Michael Noonan
Ceist:10 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the EU accession talks with Croatia will recommence before the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13502/05]
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 9, inclusive, answered orally.
EU Enlargement.
Croatia applied for membership of the European Union in 2003 and the Commission presented its formal opinion on the application in April 2004. The June 2004 European Council agreed that Croatia fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria and the specific conditions established for the countries of the western Balkans. It decided that Croatia is a candidate country for membership and that accession negotiations should open early in 2005. This decision was confirmed by the December 2004 European Council, which decided that negotiations should open on 17 March 2005, provided there was full co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
When the General Affairs Council met in Brussels on 16 March, it was clear that it would not be possible to achieve the unanimous decision of member states, which is required for the opening of accession negotiations. The Councilreaffirmed the commitment of the EU to Croatia's membership and it adopted the necessary negotiating framework. However, in the absence of unanimity on the extent of Croatia's co-operation with the tribunal, the Council had to postpone the meeting of the bilateral Intergovernmental Conference to begin accession negotiations until it establishes that Croatia is co-operating fully with the tribunal.
The tribunal has identified just one remaining case which Croatia needs to resolve — that of the indicted former general, Ante Gotovina, who remains at large, in hiding. The European Council, in Brussels on 23 March, agreed to establish a team to work with the tribunal and with Croatia and to report back to the Council. The team is composed of the current and future Presidencies — Luxembourg, UK and Austria — together with High Representative Solana and the Commission. It held its first meetings with the chief prosecutor of the tribunal and with the Foreign Minister of Croatia in Luxembourg on Tuesday this week, 26 April.
The Government remains strongly committed to Croatia's future membership of the European Union. We were very pleased that it proved possible to achieve a strong, unanimous decision by the European Council on Croatia's candidate status during Ireland's EU Presidency. We agree on the importance of full co-operation with the tribunal by all the countries of the western Balkans and that it is an essential requirement for the development of closer relations with the EU. Over the past 18 months, Croatia has made significant progress in its co-operation with the tribunal and I hope that the last remaining issue can be resolved as quickly as possible.
The Government welcomes the agreement reached at the March European Council to establish the team to work with the tribunal and with Croatia. The future work of the team will clearly depend on developments in relations between the tribunal and Croatia. However, it is essential that the Council retains the initiative on this sensitive issue and remains ready to take a positive decision on the opening of accession negotiations with Croatia at the earliest opportunity.
Diplomatic Representation.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:11 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which the recently announced extension of Irish diplomatic services relate to the new EU European external action service; if the continued development of the European external action service will result in an eventual cutback in Ireland’s diplomatic representation abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13682/05]
The European constitution provides for the creation of a European external action service, EEAS, to assist the Union Minister for Foreign Affairs in the fulfilment of his or her mandate. The EEAS cannot be established until after the entry into force of the European constitution, the target date for which is 1 November 2006. Preparatory discussions on its establishment are at an early stage. The President of the Commission and the Secretary General, High Representative for the common foreign and security policy are jointly to submit a progress report to the European Council in June.
It is too early to predict what the exact implications of the creation of the EEAS will be for the Department of Foreign Affairs but there is no reason to expect that it will have a major impact. The constitution stipulates that the EEAS is to work in co-operation with the diplomatic services of the member states and that officials seconded from national diplomatic services are to form part of its staff. It is expected, therefore, that some officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs will be seconded to the EEAS. I also expect that both in Brussels and internationally it will work closely with the Department and with our missions abroad.
However, many of the functions currently exercised by national diplomatic services, including the promotion and protection of national political, economic and cultural interests, will fall outside the remit of the EEAS. Likewise, the EEAS will have no role in regard to Ireland's national development co-operation programme, the administration of which is the primary task of our missions in priority countries.
It is also important to recall that decisions on the Union's external policies and actions will remain for the European Council and the Council to make. The Government will need to remain well informed on, and directly involved in, international political and economic issues and will, as now, continue to require the advice and support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is heavily dependent on the input of our missions around the world.
Finally, the EEAS will, by definition, have no function in bilateral relations within the European Union or in the formulation of national policies on EU issues. These occupy a substantial proportion of the Department's time and resources. The new embassies to which ambassadors have recently been nominated are in current or future EU member states.
Foreign Conflicts.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:12 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent and ongoing crisis in Ecuador; the steps which Ireland and its partners in the European Union are taking to help the Ecuadoran people to resolve the present difficulties, particularly in the capital city, Quito; his estimation of the provisions being made to reinstall democratic governance in that country; if he has satisfied himself that such measures will be left to theEcuadoran people without interference from abroad; his views on the security of the recently ousted President Gutiérrez; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13688/05]
David Stanton
Ceist:58 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current situation inEcuador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13687/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 58 together.
The political crisis in Ecuador in recent days follows the decisions of President Gutiérrez to declare a state of emergency in the capital Quito on 15 April 2005 and to dissolve the Supreme Court for the second time in four months. The demonstrations which followed these actions have led to a number of deaths and the decision of the Ecuadoran Congress on 20 April 2005 to dismiss President Gutiérrez and to appoint the Vice-President, Dr. Alfredo Palacio, in his place. Brazil subsequently granted asylum to the former president and his family and they have now travelled to that country.
While apparently ruling out early elections, the new president has promised a referendum on constitutional reform and has also said that he will not interfere in decisions of the judicial or legislative process and will respect international commitments. He has appointed new Ministers, including Mr. Antonio Parra Gil as Foreign Minister. Dr. Palacio has also stated that he will not run as a candidate in the next presidential elections, which are scheduled for October 2006, and intends "to turn the country over in an orderly fashion to the next president".
Ireland does not maintain a resident embassy in Ecuador but we have been kept informed of developments through the embassy of The Netherlands, acting as the local EU Presidency. The Luxembourg Presidency issued a statement on 22 April 2005 expressing the deep concern of the European Union about the unstable political and social situation in Ecuador and deploring the recent deaths during demonstrations there. The statement appealed to the government and political forces in Ecuador to find a peaceful, consensual and negotiated solution to the present crisis, so as to bring about a rapid return to constitutional normality. Ireland fully associates itself with this statement.
The US Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, has also appealed for calm and has said that this is a time for the international community to support the democratic process in Ecuador. On 22 April 2005, the Organization of American States, OAS, decided to send a high level mission to Ecuador to work with that country to strengthen democracy there, following an invitation from the delegation of Ecuador. At their meeting in Brasilia on 19 April 2005, the Foreign Ministers of the South American community of nations issued a statement calling for a return to institutional normality in Ecuador as soon as possible and announced that a delegation, atForeign Minister level, from Argentina, Bolivia,Brazil and Peru would visit Quito in the near future with a view to helping to resolve the situation.
Although Ireland's direct influence in Ecuador is limited, the Government shares the clearly expressed wish of the international community to do everything possible to support democracy in that country at this difficult time. The statement by the newly installed President, Dr. Palacio, that he will welcome the OAS mission and that it will have access to different sectors of society is encouraging. The Government also welcomes Brazil's offer of asylum to the former president and his family as an immediate contribution to a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Ecuador.
Willie Penrose
Ceist:13 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s position regarding the resumption of talks on the reunification of Cyprus; the debates he and his officials have taken part in at European level on this matter; his views on the progress being made on this issue over the coming months and years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13551/05]
The United Nations has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. However, the EU enlargement process provided the impetus for the most recent efforts towards a settlement, which were undertaken by the UN Secretary General last year, during Ireland's EU Presidency. The Government gave its full support to the Secretary General in his mission of good offices. Ireland, as Presidency of the EU, also maintained close contact with the various parties concerned to encourage their commitment to the negotiating process and to the achievement of an agreed outcome.
As a result of the referendums in Cyprus on 24 April 2004, the accession to the EU of a united Cyprus on 1 May 2004 was not possible. On 28 May, the UN Secretary General submitted a comprehensive report to the Security Council on his mission of good offices. He noted that the unsuccessful outcome represented another missed opportunity to resolve the Cyprus problem and concluded that there was no apparent basis for resuming the good offices effort while the current stalemate continues. The process remains under consideration in the UN Security Council. The EU remains fully committed to supporting efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework and in line with the principles on which the Union is founded.
Following last year's referendums, the General Affairs Council reviewed the situation on 26 April 2004 and adopted conclusions expressing the determination of the EU to ensure that the people of Cyprus would soon achieve their shared destiny as citizens of a united Cyprus in the European Union. The Council also agreed on the need to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging their economic development. Responding to the request of the Council, the Commission subsequently brought forward proposals aimed at the economic integration of the island and improving contact between the two communities and with the EU. These proposals remain under active consideration by the member states.
Since 1 May 2004, the Republic of Cyprus has been a member state of the EU and, in the absence of a comprehensive settlement, the application of the laws and regulations of the Union to the northern part of the island is suspended. Under the Irish Presidency, agreement was reached on a Council regulation on the movement of persons and trade in certain goods across the dividing line in Cyprus. In the light of the experience of the application of this regulation, member states adopted a further Council regulation on 17 February 2005 to improve the facilities for persons crossing the line and to facilitate trade in certain agricultural goods.
UN Programmes.
Liz McManus
Ceist:14 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the abuse of the oil for food programme by the United Kingdom and the United States in their choosing to ignore selectively oil exports to neighbouring countries to Iraq from whom they anticipated and sought assistance for the later invasion of Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13541/05]
The Independent Inquiry Commission, established by the United Nations and chaired by Mr. Paul Volcker, is charged with investigating alleged irregularities in the administration of the oil for food programme. The commission is also expected, in its final report, to provide authoritative estimates of the revenues earned by the former Iraqi regime from sales of oil in contravention of Security Council resolution 661, which in 1990 imposed comprehensive economic sanctions on Iraq.
Some estimates of such earnings have, however, already been made. The Iraq survey group, for example, which reported to the US administration in September 2004 on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programmes, estimated that sales of oil and oil products to Jordan, Turkey and Syria in contravention of resolution 661 amounted, respectively, to $4.45 billion, $0.7 billion and $2.8 billion. The group also estimated that revenue from oil smuggling to other destinations was worth a further $1.2 billion to the Iraqi regime.
After the first Gulf War in 1991, Jordan approached the Security Council to request an exemption that would allow it to import oil legally from Iraq. While not granting an exemption, the council took note of the request. However, it was widely reported that Iraqi oil was being exported on a regular basis to Jordan. There were also extensive reports, while the sanctions were in force, that oil products, chiefly diesel, were exported by road tanker from Iraqi refineries via northern Iraq into south-east Turkey.
In addition, following a rapprochement between the formerly opposed Baath regimes in Baghdad and Damascus, a disused pipeline between Iraq and Syria was alleged to have been reactivated. Syria faced accusations in 2001 in the Iraq sanctions committee of the Security Council, the “661 committee”, that it was using this pipeline to import large quantities of Iraqi oil. While not denying that the pipeline had been reactivated, Syria maintained that it was merely being tested with a view to future legal trade.
These earnings from oil exports in contravention of the sanctions were unrelated to the humanitarian programme for Iraq, "oil for food programme", established by resolution 986 in 1996, which permitted the sale of Iraqi oil against the supply of civilian goods and which commenced effective operation in early 1997. There have been allegations that the Iraqi regime was in receipt of illegal earnings from bribes and surcharges from suppliers and purchasers under the programme and the Iraq survey group has estimated such earnings at $1.73 billion. It might be noted, however, that a US Congress sub-committee arrived at much higher estimates.
It is regrettable that public comment has frequently failed to distinguish between the earnings of the Iraqi regime in contravention of resolution 661 and the separate issue of alleged maladministration in the UN's office for the Iraq programme, which was responsible for the administration of the oil for food programme. This confusion has been to the detriment of the image and credibility of the United Nations and its secretariat.
The Volcker commission has already issued two interim reports. In the first, issued in February 2003, it found that the executive director of the office for the Iraq programme had placed himself in a clear conflict of interest in soliciting oil allocations under the oil for food programme from the Iraqi authorities on behalf of an oil contractor. The UN has instituted disciplinary proceedings against him and another official. The interim report also found that the selection process by which three firms were appointed as contractors in the administration of the programme did not meet with the UN's established financial and competitive bidding rules. Nonetheless, it found that, despite some weaknesses in the auditing area, the administration of funds by the office for the Iraq programme was conducted in a disciplined manner.
The second interim report of the Volcker commission focused on the possibility that the previous employment of Secretary General Annan's son by a firm that bid successfully for a contract in the administration of the programme might have influenced the firm's selection. The commission found no foundation for such a link, despite discovering that, unknown to the Secretary General, his son continued to receive payments from the firm in question under a "no-compete" clause for over five years after he had left its employ.
The Volcker commission is expected to complete its work this summer. I look forward to the publication of its final report, which I expect to provide a full and authoritative assessment of the application and supervision of the sanctions regime by the Security Council, as well as of the operation and administration of the oil for food programme.
Human Rights Issues.
Mary Upton
Ceist:15 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s views on the conduct and outcome of the recent elections in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13560/05]
Pat Breen
Ceist:75 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern at the systematic abuse of human rights in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13487/05]
Liam Twomey
Ceist:78 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Zimbabwe following recent elections in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13477/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 75 and 78 together.
In a statement issued on 1 April 2005, I outlined the serious concerns of the Government regarding the conduct of the parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe on 31 March 2005. In particular, the high percentage of people turned away because their names did not appear on the electoral register, estimated at between 10% and 15% of voters, as well as the apparent use of postal votes in a concerted manner to influence the outcome in certain constituencies, made it difficult to conclude that the election could properly be regarded as free and fair.
Information which has become available since the election, including the report of the Irish Ambassador who travelled to Zimbabwe to observe the elections, has only served to reinforce the assessment that the elections were not free and fair. An EU declaration to this effect was issued on 5 April. To date, none of those countries or organisations invited by the Zimbabwean Government to send external observers, including South Africa, the African Union and SADC — Southern African Development Community, has been able to make an unambiguous pronouncement that the elections were free and fair. The principal opposition party, the MDC or Movement for Democratic Change, has drawn attention to major irregularities and discrepancies between the initial and final estimates of votes cast in certain constituencies. It has announced that it will challenge certain of these results in court.
It is important that the conduct of the recent election should not be seen in isolation from the general political and human rights situation in Zimbabwe. While there were some improvements compared to previous elections, principally in the reduced level of violence occurring during the campaign, the reality remains that no serious attempt was made by the Zimbabwean Government to try and ensure a level playing field for all those competing in the election, by complying fully with the SADC guidelines for the holding of democratic elections, as it had initially stated it would do. The continuing use of repressive legislation, ongoing harassment and arrest of human rights activists, unequal access to the media and a seriously compromised voters register all ensured that there was little real prospect of a genuinely free and fair vote on 31 March 2005.
Under the terms of the EU common position, renewed for a further 12 months last February, which imposes targeted restrictive measures against the leading members of the ZANU-PF government, the EU is required to carry out a review of its common position following the election. In light of the flawed conduct of the elections, the serious concerns which still exist regarding the human rights situation in Zimbabwe and the failure by the Mugabe government to make any real progress towards meeting the EU's benchmarks for improving the situation of democracy, human rights and respect for the rule of law in Zimbabwe, I do not believe there is any real basis in any review for concluding other than that the existing restrictive measures should be retained. The EU wishes to improve its relations with Zimbabwe but this can only occur once the Zimbabwean Government shows genuine intent to respond to international concerns and works to promote meaningful dialogue and political reforms within Zimbabwe.
It is particularly important that pressure to move in the direction of greater democracy and improved human rights be maintained at the present time, given that the ZANU-PF government now commands a two thirds majority in the newly elected parliament and is, therefore, in a position to revise the Zimbabwean constitution as it wishes and without consultation.
Diplomatic Representation.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:16 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total revenue foregone in 2004 due to exemptions granted to diplomats here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13678/05]
The privileges and immunities granted to diplomats posted in Ireland are laid out in the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967, which incorporates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations into Irish law. Article 34 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations provides for the exemption of diplomatic personnel from local taxation. These exemptions from local taxes are enjoyed by diplomatic personnel on a purely reciprocal basis and are granted on the understanding that Irish embassies overseas benefit from similar treatment. The amounts involved are a matter for the Revenue Commissioners, other Government agencies and local authorities and are not available within my Department.
