundi following a decade of conflict. The Arusha peace accords of 2000 contain very clear provisions for tackling impunity, safeguarding human rights and ensuring measures are in place to guard against any re-occurrence of genocide, war crimes or other crimes against humanity. It is necessary for the international community to maintain pressure on the Transitional National Government to ensure these provisions are enacted. Ratification of the Statute of the International Criminal Court by Burundi is also a step which would offer assurance of justice to all those who have suffered human rights abuses during the latter years of the conflict in Burundi. It is my intention to raise these points with the Burundian Government during my forthcoming visit.
I also welcome that a significant human rights component has been included in the mandate for the proposed UN peace-keeping operation in Burundi which the UN Secretary General has now recommended and which the UN Security Council is currently considering.
Question No. 75 answered with QuestionNo. 50.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Liz McManus
Ceist:76 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with the British authorities regarding the implications for the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Ireland concluded in Belfast on Good Friday 1998 of the Government’s proposals to amend the Constitution in regard to the right of citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9891/04]
The Government has approved the preparation of a Bill to amend the Constitution and of a draft implementing Bill regarding the entitlement to citizenship of persons born in Ireland to non-nationals who do not have a substantial connection with the State. No formal discussions have taken place with the British authorities on this subject to date.
Foreign Conflicts.
John Perry
Ceist:77 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will detail the current situation in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10002/04]
Despite recent improvements in the security situation in UN controlled areas and progress in the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement, the peace process remains fragile. Monrovia is now a weapons free zone but the situation is less stable in areas outside the capital. Sporadic outbreaks of fighting in rebel strongholds highlight the need for a comprehensive process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration. On 27 December 2003, UN troops deployed in rebel territory outside Monrovia for the first time and the effects have been immediate, with thousands of refugees returning from Sierra Leone.
A United Nations Mission in Liberia — UNMIL — programme of disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation — DDR — for rebel groups was suspended shortly after its launch in early December. It has been acknowledged generally that UNMIL did not have the capacity at the time to cope with the huge demand for DDR among former rebel soldiers, of which there are an estimated 53,000. The programme will resume once UNMIL has deployed throughout Liberia, possibly in April. In the meantime, a public awareness campaign on DDR has been launched.
On 5 and 6 February 2004, the Liberia reconstruction conference was held in New York. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Tom Kitt, represented the European Union and announced $200 million in EU assistance, as well as a further €5 million in funding from Ireland. In total, the conference received pledges for Liberia in excess of $500 million. The Minister of State welcomed the establishment of the United Nations Mission in Liberia and stressed that no progress could be made in Liberia without the timely implementation of UNMIL's mandate. He urged the international community to set realistic targets for Liberia adding that the challenges facing the country are enormous.
The comprehensive peace agreement was brokered commendably by the regional organisation, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, on 18 August 2003, and has been endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. Mr. Gyude Bryant will serve as chairman of the transitional Government until parliamentary and presidential elections are held before the end of 2005. On taking office, Mr. Bryant pledged to introduce transparency in government and respect for human rights. The Irish Government was represented at the inauguration of the Liberian transitional Government in Monrovia on October 14 by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt.
The Government has deployed a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force to participate in the UN peacekeeping mission, UNMIL. The Irish contingent comprises a motorised infantry battalion of some 430 personnel, including the deployment of a small number of personnel at force headquarters in Monrovia. The Government is of the view that the deployment of UNMIL is critically important in supporting the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement and for the political and economic recovery of Liberia.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:78 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to discussions on the future of Northern Ireland, in particular on the decommissioning of all remaining weaponry; and the prospects for getting the institutions operational in the short term. [10126/04]
In all our recent discussions with the political parties elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly, we have made it clear that for progress to be achieved on a sustainable basis, we need to see the operation of stable inclusive political institutions, with a definitive end to all forms of paramilitarism. In partnership with the British Government and the political parties, we remain firmly committed to resolving these key issues and to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Agreement contains a commitment to the decommissioning of illegally held arms in the possession of paramilitary groups. The fulfilment of that commitment is an indispensable element of the Good Friday Agreement. Both Governments have welcomed the three acts of IRA decommissioning, verified by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, which have taken place to date. In addition, paragraph 13 of the Joint Declaration sets out detailed requirements in relation to the cessation of all forms of paramilitary activity. We will continue to avail of every opportunity to engage with the parties to ensure that paramilitarism from all quarters is brought to an end and that the process of decommissioning is advanced to completion.
We are conscious that other commitments under the Agreement must be met as part of its overall implementation, particularly in the areas of institutional stability, policing, equality and human rights. In this regard, we are working with all the parties to find a context in which the power sharing political institutions can be restored on a sustainable basis and, with the British Government, will continue to advance the implementation of the non-institutional aspects of the Agreement.
Question No. 79 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:80 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a recently published Amnesty International report entitled, Human Rights Begin at Home — Recommendations to Ireland’s EU Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10016/04]
I have received a copy of the Amnesty International report, Human Rights Begin at Home. The Government values the contribution that Amnesty International makes to furthering the cause of promoting and protecting human rights internationally and will give appropriate weight to the recommendations contained in the report.
The report calls for the European Union to take effective leadership in putting into practice its human rights policies at home and outside the Union. As the Deputy is aware, support for human rights is a core value which underpins the European Union and is a priority of the Irish Presidency. The EU is a community of shared values, founded on the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. These principles come from the constitutional traditions and international obligations common to the member states of the Union.
The protection and the promotion of human rights not only constitute defining principles of the EU, but also form part of Community legislation. They were explicitly incorporated into and stated as common European objectives in the Treaty on European Union, which entered into force in November 1993. This step represented a significant strengthening of human rights as a priority issue for the EU in its internal as well as external policies.
The charter of fundamental rights of the European Union, which was proclaimed by the three main EU institutions, namely, the Council, the Commission and the Parliament, in December 2000, is aimed at further strengthening the protection of fundamental rights in the light of changes in society, social progress and technological developments, by making the rights more visible in an EU instrument.
On the external policies of the EU, Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union states that efforts to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are among the objectives of the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU. Article 117 of the Treaty establishing the European Community requires that Community Development Co-operation policy also contributes to the achievement of these objectives. During our Presidency Ireland will work with our EU partners works to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Emigrant Services.
Michael Ring
Ceist:81 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the welfare of Irish emigrants abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9978/04]
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:86 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in regard to statements in the Dáil on 10 March 2004, the emigrant groups his Department has been meeting fortnightly, if not weekly, to co-ordinate activities in assisting them; the grants or funding that have been allocated to these emigrant groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter [9914/04]
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:100 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in regard to the dedicated unit in his Department which has been established instead of the agency for the Irish abroad, as recommended by the task force on emigrants, the number of staff in the unit broken down by grade; the funding available to the unit; the work undertaken to date by the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter [9912/04]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:108 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will now publish the report of the interdepartmental working group considering the recommendations of the task force on policies regarding emigrants; if, in regard to the report of the task force, he will list those recommendations that have been implemented and those that have not; if a timetable has been set for the implementation of outstanding recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9892/04]
Willie Penrose
Ceist:110 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that have been made to implement the recommendation made in the task force on policy regarding emigrants that there should be increased financial assistance to voluntary agencies and programmes abroad which provide welfare services to Irish persons who are vulnerable or excluded; the finance his Department currently provides; if it is intended to increase such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7964/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 86, 100, 108, and 110 together.
The Government has been providing assistance to Irish emigrants in Britain, the United States and Australia for many years. The DION fund, which is administered by the embassy in London through the DION committee, has increased substantially in the past four years, from €592,300 in 1999 to €3.57 million this year. The total amount allocated in grants since 1984 is now almost €18 million. This year, my Department will provide a total of €400,000 to voluntary organisations in the United States which provide advocacy and support to Irish immigrants, an increase of 33% over 2003. Increased grants will also be given to Irish welfare groups in Australia.
I intend that, in allocating the additional funds which I have secured, priority will be given to improving services for the neediest and the most vulnerable among our emigrants, particularly in Britain, in line with the recommendations of the task force report. As regards the implementation of the report, action is being taken on more than two thirds of the recommendations. Some of the recommendations fall within the areas of responsibility of other Departments and I have asked those Departments to examine them to determine what progress has been made in implementing them. In this regard, my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, is implementing the recommendation that the Government give priority to the link between migration and social exclusion during our Presidency of the European Union, by organising a Presidency conference on reconciling mobility and social inclusion next April.
As regards other recommendations, the following examples will illustrate the progress that is being made. A key recommendation of the task force was that all funding for emigrant services abroad should be brought together under the Department of Foreign Affairs. This was done last year with the transfer of the DION fund from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
I secured an additional provision of €1 million in the Vote for the Department of Foreign Affairs for services to emigrants in 2004. This brings the overall expenditure by my Department on emigrant services this year to just over €4 million, an increase of one third on 2003.
The task force recommended that financial assistance be given to AN, the umbrella group for voluntary agencies providing information and advice to potential emigrants, to enable it to provide more effective support to its member agencies. I recently announced that part of the additional funds made available this year will be allocated for this purpose.
The task force also recommended that the Government continue its political engagement with the authorities in the United States as regards the position of undocumented Irish people in that country. During my recent visit to Washington, I met a number of prominent members of Congress with whom I discussed a draft Bill, which would regulate the status of undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States.
As the Taoiseach mentioned in this House on 10 March, an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, meets on a fortnightly basis to monitor progress in implementing the recommendations. I intend to establish the dedicated unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs when the Presidency is over. I have not yet reached a firm conclusion on the number or level of staff required for the unit.
The report of the interdepartmental working group which examined the task force's recommendations has been placed on the Department's website. I assure Deputies that I will continue to implement the report of the task force and to work in partnership with the Governments of the countries concerned and voluntary Irish agencies at home and abroad, to support our emigrants overseas.
EU Presidency.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:82 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the agenda and matters for discussion at the upcoming EU Foreign Ministers meeting to be held on 16 and 17 April 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10012/04]
The informal meeting of Foreign Ministers, or Gymnich, takes place every six months and is hosted by the Presidency. It is named after a small suburb outside Bonn which hosted the first such meeting. The purpose of the Gymnich is to facilitate more in-depth or strategic discussions on an informal basis than is usually possible in the monthly formal meetings of EU Foreign Ministers. The Gymnich under the Irish Presidency will take place in Tullamore on 16 and 17 April and arrangements are being finalised. The agenda and matters for discussion at the Gymnich have not yet been decided.
Centre for Cross-Border Studies.
Simon Coveney
Ceist:83 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the work of the Centre for Cross-Border Studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10013/04]
I have been very impressed by the work of the Centre for Cross-Border Studies. In a relatively short time, it has become a key focal point of analysis and debate for matters which impact upon the North-South relationship on the island. Now in its fifth year of existence, the pioneering work of the centre has led to the establishment of many other organisations which specialise in cross-Border research and collaboration in specific areas.
An excellent working relationship has developed between the centre and the North-South Ministerial Council, resulting in co-operation on projects such as the study commissioned by the council on obstacles to cross-Border mobility on the island of Ireland. My Department has supported the Centre for Cross-Border Studies since its foundation and, to date, it has received more than €138,000 from the reconciliation fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Question No. 84 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
Question No. 85 answered with QuestionNo. 27.
Question No. 86 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Human Rights Issues.
Tom Hayes
Ceist:87 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the human rights situation in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10003/04]
I regret that overall there has been little improvement in the human rights situation in Iran. Although some limited positive measures have been adopted in certain areas, violations of human rights continue to be widespread. These include arbitrary detention, disappearances following arrest, and torture, as well as the continuing practice of public executions. The de facto moratorium on amputations has not been respected. Members of the Baha’i faith, in particular, continue to suffer discrimination and violations of their rights.
There is an on-going pattern of closure of newspapers, arrests and interrogation of journalists and blocking of pro-reform websites. The recent interference in the electoral process represents a major setback for democracy and a general trend toward even more restrictions on the exercise of political rights and freedoms. In addition, the fourth round of the EU-Iran human rights dialogue has not taken place due to Iran's failure to confirm the dates agreed.
Emigrant Services.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:88 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the Irish emigrant support centre in Coventry, England, known as Teach na hÉireann; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that due to funding constraints it is only open for two days per week; if he will consider providing funding to allow the centre to operate seven days per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter [9915/04]
The Teach na hÉireann project was set up in 1999 by the Irish Elders Resource Centre in Coventry and was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Coventry in October 2000. Teach na hÉireann is a day care and resource centre for elderly Irish people. With the backing of Coventry City Council and the Coventry Irish Society, it set out to establish a facility targeted at reducing the social isolation experienced by Irish elders living in the community and to offer culturally sensitive social, educational, health and welfare support to those who are most at risk. It offers an outreach service, provided by its volunteers, of whom there are more than 20 at present, for those Irish elderly people who for physical or social reasons cannot access the centre.
In 2003, it had 208 clients, of which 88 were Irish men and 105 were Irish women. The DION fund, which is administered by the Irish embassy in London through the DION committee, has provided grant support to the centre for a number of years as follows: 1999 — £16,000, €20,316; 2000 — £21,333, €27,087; 2001 — £25,000, €31,743; 2002 — €31,740; and 2003 — €30,158.
In 2003 the centre provided a day care service to elderly Irish people on two days each week. I understand that it wishes to provide day care on a five day per week basis and to expand outreach services and offer home support services. In its recent application to the DION committee it indicated that, from the beginning of 2004, the project manager's working time has been increased from 20 to 30 hours per week to specifically target funds and grants from other sources, for example, charitable trusts, statutory bodies, commercial companies, and to increase support to its voluntary fund-raising committee. It also requested DION to increase its grant in 2004 in order that its overall objective of providing a full-time service could be realised.
The DION committee will examine the Teach na hÉireann application for continuation of funding for the two existing posts of project manager and a part-time support worker, as well as two new part-time posts of administrator and outreach worker at its next meeting in late April 2004. I also understand that the centre continues to receive funding — £25,000 in 2003 — from the local city council in recognition of its work in improving the quality of life of older Coventry residents.
Human Rights Issues.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:89 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the European Union will co-sponsor a resolution at the 60th United Nations Commission for Human Rights which will deal with the breach of human rights in China in general, and the occupation of Tibet in particular. [9896/04]
Ireland, along with our EU partners. takes seriously concerns about human rights in China. Human rights, including the situation in Tibet, are an integral part of our ongoing relationship with China. At its meeting on 22-23 March last the GAERC stressed the importance that the EU attaches to dialogue with third countries in the human rights field generally, and particularly in the context of the Commission on Human Rights. It recalled that the EU has engaged in dialogue with the Government of China on human rights issues.
It is the view of the European Union that the dialogue with China does not preclude appropriate consideration by the Commission on Human Rights of the human rights situation in that country. The EU has received the text of the proposed US resolution on human rights in China and is studying the contents of the draft carefully.
Question No. 90 answered with QuestionNo. 27.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:91 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latest reports or information he has received from the consular office in respect of the persons that attended the trial of three Irish men facing serious charges in Colombia; if he has any information on when a verdict will be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9911/04]
The ambassador to Colombia acted as my official representative throughout the trial and his reports were considered carefully in my Department. The trial has ended and the decision of the judge is awaited. The Deputy will appreciate that, pending the delivery of the judge's decision, it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on this case.
During his recent meeting in Dublin with the Vice-President of Colombia, Mr. Francisco Santos Calderon, the Taoiseach took the opportunity to reiterate the concerns for the safety and security of the men and our hope that the trial would be concluded as expeditiously as possible. I assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to follow this case closely and to provide all possible consular assistance to the men and their families.
State Visits.
John Gormley
Ceist:92 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if US Air Force Eagle fighters based in the UK will provide air cover during President Bush’s visit here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9304/04]
Permission for foreign military aircraft to fly in Irish airspace is regulated by the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, which stipulates that foreign military aircraft may only fly in Irish airspace at the invitation of, or with the permission of, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. No such request has been received in respect of the forthcoming visit of President Bush.
Question No. 93 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
Nuclear Disarmament Initiative.
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:94 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the Government is pushing other EU member states to decommission their nuclear weapons in advance of a conference on nuclear disarmament to be held at the United Nations in New York in April 2004; and if it is the policy of the Government to work towards making Europe a nuclear free zone. [7218/04]
The upcoming third preparatory committee for the 2005 review conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is a pivotal event in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation in 2004. The NPT is the cornerstone of the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. The treaty has three pillars, namely, peaceful use of nuclear energy, non-proliferation and disarmament.
According to Article VI of the treaty, which entered into force in 1970, each of the parties, including the five nuclear weapon states parties, China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States, undertakes to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures leading to nuclear disarmament. At the 2000 review conference further progress was made on this aspect of the treaty with an unequivocal undertaking by the nuclear weapons states to accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals and agreement on 13 practical steps, to be taken by them, that would lead to nuclear disarmament.
Ireland, as a member of the new agenda coalition, NAC, was actively involved in the negotiations on the final document of the 2000 review conference of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which was agreed by consensus. Since that time, Ireland and our partners in the new agenda coalition have advocated the implementation of these steps by all parties to the non-proliferation treaty, particularly the five nuclear weapons states. In the NAC ministerial declaration in September last year, my colleagues and I expressed our deep concern at the lack of progress to date in the implementation of the 13 steps agreed in 2000.
Work on disarmament and non-proliferation issues is also ongoing in the EU context with efforts to universalise multilateral treaties and agreements, such as the NPT, and to mainstream political dialogue on such issues within the Common Foreign and Security Policy. These are measures within the framework of the EU strategy against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, WMD, which was adopted by Heads of State and Government at the European Council in December 2003.
The WMD strategy underlines the European Union's particular commitment to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The EU believes that all our efforts should be aimed at preserving and strengthening this fundamental instrument of international peace and security. The EU supports wholeheartedly the objectives laid down in the treaty and is committed to the effective implementation of the final document of the 2000 NPT review conference and the decisions and resolution adopted at the 1995 review and extension conference.
Ireland, as the holder of the EU Presidency, will work within the Union and with key partners ahead of and during the NPT preparatory committee in seeking agreement on a solid basis a successful outcome to the review cycle. Ireland continues to believe that the only guarantee against the use or threat of use of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, is their complete elimination and the assurance that they will never be used or produced again. We remain committed to disarmament and non-proliferation and to the full implementation of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and 2000 final document in the European and global contexts.
Overseas Development Aid.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:95 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the allocation for overseas development aid in his Department’s Estimates for 2004; if it remains the Government’s commitment to meet the target for overseas development aid of 0.7% of GNP by 2007; the proportion of that target that will be met in 2004 and in each successive year up to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9907/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his intentions to increase as previously indicated Ireland’s contribution to overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10293/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 139 together.
The Government continues to have as an objective the achievement of the overseas development aid target of 0.7% of GNP by 2007. Despite the many pressures on the public finances at present, an allocation of €400 million has been made in the 2004 Estimates to my Department's Vote for international co-operation. In addition, elements of overseas development aid, ODA, which are administered by other Departments are expected to total some €80 million this year. Total spending on ODA, therefore, is expected to approach €480 million in 2004, the highest in the history of the programme. This level of expenditure demonstrates the strong commitment of the Government to the attainment of the UN target.
In 2001 and 2002, our aid expenditure amounted to 0.33% and 0.41% of GNP respectively. Provisional figures indicate that we maintained the percentage at 0.41% in 2003. This year it is likely to reach the same level or possibly exceed it. In percentage terms, Ireland is one of the world's leading donors, currently standing in seventh place, well ahead of the European Union average. The Government hopes that increased allocations, the scale and timing of which will be considered on an ongoing basis, will be possible over the coming years with a view to the achievement of our objective. As budgetary circumstances improve, we hope that renewed momentum towards the UN target will be possible.
Question No. 96 answered with QuestionNo. 36.
Question No. 97 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
Human Rights Issues.
Joe Sherlock
Ceist:98 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his address to the opening meeting of the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva on 15 March 2004. [9918/04]
Ireland is firmly committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, which include promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction. In this context, we attach great importance to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which is the primary forum within the United Nations for the discussion of human rights matters.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland, along with our EU partners, will play an active and constructive role in the Commission on Human Rights with the aim of ensuring that human rights are effectively promoted and protected at the international level. As President of the Council, on Monday 15 March last, I addressed the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. In my statement, I focused on a number of key issues: the need to conduct the fight against terrorism with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; the need to bring about a world where people can live in security and dignity, free from want and hunger; the need for the international community to take action against large-scale flagrant and persistent violations of individuals' human rights; the need to support the International Criminal Court; and the need to strengthen the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
I also reaffirmed the EU's key human rights priorities: the fight against the death penalty; and the prevention of torture and the protection of the rights and well-being of children exposed to armed conflict. In addition, I welcomed the announcement of the appointment of Louise Arbour as the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. At the beginning of my statement, I called for the Commission on Human Rights to observe a minute's silence in remembrance of those killed and injured in the bomb attacks in Madrid. I have arranged for a copy of the speech to be placed in the Oireachtas Library.
Question No. 99 answered with QuestionNo. 51.
Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Question No. 101 answered with QuestionNo. 61.
Lisbon Agenda.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:102 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions being taken by his Department in the context of Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union to push forward the requirements of the Lisbon Agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10007/04]
The Lisbon strategy is designed to make the European Union the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. It was identified as one of the key priorities of Ireland's EU Presidency. The Department of the Taoiseach has lead responsibility for the Lisbon strategy while a number of other Departments hold substantive responsibility for specific issues arising under the strategy. My Department worked with the Department of the Taoiseach and other Departments in developing the Presidency's approach which focused discussion on two overarching themes, sustainable growth and more and better jobs. I used my bilateral contacts, with partners as well as the meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 23 February and 22 March, to secure the agreement of member states to this approach.
Following the successful outcome of the European Council, my Department will continue to work with other Departments to ensure that key Lisbon strategy dossiers are finalised or advanced before the end of Ireland's Presidency.
Question No. 103 answered with QuestionNo. 16.
Question No. 104 answered with QuestionNo. 29.
Ceapacháin Ranna.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:105 D’fhiafraigh Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin den Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha an bhfuil ionadaíocht ó Roinn an Taoisigh ar an gcoiste idir-rannach ar stádas na Gaeilge san Aontas Eorpach. [5589/04]
Tá leoga oifigeach ó Roinn an Taoisigh ar an gcoiste seo.
EU Treaties.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:106 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the fact that his group reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 44, 48, 54, 97 and 102 on 12 February 2004 did not address Parliamentary Question No. 102, he will report on the status of the Article 40 common defence provisions of the draft EU constitutional treaty; if the Article 40 provisions have been finally agreed; if not, if they are still open to change at the next round of negotiations; if the Government has agreed to the Article 40 provisions; if not, if the Government will be seeking changes; and the changes that will be sought. [9965/04]
My reply to the Deputy on 12 February 2004 was comprehensive and addressed all aspects of the questions under reference.
In relation to Article 40 of the draft constitutional treaty, the position is as follows: on 9 December 2003, the Italian Presidency published a revised version of Articles 40.6 and 40.7 of the draft constitutional treaty relating to structured co-operation and mutual defence respectively. Although there was no formal agreement on the proposals at the European Council in December, there was an understanding among member states at the time that the Presidency text had achieved broad consensus and that, as regards mutual defence, it took due account of the various security and defence traditions within the Union.
Ireland is supportive of the Italian Presidency proposals of 9 December and we will not actively seek to reopen discussion on these or on any other aspects of Article 40.
Question No. 107 answered with QuestionNo. 36.
Question No. 108 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Foreign Conflicts.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:109 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the evidence given in sworn inquiry by a senior official in the US Administration that the invasion of Iraq has significantly weakened the multi-lateral support for the war on terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10104/04]
I am not aware any evidence has been provided to the effect that the invasion of Iraq has significantly weakened the multilateral support for the war on terrorism. A former official of the US Administration has voiced the opinion that by invading Iraq the president of the US has greatly undermined the war on terrorism. Evaluation of that opinion is a matter for individual judgement.
It remains the case that there is very strong multilateral support for the fight against terrorism as evidenced by the many measures taken by the international community including the adoption of UN Resolution 1373 of 28 September 2001 and the most recent measures, Declaration on Combating Terrorism, adopted by the European Council on 25 March 2004.
Question No. 110 answered with QuestionNo. 81.
Simon Coveney
Ceist:111 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the findings of the US Council on Foreign Relations task force studying developments in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9985/04]
I am aware of the report to which the Deputy refers. My officials are in the process of studying it at present.
The report provides a useful assessment of the current situation in Iraq and makes a number of recommendations on future action. Our initial assessment shows a number of suggestions in the report which we would welcome. In particular, we welcome its recommendation that the US Administration should "secure a meaningful and effective role in Iraq for the UN". Ireland and our EU partners have consistently maintained the view that a strong UN role in the political transition process is an essential element for its success. In this context, we are very pleased with the decision of the Iraqi Governing Council to invite the UN to help with the transfer of sovereignty at the end of June and future national elections and the acceptance of this invitation by the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan.
Illegal Immigrants.
Liz McManus
Ceist:112 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to the United States and particularly his discussions with US politicians regarding the position of undocumented illegals from this country in the United States. [9905/04]
During my visit to Washington, I discussed the situation and status of Irish immigrants in the United States with a number of prominent US politicians on 2 March. I met with Senator Chuck Hagel who, together with Senator Tom Daschle, the Democratic Leader in the Senate, has recently initiated a Bill in Congress which would enable undocumented foreign nationals in the US to legalise their status if they fulfilled certain conditions. This initiative followed the announcement by President Bush of his proposal, Fair and Secure Immigration Reform, which also seeks to address the situation of undocumented foreign workers in the US.
I welcomed the Daschle-Hagel initiative which I see as a constructive effort to deal with the situation of the undocumented in the United States in a pragmatic and compassionate way. I had previously welcomed President Bush's initiative when it was announced in January. Each of these initiatives will have to follow the legislative paths within Congress. However, I was delighted to have this early opportunity to flag our concerns about the position of Irish immigrants in the US.
I also met with Senator Edward Kennedy who has been working on proposals for an immigration initiative. He indicated that he is still considering the Daschle-Hagel Bill and has not yet decided whether to proceed with his own Bill in the matter. I will continue to monitor the progress of these initiatives closely in the coming months.
Nuclear Disarmament Initiative.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:113 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent attendance at a UN conference on disarmament in Geneva; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10022/04]
I had the privilege of addressing the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on 16 March 2004. During my speech I stressed strong support for the role of the United Nations in conflict prevention and in peacekeeping and our belief that the CD can have an important role to play in UN efforts to maintain peace and security. I emphasised the importance Ireland attaches to multilateral co-operation in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation and our faith in the multilateral regime of treaties and agreements in this area. I reiterated our commitment to implementing and strengthening these instruments and to pursuing the universalisation of their norms.
During my address, I also spoke about some specific problems caused by conventional weapons and urged that a greater priority be given to making progress in addressing the misuse of small arms and light weapons. On the issue of landmines, I recalled that this year marked the fifth anniversary of the Ottawa Convention on Landmines and looked forward to the Nairobi review conference later this year which will provide an opportunity to take stock and to consider how to achieve universal respect for the principles and application of this treaty. I also referred to the question of discarded explosive remnants of war and welcomed the successful outcome of negotiations on an additional protocol to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
I noted that while conventional weapons may have killed more people, it is the proliferation and possible use of weapons of mass destruction that causes greatest fear. I emphasised the importance in this connection of strengthening the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons referring to the severe strains to which the treaty has been subject in recent years. I expressed my conviction that disarmament and non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing and stressed that preserving the integrity of the NPT means respecting all its provisions and the commitments freely entered into at its review conferences, including that in 2000 which provided a realistic blueprint for achieving nuclear disarmament. I also underlined the need to abide by commitments on non-proliferation and urged those countries which have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the IAEA additional protocol as a demonstration of their commitment to the NPT.
I noted that the recognition of the dangers posed by WMD had led the EU to recently adopt a strategy against the proliferation of such weapons. This strategy mainstreams non-proliferation into the Union's overall policies and confirms both our support for the multilateral institutions charged with verifying compliance with the relevant treaties, and our commitment to strong national and internationally co-ordinated export controls. I mentioned the importance of an effective compliance and verification instrument for the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and that we are working with partners to secure the universalisation of both the BTWC and the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Finally, I addressed the impasse at the CD and the lack of political consensus on the next steps to be taken in the multilateral arena on arms control. I referred to those issues of importance to Ireland, including support for the establishment of a subsidiary body to deal specifically with the issue of nuclear disarmament, and suggested a way in which the conference might move forward to build understanding and greater trust. I asked the conference to reflect on the current relevance of its methods of work and supported both the inclusion of civil society in its deliberations and the expansion of the CDs membership.