Question No. 17 answered with QuestionNo. 8.
Foreign Conflicts.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:18 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political situation in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13494/05]
In reply to parliamentary questions on 24 November and 2 February last, I outlined my views on the parliamentary elections in Belarus on 17 October 2004 and described Ireland's relationship with Belarus. I also informed the House about the EU Council conclusions on Belarus of 22 November 2004. I made it clear that the continuing lack of any democratic reform in Belarus, and the self isolating economic and foreign policies of the Belarus authorities, are matters of real concern to Ireland and to the European Union. At the same time, I underlined that the EU wishes to foster a more positive trend in Belarus.
In the year since the accession of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, which made Belarus a direct neighbour of the EU, the Union has been paying closer attention to policy towards Belarus. The focus in the short term is on next year's presidential elections. If they are prepared and held in accordance with OSCE commitments for democratic elections, to which Belarus as an OSCE participating state has freely subscribed, these presidential elections could be an occasion for Belarus to move closer to European values. The Council made clear last November that if the Belarus authorities reversed their present policies and embarked on fundamental democratic and economic reforms, Belarus could have the benefit of closer economic integration and political co-operation with the EU under the European neighbourhood policy. While the EU will do what it can to encourage such an evolution, it must and will respect fully the fundamental principle that it is for the people of Belarus to choose their own course.
I must say, with regret, that the political situation and prospects in Belarus at this point are quite discouraging. When the EU Foreign Ministers discussed Belarus again at their informal meeting in Luxembourg on 15/16 April, a number of Ministers, including myself, expressed concern about the deteriorating political and social situation in the country. There are frequent reports, including from the 11 EU member states who are represented in Minsk, of tightening control by the authorities over civil society groups and of harassment and intimidation of opposition circles. Suppression of independent media outlets has left an information vacuum.
The authorities appear to be pursuing a policy of de-registering independent NGOs so as to cut off funding to them. They seem intent on limiting foreign travel by Belarusian citizens, including possibilities for studying abroad. Many of these issues are mentioned in a resolution adopted last week by the UN Commission on Human Rights, which drew also on a report by its special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, as well as on a recent OSCE report on freedom of the media. In addition, the CHR resolution urged the Government of Belarus to respond urgently to a number of cases of grave human rights abuses, dating back several years, which it has failed to clarify; these cases involve disappearances, summary executions and torture. Ireland, along with all other EU member states, the United States and Canada co-sponsored the resolution.
Pursuant to the November Council conclusions, a series of workshops with NGOs and other interested actors was organised by the Commission in recent months to co-ordinate assistance to civil society in Belarus. The meetings identified a number of possible approaches to working more flexibly and efficiently with Belarusian NGOs and independent media, and encouraging democratic participation. Ireland favours a strengthening of contacts with civil society in Belarus with a view to encouraging and supporting democratic reform at grassroots level. In this context, we are mindful that great care must be taken to ensure that the EU does not inadvertently provoke further repression of civil society and opposition forces.
EU Enlargement.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:19 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the commencement date for EU accession talks with Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13511/05]
Turkey has been a candidate for membership of the EU since the Helsinki European Council in December 1999, which agreed that it was destined to join the Union on the basis of the same criteria applied to the other candidate states. The European Council in Brussels on 16 to 17 December 2004 decided, on the basis of the Commission's report and recommendation, that Turkey sufficiently fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria to enable the opening of accession negotiations. It requested the Commission to begin work on a proposal for a negotiating framework and to present it to the Council, with a view to the opening of accession negotiations on 3 October 2005.
The clear objective of the negotiations will be Turkey's accession to the Union, provided it meets the requirements for membership. The pace of the negotiations will depend in large part on progress in the implementation of Turkey's wide ranging reform programme. Given the substantial financial consequences of Turkish accession, the European Council agreed that it will not be possible to conclude negotiations until after the establishment of the financial framework for the period from 2014.
The December European Council also set out the main elements for future negotiating frameworks with individual candidate states, building on the experience of the current enlargement process and taking account of developments within the EU. Turkey's accession negotiations will take place in the context of an Intergovernmental Conference with the participation of all member states, in which decisions will require unanimity. The European Council agreed that the shared objective of the negotiations will be accession but noted that the process will, inevitably, be an open ended one, the outcome of which cannot be guaranteed in advance.
In preparation for the European Council decision, it was clear that although the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem will remain a UN led process, some movement was necessary by Turkey towards the objective of normalising relations with the Republic of Cyprus, which has been a member state of the Union since 1 May 2004. The European Council welcomed Turkey's decision to sign the protocol adapting the 1963 Ankara agreement of association in order to take account of the accession of ten new member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, and to do so before the actual start of accession negotiations. I welcome the recent agreement by Turkey to the text of the protocol submitted by the Commission. The early signature of the protocol, its ratification and its subsequent implementation would constitute important steps forward towards normalisation of relations between Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus.
In the period ahead, member states will consider proposals from the Commission for a revised accession partnership with Turkey, setting out priorities for the continued implementation of the reform process, which will be central to the accession negotiations. The Council will also consider Commission proposals for a detailed negotiating framework, based on the principles outlined by the European Council. The Government will continue to work with our partners in the Union, and with Turkey, to ensure that all the elements are in place for a successful opening of accession negotiations on 3 October.
Overseas Development Aid.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:20 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it was rapid economic growth or an economic downturn that resulted in the Government’s decision to renege on its commitment on overseas development aid; if the commitment was unrealistic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13677/05]
Dan Neville
Ceist:37 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a new and fixed timescale for achieving the UN target for overseas development aid will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13515/05]
Mary Upton
Ceist:84 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on criticisms of Ireland’s record on overseas development aid made by Mr. Bob Geldof at the launch of the report of the Africa Commission in London on 11 March 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13559/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 37 and 84 together.
The allocation for 2005 provides for an increase of €70 million in Government spending on official development assistance this year. This will bring total Government aid to the developing world to approximately €545 million in 2005, the highest allocation in the 30 year history of the aid programme. In addition, the Government has agreed to provide further increases of €65 million in each of the years 2006 and 2007.
These substantial increases mean that over the three years from 2005 to 2007, €1.8 billion will be spent by Ireland on development assistance. As a result, Ireland will maintain its position as one of the world's leading aid donors on a per capita basis. In addition, this three year multi-annual commitment, incorporating substantial annual increases, gives my Department a sound basis to carry forward the long-term planning which is so important for development work.
The increases in spending on aid that this Government has already achieved are dramatic. Ireland's overall contribution to ODA in 1997 was €158 million and in 2004 it was €475 million, a threefold increase. It is important to recognise that since the target of 0.7% of GNP was first agreed at the UN General Assembly in 1970 it has proved difficult for many countries to reach. To date, only five countries have managed to reach or exceed the target.
Ireland, unlike many donors, has successfully focused its aid programme on the needs of the poorest people in the poorest countries. Ireland is one of only six countries to have surpassed the target, endorsed by the UN, of contributing at least 0.15% of GNP in ODA to the world's least developed countries.
The Government remains strongly committed to achieving the UN target for expenditure on ODA. The issue of how best to meet the target, and in what timeframe, is under ongoing review. My Department has recently launched a consultative process that will lead to a White Paper on development assistance. We look forward to receiving views from all interested groups and members of the public.
International Bodies.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:21 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the proposed appointment of a person (details supplied) as United States Ambassador to the United Nations, particularly in view of his previously expressed views on the UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13545/05]
The appointment of a permanent representative to the United Nations in New York is a matter for the member in question and the United Nations as the host authority. It is not the practice of the Government to comment on diplomatic appointments of other states.
Foreign Conflicts.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:22 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals following the recent visit to Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13549/05]
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:44 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he and the Foreign Ministers of the European Union have had with the Sudanese Government about the deteriorating situation in Darfur; the outcome of the talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13550/05]
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:57 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an arms embargo on the government of Sudan is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13497/05]
Damien English
Ceist:62 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Sudan; the humanitarian assistance that is being made available to the affected regions in that country; the security assistance that will be made available by Ireland to Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13478/05]
Willie Penrose
Ceist:64 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he has had through the European Union with the African Union; the support which has been offered to aid that body in its efforts to help ameliorate the present position in Darfur; the outcome of the talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13552/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the situation in the Sudan, with particular reference to Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13867/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 44, 57, 62, 64 and 138 together.
The political, human rights and humanitarian situation in the Darfur region of Sudan remains a matter of the deepest concern for Ireland. The Government continues to use all avenues open to it to urge action in addressing the urgent humanitarian, security and political challenges which exist there. The conflict in Darfur has displaced about 1.8 million people during the last two years. While estimates vary, it is likely that over 100,000 people have died as a direct or indirect result of this conflict.
The latest 30 day report by the UN Secretary General on the situation in Sudan indicates that the security situation in Darfur in March did not improve significantly. While attacks on the civilian population decreased marginally, these positive steps were overshadowed by the increased military activity undertaken by all parties and attacks against international personnel.
In 2004, Ireland responded to the crisis in Darfur by providing €6.38 million in assistance to the region. This funding was delivered rapidly to assist the life saving work of non-governmental organisations, UN agencies and the Red Cross family. Ireland's funding was utilised to provide food and essential non-food items to help families and individuals survive.
The Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, visited Sudan from 3 to 8 April and met a wide range of UN representatives, including Mr. Jan Pronk, special representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations. He also met with Sudan Government Ministers, NGOs, the Red Cross, community and regional leaders. In Darfur, the Minister of State visited the Mornei displaced persons camp in west Darfur and the Jabal Mara region of north Darfur. He also met with the force commander of the African Union's observer mission at its headquarters in El Fasher. In his discussions with the Sudanese authorities he stressed the importance of the restoration of peace and security in Darfur as soon as possible; the need for all parties to the conflict to negotiate in good faith and reach an early political agreement; and the need for the government of Sudan to co-operate fully with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, especially that relating to the International Criminal Court.
Ireland welcomes the decision by the UN Security Council on 31 March to refer the situation in Darfur since mid-2002 to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. This will mean that those accused by the international commission of inquiry on Darfur of extremely serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law can now be brought to justice by this court, of which Ireland is a strong supporter.
After a generation of war the humanitarian situation in the south of the country is also dire. Approximately 2 million people have lost their lives owing to the civil war and over 4 million people have been displaced. The comprehensive peace agreement signed last January offers some hope that at last a new chapter is dawning in the history of southern Sudan and the country generally. In 2004, Ireland contributed approximately €4 million to NGOs and UN agencies working with some of the poorest and conflict affected people in south Sudan.
The Government welcomes the decision taken by the UN Security Council to establish a UN peacekeeping operation in Sudan to support implementation of the January 2005 comprehensive peace agreement for southern Sudan. The United Nations has invited Ireland to contribute a small number of officers from the Defence Forces to act as UN military observers with this operation. This request is currently being considered by the Department of Defence.
The Minister of State's visit to Sudan took place immediately before the major donors' conference on Sudan which was held in Oslo on 11-12 April. The conference pledged approximately €4.5 billion for Sudan up to 2007. While recognising that the peace agreement represents a new beginning for Sudan, participants emphasised the need to build on the agreement and to bring peace and stability to all of Sudan, including Darfur and the east of the country. Since Ireland is committed to assisting the people of Sudan rebuild their country after decades of conflict, the Minister of State pledged at the Oslo conference that we will provide €15 million to Sudan over the next two years. This funding will be used to meet immediate needs, such as food security, return of the displaced and basic education, and to begin to address the long-term development needs of the Sudan.
The EU has implemented a comprehensive arms embargo against Sudan since 1994. On 30 July 2004, the UN Security Council imposed an embargo on the sale or supply of weapons to all non-governmental entities and individuals, including the Janjaweed, operating in Darfur. This embargo was extended in March 2005 to include the government of Sudan.
The European Union most recently met with the African Union at the ministerial Troika meeting held in Luxembourg on 11 April. This meeting built on the solid partnership which has been established at previous meetings, including that in Dublin in April of last year. The Troika discussions concentrated on a number of issues, including the current situation in several African countries, such as Sudan, Somalia, Côte d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The EU expressed its concerns over the conduct of the recent parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe. The Troika also discussed the fight against terrorism, conflict prevention and good governance.
With regard to the present situation in Darfur, the EU expressed its appreciation for the leadership role played by the African Union in addressing the Darfur conflict, in particular the role played by the African Union observer mission, AMIS, in improving the security situation in Darfur. For its part, the AU expressed appreciation for the support and co-operation provided by the EU for AMIS. The EU reiterated its continuing support to AMIS and its readiness to strengthen it. The EU is providing €92 million from its African peace facility for this observer mission, while Ireland has allocated €500,000 in support of the humanitarian and human rights aspects of the mission. An officer from the Permanent Defence Forces is also serving as an EU observer with this mission.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:23 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the security situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13500/05]
On 18 March 2005, the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, reported on the situation in Afghanistan. The Secretary General said that the overall security situation had been relatively calm in recent months. He cautioned, however, that the international community should not become complacent and noted that there had been several recent cases of improvised explosive devices and landmines used to target coalition forces, the Afghan national army and coalition structures.
Since the Secretary General presented his report, there have been a number of incidents which indeed illustrate that the security situation remains volatile. On 21 April, 12 suspected militants were reported killed during a rocket attack on a US military base in Khost province, close to the border with Pakistan. On 16 April, a bomb planted by insurgents destroyed five oil tankers outside an American military base in Kandahar in southern Afghanistan. Supporters of the Taleban regime are reported to have carried out the attack. On 19 April, eight suspected Taleban fighters were killed by Afghan soldiers in southern Afghanistan.
The disarmament and demobilisation of irregular militia forces is a key factor in building a secure environment in Afghanistan. I am pleased to report that the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process, DDR, has gained momentum in recent months. To date, almost 48,000 militiamen have entered the DDR process. It is estimated that less than 10,000 Afghan militia forces remain to undergo the programme by June 2006, the target date for completion of the DDR process. A large number of heavy weapons, twice the total number originally surveyed, have also been retained as part of this process. I welcome the progress made to date and strongly urge all concerned to make a full commitment to the completion of the DDR process. The training of a reformed Afghan national army and police force, key elements in building a secure Afghanistan, also continues to make progress.
Notwithstanding these positive developments, there is a need for the international community to remain focused on supporting Afghanistan. Parliamentary and local elections will take place on 18 September 2005. These elections will represent the final step in the implementation of the Bonn agreement of December 2001 towards the re-establishment of permanent government institutions in Afghanistan. The elections will undoubtedly present a considerable logistical, political and security challenge. In his report of 18 March, UN Secretary General Annan estimated that more than $128 million was urgently required to move forward with electoral preparations. The Government is currently considering the allocation of funding towards these elections.
The illicit narcotics industry in Afghanistan remains a serious problem which has implications for the security situation in Afghanistan as well as far reaching consequences around the globe. Afghanistan's opium industry generates an estimated 60% of Afghanistan's gross domestic product, GDP, and Afghanistan produces 87% of the global opium supply. President Karzai has identified counter-narcotics measures as a priority for the Afghan Government and has introduced a number of important initiatives in this regard. These include a national counter-narcotics implementation plan, the appointment of a minister for counter-narcotics, the creation of a cabinet sub-committee on counter-narcotics and the establishment of a counter-narcotics trust fund, which will be jointly administered by the Afghan Ministry of Finance and the UN development programme, UNDP.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, fully supports the Afghan authorities' uncompromising stance on the illicit cultivation of and trafficking in drugs. Over the past three years, Ireland has contributed €500,000 per annum to the UN office on drugs and crime, UNODC, €300,000 of which has been channelled into counter-narcotics projects in the region. This contribution is likely to be substantially increased in the present year.
It is clear that Afghanistan will face many challenges in the period ahead and will, therefore, continue to need extensive support from the international community. In this regard, I welcome the unanimous decision by the UN Security Council on 24 March 2005 to extend the UN mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, for a further 12 month period. Ireland, together with our partners in the European Union, will continue to sustain our support to Afghanistan in the period ahead.
Question No. 24 answered with QuestionNo. 7.
EU Development Aid.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:25 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the EU development aid criteria proposed by the Commission. [13628/05]
Jack Wall
Ceist:52 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government is likely to review its position on the proposals regarding development co-operation, developed by the outgoing Commission but rejected by the European Parliament; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13575/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 52 together.