Foreign Conflicts.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:114 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on the current political and security situation in Chechnya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10008/04]
During the past year, the Russian authorities have made a concerted effort to build up a political system in Chechnya. This policy has included an offer of an amnesty to rebels, the adoption by referendum of a new Chechen constitution in March 2003, and a Chechen presidential election in October 2003. Due to security problems, neither the referendum nor the Chechen presidential election were monitored by observers from the OSCE or the Council of Europe. Akhmad Kadyrov was elected President of Chechnya in October 2003 with 81% of the vote. On 14 March, Chechnya took part in the Russian presidential election, which was won by President Putin. Turnout in Chechnya was recorded at 94.99% of voters.
The EU acknowledges the efforts made by Russia towards reconstruction and institution building in Chechnya. In particular, the Russian Government has recently undertaken to provide financial compensation for damaged property in Chechnya. We look forward to the early implementation of this decision, which will bring relief to the civilian population.
Regrettably, it is clear that the security situation in Chechnya remains very serious and that the civilian population has suffered enormously as a result of the conflict there. The humanitarian situation is difficult. There have been a number of large-scale terrorist attacks in and near Chechnya during the past year, including an attack on a local government compound in Znamenskoye in May 2003 which killed 60 people, and an attack on a hospital in the nearby region of north Ossetia in August 2003 in which more than 50 people lost their lives. There has been a worrying increase in suicide attacks during the past year. Attacks and political assassinations are regrettably still common within Chechnya — it is reported, most recently, that eight Russian soldiers were killed by a bomb in central Chechnya on 26 March. Ireland and the European Union strongly condemn the terrorist attacks which have caused significant loss of life in Chechnya and throughout Russia in recent years.
Unfortunately, there continue to be credible reports of human rights abuses against Chechen civilians by both rebels and Russian security forces. According to the Russian human rights NGO memorial, there were 472 cases of disappearances in 2003, of which 269 have disappeared without a trace, 48 were later found dead with marks of torture and 155 were released after a ransom was paid. These incidents can only hinder prospects for long-term peace and reconciliation. The EU is also concerned at the reports of difficulties experienced by the local population in obtaining proper investigations and prosecutions of such human rights abuses.
Ireland and the European Union recognise the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation. We acknowledge the right and responsibility of the Russian Government to oppose terrorism and crime, and to protect its citizens. However, the EU has consistently stated that the fight against terrorism, in the Russian Federation as elsewhere, must be conducted in accordance with internationally-accepted human rights standards.
Organisation of Working Time Act.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:115 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of inspections that have taken place under the Act for each year since it came into force in respect of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997; the number of prosecutions taken since the Act came into force; the number of convictions that have been obtained; if she has satisfied herself with the level of enforcement of the legislation; if she has any plans to amend the Act to allow for an individual opt out from its protection in relation to doctors in training; the position she is taking on the recent consultation paper issued by the Commission to the Council of Ministers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10142/04]
Details of the number of inspections under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 for the years 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively, are 2,088, 1,163, 1,005 and 1,193. From January 2004 to 26 March the figure is 215. Figures for the previous years are not readily available. In this regard, however, it is to be noted that the Act came into operation on a phased basis commencing on 30 September 1997, with full implementation of the Act not taking effect until 1 March 1998.
Concerning prosecutions and convictions, the position is that in the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 there were three, six and three prosecutions, respectively, and for the same years the conviction figures are three, four and three, respectively. There are no prosecutions or convictions recorded for 2003 or, to date, in 2004.
The Deputy may wish to note that enforcement of the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 is by means of complaint to a rights commissioner and, accordingly, recourse for individuals, who are seeking redress in respect of their employer's non-compliance with the provisions of the Act, is available through that service of the Labour Relations Commission.
The labour inspectorate's role is limited to the records provisions of the Act only. In this connection, when inspectors are pursuing complaints concerning alleged infringements of other employment rights entitlements, they will check that an employer, in accordance with the prescribed format required by the Act, is maintaining relevant records.
Regarding the working hours of doctors in training, which are the responsibility of the Minister for Health and Children, these were excluded from the scope of the original working time directive and, therefore, are not covered by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. However, amending Directive 2000/34/EC extends the original directive to doctors in training and the deadline for transposing that directive into Irish law in respect of such doctors is 1 August 2004.
Regarding the review of Directive 93/104/EC concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time, the European Commission has addressed a communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. By way of contribution to the review I have sought the views of the social partners. On completion of the review by the Commission it will invite the social partners, at EU level, to reach an agreement on an amendment of the directive failing which the Commission itself will bring forward a proposal.
EU Directives.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:116 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she intends to transpose the horizontal amending directive of 2002 and the other outstanding directives extending the cover of the original working time directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10143/04]
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 transposed into Irish law the original Working Time Directive 93/104/EC. This directive excluded a number of sectors such as air, rail, road, sea, inland waterway and lake transport, sea fishing, other work at sea, and the activities of doctors in training.
The position is that the transposition in Ireland relating to the sectors and activities covered by the amending Council Directive 2000/34/EC, known as the horizontal directive, involves policy areas which are the responsibility of a number of Government Departments as follows: policy decisions relating to mobile road transport workers are the responsibility of the Department of Transport; offshore work and work on board sea-going sea fishing vessels are the responsibility of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; and doctors in training are the responsibility of the Department of Health and Children.
My Department has overall central responsibility for employment rights legislation in Ireland and has been working closely with the above three Government Departments given that the original Working Time Directive 93/104/EC had been transposed into Irish law through the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 — No. 20 of 1997. The position in relation to each of the sectors covered by amending Council Directive 2000/34/EC is as follows.
The Department of Transport is currently examining a number of policy issues, relating to decisions about the utilisation of available derogations under the directive, in the cases of mobile transport workers, for "workers concerned with the carriage of passengers on regular urban transport services", and rail and aviation workers. That Department has undertaken to advise my Department of the position in relation to any decisions taken in this regard as soon as possible. In addition, Council Directive 2002/15/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2002 on the organisation of the working time of persons performing mobile road transport activities is also the responsibility of the Department of Transport and must be transposed into Irish law by 23 March 2005.
The provisions of the amending directive relating to offshore work and work on board sea-going sea fishing vessels were due for transposition by 1 August 2003. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources made a statutory instrument to transpose this directive with respect to workers on board sea-going fishing vessels on 18 December 2003 entitled European Communities (Workers on Board Sea-going Fishing Vessels) (Organisation of Working Time) Regulations 2003 — S.I. No. 709 of 2003.
Work on drafting a second ministerial statutory instrument in relation to offshore work is under consideration, and will involve consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government. This statutory instrument is expected to be signed into Irish law shortly. In addition, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources made regulations on 6 November 2003 entitled European Communities (Merchant Shipping) (Organisation of Working Time) Regulations 2003 — S.I. No. 523 of 2003 — which gave effect to Council Directive 1999/63/EC concerning the agreement on the organisation of working time of seafarers concluded by the European Community Shipowners' Association and the Federation of Transport Workers' Unions in the European Union, and European Parliament and Council Directive 1999/95/EC concerning the enforcement of provisions in respect of seafarers' hours of work on board ships calling at community ports.
The Department of Health and Children points out that Article 2 of Directive 2000/34/EC states that the date for bringing into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions shall be 1 August 2004, with regard to doctors in training. For that reason, that Department was not obliged to implement the provisions of the directive by 1 August 2003, as is the case for other professions. The Department of Health and Children has also indicated to my Department that negotiations between the relevant medical representative organisations and that Department are ongoing. A primary aim of these negotiations will be to achieve agreement on the implementation of the requirements of the directive regarding reduction of non-consultant hospital doctors, that is, doctors in training, working hours by the relevant deadline. It is the Department of Health and Children's intention to transpose the provisions of the directive as regards doctors in training at the earliest opportunity, but in any case in advance of the 1 August 2004 deadline.
Overseas Missions.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:117 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number and locations to which Irish troops are currently serving overseas on foot of EU, UN or other mandates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10291/04]
Currently, a total of 796 Defence Forces personnel are serving overseas, full details of which are listed in the following statement.
The provisions in relation to the dispatch of a contingent of the Defence Forces for overseas service are laid down in the Defence Acts, which require that the mission must be authorised by the United Nations, approved by Government and, where the contingent is armed and exceeds 12 in number, approved by way of a resolution of Dáil Éireann.
|
Number |
|
|
1. UN Missions |
|
|
(i)UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) |
7 |
|
(ii)UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) — Israel, Syria and Lebanon |
14 |
|
(iii)UNFICYP (United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus) |
4 |
|
(iv)MINURSO(United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) |
4 |
|
(v)UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo) |
3 |
|
(vi)UNMISET (United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor) |
1 |
|
(vii)MONUC (United Nations Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
(viii)MINUCI (United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast) |
2 |
|
(ix)UNMIL (United Nations Mission in Liberia) |
435 |
|
Total |
473 |
|
UN Mandated Missions |
|
|
(x)SFOR (Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina SFOR HQ Sarajevo) |
12 |
|
(xi)KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) |
261 |
|
(xii)ISAF (International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan) |
7 |
|
Total number of personnel serving with UN missions |
753 |
|
2. EU Mission |
|
|
European Union Monitor Mission (EUMM) to the former Yugoslavia |
9 |
|
3. Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) |
|
|
(i) OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina |
1 |
|
(ii) OSCE Mission in Croatia |
1 |
|
(iii) OSCE Mission in Kosovo |
1 |
|
(iv) OSCE Presence in Albania |
1 |
|
(v) OSCE Mission in FRY |
2 |
|
(vi) OSCE Mission in Macedonia |
1 |
|
(vii) OSCE Mission in Georgia |
4 |
|
(viii) Staff Officer, Higher Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
Total number of personnel serving OSCE |
12 |
|
4. Head of Military Staff (Brussels) |
1 |
|
5. EU Military Staff (Brussels) |
6 |
|
6. Liaison Office of Ireland, PfP (Brussels) |
4 |
|
7. Permanent Representative to EU (Brussels) |
6 |
|
8. Military Representatives-Advisers |
|
|
(i) Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
1 |
|
(ii) Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
(iii) Military Representative to Partnership Co-ordination Cell-Supreme Headquarters AlliedPowers Europe (SHAPE), Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
9. Appointments — UN HQ (New York) |
|
|
Officers seconded to DPKO (Department of Peace Keeping Operations) |
2 |
|
Total Number of Defence Forces Personnel Serving Overseas |
796 |
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:118 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if a comparative cost analysis has been carried out between EU Rapid Reaction Force deployments and UNSAS deployments to take account of the fact that contributing states must absorb RRF deployment costs whereas UNSAS deployments are partially reimbursed to contribution states; if so, if he will report on the results; if not, if such a study will be carried out; when it will be completed; and if the results will be published. [10316/04]
Ireland participates in a range of peace support missions. Participation in such missions is subject to authorisation by the United Nations, Government decision and approval of Dáil Éireann, in accordance with the statutory provisions laid down in the Defence Acts.
In authorising a mission, the UN can decide either to establish a UN force for the purposes of enforcing the provisions of a Security Council resolution or to authorise a regional organisation or a framework nation to establish such a force for this purpose. So, for example, in the case of Liberia, the UN has authorised the establishment of a UN Force, whereas in the case of the mission in Kosovo, the force, which is authorised by the UN, is led by NATO.
Where the mission is operating under the traditional UN "blue beret" arrangements, contributing countries are entitled to some reimbursement of costs in respect of personnel and equipment. Where the force is operating under regional arrangements, such as the EU or NATO, each participant carries its own costs and shares the common operating costs.
The main difference in costs which arises in relation to a non-UN led force is the absence of reimbursement. This will vary depending on the mission. In the case of the mission in Liberia the total estimated additional cost arising from participation is €12.1 million per annum of which €10.8 million per annum will be reimbursed by the UN. In the case of Operation Artemis, the EU led mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ireland's contribution to the common costs amounted to some €60,000.
No formal report has been completed into the difference between the two types of operations in terms of costs. Missions are considered on a case-by-case basis and cost is but one of a number of considerations which informs the decision to participate in a mission. In considering participation, the Government takes into account Ireland's strategic interests, the nature of the mission and the risks involved, the mission's mandate and its potential to ensure peace and security, foreign policy considerations and the mission costs.
Milk Quota.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:119 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has received an application for extra milk quota from a person (detail supplied) in County Limerick for the reference years for decoupling to be amended; when a decision will be made; and if consideration will be given to the applicant. [10152/04]
Allocations of milk quota from the national reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The tribunal is a body established to consider and advise on applications for additional quota from individual producers who have suffered severe hardship in the context of the milk quota system.
The person named last applied to the tribunal in the 2000-01 milk quota year but there is no record of him having applied in the current 2003-04 quota year. While the deadline for application in respect of the current quota year has passed an application may be made for the 2004-05 quota year when the application forms become available in the autumn.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:120 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has received an application for extra milk quota from persons (details supplied) in County Limerick for the reference years for decoupling to be amended; when a decision will be made; and if sympathetic consideration will be given to the applicants. [10153/04
Allocations of milk quota from the national reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The tribunal is a body established to consider and advise on applications for additional quota from individual producers who have suffered severe hardship in the context of the milk quota system. It also examines applications from producers whose herds have been restricted by animal disease in the current quota year. The persons in question submitted an application for additional quota on the grounds of animal disease and the tribunal recommended a temporary allocation for the 2003-04 quota year. The persons concerned and their co-operative have been notified of this allocation.
Grant Payments.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:121 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment of a forestry grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10239/04]
Payment of the 2004 forestry premium will made within the next few weeks.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:122 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment of grant aid will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10265/04]
Applications under the third round of the NDP horticulture scheme were recently received in the Department — closing date 9 March 2004. All applications are being examined at present and it is planned to issue approvals to successful applicants at the end of April 2004. The person referred to submitted an application under the scheme on 8 March 2004. I am not in a position at this stage to say if approval for the payment of a grant will issue to the individual referred to.
John Ellis
Ceist:123 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department will pay forestry premia to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [10266/04]
Payment of the 2004 forestry premium will made within the next few weeks.
Export Licences.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:124 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position with regard to the measures being taken to ensure that the condition relating to the granting of export licences are monitored and enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:125 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position with regard to the penalties applied to the abuse of licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10274/04]
Billy Timmins
Ceist:126 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position with regard to the reason there is no minimum value impediment applied here as is done in Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10275/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 to 126, inclusive, together.
Trade in horses between member states and from member states to third countries is governed by specific EU Commission decisions which establish the health conditions and certification to be applied to such animals for trade purposes. However, a derogation from these rules has operated for many years in relation to trade between Ireland, France and the UK, under a tripartite agreement based on a common animal health position in the equine sector.
Under this agreement, horses travelling between Ireland and the UK and registered horses travelling between Ireland and France and do not have to be certified, though they must be individually identified by means of their passports or, in the case of non-registered horses travelling between Ireland and the UK, by way of a current marking sheet. Both registered and non registered horses are subject to spot checks by an official veterinarian at the port of departure.
In so far as horses traded outside of tripartite countries are concerned, my Department has not issued export certificates for horses for slaughter in recent times. All horses certified by my Department are intended for breeding, racing, jumping and sport use. I should however point out that trade in horses for slaughter is covered by relevant EU regulations and, subject to compliance with animal health and welfare legislation, is a legitimate trade. Regarding the application of a rule prohibiting the export of horses under a certain value, I am advised that this would constitute an unlawful barrier to free trade.
The European Communities (Trade in Animals and Animal Products) Regulations, 1994, (S.I. No. 289 of 1994) provide that a person who exports live animals other than in compliance with the veterinary and zootechnical legislation of the European Community may be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both.
Landslide Mayo.
Michael Ring
Ceist:127 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to the announcement from his Department for funding of €100,000 for the farming victims of the landslide of September 2003 in north Mayo, the way in which his Department proposes to distribute this funding; the persons which will receive it; and when the money will be given out. [10317/04]
The position is that I have already asked my officials to draw up formal scheme terms and conditions and an application form with a view to allocating the funds as quickly as possible. My intention is that the fund will be targeted to those farmers whose holdings have been most affected by the landslide.
Decentralisation Programme.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:128 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Finance the number of applications received in regard to the provision of facilities, that is, site buildings and so on, for the decentralisation of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism to Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10154/04]
The number of property decentralisation proposals received by the Office of Public Works in respect of Killarney is 16 and these proposals are currently being assessed.
Tax Code.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:129 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance if the tax office in Mount Street can forward the tax details of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow to the tax office in Grattan House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10272/04]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that this person's tax affairs are currently being dealt with in the Kildare Meath Wicklow customer services district of the Revenue Commissioners in Grattan House, Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, and her tax details are held there.
I understand that the query relates to a request for a statement of nil net liability. I am informed that reviews of the taxpayer's affairs have been dealt with under the PAYE system for the years 2000-01, 2001 and 2002 under the income tax number of the taxpayer's spouse on a joint assessment basis. Joint assessment requires that the income of the taxpayer and her spouse be aggregated to establish the net liability for each year. These reviews show the taxpayer and her spouse to be liable for income tax for the years in question. Consequently, it is not possible to issue statements of nil net liability for the years in question.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:130 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the progress in the implementation of the Government’s commitments undertaken in the Joint Declaration, April 2003, section on rights, equality, identity and community; if he believes that action on these issues remains a priority for maintaining confidence in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7787/04]
In recognition of the priority which the two Governments attach to these issues, the Joint Declaration by the British and Irish Governments contained a number of commitments on the part of both under the headings of rights, equality, identity and community.
The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference has provided a number of opportunities for discussions on progress to date in relation to the commitments by the British Government. The communiqués issued after the conference meetings on 2 July 2003 and 22 January 2004 reflect the encouraging progress made across a broad range of issues. I agree that positive advancement on these areas is vital for developing the threshold of confidence that is required in order to ensure that progress is made on the broader political and institutional front.
The Irish Government also made a number of commitments under these headings in the Joint Declaration. Arising from consideration of the recommendations of the report of the Victims Commission, the Government announced in October 2003 the creation of an independent commission to administer a remembrance fund which is being established to address the needs of the victims of the conflict and their families in this jurisdiction. The Government has approved the expenditure of €9 million over the lifetime of the commission, including a donation to the Northern Ireland memorial fund.
The Department of Foreign Affairs also continues to disburse moneys from the reconciliation fund. Its purpose is to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and efforts to create better understanding between people on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. Since 1999, the fund has disbursed €12.3 million for this purpose.
The Government also committed itself in the Joint Declaration to working with the relevant regulators and broadcasting authorities to address the technical and other barriers with a view to increasing substantially the reception of TG4 in Northern Ireland. Encouraging progress has been made over the last year in addressing the various rights, spectrum, regulatory and financial issues involved, and this work continues to be advanced.
On human rights, the legislation providing for the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights, ECHR, into Irish law was passed by the Oireachtas in June 2003 and the European Convention on Human Rights Act came into effect on 30 December 2003.
Advancing the rights, equality, identity and community aspects of the Joint Declaration is a central part of realising the fresh start envisaged by the Good Friday Agreement. The next meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 21 April will provide a further opportunity to review and, where necessary, give additional focus and momentum to the progress being made in these important areas.
Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
Human Rights Issues.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:132 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the involvement of Irish companies in the construction of the security wall in Palestine (details supplied). [8119/04]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:133 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the participation of a company (details supplied) in the construction of the wall in Palestine is in contravention of the UN Norms on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Regard to Human Rights 2003. [8118/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.
I am advised that CRH own a minority share in a company which owns a company, Nesher Cement, which supplies cement to concrete manufacturers. Nesher is not directly involved in this construction project. Nevertheless, it seems likely that Nesher, which is the main supplier of cement in Israel and the Occupied Territories, may supply cement to the concrete manufacturers involved in the construction of the barrier. I would not accept that this constitutes participation by an Irish company in the construction of the separation barrier and consequently I do not see that the question of conformity with the UN norms referred to arises in this case.
Question No. 134 answered with QuestionNo. 51.
Question No. 135 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
Military Neutrality.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland’s position in relation to participation in EU defence and security operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10289/04]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 1 of 29 May 2003.
Since its inception, Ireland has sought to play a positive and constructive role in the evolution of European Security and Defence Policy, ESDP. It is an inclusive project and it has been conceived and elaborated with the engagement of all member states. We will continue to participate actively in its ongoing development.
Ireland, in association with other EU member states, especially the other neutral and non-aligned countries, has helped to influence the overall parameters within which ESDP operates by placing particular emphasis on the primary role of the United Nations Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security. Conflict prevention has also been at the core of the Union's approach and Ireland has worked to ensure that this centrally important dimension to ESDP is given prominence. In terms of ESDP operations, military and civilian personnel can only be deployed under EU auspices to undertake humanitarian, peacekeeping and crisis management tasks, known as Petersberg Tasks. Participation by Ireland in EU military crisis management operations requires a Government decision and UN authorisation for the mission in question. A resolution by Dáil Éireann is also required where the proposed number for deployment of Irish personnel exceeds twelve. These conditions are set out in the Defence Acts and were reflected in the national declaration made by Ireland at the Seville European Council in June 2002, in advance of the referendum on the Nice treaty held in October of that year.
To date, Ireland has participated in one EU military crisis management operation. Five members of the Defence Forces took part last summer in Operation Artemis, a temporary stabilisation force in the north-eastern province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mission was undertaken by the EU in response to a request by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and in light of UN Security Council Resolution 1484 of 30 May 2003.
In the civilian crisis management area, members of the Garda Síochána have participated in UN missions as well as missions organised by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE and by the EU. Assistant Commissioner Kevin Carty of the Garda Síochána is currently serving as head of mission of the EU's police mission, EUPM, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. A further three gardaí also participate in this mission. Any future deployment of Irish military or civilian personnel on EU crisis management operations will continue to be in accordance with relevant legislative and constitutional requirements.
Foreign Conflicts.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:137 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which Ireland intends to influence the ongoing situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10290/04]
As President of the EU, Ireland participates in the United Nations ‘Group of Friends' and the Iraqi Core Group. This participation furthers the EU aim of contributing towards the political — Group of Friends — and economic — Iraqi Core Group — reconstruction of Iraq.
Ireland also seeks to influence the situation in Iraq through bilateral contacts with key players. In this regard, the Government has recently had exchanges with the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and his special adviser, Lakhder Brahimi, Iraqi human rights Minister, Abdelbaset Saaed and United States Secretary of State, Colin Powell, senior figures in the Governments of other permanent members of the UN Security Council, the Secretary General of the Arab League and Governments of the region as well as important NGOs. In these bilateral contacts, we have stressed our key positions that we support as rapid a transfer of power as possible to a democratically elected Iraqi Government and that the UN should play a strong and vital role in the transition process.
We will also continue to raise the issues involved with EU partners and seek to achieve consensus on the situation and the way forward. As a result of such work, the recent European Council adopted an important declaration which welcomed recent positive political development in relation to Iraq, including the signing of the Transitional Administrative Law and the UN's acceptance of the invitation received from the current Iraqi authorities to assist with the formation of an interim government and with the preparation for elections. The council also noted the European Union's determination to assist the Iraqi people as they enter a new era in the history of their country.
Ireland's humanitarian assistance to Iraq this year will be channelled through trusted partners such as UN agencies, international organisations and trusted NGOs. At the Madrid donors' conference in October 2003, Ireland pledged up to €3 million in further assistance to Iraq. This was in addition to the €5 million funding package which had already been delivered in 2003.
Overseas Development Aid.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in regard to the fight against starvation on the African continent; the extent to which this country can offer unilaterally or in conjunction with others, urgently required assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10292/04]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the structures currently in place are adequate to prevent overseas development aid from getting into the wrong hands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10294/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 140 together.
I am deeply conscious of the enormity of the challenges facing African nations as they seek to build the foundations of economic and social development, often in a climate of hunger, disease and conflict. The reduction of poverty, hunger and insecurity is one of the most important tasks to which the international community can dedicate itself in the 21st century.
The challenges facing the international community can only be overcome when donors such as Ireland, the EU and others work hand in hand with United Nations agencies dedicated to relieving poverty, tackling famine and reducing conflict.
Ireland responds in two ways to the humanitarian and development needs of Africa. In the short term, we focus on saving lives in the most effective way possible, through direct assistance via the UN system and international agencies as well as non-governmental organisations, NGOs. In the longer term, Ireland's development programme tackles the structural reasons underlying endemic poverty.
Last year the Government's humanitarian assistance to African countries amounted to more than €20 million. Humanitarian interventions were designed to reduce the effects of famine, disease and conflict on some of the most vulnerable populations in Africa, with a particular emphasis on women and children. Our direct humanitarian assistance is complemented by ongoing political action. In relation to food insecurity, we have been working closely with our partners in the EU and the UN to develop strategies on how immediate needs can best be met at national and regional level.
In November last, Ireland hosted the launch of the 2004 UN humanitarian appeal. The appeal is a key instrument for the humanitarian community and acts as the principal vehicle for strategic planning and resource mobilisation. It facilitates effective and efficient responses to famines and other emergencies by fostering collaboration among key humanitarian agencies including NGOs, donors and host governments. In hosting the launch, I highlighted chronic humanitarian emergencies, particularly in Africa, which have faded from public consciousness or indeed have never been funded sufficiently.
At EU level, Ireland hosted an informal meeting of the Humanitarian Affairs Committee in Dublin last week. This meeting brought together senior representatives from the humanitarian offices in member states and the Commission to share information in relation to the effective management and implementation of humanitarian aid.
The underlying structural problems contributing to poverty and instability must be addressed if we are to break the cycle of food insecurity, disease and conflict in the African continent. The main geographical focus of Ireland's bilateral programme is sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest region in the world. Within the framework of three-year country strategy papers, CSPs, Development Co-operation Ireland provides long-term development assistance to six programme countries in Africa — Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia — as well as South Africa. In line with other donors, we operate in partnership with the governments of these countries and agree our strategies with them to ensure that our interventions respond effectively to their development needs. We help to build up the capacity of these governments to manage their own affairs, which in turn strengthens their sense of ownership of the whole development process.
Obviously a key issue, when one is operating in an environment of dire poverty and the corruption usually associated with it, is to have robust processes for oversight and accountability. In line with best practice, the Development Co-operation Ireland programme provides this through a rigorous system of evaluation, monitoring and audit. All accounts and expenditure are audited. There is a strong, comprehensive monitoring process, which acts as a quality control on the programme. The evaluation approach allows for a forensic examination of interventions to measure effectiveness and identify lessons learned. These systems are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary.
Question No. 139 answered with QuestionNo. 95.
Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 138.
Question No. 141 answered with QuestionNo. 36.
Question No. 142 answered with QuestionNo. 51.
Human Rights Issues.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:143 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the ten most sensitive locations world-wide in which serious human rights abuses occur on an ongoing basis; his plans during Ireland’s EU Presidency to focus on and deal with these situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10297/04]
As I have made clear on previous occasions, it is not the policy of the Government to draw up a league table of countries deemed guilty of the worst human rights abuses.
Together with our EU partners, the Government monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world, on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including non-governmental organisations. Where the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the governments in question, either directly or through action at the UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on Human Rights. At these bodies, the EU regularly makes statements on the human rights situations in a number of countries from all regions. The EU also introduces or supports resolutions dealing with specific countries.
At the 60th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, which is currently ongoing in Geneva, Ireland as Presidency of the Council, on behalf of the EU, will present a significant number of country-specific initiatives, including resolutions on the human rights situations in Burma/Myanmar, North Korea, DRC, the Russian Federation (Chechnya), Sudan and Zimbabwe, as well as the question of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories. In addition, it will propose initiatives on Turkmenistan and Belarus jointly with the United States. The EU will also initiate Chair's statements on Colombia and Timor Leste.
Active participation in multilateral organisations such as the EU, UN and the Council of Europe, provides an occasion where Ireland can voice its concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for the violation of human rights. The Government will continue to use these mechanisms as a means of highlighting violation of human rights and furthering their protection.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:144 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he proposes, during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU, to focus on human rights abuses throughout Africa; the possible remedies under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10298/04]
Africa is a continent beset by often seemingly insurmountable problems including conflict, debt, poverty and HIV/AIDS. The European Commission and member states collectively are the largest global donors of development assistance to Africa and the EU is thus in a position to play an important role in helping Africans address the problems of the continent.
There are two overarching themes which the Irish Presidency has decided to address during this Presidency which are of crucial relevance to Africa: poverty reduction and conflict prevention.