I take it that the questions refer to the draft regulation on development co-operation — the development co-operation and economic co-operation instrument — currently being negotiated within the external relations chapter of the EU's Financial Perspective 2007-2013. The allocation criteria for Community development aid is one of the policy issues to be resolved in the negotiation of this new instrument.
Ireland's view is that the allocation of resources should be guided by standard, objective and transparent criteria based on need and performance and universally applied to all Community external assistance. With a number of other delegations, Ireland will seek to ensure that this principle is firmly established in the instrument being negotiated.
The instrument has been under discussion in the Council and the European Parliament. It was rejected by the development committee of the European Parliament on 16 March 2005. Since then there have been ongoing efforts by the Luxembourg Presidency and representatives of the European Parliament and the Commission to try to find a solution to the European Parliament's objections. These have to do with a number of concerns, including Parliament's right of co-decision on the legislation and the fact that the instrument combines assistance for both developing countries and industrialised countries. Ireland is hopeful of a successful outcome to these discussions which would enable the European Parliament and the Council to resume their respective detailed examination of the draft legislation.
Human Rights Issues.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:26 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) has been re-arrested and again put on trial, on this occasion for speaking to members of the international media; his views on whether this treatment of this citizen is appropriate for a democratic state; if he has made representations to the Israeli authorities on the treatment of this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13556/05]
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and I share the widely held concerns about it. My understanding is that the person has been charged with violation of the restrictions imposed as a condition of his release from prison in 2004 at the end of the prison sentence which he had served. These restrictions include a prohibition on him leaving Israel and on contacting the media. The case against him relating to these charges is still underway and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific aspects of a matter which is before the courts.
The Government has consistently been of the view that the person concerned should not be subjected to the restrictions which were imposed and the government of Israel is aware of this position. However, the restrictions have been the subject of judicial review by the Israeli Supreme Court, which concluded that they are not incompatible with the Israeli Government's obligations in respect of its citizens. I do not believe there is any likelihood that the Israeli Government will overturn the court's decision. The Government will continue to monitor the situation.
Illegal Emigrants.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:27 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any recent contact with his US counterpart with regard to new proposals for the regularisation of citizenship for persons resident illegally in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13482/05]
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:77 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with the US authorities regarding the position of Irish persons living illegally in the United States; if his attention has been drawn to the suggestion made by the US Ambassador to Ireland, Mr. James Kenny, at a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs that Irish persons might secure the right to stay in the US by paying a fine; if he has sought further details of this proposal for the US authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13558/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which his attention has been drawn to the number and circumstances of undocumented Irish people currently in the United States; his proposals to engage with the US authorities with a view to reaching an acceptable or amicable arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13865/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:137 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he has had discussions with the US authorities with a view to regularisation of undocumented Irish in the US; if progress will be reported regarding the possibility of an amnesty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13866/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 77, 136 and 137 together.
The number of Irish people who may be resident in the United States without the appropriate authorisation is difficult to estimate. While the US authorities have estimated that the number may have declined to 3,000 in the year 2000, many of the organisations working on the ground with our emigrants would regard this figure as a low estimate.
The circumstances of undocumented Irish people in the US are raised on an ongoing basis in our bilateral contacts with U.S. political leaders. Most recently, the issue was raised when the Taoiseach and I met President Bush on St. Patrick's Day. During our meeting, the President reaffirmed his commitment to work with Congress on immigration reform. The Taoiseach and I very much welcomed this commitment and emphasised the importance of addressing the situation in a positive and sympathetic way.
My attention has been drawn to the media report on the meeting of the US Ambassador to Ireland with the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs on 2 March as well as to the radio interview given by the ambassador on 3 March. The ambassador pointed out in his radio remarks that the issue of immigration reform was one singled out by President Bush for action. He was careful to stress that, as any proposals for immigration reform will have to be considered in detail by the US House of Representatives and Senate and the details of any immigration reform bill will not be known until this legislative process is complete, it would be premature to go into any specifics at this stage. I am not aware that any specific legislative proposal involving payment of a fine has been circulated in the US Congress.
Our ambassador and officials in the embassy in Washington continue to monitor closely the debate on immigration reform. The Deputies can be assured that the issues of our undocumented citizens and immigration reform have the highest priority for the Government. Through the ongoing efforts of our embassy and the contacts of the Taoiseach, myself and Cabinet colleagues with political leaders in the US, we will continue to encourage and support all measures that benefit Irish citizens.
Border Controls.
Joe Costello
Ceist:28 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Irish citizens travelling to and from England have been fingerprinted by immigration officers at Holyhead (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10797/05]
On receiving notification of this case, I asked the Embassy of Ireland, London, to raise the matter with the British authorities. The reply received from the British Home Office was that immigration officers at Holyhead carry out this type of spot check on travellers to try and identify suspected or failed asylum seekers. Immigration officers use equipment which scans a single fingerprint. The digital information can then be sent to a national database against which it is compared. This database contains the fingerprints and details of failed asylum seekers.
We have been assured by the Home Office that when an Irish passport or piece of Irish identification is produced to the immigration officer, then almost certainly the fingerprint will not be taken. The person in question has not been in direct contact with my Department and I am, therefore, not aware of whether such identification was produced at the time the fingerprint was requested.
The issue of border controls within the common travel area is the subject of regular discussions with the British authorities. In addition to the discussions between the embassy in London and the British authorities, for example, officials from my Department met with British officials in London on 1 December. The meeting was held at a senior level and the British side was led by the National Co-ordinator for Ports Policing. The focus of the meeting was on steps that can be taken by the British to reassure passengers, minimise inconvenience and avoid unnecessary anxiety, offence and delays. My officials stressed the importance of ensuring that travellers are properly informed of the procedures in place and that the reasons for carrying out certain checks are fully explained to them.
Should the person in question require any further clarification with the British authorities, I would be happy to have the matter followed up.
Question No. 29 answered with QuestionNo. 7.
Human Rights Issues.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:30 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals to influence the UN and the EU with a view to seriously addressing the issues of human rights abuse, starvation and war in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13689/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which progress can be reported in regard to tackling the issues of war, starvation and human rights abuses throughout the African continent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13868/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 139 together.
I am aware 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 and warfare. The reduction of poverty, hunger and conflict in Africa are, I believe, some of the most important tasks to which the international community can dedicate itself in the 21st century. Good governance and the promotion of human rights are core elements of these tasks. These objectives will only be achieved when donors such as Ireland, the EU and others work hand in hand with United Nations agencies, dedicated to relieving poverty, tackling famine, building accountable governance and reducing conflict.
The EU is the world's largest contributor to development co-operation. Through its emergency response and food assistance, the EU strives to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations in Africa. Its long-term programmes of assistance are aimed at rebuilding the devastated economies of Africa. Ireland fully supported the decision by the EU to establish a peace facility for Africa to assist African governments in preventing and solving conflicts on their continent. Ireland will continue to use every opportunity to highlight the plight of Africa at EU level and the need for concerted and co-ordinated actions, if the millennium development goals are to be achieved on the continent.
At UN level, Ireland has strong partnerships with UN agencies such as the World Food Programme, WFP, UNICEF, United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, World Health Organisation, WHO, and others. These partnerships enable Ireland to play a role in addressing humanitarian emergencies in, inter alia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Eritrea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Meeting the needs of some of the most conflict affected populations, especially women and children, is a key objective of Ireland and our partnership with UNICEF is particularly important in this regard.
I have recently returned from Darfur, Sudan, where I witnessed at first hand the excellent work of the UN and its agencies. Ireland has contributed substantially to this effort. I also witnessed the important contribution to stability being made by the African Union, AU, and I am glad that Ireland has also has been able to assist the AU. Working closely with the UN, Ireland can also assist in post-conflict situations such as Liberia and Sierra Leone. We have recently opened a development co-operation office in Sierra Leone. The office covers both Sierra Leone and Liberia. We are working with the UN and non-governmental organisations, NGOs, in important DDRR — disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and rehabilitation — activities for ex-combatants. This is essential work if there is to be no sliding back to conflict and war.
If we are to break the cyclical nature of food insecurity and conflict in Africa, the underlying structural problems affecting poverty and stability must be addressed. Ireland has strong development partnerships with six countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Through these partnerships Ireland fully engages with the governments, donors, EU and UN agencies on the basis of poverty reduction strategy plans, PRSPs. The PRSPs outline how each country prioritises resources and policies with the objective of reducing poverty. These programmes contain a strong governance element throughout, to assist in the building of democratic structures, the rule of law and a culture of respect for human rights.
This comprehensive and African owned approach by donors, governments and civil societies stands the best chance of reversing the downward spiral of economic and social indicators in sub-Saharan Africa, reducing conflict and facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of Africans.
Nuclear Disarmament Initiative.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:31 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made on the EU strategy on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13490/05]
A progress report on implementation of the December 2003 EU strategy on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction was adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, and endorsed by the European Council last December. On that occasion, the Council also reaffirmed its commitment to use all instruments at its disposal to counter the threat of proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery.
The report, which is available on the EU's official website, highlighted the significant progress that has been achieved on the implementation of the strategy, including with respect to relations with third countries and co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, OPCW. EU démarches to third countries were also carried out to promote key multilateral treaties and agreements. These included démarches concerning the universalisation of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, comprehensive safeguard agreement and additional protocol, the biological and toxin weapons convention, BTWC, and the Hague code of conduct against ballistic missile proliferation. The EU has also continued its efforts in pursuit of membership for a number of newly acceded member states to the relevant export control regimes, that is, both the missile technology control regime and the Wassenaar arrangement, which deals with conventional weapons.
The EU's peer review mechanism, under which clusters of member states examined each other's dual-use control systems with a view to identifying best practices, was undertaken during Ireland's Presidency of the EU and completed last July. A task force, comprising Finland, the Commission and the Council secretariat, has drawn up a report in which a number of recommendations for the strengthening of the EU's export controls system have been set out. These recommendations are currently being considered by the relevant working group in Brussels.
Most recently, the EU has adopted a common position on the 2005 review conference of states parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which is scheduled to take place from 2-27 May 2005 in New York.
International Bodies.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:32 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent appointment of a person (details supplied) as president of the World Bank; if he or his officials have made contact with the new president; the international foreign policy implications of this appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13592/05]
I welcome the statement by the new president of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, that he will build on his predecessor's legacy in promoting economic growth and social development. Prior to his election, Mr. Wolfowitz travelled to Brussels to meet the European Union Finance Ministers and made clear to them his unreserved commitment to the World Bank's mission of poverty reduction. Following this discussion, the EU expressed support for him and looked forward to a close and constructive working relationship with him. Mr. Wolfowitz was elected unanimously by the World Bank board on 31 March. He will take office in June.
The office of president of the World Bank is one of great importance for social and economic development throughout the world and particularly for the developing countries which look to the bank as the leading global institution for poverty eradication. Mr. Wolfowitz will begin his term of office at a time when the international community is preparing for the first major review of progress on the millennium declaration which was adopted in 2000. Important decisions have to be made on financing and development, in which the World Bank will be central. We all look forward to decisive leadership from Mr. Wolfowitz on these critical issues.
Overseas Development Aid.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:33 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of assistance from Ireland to Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13486/05]
The Irish bilateral programme of development assistance to Uganda amounts to €32 million in 2005. This budget has remained fairly constant over the past three years.
Ireland's development programme in Uganda is focused on poverty reduction and on assisting the poorest section of the population. The UNDP human development index for 2004 puts Uganda at 146 out of 177 countries in the world. Life expectancy is 45 years. According to the OECD, Ugandans live on a per capita annual income of US$240, less than US$1 per day. Although Uganda has witnessed a steady decline in AIDS prevalence rates since the early 1990s, the disease remains a leading cause of death. Figures indicate that the pandemic has created 1.7 million AIDS orphans in the country.
There are, however, some encouraging signs. Arising from a committed partnership between the Government and donor countries, literacy rates have risen to 69% of the population. School enrolment is at 71% of children. Uganda is one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa that will meet the millennium development goal of having introduced universal primary education, UPE, by 2015.
The elements of the Irish programme in Uganda include support to the poverty action fund, a pooled arrangement involving a combined effort by a number of donor countries to improve services in key areas of human development, including health and education. Ireland also works in three districts in support of decentralisation and improved social services.
Agriculture is the engine of Uganda's economy and Ireland, with others, supports a broad programme for agricultural reform and gives particular help to the farm advisory service.
A key issue in the war on corruption and the improvement of respect for human rights is the performance in the justice, law and order sector, an area where Ireland has an extensive engagement in support of institutions of the judiciary, police, prisons, parliament and human rights bodies.
HIV-AIDS is a special focus for Ireland in Africa. In Uganda, Ireland supports prevention strategies for people free of the disease and assists those living with HIV-AIDS, as well as supporting the welfare of those orphaned by its impact.
In addition to our direct programme of assistance to Uganda, Ireland has provided funding of approximately €4.6 million in 2004 for emergency and development activities of the World Food Programme and non-governmental organisations, NGOs, such as Action Aid, Christian Aid, Concern, GOAL, Trócaire and missionary groups.
Nuclear Disarmament Initiative.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:34 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made to negotiate with Iran on issues of nuclear development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13495/05]
The issue of Iran and its nuclear development programme has been followed closely at European level over the past two years since Iran's undeclared nuclear programme was first brought to the attention of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA. Negotiations in Paris between Iran and France, Germany and the UK, supported by the High Representative for the common foreign and security policy, resulted in an agreement in November 2004 on nuclear issues and future co-operation.
Under this agreement, Iran, inter alia, reaffirmed that it does not and will not seek to acquire nuclear weapons and committed itself to full transparency and co-operation with the IAEA. Iran, moreover, decided to voluntarily suspend all enrichment and reprocessing activities and to invite the IAEA to verify and to monitor the suspension. The agreement further provided for negotiations on a long-term agreement which will cover political and security issues; technology and co-operation; and nuclear issues.
The European Council last December welcomed this agreement and underlined that sustaining the full suspension of all enrichment related and reprocessing activities was essential for the continuation of the overall process. It supported further efforts with a view to reaching an agreement on long-term arrangements. The European Council confirmed its earlier conclusions on the resumption of the negotiations on a trade and co-operation agreement after verification of suspension. The European Council also confirmed the Union's readiness to explore ways to further develop political and economic co-operation with Iran, following action by Iran to address other areas of concern of the EU regarding the fight against terrorism, human rights and Iran's approach to the Middle East peace process.
A steering committee to launch these negotiations met for the first time in December 2004 and established working groups on political and security issues, technology and co-operation, and nuclear issues. Under the terms of the Paris agreement, the steering committee receives progress reports from the working groups and identifies projects and-or measures that can be implemented in advance of an overall agreement. The working groups met most recently on 19 April in Geneva and the steering committee is scheduled to meet again on 29 April in London.
At the meeting of the IAEA board of governors last March, France, Germany and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement in which they gave their preliminary assessment of the negotiations with Iran. They indicated that the negotiations have allowed for an extensive exchange of views, notably on ways to provide objective guarantees that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes, as stipulated in the Paris agreement.
The two sides have also discussed long-term arrangements for co-operation between the EU and Iran in the political and security area, as well as in the economic and technological field. They have also explored the prospects for possible international co-operation in connection with Iran's nuclear programme. The discussions were said to have been conducted in a constructivespirit of open and serious exchanges and that while much progress remains to be made, they represent encouraging steps towards working out long-term arrangements, as foreseen in the Paris agreement.
The statement went on to express satisfaction with the progress reported by the IAEA in its investigations but also expressed regret at some developments which could undermine confidence. These included Iran's failure to report excavation work at one of the sites under investigation and limitations placed on the scope of visits by IAEA inspectors. In reiterating their commitment to the negotiation process, France, Germany and the United Kingdom stressed that it is essential that confidence be maintained through the continued implementation in good faith of all aspects of the Paris agreement.
Debt Relief.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:35 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the use of IMF gold stockpiles to fund debt cancellation. [13589/05]
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:69 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the prospect of 100% debt cancellation for the poorest countries in the world; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at a recent meeting of the G7, Ministers moved to support this initiative; his views on this stance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13588/05]
Jack Wall
Ceist:92 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if progress was made on the issue of debt cancellation at the meeting of the IMF and World Bank in April 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13576/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 69 and 92 together.