The Deputy will also be aware of the priority the Government has attached to children and armed conflict and human rights defenders as part of the EU Presidency. The issues of children and armed conflict and slavery are closely linked and the role of human rights defenders in highlighting instances of slavery and bonded labour is vital in focusing national and international attention. We are currently overseeing the satisfactory progress of the implementation of EU guidelines on children and armed conflict and EU partners have been circulated with a paper on draft EU guidelines for the support of human rights defenders. The EU conducts a process of political dialogue with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries which benefit from the Cotonou Agreement. Human Rights is a central theme of political dialogue.
While poverty can never be accepted as an excuse for human rights abuses, the Irish Presidency believes that poverty eradication should be the overriding objective of EU development policy, to be achieved by attaining the millennium development goals, MDGs.
It is the Presidency's belief that the EU should work towards the goal of poverty eradication by improving the effectiveness of its development assistance, strengthening the coherence of its policies that affect developing countries, working to enhance the voice of developing countries in multilateral institutions such as the UN, the Bretton Woods Institutions and the WTO and making further progress towards meeting the MDGs.
Conflict prevention is another overarching theme that Ireland has decided to prioritise in our relations with Africa during the Presidency. There can be no development without peace. Many African countries continue to experience or are gradually emerging from conflict, including Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Burundi, the DRC, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia-Eritrea.
Ireland also supports the special court in Sierra Leone, established in order to prosecute persons bearing the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law and certain crimes under national law. The special court has an important role in ensuring that there is no impunity for those who have committed grievous crimes in Sierra Leone.
Africa will also be a core theme in our engagement at the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva which is currently under way. Ireland, on behalf of the EU, will be tabling resolutions on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Zimbabwe. In addition, the Irish Presidency will table thematic resolutions on the death penalty and on the rights of the child, with the Latin American-Caribbean grouping, GRULAC, which has particular relevance to Africa. Ireland will also support Italy's technical resolution on Somalia regarding assistance on human rights. Ireland's traditional resolution on religious intolerance, which has universal application, has now been taken up by the EU and is being handled by our Dutch partners.
Foreign Conflicts.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:145 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the Attorney General’s advice and opinion provided to the Government on the Iraq intelligence dossier; if the Government followed this advice; if not, the reason therefor; if the Attorney General’s position will be published; and if the dossier will be published. [10311/04]
The Attorney General's advice and opinion has not been sought in relation to an Iraq intelligence dossier.
Security Council Representation.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:146 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the investigations the Government made into whether the Irish representation to the UN Security Council was bugged in view of recent revelations that several high level UN officials were bugged including the UN Secretary General and High Commissioner for Human Rights. [10312/04]
I am very conscious of the importance of maintaining adequate security arrangements in all the offices of my Department, including in respect of communication facilities.
The Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations is housed in a separate building to the UN headquarters and there is no evidence to suspect that this office was bugged during the time when Ireland held a seat in the Security Council or at any other time.
Third Level Fees.
Michael Ring
Ceist:147 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the grant aid available to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo who wishes to take up teacher training in Scotland. [10140/04]
The third level student support schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration, pursued in a university or a third level institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds, in other EU member states with effect from the 1996/97 academic year. The extension of the schemes at that time did not include courses at postgraduate level and, accordingly, there is no grant aid available under the schemes for students pursuing postgraduate studies outside of Ireland.
An approved undergraduate course in the above context is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU member state, with the exception of the following: courses in colleges of further and higher education other than courses which are at higher national diploma level or higher; courses provided in a college which are offered in private commercial third level colleges in the State and which are validated by that college; and courses in colleges akin to private commercial colleges in Ireland.
Any extension of the current arrangements to provide for students pursuing postgraduate courses outside of Ireland could only be considered in the light of available resources and other competing demands within the education sector.
At present, there are no plans, to expand the provisions in the grant schemes in respect of study abroad. With regard to tuition fees, there is a provision for tax relief at the standard rate in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and post graduate courses in other EU member states. Further details and conditions in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
The decision on eligibility for the third level student support schemes is a matter for the relevant local authority-vocational educational committee which administer the schemes.
School Curriculum.
Dan Neville
Ceist:148 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans his Department has to invest proper resources into teaching science subjects at second level, the absence of which has resulted in only 14% of students taking chemistry or physics as a leaving certificate subject. [10141/04]
A range of actions are being taken to promote an increased uptake of science in second level schools, in line with the recommendations in the report of the task force on the physical sciences. In particular, important progress is being made in regard to curricular reform and in-service support, with new syllabi already implemented in leaving certificate biology and physics and chemistry; revised syllabi in primary science and junior certificate science beginning in schools in 2003-04; work under way on a new leaving certificate physical sciences syllabus to replace the physics and chemistry combined syllabus. All of these developments are being or have been supported by national in-service programmes for teachers; resourcing, with substantial grants issued to schools at primary level in 1999, 2001 and 2002; an additional per capita grant for physics and chemistry at leaving certificate; a capital grants programme for senior cycle science ICT and science equipment; allied with the announcement in 2003 of a once-off grant scheme, likely to cost of the order of €12 million, to support the implementation of the new junior certificate science syllabus. To date some 614 schools in the free education scheme have opted to provide the revised junior certificate science syllabus from 2003-04. Grants of €5.1 million were issued to these schools at the end of January 2004 and a further tranche of payments to certain schools is currently being processed. The revised junior certificate science syllabus provides for a more investigative approach to science education with some 30 experiments and investigations which have to be carried out over the period of the programme. This hands-on approach is seen as critically important to enhance the attractiveness of the subject and encourage more students to choose the physical sciences at senior cycle; ICT integration projects in teaching and learning under the schools IT initiative, and the new TV scope programme in partnership with RTE, NCCA and the National Centre for Technology in Education; provision of materials and publications to schools to promote the attractiveness and relevance of science for students as a subject option and career path; reviews on mathematics, grading of subjects in the leaving certificate, gender equity issues in science, and initial reports on teacher training undertaken; awareness measures supported by industry and third level colleges linking with schools; the launch of the new discover science and engineering programme in October 2003 bringing together all the existing awareness activities in a unified strategy; the announcement by the Tánaiste in December 2003 of plans for Ireland's first interactive learning centre for children and adults, designed to give visitors a hands-on experience and understanding of science and to be an education and outreach centre for teachers and pupils. The exploration station is due to open in 2006 and will be situated in the OPW Heuston Gate development in Kilmainham, Dublin.
This work continues to be progressed and enhanced as resources permit in collaboration and consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Forfás and industry. My Department is fully committed to strengthening the quality of science teaching and learning, promoting increased scientific literacy and encouraging more students to choose science subjects at senior cycle and progress to third level options in this critical area as a vitally important part of the national strategy to support competitiveness and employment.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:149 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that the budget and allowances for VTOS have not increased since 1989, he will now consider increasing the travel and child care allowances to a level where they will meet the actual costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10147/04]
A participant on a VTOS programme receives free tuition and is entitled to a training allowance in lieu of an unemployment payment, equivalent to the maximum rate of unemployment benefit. VTOS students with other eligible social welfare entitlements, such as one-parent family payment, continue to receive their payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
VTOS students receive books and materials free of charge, and may be entitled to a travel allowance if they reside more than three miles from a centre. The rates of the travel allowance are equivalent to those paid to participants on FÁS training courses. A training bonus of €31.80 per week is also paid to students who have been in receipt of their social welfare payment for at least 12 months directly before joining VTOS.
VTOS participants are also eligible to receive assistance towards child care costs. Grants are paid annually by my Department to the vocational education committees for this purpose. The local administration of the child care service is a matter for the individual VECs. The grant is intended as a contribution to costs. The overall financial provision for child care assistance for participants on these programmes for 2004 is €4.8 million. This compares with the initial budget in 2003 of just under €3 million.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:150 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in the context of budget preparation for 2005, he will consider increasing the capital funding for VTOS in that year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10148/04]
Adult education programmes in general are not provided in purpose-built accommodation. Programmes such as VTOS are provided either in emerging spare accommodation in schools or in rented premises and are equipped on an ongoing basis through their non-pay budgets.
Within the constraints of available resources and in view of the prospect that accommodation will increasingly become available through a decline in mainstream enrolments in the school system, it would not be practical or cost effective to develop a general system of capital provision for adult education.
As a result of a recent initiative, limited capital funding for premises for adult education can be made available in cases where special difficulties arise through, for example, the unavailability of accommodation for rent. Such funding comes from within the provision for first, second and third-level institutions, rather than from VTOS funds and is subject to the priorities governing the use of capital funds. I envisage that this arrangement will continue. I also envisage that adult education will for the most part continue to be provided in existing school buildings or in rented premises.
Schools Building Projects.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:151 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will sanction the construction of a new school for Monkstown Educate Together national school in view of the totally inadequate current accommodation and the fact that two suitable sites already zoned for educational use have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10149/04]
The property management section of the Office of Public Works recently submitted a report to my Department on the issue of site acquisition for Monkstown Educate Together national school. However, due to the commercial sensitivity of the process involved, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any individual aspect of the report at this time. However, my Department will continue to grant-aid the use of temporary accommodation by the school at a rate of 95% of the cost pending the delivery of permanent accommodation.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:152 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide an update on the application for a extension to Holy Family School, Cootehill, County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10150/04]
The proposed extension to the Holy Family primary school, Cootehill, County Cavan, is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department's website at www.education.ie. This project has been assigned a band one rating by my Department in accordance with the published criteria for prioritising large-scale projects. It is planned to progress this project to advanced architectural planning during 2004.
Indicative timescales have been included for large-scale projects proceeding to tender in 2004. The budget announcement regarding multi-annual capital envelopes will enable me to adopt a multi-annual framework for the school building programme, which in turn will give greater clarity regarding projects that are not progressing to tender in this year's programme including the Holy Family primary school. I will make a further announcement in that regard during the year.
School Absenteeism.
Dan Neville
Ceist:153 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the election promise that the Government will ensure that reducing absenteeism in early school leaving is a core priority over the period of Government. [10156/04]
My Department's commitment to tackling absenteeism and early school leaving is reflected in the national anti-poverty strategy, the National Action Plan Against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2003-2005 and the latest social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, which contains a special initiative on tackling educational disadvantage: literacy, numeracy and early school leavers. My Department's approach comprises legislative and curricular reforms as well as preventative interventions. The Education (Welfare) Act was fully commenced on 5 July 2002. Under the Act, the National Educational Welfare Board, NEWB, was established to ensure that every child attends school regularly or otherwise receives an education. To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nationwide service to provide welfare-focused services to children, families and schools. At this stage of its development, the aim of the board is to provide a service to the most disadvantaged areas, including areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme and most at-risk groups. Five regional teams have now been established with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed since early December 2003 in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme.
Thirteen towns with significant school-going populations also now have an educational welfare officer allocated to them. These towns are Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Athlone, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Clonmel, Tralee, Ennis, Sligo and Letterkenny. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
Section 21 of the Education (Welfare) Act requires the principal of a recognised school to inform an educational welfare officer in writing where a student is absent from school for more than 20 days or where the officer is of the view that a student is not attending school regularly. This covers the situation in which a student under the age of 16 drops out of school entirely and the NEWB has put procedures in place to classify all such cases as urgent and prioritise them accordingly. The board issued an information leaflet to 330,000 families and 4,000 schools in early March 2004. The leaflet targeted parents and guardians of children aged between six and 16 years of age and young people aged 16 and 17 who have left school early to start work. It outlines the role that parents and guardians play in ensuring that their children do not miss out on education and training and also gives information about the National Educational Welfare Board. In addition, the board launched a new lo-call telephone number to inform parents and guardians about their legal role and responsibilities under the Education (Welfare) Act 2000.
As provided for under section 10 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, my Department is working with the board to ensure that any opportunities for integrated working between educational welfare officers and staff on other educational disadvantage programmes whose work involves a school attendance element, such as the school completion programme, the home-school community liaison scheme and the visiting teachers for Travellers service, are exploited to the full.
My Department operates a number of programmes, including the Giving Children an Even Break programme and the home-school community liaison scheme, which provide additional supports for children in primary and post-primary schools from disadvantaged backgrounds who are most at risk of educational disadvantage and early school leaving. My Department's main programme for tackling early school leaving is the school completion programme which was launched in 2002.
The school completion programme incorporates the learning, experience and best practice derived from previous early school leaving initiatives and assimilates the eight to 15 early school leaver initiative, ESLI, and the stay in school retention initiative at second level, SSRI. It is a key component of my Department's strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of early school leaving. The programme is based on an integrated cross-community approach to tackling early school leaving. There are currently 405 schools, 295 primary and 110 post-primary, participating in the school completion programme.
With regard to curriculum reform, my Department's strategies have included widening the educational experience available to students. These strategies aim to achieve a greater level of inclusiveness in curricular provision through such programmes as the junior certificate schools programme, JCSP, the leaving certificate vocational programme, LCVP, vocational preparation and training, VPT, and the leaving certificate applied, LCA.
Site Acquisitions.
Sean Fleming
Ceist:154 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding an application for a site for a new school for Gaelscoil Phort Laoise in the Kilminchy area of Portlaoise in view of the fact that planning permission for the site is being processed at the moment by Laois County Council; and when the Department will approve this application for Gaelscoil Phort Laoise for their site for their new school. [10160/04]
Gaelscoil Phort Laoise was established with provisional recognition in September 1998 to cater for the demand in the area for primary education through the medium of Irish. The school was granted permanent recognition by my Department in September 2000. The Gaelscoil is currently housed in temporary accommodation on the grounds of Portlaoise GAA Club. My Department grant-aids 95% of the rental costs on these premises.
The securing of interim accommodation, pending the availability of resources from my Department to provide permanent accommodation for the school, remains the responsibility of the patron body. I am aware that the Gaelscoil is seeking alternative accommodation for September 2004. The school authorities have submitted a proposal, which would involve the rental of a site in the Kilminchy area of Portlaoise and the placing of temporary accommodation thereon, as a solution to its impending accommodation problems.
There are significant costs attached to this proposal in terms of site development, annual leasing of site and temporary portacabins and the financial implications will be carefully examined before a final decision is made.
Officials from the planning and building unit of my Department are currently examining this proposal and are in regular communication with the school authorities in the matter. The school authorities will be advised of my Department's decision on the proposal as soon as possible.
Special Educational Needs.