I welcome the statement from the recent ministerial meeting of the IMF and the World Bank that further debt relief is needed to secure long-term debt sustainability and support progress towards the millennium development goals. These financial institutions will now examine detailed proposals which would extend beyond the existing highly indebted poor countries initiative, HIPC.
I also welcome the statement by the G7 Finance Ministers and central bank governors that they are willing to provide as much as 100% reduction of debts owed by the highly indebted poor countries to the international development fund and the African development fund of the World Bank, without reducing the resources available to the poorest countries through these institutions.
These statements are very much in line with Ireland's policy on the debt problems of poor countries which calls for reforms to the way in which the World Bank and the IMF assess levels of debt sustainability. Ireland advocates 100% debt cancellation under certain circumstances and on the basis of additional resources from donors.
While there are differing views about the merit of selling or revaluing part of the IMF gold reserves to fund debt relief, it is not the approach favoured in our debt policy. We see debt relief as a means of providing a sustained increase in resources for developing countries. A one-off operation on IMF gold would not achieve this. Debt sustainability needs to be achieved, while maintaining and increasing the resources available to the developing countries. Any proposal to sell or revalue the IMF gold reserves would of course have to be considered by the Minister for Finance and by the Central Bank.
Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:36 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether legislative change will be required for Irish participation in EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13507/05]
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:54 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any recent discussions with his EU counterparts on the new EU battlegroups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13683/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 54 together.
As I reported to the House in February, I have already undertaken consultations with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden and Finland on the issue of the ongoing development of the European security and defence policy and the role that battlegroups-rapid response elements can play in enhancing the EU's crisis management capabilities.
I discussed with both ministers plans by Finland and Sweden to participate in the initiative, including the establishment of a Swedish-led battlegroup with the participation of Finland, Norway and Estonia. I also briefed Minister Freivalds and Minister Tuomioja on considerations which will be brought to bear in considering Ireland's participation in the initiative, including our commitment to the triple lock policy, involving the need for Government and Dáil approval and UN authorisation in the deployment of Defence Forces personnel to crisis management missions overseas.
I also intend to raise the issue of battlegroups-rapid response elements when I meet myAustrian counterpart in Vienna later this week.
An interdepartmental group, which includes representatives of my Department, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Office of the Attorney General, has been established to examine the policy, legislative and operational issues arising from Ireland's possible participation. The work of the group is ongoing and includes consideration of whether legislative change would be needed were Ireland to decide to participate in the battlegroups-rapid response elements initiative.
I believe that this consultation process and the report of the interdepartmental group will enable the Government to make a fully informed decision on Ireland's participation in rapid response elements.
Question No. 37 answered with QuestionNo. 20.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Ceist:38 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of projects which have been allocated funding under the Communicating Europe initiative in 2004 and 2005; the amount allocated to each of these programmes in 2004 and 2005; the number of these projects which are aimed at increasing understanding and awareness of the European constitution; the success of these projects in raising public awareness of the European constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13686/05]
Eleven projects were allocated funding under the Communicating Europe initiative in 2004. I am circulating a table setting out the details.
Three of the projects funded or part-funded related to the European constitution specifically. These were: an explanatory guide to the European constitution and accompanying leaflet produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and widely circulated to the general public; a national forum on Europe DVD entitled, Towards a Constitution for Europe; and the Institute of European Affairs analysis, Europe Re-United: A Constitutional Treaty.
To date, three projects have been allocated funding in 2005. One of these, assistance towards the publication of a book on the European constitution by students at the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, relates to the constitution specifically, and will involve a contribution of approximately €1,500.
The UCD law faculty has been awarded €5,000 to assist with funding an international conference entitled, Ireland, Europe and the Challenge of Democracy: Ensuring Democratic Control over Government in European Union Affairs. This will touch on important aspects of the European Constitution.
Continued funding for a media consultant engaged by the Joint Committee on European Affairs has been agreed for the first four months of 2005; this amounts to a total of €6,924. A number of other applications for funding have been received and are being considered, and several of these relate to the European constitution. I expect that further applications will also be received.
In my view and that of the Communicating Europe initiative advisory board, the initiatives funded so far have been of a high quality and should make a useful contribution to greater understanding and awareness of the European constitution.
It should be noted, however, that the Communicating Europe initiative, which had a total budget of €195,000 in 2004 and has been allocated €200,000 in 2005, is an ongoing budget line. Its main purpose is to raise awareness about the European Union in general and to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues. Given the modest level of its budget the initiatives it supports are on a relatively small scale.
Substantially greater funding will be made available specifically to increase public awareness of the European constitution through other channels, including the establishment of the referendum commission, the publication of a White Paper and the nationwide distribution of a short information guide.
|
Initiative |
Expenditure |
|
€ |
|
|
Explanatory Guide to the European constitution and accompanying leaflet. Funding granted to the Department of Foreign Affairs for the design, translation and publication of an explanatory guide and an information leaflet on the European constitution which were widely circulated to the general public. |
37,085.49 |
|
National Forum on Europe DVD: Towards a Constitution for Europe |
21,725.66 |
|
Europe Re-United: A Constitutional Treaty. In December 2004, funding was allocated to the Institute of European Affairs for this publication on the European Constitution. |
2,500.00 |
|
ICA European Awareness Week — local ICA Guild events. The Irish Countrywomen’s Association, ICA, received €17,362.25 for their European Awareness Week in November 2004. The CEI also allocated €1,767.79 in funding to three ICA Guilds who undertook information initiatives in their localities in 2004. The ICA is one of the CEI priority groups. |
19,130.04 |
|
Adult Education Materials on the EU. The National Adult Literacy Agency, NALA, received funding for the development of EU-focused education materials which will be published later in 2005. NALA is one of the CEI priority groups. |
40,000.00 |
|
Youth Conferences. The European Youth Parliament received funding for a series of EU youth conferences across Ireland in 2005. The European Youth Parliament is one of the CEI priority groups. |
6,000.00 |
|
Information leaflet on the EU Presidency. In February 2004, the CEI part-funded the production and distribution of 80,000 copies of a leaflet containing information on Ireland’s EU Presidency. The leaflet was circulated to schools, NGOs and libraries throughout Ireland. |
4,938.60 |
|
Ireland Communicating Europe project. During the Irish EU Presidency, the CEI engaged two officers to devise and execute an information strategy aimed at capitalising on the enhanced profile of European developments during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU through the Ireland Communicating Europe section on the presidency website. |
25,000.00 |
|
DVD: Day of Welcomes. In July 2004, CEI part-funded the production of this DVD which contains highlights of the ceremonies marking the enlargement of the EU at Áras an Uachtaráin on 1 May. The DVD was circulated to all second level schools. |
19,374.15 |
|
Joint Committee on European Affairs Officer. Throughout 2004, the CEI provided funding to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs, JCEA, to allow it to engage a public relations officer to publicise the work of the JCEA. |
18,174.00 |
|
Ireland and the EU book. In June 2004, the CEI provided €1,000 for printing costs associated with the publication of a book on Ireland’s experiences of EU membership, based on the Thomas Davis lecture series which was broadcast on RTE radio in 2002. The book, edited by Jim Hourihane, was officially launched by the Taoiseach in March 2004. |
1,000.00 |
United Nations Reform.
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:39 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the contact he has had with other EU governments regarding UN reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13510/05]
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:60 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the approach being taken by his Department regarding reform of the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13509/05]
Liz McManus
Ceist:73 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals he favours with regard to expansion of the United Nations Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13542/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 60 and 73 together.
Deputies will be aware that a central element of Ireland's foreign policy has been the promotion of an effective multilateral system and the strengthening of the rules based international order, with the United Nations at its centre.
The Government believes that it is essential that the members of the United Nations take action to enhance the effectiveness and the legitimacy of the United Nations, and to endow the UN with the means necessary to confront today's global threats and challenges. Promoting such reform was a priority of the European Union during Ireland's Presidency in the first half of 2004.
The House will also be aware that this is a crucial year for the United Nations as members prepare for the summit that will take place at the UN next September, at which heads of state and government will seek to restore momentum to the achievement of the millennium development goals, to agree on reforms that will strengthen the system of collective security, to enhance the human rights function of the United Nations and to reform its institutions and management structures. It is a central priority for the Government to do what it can to promote the success of the summit.
As a practical and substantial contribution to this process, I travelled to New York in February to assure the UN Secretary General of Ireland's readiness to do its utmost to support his reform agenda. Accordingly, I am honoured to have been appointed by him as one of five envoys to act on his behalf in encouraging governments to take the decisions necessary to ensure a satisfactory outcome at the September summit. The appointment is an indication of the esteem in which Ireland is held by the Secretary General and of its track record of commitment to the United Nations.
As envoy, my task is to make the case for the broad package of recommendations and reforms set out in the UN Secretary General's recent report, In Larger Freedom. In doing so, I will work with the Secretary General and with member states to overcome the obstacles and challenges that confront the reform agenda, which the Secretary General has described as "bold but achievable". I have been asked by the Secretary General to focus my efforts on Europe. However, none of the envoys is confined in their activities to any one geographic area.
While the reform agenda is many faceted, one very difficult but important element, and one that receives most public attention, is that of reform of the Security Council. There is general acceptance that the 60 year old structure of the council, which derives from the immediate post-war situation, is not in accord with today's realities. The high level panel that reported to the UN Secretary General in December 2004 on measures to enhance collective security put forward two models for reform: model A, which would extend the membership in both categories, permanent and non-permanent, and model B, which would retain the current permanent members and would, in addition, create a new category of member, elected for four year renewable terms.
The Secretary General has not recommended either of these models to the membership but has urged UN members to reach a decision this year on the expansion of the Security Council for the sake of its credibility and legitimacy.
The Government shares this view and would support an arrangement capable of securing the necessary support among the wider UN membership, as long as it preserved the possibility for smaller countries like Ireland, which make substantial contributions to the work of the United Nations, to serve on the Security Council at reasonable intervals.
Official Travel.
Damien English
Ceist:40 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his travel plans for the coming six month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13512/05]
I am currently engaged in an intensive series of visits to European capitals in discharge of my mandate as envoy of the UN Secretary General. As envoy, I am tasked with presenting the key elements of the Secretary General's report, In Larger Freedom, and conveying to the Secretary General, in confidence, the views and concerns expressed by UN members. This is being done to prepare for the summit taking place at the UN in September.
In addition to the ongoing intensive travel schedule being put in place in pursuit of my role as the Secretary General's envoy, I will also attend a number of EU related meetings over the coming months, including meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, and the European Council, and the UN General Assembly in September. The programme of my visits and meetings is kept under review on a continuing basis.
Foreign Conflicts.
Enda Kenny
Ceist:41 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the political and humanitarian situation in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13519/05]
While Liberia has made remarkable progress since the comprehensive peace agreement of August 2003, it still faces the major challenges of a successful return to democracy and sustaining the peace process. Liberia is currently administered by a transitional government, under the chairmanship of Mr. Gyude Bryant, until parliamentary and presidential elections are held on 11 October 2005. This election will mark the return of Liberia to a constitutional democracy after 14 years of civil war. The cost of the elections is expected to amount to US$17.5 million and the EU has pledged €4.5 million in electoral support. Ireland is currently considering a proposal from the Carter Centre for support to election oversight.
President McAleese, accompanied by the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, visited Liberia on 14 December 2004 and met with Chairman Bryant, the United Nations special representative in Liberia, Mr. Jacques Klein, and the Irish battalion. Chairman Bryant visited Ireland in November 2004 and expressed his gratitude for the invaluable role that Ireland has played in Liberia. The chief of staff of the Defence Forces visited the Irish battalion in February.
Ireland recently established a development co-operation office in Freetown, Sierra Leone, which is also responsible for the delivery of humanitarian and development support to Liberia. At the international donor conference on Liberia in February 2004, Ireland pledged €5 million from 2004 to 2006 towards the recovery and reconstruction needs of Liberia. To date, some €3.5 million of this pledge has been disbursed.
Despite recent improvements in the security situation in UN controlled areas, the Liberian peace process remains fragile and many serious issues remain to be effectively addressed. The situation is generally stable in Monrovia but less so in other areas. Sporadic outbreaks of violence in rebel strongholds highlight the need for a comprehensive process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration.
The United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL, was established on 19 September 2003 by UN Security Council Resolution 1509. The primary task of UNMIL is to observe and monitor implementation of the ceasefire agreement which was concluded by the Liberian parties in June 2003. More broadly, UNMIL's role is to support the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement of 18 August 2003. This includes facilitating the organisation of the October elections.
The Irish contingent comprises a motorised infantry battalion of some 426 personnel, together with a small number of additional personnel deployed at force headquarters. 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. Our personnel have been widely commended for the professionalism of their work.
The UNMIL programme of disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration, DDRR, for rebel groups recommenced on 15 April 2004. Disarmament and demobilisation was concluded on 31 October 2004. Due to the fact that the number of combatants disarmed greatly exceeded original estimates, the DDRR programme has encountered significant financial problems and an additional US$20 million is required for rehabilitation and reintegration of the additional numbers.
Ireland contributed €500,000 in 2004 for disarmament and demobilisation and we have provided an additional €500,000 in 2005 for rehabilitation and reintegration of former combatants. Since 85% of Liberians are unemployed, creation of employment and education opportunities for the ex-combatants is extremely important if stability is to be maintained in the country and elections successfully organised next October. Significant strides have also been made in restructuring and reforming Liberia's police force and the USA is providing material and technical support to restructure and reform the army.
Since October 2004, the UN has assisted in the repatriation of over 10,000 Liberian refugees from neighbouring countries, while almost 100,000 internally displaced persons have resettled also. The United Nations hopes to repatriate 150,000 refugees to Liberia in the course of 2005.
Since displaced persons and refugees can vote only in their home areas, speedy implementation before October of the resettlement and repatriation process is important. Ireland has provided significant support towards the needs of internally displaced persons, including assisting in re-establishing agriculture in areas formerly affected by conflict.
In December 2004 the United Nations Security Council renewed its trade sanctions against Liberia, extending bans on timber exports and arms imports to the country for another year. The timber sanctions may be reviewed after six months. The ban on diamond exports was extended for six months. In March, the UN panel of experts informed the Security Council that Liberia could not as yet meet the criteria for joining the Kimberley Process, which certifies rough diamonds as legal for international sale. Security Council sanctions against the export of diamonds from Liberia are expected to remain in place until the country succeeds in joining the Kimberly Process. The European Union also renewed article 96 measures against Liberia in December in line with the UN Security Council sanctions, as it was agreed that Liberia had not made enough progress in areas such as human rights, governance and the judicial system to warrant an easing of sanctions at this time.
Ireland will continue to encourage all parties in Liberia and the sub-region to carry out their commitments and obligations under the comprehensive peace agreement and support the work of the UN special representative in Liberia, Mr. Jacques Klein, and the EU special representative for the region, Mr. Hans Dahlgren of Sweden.
Trade Embargoes.
Olwyn Enright
Ceist:42 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the countries to which EU arms embargoes currently apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13498/05]
At present, there are EU arms embargoes in place against the following countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burma — Myanmar, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo — formerly Zaire, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan and Zimbabwe. This list is publicly available on the EU's official website.
The EU revises its list of sanctions and other restrictive measures against third countries, including arms embargoes, on a case by case basis, when it judges it appropriate to do so. In such cases, the EU takes into consideration all developments in a particular country since the arms embargo was imposed and decides whether these would warrant the lifting of sanctions against that country.
Most recently, for example, the General Affairs and External Relations Council, on 11 October 2004, took the decision to lift the EU arms embargo against Libya, which had been in place since 1986.
Foreign Conflicts.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:43 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13489/05]
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the signature of the Dayton Agreement, which brought an end to the war in Bosnia following the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. In recent years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has made significant progress in the transition from a post-conflict society to a functioning European state, which is developing its institutional relationship with the European Union. However, Bosnia still faces enormous challenges in overcoming the legacy of violence and division from the 1990s and working towards the goal of eventual integration into EU structures, on the basis of the shared agenda agreed at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Thessaloniki in June 2003.