Jack Wall
Ceist:155 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the methodology used by his Department in sanctioning funding to provide special needs assistants for pupils; the criteria that parents of pupils in need of such assistance has to meet or supply in obtaining a successful decision from the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10161/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:156 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the methodology used by his Department in assessing applications for the provision of special needs for children; the criteria that must be met by the pupil and the school to ensure a successful decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10162/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:157 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the guidelines the Department has in relation to resource teaching; the number of pupil/teacher ratio; the method of allocation of hours for the pupil; the criteria a pupil or a school must meet to obtain such resource hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10163/04]
I propose to take questions Nos. 155, 156 and 157, together.
A special needs assistant, SNA, may be approved to assist a pupil who has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where behaviour is such that the pupil is a danger to himself or herself or other pupils. The current criteria used in connection with the allocation of SNA support are outlined in circular 07/02.
Any application received will be considered in the context of the criteria set out in the circular and the existing level of SNA provision in the school. The various levels of resource teaching support for pupils with special educational needs are outlined in my Department's circular 08/02. The numbers of hours available range from 2.5 hours per week to five hours per week. Each pupil allocated resource teaching provision must meet the criteria laid down in the circular.
Both circulars referred to, 7/02 and 8/02, may be accessed in my Department's website under the heading, children with special needs.
My Department is at present reviewing existing arrangements for the allocation of special educational supports to primary schools. In that context, my officials have initiated discussions on the matter with representative interests. At this stage, it would be premature to anticipate the outcome. I wish to point out, however, that the basic purpose of that review is to ensure that each school has the level of resources required to cater for its pupils with special educational needs.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:158 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science when his Department proposes to deal with an application submitted in May 2003 for a special needs assistant for a person (details supplied) in a school in County Kerry; the reason for the extraordinary delay in dealing with the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10248/04]
The school referred to by the Deputy currently has the services of one shared learning support post, based, and one resource teaching post. I can confirm that my Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy, including an application for the pupil in question.
SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, including the one for the pupil in question, are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all of these cases were responded to before or soon after the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year or so. Account is also being taken of the data submitted by schools as part of the recent nationwide census of SER provision.
The arrangements for processing applications received after 31 August 2003, will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocation of resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school.
School Transport.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:159 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will clarify his Department’s guidelines in relation to proper vehicular access to a primary school (details supplied), particularly in relation to emergency vehicles; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many primary schools do not have vehicular access to their yards. [10249/04]
The planning guidelines for primary schools are intended as guidance to assist in the planning of a proper response to the educational needs of individual schools.
In the case of existing school buildings where it is proposed to extend, convert, or renovate them a flexible pragmatic approach would be required regarding the application of the guidelines.
The guidelines outline that where a suitable drop-off point for pupils from buses and cars is not available within a reasonable distance, provision for a lay-by to facilitate buses and/or cars should be made. This lay-by should not be located within the school grounds and arrangements should be made if necessary to cede the appropriate land to the local authority. Provision of turning circles and drop-off points on-site should be avoided. The scope of works required at the school referred to by the Deputy, are appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme. While the school's application under the summer works scheme for 2004 was unsuccessful it is open to the school's management authority to apply when the 2005 summer works scheme is announced later this year.
Schools Building Projects.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:160 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science when the new school promised for Cullen, Mallow, County Cork will be built. [10250/04]
When publishing the 2004 school building programme, I outlined that my strategy for the future will be grounded in capital investment based on multi-annual allocations. My officials are reviewing all projects which were not authorised to proceed to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme, with a view to including them as part of a multi-annual school building programme from 2005 and I expect to be in a position to make further announcements on this matter in the course of the year. The application from the school referred to will be considered in this regard.
Special Educational Needs.
Billy Timmins
Ceist:161 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who will commence schooling in a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow in September 2004 and needs resource teaching support and a special assistant in order to be able to attend; if this can be sanctioned as a matter of urgency in order that the necessary personnel can be recruited in view of the fact this person cannot attend the school without these being in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10251/04]
I can confirm that my Department has received applications for special educational resources, SER, from the school referred to by the Deputy, including an application for the child in question.
SER applications received between 15 February and 31 August 2003 are being considered at present. In all, more than 5,000 such applications were received. Priority was given to cases involving children starting school last September and all of these cases were responded to before or soon after the commencement of the current school year.
The balance of more than 4,000 applications has been reviewed by a dedicated team comprising members of my Department's inspectorate and the national educational psychological service. These applications are being further considered in the context of the outcome of surveys of SER provision conducted over the past year or so. Account is also being taken of the data submitted by schools as part of the recent nationwide census of SER provision.
The processing of the applications is a complex and time-consuming operation. However, my Department is endeavouring to have this completed as quickly as possible and my officials will then respond to all applicant schools. Pending a response, schools are advised to refer to circular 24/03, which issued in September 2003. This circular contains practical advice on how to achieve the most effective deployment of resources already allocated for special educational needs within the school. The arrangements for processing applications received after the 31 August 2003, including the application for the child in question, will be considered in the context of the outcome of discussions on a weighted system of allocationof resource teaching support. A further communication will be sent to schools in this regard.
School Accommodation.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:162 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in County Kildare has established a new science classroom to meet the requirements of the new curriculum; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the furnishings have arrived and are stacked in the room but that the school authorities cannot get approval for providing the necessary services like heating, water and gas for the new science room; if clearance will be given as soon as possible to proceed with the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10252/04]
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently authorised County Kildare VEC to carry out the additional works at the school in question.
Schools Refurbishment.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:163 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application for funding from a school (details supplied) in County Kildare to repair the roof on the older part of the building; when he expects to provide the funding required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10253/04]
The scope of works, required at the school referred to by the Deputy, is appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme. While the school's application under the summer works scheme for 2004 was unsuccessful, it is open to the school's management authority to reapply for the key priority works required at the school as part of the 2005 summer works scheme, details of which will be announced later this year.
Education Welfare Service.
David Stanton
Ceist:164 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will remove the restriction in force by his Department that makes it difficult, if not impossible, for educational welfare officers to travel to schools more than ten miles from their offices; the budget available to the National Education Welfare Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10279/04]
The Education (Welfare) Act was fully commenced on 5 July 2002. Under the Act, the National Educational Welfare Board was established to ensure that every child attends school regularly or otherwise receives an education. To discharge its responsibilities, the board is developing a nation-wide service to provide welfare-focused services to children, families and schools. It has appointed a chief executive officer, directors of corporate and educational services together with a further eight head office staff. To date, 53 educational welfare staff have been appointed. In December 2003, the board advertised a competition to fill a further 15 vacancies which will bring the total staff complement to 84. The board will shortly be making eight educational welfare officer appointments from this competition.
At this stage of its development, the aim of the board is to provide a service to the most disadvantaged areas and most at-risk groups. Five regional teams have now been established with bases in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford and staff have been deployed since early December in areas of greatest disadvantage and in areas designated under the Government's RAPID programme.
Thirteen towns with significant school-going populations, 12 of which are designated under the Government's RAPID programme, also now have an educational welfare officer allocated to them. These towns are Dundalk, Drogheda, Navan, Athlone, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Clonmel, Tralee, Ennis, Sligo and Letterkenny. In addition, the board will follow up on urgent cases nationally where children are not currently receiving an education.
My Department has allocated €6.5 million to the National Educational Welfare Board for 2004 which represents an increase of 20% on the 2003 provision. Discussions are ongoing between officials of my Department and the board in relation to its planned activities for 2004 and no restrictions have been placed on the board by my Department in this regard.
Student Councils.
David Stanton
Ceist:165 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the existence, work and role of the Union of Secondary School Students; his plans to support the work and further expansion and development of the organisation; the funding that he has made available or intends to make available in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10280/04]
I met with representatives of the Union of Secondary School Students in March 2003. I asked at that meeting that the USS would submit a business plan and details of how the USS would operate and spend the funding sought. To date, my Department has not received the information requested. On its receipt, further consideration will be given to the work and proposed role of USS and its request for financial assistance.
David Stanton
Ceist:166 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding available to assist in the development and promotion of school student councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10281/04]
Funding is provided to schools on a per capita basis which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. This is in my view, in general, a preferable approach to putting in place grants for specific items such as student councils.
A recent survey by my Department reveals that student councils have already been established in 558 of the 743 post-primary schools in the State. Officials of my Department are participating in a working group on student councils, which was established in June 2003 by the National Children's Office. The working group, as part of its brief, will seek to identify the barriers, if any, to the establishment of student councils and the measures needed to encourage the establishment of student councils, including supports for student council structures at national and local level. On Tuesday, 23 March, as part of the ongoing work of the working group, my colleague, the Minister of State with special responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, launched a website and a national leaflet and poster campaign to encourage and support the establishment and operation of student councils.
The working group will report on its findings, including a proposed three year strategy to support the establishment and development of student councils, by December 2004.
School Staffing.
Jack Wall
Ceist:167 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made in relation to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 165, 166, 167, 168, 170, of 17 December 2003 in relation to special needs, resource hours, special needs assistants, resource teachers and the result of the general resource audit in regard to the school concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10282/04]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the needs of the school in question are still under consideration and, as soon as the review is complete, the school authorities will be informed of the outcome.
Adult Education.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:168 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will establish the National Adult Learning Council on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10284/04]
The National Adult Learning Council was established in March 2002 on an ad hoc basis pending the making of an order under section 54 of the Education Act 1998 to establish it as a statutory body. The role and functions of the council were outlined in the White Paper on Adult Education, Learning for Life.
Since the establishment of the ad-hoc council, concerns have emerged that its functions are too wide-ranging and not sufficiently focused. Additionally, a number of developments have occurred which will impact on the work of the council. Accordingly, my Department has undertaken a strategic review of the role and functions of the council to address these concerns. A decision with regard to the statutory functions of the National Adult Learning Council will be made in the light of the recommendations of the review.
Harbours and Piers.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:169 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if arrangements can be made to provide a power point at Portnaglagh Pier, County Donegal. [10151/04]
Portnaglagh Pier is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for any maintenance and development work rests with the local authority in the first instance. The county council has not been in touch with my Department in relation to the provision of a power point. Accordingly, I suggest that the Deputy might wish to contact Donegal County Council on the matter.
Broadband Technology.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:170 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the company that was awarded the contract to manage the main hub and services associated with the introduction of broadband to Wexford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10240/04]
The management services entity, MSE, is the independent body, which will be engaged to manage, market and maintain the fibre optic metropolitan area networks, MANs, currently being constructed under the regional broadband programme, on a basis which is consistent with the Government's strategy of providing broadband infrastructure on an open access and carrier-neutral basis.
It is intended that this open-access principle will be enshrined in a code of practice for the use of the metropolitan area networks thus ensuring that access to the infrastructure is administered on fair, transparent and non-discriminatory terms to all interested parties.
Notice of my Department's intention to commence a competitive tender process for the engagement of an MSE was published in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 19 June 2003. Responses received by the tender deadline of 15 August 2003 have been evaluated, and it is anticipated that the MSE procurement process, as outlined in the instructions to tender document which issued on 19 June 2003, will reach a conclusion shortly. It is not proposed to make any public comment on the identity of participating parties prior to such conclusion.
Fisheries Protection.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:171 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he proposes to set the drift net total allowable catch for salmon for the coming season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10241/04]
On 5 March 2004, my Department published a draft of the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme regulations, which, inter alia, limit the total allowable commercial catch, TAC, of salmon for the 2004 season for all fishery districts to 161,951 fish. This is a reduction of 11% on the 2003 TAC. The TAC has been proposed on the advice of the National Salmon Commission and the regional fisheries boards’ managers and is consistent with their recommendation last year that a three-year strategy should be put in place aimed at reaching the scientific advice on precautionary catch limits over the period 2003-05.
The draft regulations have been published in accordance with the requirements of the Fisheries Acts, which provide for a 30-day period during which interested parties have an opportunity to submit any objections they may have. This period expires on 4 April 2004. Following consideration of any objections received, I expect to make a final decision on the scheme as soon as possible after that date.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:172 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the provisions of the UN Conventions on the Law of the Sea, he has received a submission from the North Atlantic Salmon Fund on the netting in Irish waters of migrating salmon from other States; when the submission was received; when it is proposed to respond to that submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10242/04]
My Department has received a number of items of correspondence from the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, NASF, in recent years and my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, met with the chairman of that organisation, Mr. Orri Vigfússon, in 2003, to discuss the organisation's general concerns about the netting of wild salmon by Irish commercial fishermen.
One of the key concerns expressed by NASF relates to the interception, in Irish home water fisheries, of wild salmon not destined for Irish waters. While the Irish Government acknowledges this concern, NASF will be fully aware that the Government does not accept the validity of the argument that its salmon management regime does not comply with international legislation or best practice. Nor do we accept that there is any sound or agreed scientific basis for the allegations made that the Irish salmon drift net fishery has an unacceptable impact on salmon stocks in other European countries.
Salmon Stocks.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:173 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in view of the Irish Presidency of the EU, he has received representations from other member states, in particular the UK, Germany, France and Spain, concerning the netting in Irish waters of migrating stocks of salmon which originated in rivers in these EU countries; his views on whether such affected countries have the right to a major role in the management of their migratory fish stock, salmon, while the fish are in the waters of another country, in this case Ireland; if he has responded to the representations referred to, and the content of his response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10243/04]
I am advised that my Department has no specific record of receipt, since the commencement of Ireland's Presidency of the EU, of any representations received from other member states concerning the netting of migrating stocks of salmon in Irish waters.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:174 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has recently studied a report of IDECON which was commissioned by the Government to report on the survival of the Atlantic salmon; his views on whether the report supports the policy of the North Atlantic Salmon Fund in the matter for buying out or setting aside the commercial netting of salmon in Irish waters; his views on the IDECON report; when he proposes to implement the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10244/04]
The report to which the Deputy refers, An Economic/Socio-Economic Evaluation of Wild Salmon in Ireland, by INDECON International Economic Consultants, was commissioned and published by the Central Fisheries Board.
Following publication, the report was the subject of a detailed consultation process, undertaken by the Central Fisheries Board, among stakeholders and interested parties to ascertain the degree of consensus that existed about its findings. The results of the process are still being analysed prior to submission to my Department.
I am advised that what is evident from the consultation process at this stage is that there are widely divergent views among stakeholders not only on the findings but also on the methodology adopted to carry out the study.
Until such time as the Central Fisheries Board submits the results of the consultation exercise, I am not in a position to make any judgement on the report.