In November 2003, the European Commission completed its feasibility study on the opening of negotiations for a stabilisation and association agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It identified 16 major areas of reform in which significant progress was required before the Commission could make a positive recommendation to the Council on the opening of negotiations. There is general agreement that, since then, the Bosnian authorities have taken a series of courageous political decisions to adopt and implement the reforms identified in the feasibility study. I hope that the Commission will be in a position to recommend to the Council in the coming months that sufficient progress has been made to enable the opening of negotiations. It will be a sign of hope for the region as a whole if we are in a position to take a positive decision on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the issues which has impeded Bosnia's progress in its relations with the EU and in its application to join NATO's Partnership for Peace has been the level of co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, in particular by the Bosnian Serb entity, Republika Srpska. Following pressure from the international community, transfers of indictees to face trial in The Hague have finally begun in recent months. This is an extremely positive development, although progress must be sustained. It remains essential, for instance, that, ten years after the Srbrenica massacre, General Ratko Mladic, the commander of Serb forces, and Radovan Karadzic, the Bosnian Serb wartime political leader, are arrested and transferred for trial in The Hague.
The EU will continue to work closely with the Bosnian authorities, and with the high representative for Bosnia, Lord Ashdown, who is also the EU special representative. The objective is to consolidate peace and democracy and to ensure the political, administrative and economic reforms necessary for the country's progress towards European integration. Under Ireland's EU Presidency, the Council adopted European partnerships for Bosnia and Herzegovina and for the other countries of the western Balkans, which draw on the experience of the latest enlargement process and identify specific areas of reform for further movement in the integration process. The June 2004 European Council also adopted a comprehensive policy on Bosnia and Herzegovina outlining the practical arrangements to strengthen the coherence and effectiveness of the EU's involvement in Bosnia.
The EU involvement developed further with the launch on 2 December 2004 of the EU force in Bosnia, Operation Althea. This EU military crisis management mission, which is authorised by the UN Security Council, follows on from the NATO-led peacekeeping force SFOR. The Defence Forces have deployed 53 personnel to the operation, most of whom are serving as part of the Finnish-led multinational task force north, based in Tuzla. The EU force is working alongside the European Union Police Mission in Bosnia to ensure peace and stability, to assist the Bosnian authorities in tackling organised crime and to improve border security and restructure the Bosnian state security services.
The head of the police mission is Assistant Garda Commissioner Kevin Carty. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, visited Bosnia on 19 and 20 March to meet with Irish military and police personnel serving in Bosnia and with members of the Irish community working with Bosnian and international organisations in the country. She expressed the deep appreciation of the Government and people of Ireland for their work in support of the consolidation of a multi-ethnic and democratic society.
Question No. 44 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Pat Breen
Ceist:45 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the political, humanitarian and security situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13501/05]
Following the elections of 30 January, a lengthy process of negotiation between the parties to form the new Iraqi transitional government seems now to be coming to a conclusion. Earlier this month, Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani was nominated as President of Iraq, and Ibrahim Jafaari of the United Iraqi Coalition, the leading Shia grouping, was named as Prime Minister. Further negotiations have continued over the division of ministerial portfolios and the programme for the new government and it is reported this morning that yesterday the national assembly approved the nominations to most ministerial posts. The remaining ministries are expected to be filled shortly. The interim Iraqi Government of Mr. Allawi, which was appointed in June 2004, will then be succeeded by the transitional Iraqi Government under Mr. Jafaari.
This will represent an important milestone on the path to political reconstruction of Iraq mapped out in UN Security Council Resolution 1546 of June 2004. It will also be the first time that Iraqis have had a government freely chosen by themselves. The transitional government and national assembly have challenging work ahead of them in rebuilding an effective administration and drawing up a new constitution for Iraq.
They also face a critical challenge in overcoming the very difficult security situation. While there have been some reports of an overall lessening of the number of attacks, it is clear that violence and murders continue in many areas of the country. Much of the violence seems now to consist of sectarian attacks on Shia communities, intended to provoke the Shia population into retaliation against the Sunni minority. Attacks are also directed against Iraqis who are trying to play a part in the rebuilding of their country, in the security forces or the administration. Yesterday Ms Lamia Khadouri, a member of the new national assembly, was murdered. The development of effective Iraqi security forces will be the key not only to providing security for Iraqis but to establishing the conditions which will enable the Iraqi Government to do without the assistance of the multinational forces currently in Iraq.
Establishment of security for Iraqi citizens, rebuilding of government services such as education, health services and sanitation, and the return of displaced persons to their homes are the main humanitarian issues facing Iraq at present. The continuing violence, including attacks on aid workers, is greatly hampering international and Iraqi efforts to tackle these problems.
The External Relations Council on 25 April looked forward to the early formation of the Iraqi transitional government and restated the EU's willingness to assist Iraq in the process of political and economic reconstruction.
International Relations.
Joan Burton
Ceist:46 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing deterioration in Chinese-Japanese relations; the discussions he has contributed to at international and European level in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13544/05]
I have followed with concern the reports of recent tensions between China and Japan. Our embassies in Beijing and Tokyo continue to monitor the political situation in both countries and the wider region. We have made our concerns known to the authorities in Beijing and Tokyo.
I therefore welcome the recent bilateral meeting which took place between the Chinese President, Mr. Hu Jintao, and the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, on the margins of the Asia-Africa summit in Jakarta on 23 April. After their meeting, both leaders are reported to have conveyed their desire to resolve the difficulties. It is to be hoped that both countries will continue to work to resolve these matters through constructive dialogue.
Human Rights Issues.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:47 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the initiatives and efforts being made by US Senator Edward Kennedy regarding the treatment of 292 Montserratians resident in the United States whose temporary protected status has recently been rescinded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13546/05]
In a reply in the House on 8 March 2005, I said that Senator Kennedy, joined by Senators John Kerry and Charles Schumer, had written to President Bush to urge a reversal of the decision by the US Department of Homeland Security to terminate the temporary protected status granted to 292 refugees from Montserrat allowing them to reside in the US. This status was granted following the major volcanic eruption in 1997 which destroyed much of the island of Montserrat. Senator Schumer had also sponsored a Senate Bill to provide relief for the Montserrat group and a similar measure has been introduced in the House of Representatives.
The US Department of Homeland Security maintains that the conditions in Montserrat no longer meet the criteria for temporary protected status. They state that one of the criteria for this status, on the basis of natural disaster, is that both the disruption of living conditions and a country's inability to accept the return of its nationals be temporary in nature. The Department of Homeland Security refers to scientific estimates that there is a 50% chance that the volcanic activity in Montserrat will continue for another 14 to 15 years and may continue for decades. Its position is that the situation in Montserrat is, therefore, not temporary and that the temporary protected status of the 292 persons in question ended on 27 February 2005. The Department of Homeland Security points out that not all of these persons are subject to early removal from the US, as some will continue to benefit from other non-immigrant status. They also point out that people from Montserrat are eligible to apply for British citizenship based on their status as British overseas territory citizens.
I understand that the current position is that efforts to secure a deferral in any enforced departures amongst the Montserrat group continue to be made. Any decision on this is, of course, a matter for the US authorities but, as I have previously said, we very much appreciate the humanitarian impulse underlying the initiative taken in this case by Senator Kennedy and his colleagues.
Nuclear Disarmament Initiative.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:48 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if progress has been made in dealing with North Korea and the proliferation of nuclear weaponry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13506/05]
The issue of the nuclear programme of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK, is kept under close and regular scrutiny within the European Union. There are, however, very few sources of reliable and independent information concerning its nature.
The DPRK's nuclear programme is being addressed within the framework of the six party talks, SPT, process involving China, the DPRK, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States. Three rounds of talks have taken place to date but the process is currently stalled.
However, on 10 February 2005, the DPRK announced that it has produced and now possesses nuclear weapons and that it is to suspend its participation in the SPT for an indefinite period.
On 24 April, the DPRK authorities announced that they were steadily strengthening their nuclear arsenal. The international community has expressed serious concern at these latest developments and intensive diplomatic efforts to convince the DPRK to return to the talks process are under way. Mr. Christopher Hill, the recently appointed head of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Bureau of the US State Department, is currently in the region where he is conducting talks with the key parties on the issue.
The DPRK was the subject of discussion most recently at the meeting last month of the IAEA board of governors in Vienna. The EU strongly condemned the DPRK's announcement of 10 February 2005 and again urged it to completely dismantle any nuclear weapons programme in a prompt, transparent, verifiable and irreversible manner. The EU also indicated its support for the efforts of the IAEA director general to enter into dialogue with the DPRK with a view to restoring the verification role of the IAEA.
In a subsequent statement issued on 3 March, the IAEA board of governors expressed serious concern over the DPRK statement of 10 February and made clear that the DPRK nuclear issue was a serious challenge to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, as well as to the peace and stability of north-east Asia. The board emphasised the importance of continued dialogue to achieve a peaceful and comprehensive solution of the DPRK issue and, in this regard, said it attached great importance to the crucial role played by the six party talks. The board strongly encouraged all parties to redouble their efforts to facilitate a resumption of the SPT at an early date and without preconditions.
Ireland, together with our partners in the EU, supports the SPT process and urges the DPRK to co-operate with the international community to find a solution to the nuclear issue. While not directly involved in these talks, the EU has availed of every opportunity to confirm the Union's willingness to contribute to the international efforts to move matters forward. The Union has also indicated its readiness to consider enhanced co-operation with the DPRK if the present difficult situation can be resolved in a satisfactory manner.
State Airports.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:49 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on any discussions he has had with the US authorities regarding the reported continued use of Shannon Airport by US aircraft alleged to have been involved in the illegal transfer of prisoners from other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13562/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 152 of 2 February 2005, 94 of 8 March 2005 and 214 of 22 March 2005 regarding the alleged illegal use of Shannon Airport for the transit of US prisoners. This matter has been raised in discussions with the US authorities. They have confirmed that they do not use Irish airports for this purpose and that they will not seek to use Irish airports for prisoner transit without seeking the authorisation of the Irish authorities.
Foreign Conflicts.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:50 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13499/05]
The political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to be characterised by slow progress towards completion of the transition process. The major priority remains the holding of national elections later this year, as scheduled under the 2002 Sun City peace accords. A number of major legislative reforms, including drafting of a national constitution, still remain to be completed if elections are to take place, in accordance with the scheduled timeframe. The peace accords provide for the elections to be deferred for up to one year, if necessary.
Substantial international support will be required for the holding of these elections, which it is estimated could cost up to almost US$300 million to hold. The EU has already committed itself to provide some €85 million in electoral assistance and Ireland, in principle, is prepared to consider making a contribution in support of the electoral process, once we have greater clarity as to the timing of the elections. A decision will also be taken closer to the elections as to whether the EU will participate in an electoral observer mission in the DRC, though notionally this is something which Ireland would strongly support.
The continued existence of armed militias in eastern DRC also needs to be confronted if the transition process in the DRC is to be successfully completed. MONUC is performing a vital role in seeking to reduce the threat posed by these militias and deserves the full support of the international community for its efforts, in conjunction with the DRC Government, to establish peace and security in the troubled eastern region. The strong and effective action, which MONUC is now taking to confront armed militias in the Ituri region, is welcome. The EU has made clear its willingness to assist the UN in the reinforcement of MONUC's capabilities to enable it to carry out its essential tasks.
Disarmament efforts in eastern DRC have also been greatly assisted by the decision of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, FDLR, armed group to abandon violence and engage in a process of voluntary disarmament and repatriation to Rwanda. I very much welcome its statement of 31 March 2005 in which it expressed regret for the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and acknowledged the crimes committed at that time. The DRC and Rwandan Governments should now co-operate closely with MONUC and the FDLR to ensure that this important initiative, which provides for the FDLR disarming and returning voluntarily to Rwanda by the end of June, succeeds.
The transitional national government in Kinshasa has, of course, primary responsibility for re-establishing peace and security and effectively exercising its own authority throughout the DRC. Greater efforts are called for by the DRC Government in accelerating the creation of an integrated national army and police force and supporting the process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, DDR, if a secure environment is to be created for the holding of national elections later this year. The EU is actively collaborating with the transitional national government in supporting the process of security sector reform in the DRC, including through deployment of the new EUPOL mission, which will offer advice and mentoring to the integrated police unit, IPU, in Kinshasa, which the EU has helped establish. Ireland has contributed €75,000 towards the costs of establishing the IPU.
The EU will also shortly deploy a second mission, EUSEC DRC, comprising a small planning team to advise key government ministries in the DRC on all issues related to security sector reform. The EU is also providing substantial financial support for the process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, DDR, in the DRC. Ireland and its EU partners also remain active in ensuring that international attention continues to focus on the serious situation regarding observance of human rights in the DRC.
The EU played a key role in securing agreement on a consensus resolution adopted at the UN Commission for Human Rights in Geneva last week which condemns the ongoing serious violations of human rights throughout the DRC and calls upon the transitional national government to do all that it can to end impunity as well as to co-operate fully with the ongoing International Criminal Court investigation into serious human rights violations carried out in the DRC since 1 July 2002.
Human Rights Issues.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:51 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress at European Union level he has made with regard to ending persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China; the approaches which have been made to the Chinese authorities with a view to ending this persecution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13591/05]
As stated previously on many occasions, the Government continues to take concerns about human rights in China very seriously. We have an ongoing dialogue with the Chinese authorities at both national and European Union level. Human rights issues are on the agenda of all bilateral meetings with senior Chinese leaders.
The EU-China human rights dialogue, established in 1996, is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises its concerns about individual human rights cases, including those of Falun Dafa practitioners, and more general issues, such as the protection of freedom of religion and expression, which have a particular impact on practitioners of Falun Dafa. The 19th round of the EU-China human rights dialogue took place in Luxembourg on 24 and 25 February 2005. At that meeting, the EU raised strong concerns about the persecution of persons on grounds of their peaceful expression of belief, in particular members of Falun Dafa. The EU also raised the cases of a number of Falun Dafa practitioners with the Chinese representatives.
During his recent visit to China, from 17 to 22 January 2005, the Taoiseach discussed a wide range of issues, including human rights, with the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. The Taoiseach stressed the importance that the Government attaches to China's continued progress in this area. The possibility of developing bilateral co-operation on furthering human rights norms was raised with the Chinese side.
The Taoiseach also had a useful exchange with the Chairman of the National People's Congress, Mr. Wu Bangguo, on the Chinese Government's efforts to promote human rights and the rule of law. Chairman Wu looked forward to Irish and Chinese parliamentarians continuing this dialogue at various meetings scheduled to take place during the course of this year. Discussions on human rights issues also took place at official level during the course of the Taoiseach's visit. Together with our EU partners, the Government will continue to encourage the Chinese authorities to respect fully the human rights of all citizens.
Question No. 52 answered with QuestionNo. 25.
Overseas Development Aid.
Michael Ring
Ceist:53 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken by Ireland at international level to support the millennium development goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13488/05]
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:97 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress which has been made to date by the constituent members of the European Union in their respective reviews of their commitments to the world millennium development goals; the progress the Government has made in honouring the commitment solemnly made in September 2000 in this regard, which was recently broken; if there is now a proposal to honour this promise made to the world’s poorest; the likely date of publication of the Irish review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13566/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 97 together.
Ireland attaches the greatest importance to the achievement of the eight millennium development goals, the so-called MDGs. The United Nations Secretary General will conduct the first major review of progress towards the implementation of the goals in September of this year. In preparation for this review, in January the UN Millennium Project — an independent advisory body, commissioned by the UN Secretary General and led by Professor Jeffrey Sachs — presented its report, Investing in Development; a Practical Plan to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
Kofi Annan drew on this report in preparing his own report, In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security, and Human Rights for All, published in March, in which he has carefully crafted a package of policy commitments and institutional reforms that the world's leaders could adopt in September. The package deals with the interlinked issues of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, genocide and civil war, as well as extreme poverty, endemic disease and climate change. In order to end extreme poverty and achieve the MDGs, Mr. Annan calls on the international community to implement existing commitments on ODA levels, debt and trade, made at the Millennium Summit and at theMonterrey Conference of 2002.
Ireland will play an active role in the lead up to the September review conference. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been asked by Secretary General Annan to act as one of his personal envoys to build the necessary support among countries in our own region and to ensure that the September high level meeting restores momentum to the achievement of the MDGs and a strengthened United Nations system.
The Government remains strongly committed to achieving the UN target for expenditure on ODA. The issue of how best to meet the target, and in what timeframe, is under consideration at present. I have recently launched a consultative process that will lead to a White Paper on development co-operation and I look forward to receiving views from all interested groups and members of the public on this and other issues.
As the world's largest aid donor, the EU has a major role to play in the achievement of the MDGs and Ireland will continue to work to ensure that the EU provides strong leadership in moving towards their implementation. Together with our EU partners, we are currently considering proposals for a consolidated EU contribution to the MDG review at the UN high level event in September. These proposals cover the broad headings of financial resources, policy coherence and Africa, which are the three priority areas already identified by the council. One of the proposals is for a new interim ODA volume target that would significantly increase the overall EU contribution by 2010.
Within the EU, Ireland will press for greater emphasis on linking increased ODA levels with improved aid quality. We also support the goal of 100% debt cancellation for the heavily indebted poor countries, on the basis of additional donor resources. This could release vital resources to help those countries achieve the MDGs.
We fully endorse the focus in the Secretary General's report on the needs of least developed countries and in particular the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where our national development co-operation programme is centred. Some 85% of our bilateral programme country assistance is spent in that region.
We will continue to prioritise the fight against HIV-AIDS. Ireland's total expenditure for HIV-AIDS work is of the order of €50 million this year, channelled through bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental programmes. We will urge our EU partners that tackling the AIDS epidemic must be done at national level and that it requires a well resourced, longer term, comprehensive attack on poverty, as well as adequate financial resources for HIV-AIDS work.
I firmly believe that every country is responsible for its own development and for the welfare and the well-being of its citizens. A key lesson from Ireland's own development experience is the importance of the role of government. Progress towards the goals will only be possible if primary responsibility is assumed by developing countries themselves. Ireland's approach to the implementation of the goals is in conformity with the recommendations of the Secretary General's report.
Question No. 54 answered with QuestionNo. 36.
Question No. 55 answered with QuestionNo. 8.
State Airports.
Ciarán Cuffe
Ceist:56 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he foresees any circumstances by which the Government’s position on assisting US forces participating in the war in Iraq by way of the Shannon stopover would change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13679/05]
The Government has on numerous occasions set out its policy on the use of Shannon Airport by the US military, a long standing arrangement that has been going on for more than 50 years.
In particular, a comprehensive debate on this matter took place in Dáil Éireann on 20 March 2003. During the debate, the Government outlined the various political, diplomatic, legal and other considerations which determine its policy in this area. At that time, and following an extensive discussion of the issues, Dáil Éireann voted to support the Government decision to maintain the customary arrangements at Shannon Airport. US troops currently transiting Shannon en route to Iraq are serving in a multinational force, which is operating under UN Security Council authorisation. The Security Council has called on member states to assist the multinational force in carrying out its mandate.
Question No. 57 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Question No. 58 answered with QuestionNo. 12.
Overseas Development Aid.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:59 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the work to date of the Government’s special envoy for the tsunami. [13557/05]
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:79 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of support being given by the Government to the countries affected by the December 2004 tsunami in Asia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13496/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 79 together.
Ireland was one of the first countries to respond to the tsunami disaster by pledging €1 million within the first few hours. This pledge was increased to €10 million when the scale of the disaster became clear. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, visited the affected region in early January. He travelled with the heads of Concern, GOAL, the Red Cross and Trócaire and pledged a further contribution, doubling Ireland's pledge to €20 million, in order to address recovery and reconstruction as well as immediate needs. This is the largest single pledge by Ireland in response to a humanitarian emergency.
To date, €11.3 million has been committed in response to meeting the immediate needs of people in the aftermath of the disaster. This funding has been provided to a range of non-governmental organisations, NGOs, including Concern, GOAL, Oxfam Ireland and Trócaire. Ireland has also assisted United Nations agencies and the Red Cross family. Much of Ireland's funding has focused on immediate response and relief activities, including the provision of food and essential non-food items, such as cooking utensils and shelter. Assistance has also been directed to basic health services, shelter and hygiene assistance.
The emergency phase of the tsunami relief operations has ended. The reconstruction planning and implementation tasks ahead are enormous. We are examining recovery and reconstruction plans, which will provide an opportunity to assist the affected populations in the rebuilding of their lives and livelihoods. Ireland will continue to support NGOs and UN agencies for their ongoing engagement in the affected region, including in particular the sectors recommended by the technical mission from my Department, which visited the region on a number of occasions. These sectors include support for housing and other infrastructure, livelihood regeneration — particularly fishing and tourism — and associated infrastructure and capacity building at local and national levels. Peace building initiatives will also be examined with a view to support.
It is essential that the international pledges are met and that the funds contributed are used in the most effective way possible. Transparency and accountability in the delivery of reconstruction assistance are key to a successful outcome. The European Union will have an important role to play in the reconstruction of the region. Ireland fully supports and was instrumental in shaping the EU action plan to improve its response to the tsunami and similar crises. In this context, we are examining the civil protection capacity of Ireland to respond to this and other future such disasters.
Deputies will be aware that a special envoy has been appointed for the tsunami affected region. The envoy, former Minister of State and current chairman of the advisory board for Development Co-operation Ireland, Mr. Chris Flood, has made two visits to the affected countries. He recently returned from a visit to Sri Lanka and Thailand. During his visit to Thailand, he laid a wreath at the memorial site for those who lost their lives in the tsunami. During his visits, the envoy met a wide range of organisations and individuals, including senior government representatives. He also met NGOs, UN agencies, representatives of local communities and local authorities. The envoy's mandate is to oversee the disbursement of Ireland's assistance and to ensure it is done in line with best international practice and meets the needs of the most affected.
Ireland remains closely engaged with ongoing developments on the aid effort in the tsunami affected countries. My officials are visiting the region on an ongoing basis, ensuring that effective monitoring of funding and project roll out is taking place. We are in constant liaison with all stakeholders including our partners in the NGOs, UN and international agencies. This engagement will need to be maintained into the medium term and we will do so.
Question No. 60 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
Human Rights Issues.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:61 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the concrete, systemic changes in China which can be attributed to the existence of the EU-China human rights dialogue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13681/05]
As stated previously on many occasions, the Government continues to take concerns about human rights in China very seriously. We have an ongoing dialogue with the Chinese authorities at both the national and the European Union level. Human rights issues are on the agenda of all bilateral meetings with senior Chinese leaders.
The EU-China human rights dialogue, HRD, established in 1996, is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises its concerns with China about individual human rights cases and more general issues, such as the protection of freedom of religion and expression. The EU carried out an evaluation of the HRD in 2004. On 11 October 2004, the External Relations Council welcomed this evaluation and agreed that a positive trend could be observed, in terms of improvements in the rule of law and respect for economic rights as well as the decline in influence of the state on the daily life of citizens in China. The Council acknowledged that China had made considerable progress over the past decade in its socioeconomic development and economic freedom for ordinary citizens. It also welcomed steps taken by China towards strengthening the rule of law and moves to enhance co-operation with UN human rights mechanisms.
However, the Council expressed concern about continuing violations of human rights, such as freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom of assembly and association. The Council deplored the continued widespread application of the death penalty, as well as the persistence of torture. The Council also noted the scope for improving concrete outcomes of the dialogue and, in this regard, endorsed a number of recommendations regarding the modalities of the dialogue, including enlarging the scope of participation and increasing coherence between dialogue and seminars.
The most recent round of the HRD took place in Luxembourg on 24 and 25 February 2005. The EU deemed this an open and constructive dialogue. In line with China's undertaking to upgrade its presence at the HRD, China was represented on that occasion at director-general level.
A number of concrete and positive first steps have taken place in China recently. In addition to the inclusion of a specific clause on human rights in the Chinese constitution, another noteworthy constitutional amendment in 2004 was the insertion of a constitutional clause stating that private property is inviolable. China has also recently announced that it will undertake reform of its death penalty review system, which will allow its supreme court to review all cases where the death penalty is imposed.
In 2001 China ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and, in 2003, in line with reporting requirements under the covenant, it submitted its first report to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The report is due to be considered by the committee in May 2005. Together with our EU partners, the Government will continue to encourage the Chinese authorities to respect fully the human rights of all citizens.
Question No. 62 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
International Terrorism.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:63 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made on the implementation of the EU plan of action on combating terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13491/05]
The EU plan of action on combating terrorism underwent the first of its regular six monthly reviews at the European Council last December. At that time the Council noted that significant progress had been achieved in the short time since the plan's adoption. The plan is structured around seven strategic objectives and advances were made under each heading. In particular, there was closer co-operation between the EU and the United Nations, and the EU and the United States, and improvements were made in the capacity of Europol, Eurojust and the police chiefs task force to combat terrorism. Further advances included the work on the European Borders Agency, which is due to start operations on 1 May 2005, and the strengthening of civil capacity against terrorism, including a cross-border contingency programme and an assessment of the implications of radicalisation and recruitment to terrorism. As regards external relations, the Council noted the stepping up of counter-terrorist co-operation with select priority countries with particular regard to political dialogue, information exchange and technical assistance.
The Dutch Presidency gave a particular focus to the EU's actions in the fight against the financing of terrorism. A successful seminar involving police and judicial authorities on terrorist financing was held in The Hague in September of last year. Further work within the Council led to the adoption of a detailed and comprehensive review of EU action in the fight against terrorist financing in December.
As the plan will be reviewed every six months it would be premature at this stage to anticipate the conclusions the Council will draw in June with regard to its implementation. We can, however, note some of the important developments that have taken place since the last review. The Luxembourg Presidency has maintained a focus on the financing of terrorism and has reviewed the EU's procedures on the freezing of assets and the application of financial sanctions. An official level seminar in New York examined how the EU's sanctions mechanisms can become better aligned with those of the United Nations and how both can become better targeted and more effective.
In the broader international context, the second EU-Gulf Co-operation Countries, GCC, seminar on the financing of terrorism was held in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. This unique forum provided an opportunity for the two organisations to reaffirm their shared commitment to tackle terrorist financing and also for key actors to share their experiences and brief each other on developments in the EU and the GCC. Events such as these are fully in keeping with the objectives of the plan of action to deepen the international consensus and enhance international efforts to combat terrorism.
From Ireland's point of view a very important development is the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act on 8 March last. This legislation permits implementation of the framework decision on combating terrorism, one of the plan's specific actions that Ireland has yet to fulfil. The Act also provides for Ireland's ratification of the remaining international conventions and protocols related to terrorism, including the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. Twelve such conventions and protocols exist and all EU member states are committed to their ratification in the plan. The conclusions of the European Council next June will give a fuller picture of the progress being made on the plan's implementation.
Question No. 64 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
European Council Meetings.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:65 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the April 2005 meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13684/05]
The General Affairs and External Relations Council met in Luxembourg on 25 April. In the general affairs part of the meeting, we discussed the future financial perspectives for the period from 2007 to 2013. We have entered an intensive phase of this very important negotiation. Ministerial conclaves have been scheduled for the eve of the May and June General Affairs and External Relations Councils. The Luxembourg Presidency is organising work with a view to the reaching of a successful conclusion to the negotiations at the European Council in June.
However, it is not yet clear whether there will be sufficient political will to make agreement possible within that timeframe. At the Council on 25 April there was a particular focus on cohesion policy. I emphasised our continued support for generous cohesion arrangements for the poorest member states, including in particular for our new partners. At the same time, I argued that our own regions should continue to receive appropriate assistance. I also used the occasion to stress once again that the October 2002 agreement on the financing of the Common Agricultural Policy must be respected.
Under the external relations agenda, the Council discussed a wide range of issues and adopted conclusions on the European neighbourhood policy, the Great Lakes, Iraq, Lebanon, the Middle East peace process and the westernBalkans. Following the Council, the accession treaty to allow Bulgaria and Romania to become members of the European Union was signed by all EU member states and by Bulgaria andRomania. I and the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs signed on behalf of Ireland. Before attending the Council, the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs attended a meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs for a detailed exchange of views on the agenda items, and my Department subsequently sent to the committee a copy of the Council's conclusions. These are also available on the Internet at www.consilium.eu.int.
Middle East Peace Process.
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:66 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had recent contact with thePalestinian or Israeli Governments with regard to the renewed attempts to achieve a Middle East peace settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13517/05]
The Government is in regular and ongoing contact with the Palestinian and Israeli Governments through diplomatic channels. I was fortunate to be able to meet the Palestinian Minister for Communications, Sabri Saidam, at the EuroMed ICT ministerial meeting in Dundalk earlier this month. I hope to travel to the region later this year and to meet my Israeli and Palestinian counterparts and other senior representatives. I will also be attending the EuroMed ministerial meeting in Luxembourg on 30-31 May, where I hope to meet Foreign Ministers from Israel,Palestine and the wider region to review progress in the peace process.
Question No. 67 answered with QuestionNo. 7.
Emigrant Support Services.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:68 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of recommendations of the task force on emigrants that have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13483/05]
Joe Sherlock
Ceist:100 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress to date with regard to implementation of the recommendations of the report of the task force on policy regarding emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13564/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 100 together.
The task force on policy regarding emigrants produced a very good report with wide ranging conclusions, covering the full range of emigrant needs. Its recommendations were far reaching and varied and the implementation of some of these will be, by necessity, on a phased basis over a number of years. Considerable progress has already been made, with action under way on over two thirds of its recommendations. A great many of the recommendations in the report relate to issues of continuing importance which will require ongoing action from all partners in the Government and the voluntary sector, in Ireland and abroad.
Funding for emigrant services has been rising significantly in recent years. Indeed, since 1997 funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and grants from the DION fund for emigrant welfare in Britain have increased by some 850%. I was delighted to secure €8.27 million for 2005, an increase of 63% on the 2004 amount. The task force report, which provides a valuable framework for progress, stresses that help should go first and foremost to the vulnerable, the elderly and the marginalised. The increased funding being made available by my Department this year, the vast majority of which will again be directed to organisations providing frontline services to these vulnerable emigrants, will make a huge qualitative and quantitative difference. These organisations are active across the range of critical areas identified by the task force, including pre-departure services and frontline advice and counselling to our community living abroad.
The Irish abroad unit is promoting progress on initiatives which build on the task force report. Officials of the unit have had a wide range of meetings in Ireland with Departments and agencies that have a role in the provision of services to emigrants. They have also had meetings with organisations that provide frontline services to Irish people throughout Britain and the US, including with groups supporting Irish people identified by the task force as being in need of special attention and assistance, such as older emigrants, Travellers and undocumented Irish people in the US.
Close and ongoing exchanges of this type ensure that those in the voluntary sector engaged in the provision of services to our emigrants have an effective channel of communication to the Government. In this way, we can ensure that the needs of our emigrants continue to be accorded the highest priority and that our response is effective and is developed further in the period ahead.
Question No. 69 answered with QuestionNo. 35.
Human Rights Issues.
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:70 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions to which he was party at international or European level regarding the ongoing persecution and murder of the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia, including the Kankuamo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13590/05]
I have not been directly involved in such discussions. However, the Government is aware of the human rights abuses suffered by the indigenous communities in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia. While we do not maintain a resident embassy in Colombia, the embassies of our EU partners in Bogota co-operate closely with the local offices of the UN system in monitoring the situation of these communities and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the government of Colombia. In August 2004, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights strongly condemned the killing of a leader of the Kankuamo, Freddy Arias.
Representatives of the Kankuamo indigenous group, who are one of the indigenous groups residing in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, met with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin on 20 April 2005. They spoke about the human rights violations committed against members of their community during the course of the current conflict in Colombia. They have brought this situation to the attention of the government of Colombia, the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
The Kankuamo representatives also pointed out that the government of Colombia is currently developing a number of large scale projects in the area where the Kankuamo live, such as dams and a large tourist infrastructure project. They stated that these projects are also leading to displacement of Kankuamo people without the Columbian Government engaging in prior consultation or negotiation with them. The Kankuamo representatives urged Ireland and the EU to consider the effects on indigenous people if the question of financial assistance to such projects is raised and to press for consultations between the government and the Kankuamo people.