EU Directives.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:175 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the EU Commissioner for the Environment is investigating complaints from the Wessex Salmon and River Trust, UK and WYE Foundation, UK, that by killing salmon from their CSAC rivers, Ireland is in breach of the EU habitats directive; when the complaints were submitted to his Department; the reason no response has issued to date; when it is proposed to make a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10245/04]
The complaint to which the Deputy refers was forwarded by the EU Commission in July 2003 to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, which has primary responsibility for the implementation in Ireland of Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. As the complaint concerned drift net fishing in Irish home waters my Department prepared a comprehensive submission detailing our response to the specific issues raised. I am advised that this response was issued by the Permanent Representation of Ireland in Brussels on 4 November 2003, in accordance with the timetable agreed with the Commission. I understand the Commission has yet to respond to our reply.
Harbours and Piers.
Simon Coveney
Ceist:176 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when funds will be allocated towards dredging costs at Buncrana on Lough Swilly, in County Donegal. [10278/04]
Buncrana Harbour is owned by Donegal County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance.
In November 2003 the county council submitted a proposal to my Department for funding to dredge Buncrana Harbour at an estimated cost of €200,000. The question of providing funding for this project in the 2004-06 period will depend on the amount of Exchequer funding available for works at fishery harbours generally and overall national priorities.
The foreshore licence application by Donegal County Council in respect of dredging at Buncrana is also currently being finalised by my Department.
Telecommunications Services.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:177 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether information and communications technologies afford the Government an opportunity to redress a generation of neglect and marginalisation with regard to infrastructure, investment and social inclusion on the Inishowen peninsula. [10318/04]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:178 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether broadband access for communities and actual and potential investors can contribute significantly to overcoming the marginalisation and impoverishment of people living on the Inishowen peninsula. [10319/04]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:179 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will set out a precise schedule for the provision of an efficient network capable of bringing broadband to domestic and business consumers in Inishowen. [10320/04]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:180 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department will conduct an economic risk assessment for Inishowen, measuring the negative economic impact, for example, investment disincentive, of further delays in delivering broadband to Inishowen. [10321/04]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:181 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the regional broadband investment initiative will be rolled out in Inishowen. [10322/04]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:182 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the current state of Eircom’s telephone infrastructure and carrying capacity for broadband in Inishowen. [10323/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 to 182, inclusive, together.
The provision of and investment in telecommunications services, including broadband, is a matter in the first instance for the private sector companies operating in a fully liberalised marketplace, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.
Recognising, however, that the market has been slow to respond to demand for broadband, an indicative €200 million in Government and ERDF funding was set aside under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 for regional broadband investment.
Since 1999 my Department has invested almost €170 million in regional broadband projects, in partnership with private sector companies. These projects include the ESB Telecom national fibre backbone, which extends to Buncrana, and also the Eircom regional fibre project and the Letterkenny MAN, both in Donegal.
Currently, my Department is grant aiding the construction of 19 fibre optic metropolitan area networks, in conjunction with local authorities, in key regional towns and cities. This investment of €65 million will enable the delivery of competitive, open access broadband services in these towns.
On 12 December last I announced a broadband action plan. This plan aims to roll out open access broadband infrastructure to over 90 towns with a population of over 1,500, including Carndonagh and Buncrana. In addition, a group broadband scheme will enable smaller communities to pool their broadband demand and secure high-speed connectivity from a range of service providers. This group scheme will be supported by grant-aid of up to 50% from the Government.
Furthermore, I have secured a commitment of €35 million each year from now until 2007 for the broadband action plan.
Swimming Pool Projects.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:183 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he received an application from South Dublin County Council for grant aid for the development of a new swimming pool in west Tallaght; when the Department will be in a position to make a positive decision in respect of this application so that the local authority can invite tenders for the development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10155/04]
South Dublin County Council applied for approval of contract documents for a proposed new swimming pool in Jobstown in west Tallaght under the local authority swimming pool programme last year. The council has also applied for grant aid for the replacement of the swimming pool at Clondalkin. The contract documents for this project are under consideration in my Department.
Hospital Accommodation.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:184 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if adequate funding has been provided to the South Eastern Health Board for the urgently required opening of 19 extra beds at Wexford General Hospital; when it is expected that these beds will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10144/04]
My Department has received tender documentation from the South Eastern Health Board for the provision of an additional 19 beds at Wexford General Hospital. This proposal is being considered in the context of the Capital Investment Framework, 2004-2008, which is the subject of ongoing discussions with the Department of Finance.
Hospital Staff.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:185 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the current number of consultant obstetricians and gynaecologists at Wexford General Hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the birth rate at Wexford General Hospital in 2003 was 1853, several hundred births more than hospitals with much larger staffing complements; the plans he has for maternity services at this hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10145/04]
The provision of hospital services, including the appointment of staff at Wexford General Hospital, is a matter for the South Eastern Health Board.
An application for a third permanent consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist post for Wexford General Hospital has been received and is being considered by my Department.
Smoking Ban.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:186 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has to provide brochures or information leaflets in the Irish language regarding the workplace smoking ban effective from 29 March 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10146/04]
The www.smokefreeatwork.ie website, which provides information and guidance on the smoke-free workplaces measures, was launched on 18 February 2004. A number of documents in Irish are available to download from this site at http://www.smokefreeatwork.ie/downloads/irish.asp: these are the ’Ná Caitear Tobac’ sign, the smoke-free at work poster ’Ionaid Oibre Saor ó Ghal Tobac’, the public information leaflet ’Bileog Eolais don Phobal’ and the employers’ information leaflet ’Bileog Eolais d’Fhostóirí’.
Hospital Staff.
Jack Wall
Ceist:187 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of nurses enlisted as a result of the media campaign of advertisements by SWAHB seeking the recruitment of nurses for hospitals within their region; the number actually employed as a result of the procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10169/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:190 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of meetings he or his Department has held with the INO in regard to the major problems being encountered in employing the extra nurses needed to overcome the problems being encountered by hospital management staff within the SWAHB region; the decisions made as a result of such meetings; if he has plans to recruit overseas; if so, when will such plans be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10172/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 190 together.
Neither I nor officials from my Department have met with the INO for the purpose of discussing nurse staffing in the SWAHB region.
Responsibility for the recruitment and retention of staff rests with the health boards/ERHA. My Department has therefore requested the CEO of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to investigate the matter and respond directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Accommodation.
Jack Wall
Ceist:188 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing difficulties being encountered by patients at Naas General Hospital in regard to the lack of beds; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that over the past number of weeks up to 30 patients were on trolley chairs and so on in the hospital; the urgent need to provide funding to the SWAHB to permit the board to deal with the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10170/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:189 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the grave concerns being expressed by the nursing staff at Naas General Hospital in regard to the over-crowding and unacceptable conditions at the hospital for the past number of weeks; the efforts he is making to overcome these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10171/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.
Responsibility for the provision of services at Naas General Hospital rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to examine the matters raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
Question No. 190 answered with QuestionNo. 187.
Health Board Services.
Jack Wall
Ceist:191 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthodontists employed by the SWAHB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10173/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:192 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children on the waiting lists for orthodontic treatment in the SWAHB region; the plans his Department has to overcome this list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10174/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.
The provision of orthodontic services is a matter for the health boards/authority in the first instance. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I have taken a number of measures to improve orthodontic services in the South Western Area Health Board, SWAHB, of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, and on a national basis.
The grade of specialist in orthodontics has been created in the health board orthodontic service. In 2003, my Department and the health boards funded 13 dentists from various health boards for specialist in orthodontics qualifications at training programmes in Ireland and at three separate universities in the United Kingdom. These 13 trainees for the public orthodontic service are additional to the six dentists who commenced their training in 2001. Thus, there is an aggregate of 19 dentists in specialist training for orthodontics, including five from the ERHA. These measures will complement the other structural changes being introduced into the orthodontic service, including the creation of an auxiliary grade of orthodontic therapist to work in the orthodontic area.
Furthermore, the commitment of the Department to training development is manifested in the funding provided to both the training of specialist clinical staff and the recruitment of a professor in orthodontics for the Cork Dental School. This appointment at the school will facilitate the development of an approved training programme leading to specialist qualification in orthodontics. The chief executive officer of the Southern Health Board has reported that the professor commenced duty on 1 December 2003. In recognition of the importance of this post at Cork Dental School my Department has given approval in principle to a proposal from the school to further substantially improve the training facilities there for orthodontics. This project should see the construction of a large orthodontic unit and support facilities; it will ultimately support an enhanced teaching and treatment service to the wider region under the leadership of the professor of orthodontics.
Orthodontic initiative funding of €2.044 million was provided to the ERHA in 2001 and this has enabled the authority to recruit additional staff and build additional orthodontic facilities.
In June 2002, my Department provided additional funding of €5 million from the treatment purchase fund to health boards/authority specifically for the purchase of orthodontic treatment. This funding is enabling boards to provide both additional sessions for existing staff and purchase treatment from private specialist orthodontic practitioners. The ERHA received €1.815 million for the treatment of cases in this way.
The regional chief executive of the ERHA has informed my Department of the following information on the SWAHB treatment waiting list at the end of December 2003:
|
Area Health Board |
Category A |
Average waiting time (months) |
Category B |
Average waiting time (months) |
|
South Western |
644 |
< 10 |
474 |
< 12 |
The recruitment of orthodontic staff is the statutory responsibility of the authority. Therefore, my Department has asked the regional chief executive of the authority to provide the Deputy with the information in relation to personnel in the orthodontic service as requested.
The regional chief executive of the authority has informed my Department that at the end of the December quarter 2003, there were 4,656 children receiving orthodontic treatment in the public orthodontic service in the ERHA.
Jack Wall
Ceist:193 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists employed by the South Western Area Health Board; the number employed in the Kildare region of the board; if there is a shortfall in the area of occupational therapists; the plans his Department has to overcome such difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10175/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:194 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the major backlog of occupational therapy reports in relation to the assessment by the South Western Area Health Board of DPG for Kildare County Council; the plan his Department has in relation to recruiting the extra staff necessary to assist existing staff in overcoming the problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10176/04]
Jack Wall
Ceist:195 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for occupational therapy reports in relation to disabled grants assessment for the local authority of Kildare County Council with the South Western Area Health Board area of Kildare; his concerns in relation to the numbers; the plans he has to overcome such numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10177/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 to 195, inclusive, together.
The provision of health related services for people with physical and/or sensory disabilities is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards in the first instance. Accordingly, the Deputy's questions have been referred to the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority with a request that he examine the matter and reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
Hospital Staff.
Liz McManus
Ceist:196 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made to fill the post of full-time consultant at Beaumont Hospital which has been vacant for two years; and if it will be filled, if it has not already been filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10195/04]
Services at Beaumont Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to her directly.
Health Board Services.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:197 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he intends to take to ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is afforded the appropriate and required dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10267/04]
Responsibility for the provision of dental treatment to eligible persons in County Westmeath rests with the Midland Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
Hospital Services.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:198 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be admitted to hospital for a hip replacement operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10268/04]
Responsibility for the provision of hospital services to residents of County Westmeath rests with the Midland Health Board. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
Care of the Elderly.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:199 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider offering a subvention for those attending community or voluntary day care centres in order to provide funding for these essential services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10269/04]
The policy of my Department in relation to the care of older people is to maintain them in dignity and independence in their own home for as long as possible in accordance with their wishes. Numerous research studies have shown that the vast majority of older people have a preference to remain living in their own home for as long as possible rather than moving into long-stay residential care. Indeed, the preferred option for most families is to help care for their elderly relatives at home for as long as possible with the assistance of local health service staff.
Since my appointment as Minister of State I have been encouraging the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards to introduce personal care packages for older people as an alternative to long-stay residential care. Personal care packages are specifically designed for the individual concerned and could possibly include the provision of a home help service, home subvention payments, arrangements for attendance at a day centre or day hospital and other services such as twilight nursing. Personal care packages allow older persons the option of remaining living in their own home rather than going into long-stay residential care. Additional funding of €1.25 million was made available to the authority-health boards this year for the introduction of personal care packages. This is on top of the significant expenditure currently being incurred on home help and other services aimed at supporting people at home.
Hospital Services.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:200 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) was left on a trolley in the accident and emergency department for a prolonged period; if his attention has been drawn to the way in which such a wait is typical for many patients attending the Mater; and the steps he is taking to ensure there is adequate bed capacity in the Mater Hospital. [10315/04]
Responsibility for the provision of services to residents of Counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow rests with the Eastern Regional Health Authority, and services at the Mater Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to her directly.
Motor Fuels.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:201 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he has given consideration to measures to promote the wider use of LPG and to encourage the conversion of vehicles to LPG in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10313/04]
I have no plans for measures to encourage the wider use of LPG in motor vehicles.
Each new motor vehicle sold within the European Union must be certified by the manufacturer as conforming to the relevant EU emission standards applicable to the particular vehicle. In addition, all vehicles are required to meet specified in-service emission standards as part of their periodic roadworthiness tests.
Citizenship Applications.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:202 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for citizenship for a person (details supplied). [10283/04]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I have recently approved the application for a certificate of naturalisation in respect of the person referred to and a certificate of naturalisation will issue as soon as certain statutory and other requirements, including the making of a declaration of loyalty to the State and fidelity to the nation and payment of the statutory fee, have been complied with. The applicant has been notified in writing of my decision.
Electronic Voting.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:203 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the response his Department made to the comments (details supplied) of the Zerflow report of 27 March 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10127/04]
Bernard Allen
Ceist:204 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, as recommended in the Zerflow report of 27 March 2002, a third party audit was put in place to test the electronic voting system in the general election of May 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10128/04]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 and 204 together.
In addition to the reports prepared by two international testing institutes on the voting machine, my Department also commissioned Zerflow Information Security in March 2002 to assess the possible threats to the external physical features of the voting machine in a polling station. The comments referred to in the question were part of the initial discussion between Zerflow personnel and my Department designed to inform Zerflow of the detailed electoral process.
Some recommendations made in the report were accepted by the Department and incorporated in instructions to returning officers, while others were assessed by the Department and the voting machine manufacturers as implausible in practice and that the probability of their occurrence without detection was extremely remote. All recommendations were again considered in the review of the voting machine after its initial use in 2002 and, together with user feedback, the Department introduced modifications to the voting machine including strengthening security aspects such as the provision of a lock on the voting machine front panel. As stated in its updated report of 4 July 2003, Zerflow has reviewed the changes made to the system and protocols and have stated that they "are satisfied that the recommendations of our previous report have been addressed and the voting machine is now secure".