At the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, which concluded last week in Geneva, Ireland supported two resolutions on human rights and indigenous issues. Ireland also worked actively for the inclusion of strong language on the situation of indigenous groups in Colombia in the chair's statement on the situation of human rights in Colombia adopted by the commission. The final statement deplored the continuing violence against indigenous groups and violations of their economic, social and cultural rights.
Furthermore, the statement encouraged the Colombian Government to take special and urgent measures to avoid the forced displacement of indigenous communities. It also appealed to the illegal armed groups to respect the identity and integrity of the indigenous communities. This appeal is particularly relevant to the situation of the Kankuamo, as in recent months they appear to have suffered particularly at the hands of the right wing paramilitary group AUC which purports to be committed to peace negotiations with the government of Colombia.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:71 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the violent attacks made by Turkish riot police on a number of Turkish women and their supporters gathered to mark International Women’s Day on 6 March 2005; if he has made any representations to the Turkish authorities on this matter; his views on whether such treatment of its citizens is appropriate for a country seeking membership of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13555/05]
I strongly condemn the level of force used by Turkish police against women and young people demonstrating in Istanbul on 6 March to mark International Women's Day. The violence used by the police was unacceptable and it was immediately condemned by the European Union.
At the EU-Turkey Troika ministerial meeting which was held in Ankara the following day, Foreign Minister Asselborn of Luxembourg, representing the EU Presidency, raised the matter directly with Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul. He asked that the Turkish authorities carry out an investigation into the handling of the policing of the demonstration to ensure that there is no recurrence of this type of police behaviour. The matter was also raised by the EU this week at a meeting of the EC-Turkey Association Council in Luxembourg on 26 April. I welcome the commitment of the Turkish Government to the completion of an inquiry into the events in Istanbul and I understand that a number of police officers have been suspended pending the outcome.
Turkey has made progress in legislating for human rights reforms in recent years, including legislation to protect women's rights, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. The December 2004 European Council decided that Turkey sufficiently fulfilled the Copenhagen political criteria to enable the opening of accession negotiations on 3 October 2005. The pace of these negotiations will depend in large part on progress in the implementation of Turkey's wide ranging reform programme.
In all contacts with the Turkish Government, Ireland and our partners in the EU will continue to emphasise the importance of active implementation of the reforms which have been legislated for. The EU will continue to highlight the need for further work in a number of areas, including women's rights, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:72 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations made by him to the Spanish Government over the continued banning of democratic Basque political parties, including Batasuna and Aurkera Gustiak, intended to prevent them from contesting the recent regional elections in the Basque country. [13627/05]
I have made no representations to the Spanish Government on this matter. EU member states unanimously decided on 5 June 2003 to include Batasuna, and its aliases Herri Batasuna andEuskal Herritarrok, on the EU list of terrorist organisations. In taking this decision, the Council was satisfied that Batasuna was a terrorist organisation and that it was an alias of ETA, which itself has been on the EU list of designated terrorist organisations since 27 December 2001. As I understand it, ETA remains engaged in a campaign of violence and neither ETA nor Batasuna has committed itself to peaceful and democratic means of pursuing its objectives.
The list of designated terrorist organisations is reviewed by member states regularly to ensure that the grounds for an organisation's inclusion remain valid. I can assure the Deputy that the relevant bodies within the Council have considered the status of Batasuna carefully, taking into account all available information, and are satisfied that there is a sufficient basis to conclude that the organisation meets the criteria for designation.
Before its designation by the EU, Batasuna was proscribed in Spain following a vote of the Spanish Parliament on 26 August 2002 and a decision of the Spanish Supreme Court on 17 March 2003. As a proscribed organisation, it was not permitted to participate in the regional elections which were held in the Basque country on 17 April 2005.
The Spanish courts also banned Eukera Guztiak from participating in the elections on grounds of clear connections with Batasuna. However, a newly formed party, EHAK, which was endorsed by Batasuna, was permitted to campaign and won nine seats in the regional parliament.
Question No. 73 answered with QuestionNo. 39.
Question No. 74 answered with QuestionNo. 7.
Question No. 75 answered with QuestionNo. 15.
Question No. 76 answered with QuestionNo. 8.
Question No. 77 answered with QuestionNo. 27.
Question No. 78 answered with QuestionNo. 15.
Question No. 79 answered with QuestionNo. 59.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:80 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the opening of the public inquiry into the murder of Ms Rosemary Nelson; the Government’s position regarding the inquiry; the Government’s views on the adequacy of this inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13539/05]
The Government welcomes the fact that the inquiry into the murder of Rosemary Nelson and the subsequent police investigation into her death opened on 19 April last, in line with the recommendations of Judge Peter Cory. Her case was one of those examined by Judge Cory as a result of the agreement reached at Weston Park in 2001 between the Irish and British Governments.
The setting up of the inquiry has been the subject of ongoing discussions between officials of both Governments and between myself and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, most recently at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference held on 2 March. The British Government has consistently assured us that the inquiry will have the powers required to complete its task in the manner set out by Judge Cory. In my meeting with the Secretary of State, I highlighted the importance of engagement between the inquiry panel and the family and their legal representatives and I understand that the family is satisfied with the co-operation they have received to date from the inquiry team.
The opening hearing was held last week in Craigavon. The chairman of the inquiry, Sir Michael Morland, set out the preparatory work carried out to date and his intentions as to the future conduct of the inquiry. An official from my Department was present at the hearing. Full hearings are not expected to begin before spring 2006, after analysis of the considerable volume of written material to be reviewed.
International Criminal Court.
Michael Ring
Ceist:81 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of states that have become signatories to the charter of the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13518/05]
A total of 139 states have signed the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. To date, 98 states have become party to the statute.
Together with our partners in the European Union, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the ICC, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. This position has been recognised in the EU common position of 2001, amended in 2002 and comprehensively updated in June 2003.
The 2003 common position commits the Union and its member states to support the effective functioning of the court and to advance universal support for it by promoting the widest possible participation in the Rome Statute. In February 2004, a detailed action plan on the implementation of the 2003 common position was adopted under the auspices of the Irish Presidency of the European Union. During its EU Presidency, Ireland took an active role in implementing the action plan, including raising it in EU political dialogue with third countries, by making démarches encouraging support for the court in various capitals and in liaising with the court itself.
In addition, the EU and its member states have been generous supporters of initiatives to promote the court in third states, as well as to strengthen the capacity of states to co-operate with the court. In this context, during its EU Presidency, Ireland organised an ICC event for representatives of small island developing states in New York and co-sponsored an international conference on human rights and the ICC in Sana'a, Yemen. Ireland also provided funds towards a conference entitled "The ICC and the Arab World" which took place in Jordan in February 2005 and it is intended to provide funding to other such initiatives in support of the court in the course of this year. I assure Deputies of Ireland's continued interest in and support for the court as an essential means of combating impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
United Nations Reform.
Joan Burton
Ceist:82 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Chinese objection to Japanese inclusion on the UN Security Council; the way in which this impasse might be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13543/05]
It is not the Government's practice to comment publicly on the views of individual members of the United Nations on the aspirations of other members to permanent membership of the Security Council. There is general agreement among the members of the United Nations that the present structure of the Security Council does not accord with the realities of today. Ireland has long held the view that a reform of the council is required that would enhance its credibility and increase its legitimacy.
The high level panel appointed to consider measures to enhance the collective security system based on the United Nations reported in December 2004. Although it made a wide ranging series of important and valuable recommendations, it failed to agree on a single recommendation for reform of the Security Council. It put forward two models for reform, which are currently under discussion: model A, under which the membership of the Security Council would be expanded in both categories, permanent and non-permanent, and model B, under which no new permanent members would be created, but which provides for additional four year non-permanent seats. The UN Secretary General has not recommended either of these two models to the members for adoption. He has, nonetheless, made clear his view that, for the sake of the credibility and legitimacy of the Security Council and in the interests of the public and political credibility of the overall reform process, a solution should be found this year on the basis of one or other of the models, a variation thereof or on some other model entirely.
The Government shares this view and would support an arrangement capable of securing the necessary support among the wider UN membership, as long as it preserved the possibility for smaller countries like Ireland, which make substantial contributions to the work of the United Nations, to serve on the Security Council at reasonable intervals.
Overseas Development Aid.
Phil Hogan
Ceist:83 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of assistance from Ireland to Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13485/05]
Ireland's budget for bilateral support to Ethiopia in 2005 is €30 million. This is a small increase on the funding of €29.3 million in 2004.
Ethiopia is one of the world's poorest countries. In terms of overall human development, Ethiopia is listed near the bottom of the league at 170 out of 177 countries. Life expectancy is 45.5 years, almost 60% of people are illiterate, two thirds of children do not attend school and per capita income stands at the abysmal figure of €100, close to the worst in the world. Its growing population, the limited amount of fertile land and susceptibility to climatic and economic shocks put the people of Ethiopia among the most vulnerable in the world. In 2005, Ireland’s development support is linked more closely with Ethiopia’s own poverty reduction strategy paper, PRSP. The PRSP is focused, inter alia, on enhanced economic growth, good governance and improved public sector performance.
Question No. 84 answered with QuestionNo. 20.
Arms Trade.
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:85 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the EU’s arms embargo on China will be lifted in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12196/05]
Tom Hayes
Ceist:96 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position with regard to the possible lifting of the arms embargo on China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13480/05]
John Deasy
Ceist:101 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of the Government relating to the lifting of the EU arms embargo on China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13481/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85, 96 and 101 together.
I refer the Deputies to the reply given to the priority question on this matter today. The Government's position on the lifting of the EU arms embargo on arms sales to China is clear. We support the lifting of the embargo but we do not wish to see any increase in the quantity or quality of arms exports to China.
The arms embargo was introduced in 1989 in reaction to the events of Tiananmen Square. There was no EU arms embargo against China before 1989. China today is a very different society than it was in 1989. It is unquestionably a freer society, even if respect for fundamental human rights is still significantly less than we would wish.
China has asked the EU to lift the embargo. It argues, rightly in my view, that it does not belong among the category of rogue states — including Burma, Sudan and Zimbabwe — against which the EU also maintains an arms embargo. China says that it regards the lifting of the embargo as a symbolic gesture and that it does not regard it as an excuse to increase arms imports from the EU. The Government's approach is therefore that the EU should lift the formal embargo, while at the same time taking care to ensure that there is no increase in EU arms exports to China. Our position was set out by the Taoiseach during his visit to Beijing in January 2005, when he also explained the importance to the EU of continued progress in the promotion and protection of human rights in China.
At its meeting in December 2004, the European Council reaffirmed its political will to continue to work towards lifting the arms embargo. It invited the incoming Luxembourg Presidency to finalise the well advanced work on this issue in order to allow for a decision, while underlining that the result of any decision should not be an increase in arms exports from EU member states to China.
The Council also recalled the importance of the EU code of conduct on arms exports, which has been in operation since 1998 and contains criteria for assessing such exports, including those relating to human rights, stability and security in the relevant region and the national security of friendly countries. The Council stressed the importance of the early adoption of a revised code of conduct, on which work is continuing and which will reinforce existing EU controls, and of a new instrument on arms exports known as the "toolbox". This instrument is being developed by the EU and comprises a set of measures which may be applied to a country when an arms embargo against it has been lifted. Essentially, it will provide for a greater level of information sharing and enhanced transparency within the EU regarding arms exports to countries which had been subject to an arms embargo.
As the EU works towards lifting the arms embargo, it has also engaged in recent weeks in a dialogue on the issue at senior official level with key partners, including the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Australia. EU Foreign Ministers reiterated their wish to develop further the relationship with China when they met for an informal discussion in Luxembourg on 15 and 16 April. The importance attached by the EU to human rights and the peaceful resolution of differences was reiterated in this context. The Ministers also agreed to continue to work on strengthening the code of conduct and on the so-called "toolbox", in line with the European Council mandate.
The Government continues to examine this issue with our EU partners, in the context of our overall relationship with China, our ongoing commitment to human rights and the broader regional and international context. EU ministers will resume consideration of a decision on lifting the embargo once technical work on revising the EU code of conduct on arms exports has been completed. A decision to lift the embargo will require unanimous approval among member states.
Question No. 86 answered with QuestionNo. 8.
Diplomatic Representation.
John Perry
Ceist:87 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposed changes to Irish diplomatic representation across the globe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13479/05]
In December 2004, the Government approved the opening of resident missions in Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Romania and Vietnam. It is intended that these new missions will be opened in the second half of this year. The opening of new Irish missions is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. As the Deputy will appreciate, however, constraints on Government expenditure and the limits on the resources that can be made available require that the expansion of our diplomatic network must be incremental and be based on a thorough assessment of the costs and benefits involved.
EU Drugs Strategy.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:88 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the new EU drugs strategy for the period 2005 to 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13492/05]
The European drugs strategy for the period 2005 to 2012 was adopted by the European Council in December 2004. It is an integral element of The Hague programme for an area of freedom, justice and security and was adopted as part of the programme at the Council.
Each EU member state tackles its drug problem through a national drug strategy. However, the drug problem in the European Union is transnational and is not curtailed by the borders of individual member states. The European Union has therefore adopted a consecutive series of comprehensive drug strategies aimed at tackling the problem on a EU wide basis. The strategies have also sought to address the drug problem outside the EU's borders with the aim of securing increased international co-operation, particularly regarding production and drug trafficking routes.
As in previous years, the new strategy is co-ordinated across the three pillars of the European Union. It represents the EU's effort to provide added value to the existing national drugs strategies through the application of balanced measures to reduce both demand and supply. It also addresses the drug problem from the cross-cutting aspects of international co-operation and research, information and evaluation. Its fundamental aims are the attainment of a high level of health protection, well-being and social cohesion and ensuring a high level of security for the general public. Ireland participated fully in the negotiation of the new strategy and endorses its approach.
With a view to giving it real effect, the European Commission was tasked, in the strategy, with drafting a new European Union drugs action plan for the period 2005-2008. Negotiations on this new plan are in progress and its adoption is expected at the June European Council. The action plan lists the objectives of the strategy, specific actions that need to be taken, the bodies responsible for carrying out these actions and, finally, the indicators to use as a measure for its implementation.
Question No. 89 answered with QuestionNo. 8.
Human Rights Issues.
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:90 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made contact with the Zimbabwean Government regarding the detention of Mr. Roy Bennett MP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13508/05]
The Government has been active in making known to the Zimbabwean authorities its serious concerns regarding the imprisonment and treatment of the former MDC, Movement for Democratic Change, member of the Zimbabwean Parliament, Mr. Roy Bennett. The Irish ambassador to South Africa, who is also accredited to Zimbabwe, conveyed the Government's very serious concerns at a meeting with the acting director general of the Zimbabwean foreign ministry in Harare on 8 March. The ambassador has also raised Mr. Bennett's case with a wide range of contacts during his regular visits to Zimbabwe, including the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and respected figures such as Archbishop Pius Ncube. Ireland has also taken the lead in raising the case at EU level and ensuring that EU ambassadors in Harare remain active on this matter.
The Government has also raised Mr. Bennett's case with influential members of SADC, Southern African Development Community, to which Zimbabwe belongs. Concerns over the treatment of Mr. Bennett were raised by the Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Tom Kitt, when he met with political leaders in South Africa during his visit to that country last month.
The Government made time available last month for a debate in Dáil Éireann on Mr. Bennett's case as well as the general political situation in Zimbabwe. A motion expressing concern at the treatment afforded to Mr. Bennett and at his politically motivated sentencing was adopted unanimously by the Dáil on 24 March 2005. My Department arranged for a copy of the motion to be forwarded to the speaker of the Zimbabwean Parliament, via the Irish embassy in Pretoria.
Although initially cleared by the new Zimbabwean electoral court to stand in last month's parliamentary election, Mr. Bennett was subsequently prevented from doing so, following a decision by the Zimbabwean Government to appeal the electoral court ruling. In his absence, Mr. Bennett's wife, Heather, contested his seat but was defeated by the ZANU-PF candidate.