While no third party audit was commissioned, the performance of the voting machine was carefully monitored by the returning officers and their staff in the pilot constituencies. In addition, voters' attitudes to the performance of the machine and voting procedures were assessed in an MRBI "exit" poll commissioned by my Department. This "exit" poll of voters at the May 2002 general election in the three pilot constituencies of Meath, Dublin North and Dublin West revealed a strong positive rating for the system with 94% of respondents finding the system easy to use and 87% of those polled actually preferred the use of voting machines to the paper ballot. Issues raised by voters such as the clarity of preference displays have been addressed and the improvements made should further enhance the user-friendliness of the voting machine.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:205 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals his Department has to provide funding to Kerry County Council for the upgrading of the sewerage scheme in Ballydavid County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10129/04]
Proposed sewerage works in Ballydavid have been identified in the list of water and sewerage schemes submitted by Kerry County Council in response to my Department's request to all local authorities in 2003 to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. The Ballydavid proposal is included in phase 3 of a village sewerage refurbishment programme ranked as fifth in the council's priority list. Phase 3 relates to locations with populations of less than 500.
The council's assessment of needs will be taken into account in the framing of the next phase of my Department's water services investment programme in due course. In the meantime, it would be open to the council itself to consider funding the proposal, estimated to cost €30,000, under the small schemes measure of the devolved rural water programme.
Local Government Code.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:206 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Local Government Acts 1996 and 2001 will be amended to allow local authorities to enact by-laws to prevent the drinking of alcohol in parks owned by community councils. [10131/04]
I understand that a number of local authorities have used their general by-law making powers under the local government code to prohibit the drinking of alcohol in local parks or public open spaces. It may be, however, that significant further extension of this type of regulatory control should best be addressed in the context of public order legislation which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. My Department will accordingly raise the issue with that Department.
Local Authority Funding.
Sean Fleming
Ceist:207 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the allocation to each local authority and the overall national totals in respect of the disabled persons grants and essential repairs grants schemes in 2003; and the final amounts paid to each local authority in 2003 under these schemes. [10164/04]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Details of the allocation to each local authority, the original total and the final allocation paid to all local authorities are set out in the following table.
|
Local Authority Original Allocation in 2003 |
Total Allocation |
|
|
€ |
€ |
|
|
County Councils |
||
|
Carlow |
477,000 |
477,000 |
|
Cavan |
3,007,000 |
3,007,000 |
|
Clare |
579,000 |
579,000 |
|
Cork (n) |
2,417,000 |
2,417,000 |
|
Cork (w) |
1,797,000 |
1,497,000 |
|
Cork (s) |
1,795,000 |
2,495,000 |
|
Donegal |
3,902,000 |
4,702,000 |
|
DL/Rathdown |
904,000 |
1,554,000 |
|
Fingal |
1,389,000 |
1,389,000 |
|
Galway |
2,232,000 |
2,232,000 |
|
Kerry |
1,378,000 |
1,378,000 |
|
Kildare |
1,642,000 |
1,642,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
568,000 |
568,000 |
|
Laois |
1,176,000 |
676,000 |
|
Leitrim |
1,487,000 |
1,987,000 |
|
Limerick |
827,000 |
927,000 |
|
Longford |
;834,000 |
834,000 |
|
Louth |
1,176,000 |
676,000 |
|
Mayo |
949,000 |
1,449,000 |
|
Meath |
477,000 |
1,227,000 |
|
Monaghan |
1,332,000 |
1,332,000 |
|
North Tipperary |
1,072,000 |
944,000 |
|
Offaly |
482,000 |
632,000 |
|
Roscommon |
1,719,000 |
1,719,000 |
|
Sligo |
477,000 |
477,000 |
|
South Dublin |
2,340,000 |
2,340,000 |
|
South Tipperary |
3,155,000 |
1,255,000 |
|
Waterford |
512,000 |
912,000 |
|
Westmeath |
687,000 |
1,087,000 |
|
Wexford |
943,000 |
1,043,000 |
|
Wicklow |
1,564,000 |
1,564,000 |
|
City Councils |
||
|
Cork |
477,000 |
977,000 |
|
Dublin |
8,166,000 |
9,366,000 |
|
Galway |
594,000 |
894,000 |
|
Limerick |
710,000 |
510,000 |
|
Waterford |
752,000 |
612,000 |
|
Borough Councils |
||
|
Clonmel |
— |
0 |
|
Drogheda |
— |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
— |
0 |
|
Sligo |
981,000 |
600,000 |
|
Wexford |
24,000 |
24,000 |
|
Town Councils |
||
|
Athlone |
— |
0 |
|
Bray |
— |
0 |
|
Dundalk |
— |
0 |
|
Total |
55,000,000 |
58,001,000 |
Planning Issues.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:208 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the grounds for an appeal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10167/04]
Under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, planning authorities are obliged to notify certain prescribed bodies of planning applications received by them. My Department is prescribed as a statutory consultee on any proposed developments which may have an impact on the built or natural heritage.
On receipt of the original planning application, my Department wrote to Roscommon County Council in October 2003 recommending that permission for the proposed development should not be granted because the proposed development is in the immediate vicinity of one of the most important archaeological sites in the country — Rathcroghan — and the proposed development site is located within the area of constraint of a recorded monument and immediately adjacent to a registered monument, as published in the register of historic monuments. Accordingly, it was considered that the proposed development would result in disturbance of significant archaeological features and the development also represented an unacceptable visual impact on this internationally important site.
Roscommon County Council granted permission for the development in February 2004 and for the reasons already specified, it was decided that this decision should be appealed to An Bord Pleanála. An appeal was lodged with the board in March 2004.
Water and Sewerage Schemes.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:209 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve funding for a sewerage scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10194/04]
I presume the question relates to the Lanesboro Road, Roscommon. An extension of the Roscommon sewerage scheme along the Lanesboro Road was approved for funding under the serviced land initiative of my Department's water services investment programme in 2001. However, the approved proposal has since been modified by Roscommon County Council in favour of a more extensive and significantly more costly scheme. The revised proposal, which involves an increase in estimated cost from €0.3 million to €1.3 million, is being examined in my Department in light of additional information received from the council earlier this month. It will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Road Network.
Jackie Healy-Rae
Ceist:210 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if local authorities are responsible for the road network in the first instance; if they are then responsible for the cutting of the hedges on the roadside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10246/04]
Under section 13 of the Roads Act 1993 road authorities are responsible for the maintenance and construction of non-national roads.
Section 70 of the Act obliges landowners and occupiers of land to take all reasonable care to ensure that hedges growing on their land are not, or could not become, a danger to people using or working on a public road. If a hedge is, or could become, a danger to those using or working on a public road, a road authority may serve a written notice on the owner or occupier of the land requiring action to be taken in order to remove the danger or potential danger. The road authority may also carry out the works itself if the person on whom the notice was served fails to comply with it or may carry out any other works which it considers necessary. If the road authority considers that a hedge presents an immediate and serious hazard to road users, it may take immediate action to reduce or remove the hazard without issuing a notice to the landowner or occupier of land. In either case where the authority carries out the work, the authority may recover the costs from the owner or occupier of the land.
European Parliament Elections.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:211 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if residents in County Clare in the constituency of East Limerick are eligible to vote in the forthcoming European elections in the south or west constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10247/04]
The north west constituency for the European Parliament elections includes the entire county of Clare.
State Property.
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:212 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number and location of Údarás properties which have been sold since the election of the present Údarás board; the valuation of these properties and the name of the valuer in each case; the sale price of each property; the name and company name of all purchasers; if he will give details of all those who tendered; if he will give details of those who were short listed for tender by Údarás officials and recommended to its board; and the reasons for same and the date of each decision. [10260/04]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:213 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the tendering process for each Údarás property offered for sale since the election of the current Údarás board was advertised to the public; the publication in which it was advertised and the advertised date. [10261/04]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:214 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the directives or guidelines since the Údarás board was first established which were given by central Government to regulate the sale of its properties; if such directives were applied to the tendering processes and actual sale of such properties; and if those tendering for such properties were obliged to produce business plans and tax-free certificates as part of the conditions of tendering. [10262/04]
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:215 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the criteria being used by the board of Údarás in evaluating and determining the successful tenderer for the sale of each Údarás property; if he will fully outline the details of these criteria and the level of priority which Údarás attaches to broader cultural and language considerations, particularly preservation of the Irish language, when making decision on the sale of its properties. [10263/04]
I propose to take Question Nos. 212 to 215, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will appreciate that responsibility for the disposal of its property is a matter for the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta in accordance with relevant State and EU guidelines and directives, which are applicable generally to all State bodies. These include the public procurement procedures, 1994 edition, and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, 2001.
As I outlined during the Adjournment Debate on the matter on 24 March 2004, section 8 of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979 sets out the functions of Údarás and specifies at subsection 8(7): "For the purposes of this section, an tÚdarás shall have power to acquire, receive on transfer, hold, sell, mortgage, lease, let or otherwise dispose of land, buildings, markets, premises or plant and to erect, alter or maintain buildings, markets, premises or plant."
I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that the disposal of fixed assets can be achieved in a number of different ways, for example, by the sale or long lease of a premises to sitting industrial tenants, or by sale on the open market. In respect of the latter, I understand this is normally handled by auctioneers or estate agents by way of a tender process, by private treaty or by auction. Where the tendering process was used, the properties were publicly advertised in the press and through the estate agent's office. I understand also that business plans were sought, where appropriate, and that tax clearance procedures are not relevant to tender documentation for the sale of assets.
In regard to the criteria being used by the board of Údarás in evaluating and determining the successful tenderer for the sale of Údarás property, the Deputy will appreciate that no one set of criteria can apply to all cases. However, Údarás has confirmed that, in accordance with its statutory functions, it attaches a high priority to broader cultural and language considerations, particularly the preservation of the Irish language, when making decisions on the sale of its properties.
With regard to the specific details sought in relation to disposal of Údarás property, the Deputy will appreciate that these are day-to-day operational matters for the organisation itself. Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive of Údarás to provide the appropriate information directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Irish Language Place Names.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:216 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which a person can have an incorrect Irish place name changed; the procedure for such a request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10264/04]
The placenames branch of my Department researches the placenames of Ireland and supports An Coimisiún Logainmneacha in its statutory role of advising me, as Minister, on the authoritative Irish language forms of placenames. Under section 32 of the Official Languages Act 2003, the Minister has power, on the advice of An Coimisiún Logainmneacha, to make placenames orders to give full legal effect to that advice.
I understand that the case referred to by the Deputy relates to a specific place name. I have requested the chief placenames officer in my Department to contact the Deputy directly to discuss the specific issue in this case.
Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Dan Neville
Ceist:217 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will address the level of poverty here as outlined by the Combat Poverty Agency in December 2002-03 outlining that over 70,000 households are in consistent poverty and 300,000 households are earning less than €175 per week. [10157/04]
The figures quoted by the Deputy are drawn from the analysis of the results of the 2001 living in Ireland survey undertaken by the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI.
These results showed that in 2001, the level of consistent poverty had fallen to 5.2%, down from 15% in 1994, equating to approximately 71,000 households.
The results also showed that in 2001 some 23.4% of children — almost 280,000 — were at risk of poverty by virtue of the fact they were living in households where the equivalised adult income is below 60% of median income. In 2001, that 60% income threshold amounted to €164, roughly equivalent to €175 in current terms. It must be made clear, however, that this does not mean that 23.4% of children were living in households with incomes below €164 in 2001.
Individuals in a household with one adult and one child would fall below the income threshold only where their household income was less than €218 per week — €164 plus 33.3% for the child. In the case of a family with two adults and two children, the household income would have to be less than €380 per week to cause the individuals in the household to fall below the income threshold.
The national anti-poverty strategy, NAPS, together with the national action plan against poverty and social exclusion, NAPs/inclusion, provide the framework for the strategic response by Government to the issues of poverty and exclusion.
The reduction and eventual elimination of consistent poverty has been a priority goal of the NAPS since its inception. Latterly, the NAPs/inclusion covering the period from 2003-05, incorporates the commitments made in the NAPS and in the current social partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress.
The NAPs/inclusion sets out ambitious targets across the range of policy areas, including employment, income support, health, education, housing and accommodation, which impact on poverty and social exclusion. It also addresses the needs of certain groups within society who are particularly vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion. These groups include women, children and young people, older people, people with disabilities, travellers, prisoners and ex-prisoners.
Under the partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress, a range of special initiatives are being undertaken, most of which are of direct relevance to combating poverty, including in particular the initiatives on ending child poverty, tackling educational disadvantage, supports for the long-term unemployed and other vulnerable workers, supports for carers, housing and accommodation initiatives and migration and inter-culturalism.
Institutional structures have been established to monitor and evaluate progress in all areas of the NAPS and NAPs/inclusion. These structures are facilitated and supported by the Office for Social Inclusion, OSI, in my Department. The OSI is also involved in co-ordinating the process across Departments and agencies and in implementing key support functions related to the strategy.
The challenge now is to sustain and build on the progress we have made to date so that we can achieve our overarching objective of eradicating poverty and building a fairer and more inclusive society.
Consultancy Contracts.
Michael Ring
Ceist:218 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 505 of 17 February 2004, the name, rank, status and salary of each person employed by her in an advisory, PR or consultative capacity since her appointment; if such persons report to established civil servants; the names, function and role of their previous employers and their annual salary while employed by them; if the advisory, consultative or PR positions were publicly advertised; if so, the channels through which; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10314/04]
Since I took up office, I have appointed a special adviser and a press adviser. Both these positions are accountable to my office.
From June 2002 until he resigned on 30 April 2003, I retained the services of a special adviser, Mr. Mel Cousins, who had been appointed by my predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern. Mr. Cousins was employed on a contract basis. The salary for this position in 2003 was the maximum point of the principal higher scale, €83,465. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Cousins was a self-employed social policy consultant.
Ms Helen Faughnan, a civil servant in my Department, was appointed as special adviser on 2 June 2003. Ms Faughnan is an assistant principal on principal officer duties. The annual pay scale for principal officer standard scale is €69,194 to €85,589.
I have also appointed, on a contract basis for my term of office, a press adviser, Mr. Tom Reddy, with effect from 31 July 2002. The current salary for this position is the maximum point of the principal standard scale, €80,457. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Reddy was employed in the Fianna Fáil press office. Neither of these posts was publicly advertised.