Mr. Bennett continues to be held in prison, with no indication as to whether he might be released before his 12 month sentence is completed next October. I understand that legal appeals against his original sentencing are continuing. The Irish embassy in South Africa continues to follow Mr. Bennett's situation closely and will continue to make representations on his behalf. We will also continue to raise the issue at EU level and urge EU ambassadors in Harare to remain active.
Official Engagements.
Trevor Sargent
Ceist:91 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his official visit to the United States in March 2005; the discussions he had at the Irish Immigration Centre in Boston on 14 March 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13685/05]
I travelled to the United States from 11 to 18 March to represent the Government at St. Patrick's Day events in Boston before accompanying the Taoiseach to Washington. In Boston, I attended a number of promotional events hosted by Irish and Irish-American organisations and State agencies. In addition, I addressed the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and European Studies Centre on current international issues and updated key contacts on inward investment and recent developments in Northern Ireland.
During my visit, I had a detailed meeting on immigration issues with four organisations in the Boston area, including the two main Irish immigration centres there. I greatly valued the opportunity to hear at first hand of their activities and experiences in providing information, advice and welfare services to Irish people resident there. We had a very useful discussion about issues of concern to undocumented Irish people. I briefed them on the establishment of the Irish abroad unit within my Department and the additional funding for emigrant services which I have secured for 2005. I was glad to hear that they warmly welcome these developments.
I also took the opportunity to express our deep appreciation for the support they make available to Irish people in the Boston area, particularly to the more vulnerable members of our community. I assured them that we will continue to encourage and support all measures that benefit Irish citizens, including through the ongoing efforts of the embassy and consulates and our contacts at the highest levels with political leaders in the United States.
In Washington, I accompanied the Taoiseach to meetings with President Bush and members of Congress. In addition, I met with US Deputy Secretary of State, Robert Zoellick, to discuss foreign policy issues including UN reform and the EU-US transatlantic relationship, as well as recent developments in Northern Ireland. During my visit, I also had a meeting with the National Security Advisor, Stephen Hadley.
Question No. 92 answered with QuestionNo. 35.
EU Enlargement.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:93 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on future European enlargement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13690/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:143 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has directly or through the EU been in contact with future candidates for membership of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13872/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:144 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the sequence of the likely discussions in regard to further enlargement of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13873/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:145 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress and discussions that have taken place in regard to further enlargement of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13874/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 143, 144 and 145 together.
The Government has participated actively and positively in negotiations on the enlargement process and will continue to do so. Ireland will maintain its constructive support of the enlargement process on the basis that the European Union should continue to be open to all European states which respect its fundamental values. Ireland attaches great importance to remaining in close contact and to developing deeper relations with all of its future partners. It has, for example, developed assistance and training programmes for its future partners as they prepare for and move towards accession.
With regard to Bulgaria and Romania, the European Council noted the formal closure of accession negotiations at the European Council on 16-17 December 2004. Both countries, together with all the member states, signed the Treaty of Accession to the European Union on 25 April on the occasion of the General Affairs and External Relations Council. They are now entitled to participate as active observers at most EU meetings. The accession of both countries to the European Union will take place in January 2007, if they are ready.
Turkey has been a candidate for membership of the EU since the Helsinki European Council in December 1999, which agreed that it was destined to join the EU on the basis of the same criteria applied to the other candidate states. The European Council in Brussels on 16-17 December 2004 decided, on the basis of the Commission's report and recommendation, that Turkey sufficiently fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria to enable the opening of accession negotiations. It requested the Commission to begin work on a proposal for a negotiating framework and to present it to the Council, with a view to the opening of accession negotiations on 3 October 2005.
The clear objective of the negotiations will be Turkey's accession to the EU, provided it meets the requirements for membership. The pace of the negotiations will depend in large part on progress in the implementation of Turkey's wide ranging reform programme. Given the substantial financial consequences of Turkish accession, the European Council agreed that it will not be possible to conclude negotiations until after the establishment of the financial framework for the period from 2014.
The December European Council also set out the main elements for future negotiating frameworks with individual candidate states, building on the experience of the current enlargement process and taking account of developments within the EU. Turkey's accession negotiations will take place in the context of an Intergovernmental Conference with the participation of all member states, in which decisions will require unanimity. The European Council agreed that the shared objective of the negotiations will be accession but noted that the process will, inevitably, be an open ended one, the outcome of which cannot be guaranteed in advance. The European Union has offered the prospect of eventual membership to the countries of the western Balkans, on the basis of the implementation of a detailed reform process. Croatia applied for membership of the European Union in 2003 and the Commission presented its formal opinion on the application in April 2004. The June 2004 European Council agreed that Croatia fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria and the specific conditions established for the countries of the western Balkans. It decided that Croatia is a candidate country for membership and that accession negotiations should open early in 2005. This decision was confirmed by the December 2004 European Council, which decided that negotiations should open on 17 March 2005, provided there was full co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
When the General Affairs Council met in Brussels on 16 March, it was clear that it would not be possible to achieve the unanimous decision of member states which is required for the opening of accession negotiations. The Council reaffirmed the commitment of the EU to Croatia's membership and it adopted the necessary negotiating framework. However, in the absence of unanimity on the extent of Croatia's co-operation with the tribunal, the Council had to postpone the meeting of the bilateral Intergovernmental Conference to begin accession negotiations until it establishes that Croatia is co-operating fully with the tribunal.
The tribunal has identified just one remaining case which Croatia needs to resolve — that of the indicted former general, Ante Gotovina, who remains at large, in hiding. The European Council in Brussels on 23 March agreed to establish a team to work with the tribunal and with Croatia and to report back to the Council. The team is composed of the current and future Presidencies — Luxembourg, UK and Austria — together with High Representative Javier Solana and the Commission. It held its first meetings with the chief prosecutor of the tribunal and with the Foreign Minister of Croatia in Luxembourg on Tuesday, 26 April 2005.
Ireland remains strongly committed to Croatia's future membership of the European Union. The Government was very pleased that it proved possible to achieve a strong, unanimous decision by the European Council on Croatia's candidate status during Ireland's EU Presidency. There is full agreement on the importance of full co-operation with the tribunal by all the countries of the western Balkans and that it is an essential requirement for the development of closer relations with the EU. Over the past 18 months, Croatia has made very significant progress in its co-operation with the tribunal and I hope that the last remaining issue can be resolved as quickly as possible.
We welcomed the agreement reached at the March European Council to establish the team to work with the tribunal and with Croatia. The future work of the team will clearly depend on developments in relations between the tribunal and Croatia. However, I believe it is essential that the Council retains the initiative on this sensitive issue and remains ready to take a positive decision on the opening of accession negotiations with Croatia, at the earliest opportunity.
On 22 March 2004, the Taoiseach, in his capacity as President of the European Council, accepted the application for membership of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at a ceremony in Dublin. The General Affairs and External Relations Council in May requested the Commission to prepare its opinion on the application. I expect that the Commission will present its opinion for consideration by the Council later this year.
As it expands, the EU has sought to strengthen its relations with those neighbouring countries that do not currently have the prospect of EU membership through the European neighbourhood policy. The policy offers these countries the prospect of an increasingly close relationship with the EU, involving a significant degree of economic integration and a deepening of political co-operation in return for concrete progress in the implementation of political, economic and institutional reforms reflecting shared values.
In this way, it is expected that the European Union and its neighbours, regardless of whether they are pre-accession countries, will enjoy strengthened relations based on commitments to common values including democracy, respect for human rights and the principles of market economy and sustainable development, as well as poverty reduction.
Irish Language.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:94 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of his commitment to make early progress on the matter, he will provide an update on negotiations with the European Commission to make Irish an official language of the EU; the types of issues that are arising in the negotiations ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13561/05]
At the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 13 December, I outlined to my colleagues Ireland's proposal that official and working status in the EU be accorded to the Irish language. Since then, we have been working to move discussions to a successful conclusion. The EU's language regime is governed by Regulation 1 of 1958. The unanimous approval of member states is required to amend this regulation.
The discussions have been taking place with member states both in Brussels and in capitals. The EU's language regime is complex and we have endeavoured to address and clarify all the issues raised by our proposal. We believe there is a wide understanding of our case. If the status of Irish is to be enhanced along the lines of our proposal, there would be practical and financial implications for the EU translation and interpretation services. These would include the human resources aspects. The Government is continuing to press our case with the objective of reaching early agreement on our proposal which we know is supported by all sides of the House.
Lisbon Agenda.
Gay Mitchell
Ceist:95 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the need for new political guidance at EU and national levels in relation to making the EU an efficient economy; his views on whether there is a role for Members of Dáil Éireann and the European Parliament to oversee the Irish approach to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9098/05]
Enda Kenny
Ceist:102 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the co-ordination arrangements he proposes to put in place to implement the Lisbon strategy as agreed at the recent meeting of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12846/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 102 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, the Taoiseach and I reported to the Dáil on 13 April 2005 on the outcome of the spring European Council held on 22-23 March 2005, at which the mid-term review of the Lisbon Agenda was the main item on the agenda. The European Council committed itself to re-launching the Lisbon Agenda as a "partnership for growth and employment". While it was decided to focus on two urgent priorities — growth and employment — the European Council also endorsed action in the complementary areas of promoting social cohesion and sustainable development.
In order to better contribute to increased growth and employment, the European Council agreed new arrangements for a simplified and more streamlined approach to delivery. This approach, which Ireland supported, will be based on new national reform programmes and single annual reports replacing the current system of individual reports in each area. Integrated guidelines for growth and jobs, merging the existing broad economic policy guidelines and employment guidelines, will be adopted and member states will submit three year national reform programmes, with the first such programmes due this autumn.
The national programmes will indicate the specific measures which member states intend to take to support growth and employment at national level. The new format will be flexible enough to enable each member state to focus on and deliver its own key priorities in accordance with national administrative arrangements. We are at an early stage in the process of preparing our first national reform programme and additional guidance on practical arrangements is awaited from the European Commission.
The European Council conclusions also stressed the importance of enhancing internal national co-ordination of the Lisbon Agenda. In this regard, consideration is being given by the Government to the existing co-ordination arrangements to progress the agenda. While responsibility for implementing individual elements lies with relevant Ministers and Departments, the Department of the Taoiseach has overall responsibility for co-ordinating Ireland's approach.
Arrangements for consultation with the Oireachtas as well as with other stakeholders on our national reform programme are being worked out and such consultations will take place over the coming months. The role of the European Parliament with regard to the Lisbon Agenda is, of course, principally at the European level. Deputies will be aware, however, of the arrangements for Irish members of the European Parliament to participate in the work of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs.
Question No. 96 answered with QuestionNo. 85.
Question No. 97 answered with QuestionNo. 53.
Foreign Conflicts.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:98 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the communication from the UNHCR regarding the inappropriateness of returning refugees to Iraq, including the Kurdish area; if the Government is acting in accordance with the UNHCR’s advice on this matter; if he has had talks with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13540/05]
I am aware of the advice of the UNHCR on the return of Iraqi asylum seekers. As the Deputy knows, asylum applications in Ireland are assessed within an independent statutory framework. The advice of the UNHCR on returns forms an important part of the assessment of cases. In the circumstances, I have not felt it necessary to discuss this matter with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Foreign Adoptions.
Joe Sherlock
Ceist:99 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action his Department intends to take to deal with the situation of a person (details supplied) with Irish citizenship who has been abandoned in an orphanage in Indonesia; when the plight of this person first came to the attention of his Department or to the ambassador or embassy to Indonesia; the action which was then taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13563/05]
I refer the Deputy to my response to the Priority Question on the same matter, given today.
Question No. 100 answered with QuestionNo. 68.
Question No. 101 answered with QuestionNo. 85.
Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 95.
Hospital Services.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:103 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the statement made that the hospital trolleys are a top class facility for persons who required them in view of the fact that many patients are left on hospital trolleys for many days in hospital corridors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13772/05]
A significant programme of investment is under way to ensure that the physical infrastructure of accident and emergency departments provides appropriate facilities for the treatment of patients. I have already announced a series of measures that are being put in place to improve the delivery of accident and emergency services. These actions take a wide ranging approach and are aimed at improving access to accident and emergency services, improving patient flows through accident and emergency departments, freeing up acute beds and providing appropriate longer term care for patients outside of the acute hospital setting.
Nursing Home Subventions.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:104 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if relatives of deceased nursing home residents who have been illegally charged for their care will receive compensation; when she will make a decision on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13773/05]
A special Cabinet sub-committee comprising the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, the Attorney General, Mr. Brady, SC, and myself has been established to consider the issue of repayment in light of the Supreme Court judgment. Full details of a repayment scheme will be announced as soon as possible and it is the intention to make repayments as automatic as possible.
Cancer Incidence.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:105 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has conducted a study of cancer clusters on Dublin’s northside; if so, the results of such study; and the agency which is responsible for studying patterns to identify possible sources of risk. [13774/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of cancer services. The Health Service Executive northern area conducted a study into cancer incidences in a specific area in Dublin's north inner city. My Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's northern area to forward a copy of the study to the Deputy.
Medical Cards.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:106 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the criteria which have to be met by an English citizen who has worked in the UK for 31 years, is married to an Irish citizen who worked in the UK for 11 years, is now living here but has been refused a medical card due to the fact that they are not receiving an EU pension; if such a person is covered under agreements with other EU countries to have the right of a medical card system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13775/05]
Regulation (EC) 1408/71 deals with the co-ordination of social security schemes, including health care, for those moving within the European Union. Under its provisions, persons who are affiliated with the health care system of member state A and who are residing in member state B can receive health care in member state B's public system on behalf of and at the cost of member state A, as if they were affiliated with its health care system. Furthermore, persons who are affiliated with the health care system of member state A and are on a temporary stay in member state B can receive health care in member state B's public system that becomes necessary during their stay, taking into account the nature of the care and the expected length of stay.
Individuals covered by this regulation residing or staying in Ireland receive a medical card, or are treated as though they have one in the case of visitors, in accordance with Annex VI of the regulation where the text relates to Ireland. This states that such persons, when residing or staying in Ireland, "are entitled free of charge to all medical treatment provided for by Irish legislation where the cost of this treatment is payable by the institution of a Member State other than Ireland."
Persons covered by the regulations include social security pensioners and their dependants residing in a country other than the country of affiliation, the country paying the pension, who are not also social security pensioners of the country of residence or employed in the country of residence. A social security pensioner of another member state residing in Ireland would, therefore, be entitled to receive a medical card if he or she is not also employed in Ireland or an Irish social security pensioner in general. The dependants residing in Ireland of such a person would also be entitled to a medical card.
Others who receive medical cards under this regulation include those employed in another member state but residing in Ireland and their dependants as well as the dependants residing in Ireland of a person employed in and residing in another member state. Temporary visitors in possession of the appropriate documentation, European health insurance card or equivalent, who become ill or injured while staying in Ireland may receive necessary health care, as described above, free of charge as though they have a medical card.
Irish citizenship is not a factor in determining eligibility for health services or for a medical card under this regulation. Eligibility for health services in Ireland under national legislation is primarily based on residency and means. The determination of eligibility for a medical card is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Other than for persons aged 70 years and over who are automatically entitled to a medical card, medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship.
It should be noted that the income guidelines are not statutorily binding and even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the HSE considers that his or her medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. It is open to all persons to apply to the HSE for health services if they are unable to provide these services for themselves or their dependants without hardship.
Health Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:107 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) will be transferred to a hospice or nursing home for a period following treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13776/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of hospice care and nursing care in the Dublin area. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply direct to the Deputy.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:108 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the budgetary allocation for persons with disabilities living in counties Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford; if this allocation is insufficient to continue the existing level of service into the last quarter of 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13777/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the allocation of moneys for services for people with disabilities. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's midland area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Michael Lowry
Ceist:109 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she will roll out nationally the pilot home care grant scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13782/05]
As the Deputy may be aware, the Health Service Executive has been piloting home care grant schemes in a number of areas. These schemes have been targeted at supporting older people living in the community as an alternative to long-term residential care and for older people who are being discharged from the acute hospital system. In the HSE eastern regional area, people have been discharged from acute hospitals under the Slán Abhaile and Home First pilot projects. In the HSE southern area, a similar project, Curam, has been piloted, while the Choice programme in the HSE north west area also provides such a scheme.
My Department has been working with the HSE to develop a national home care grant scheme. This is in keeping with a key recommendation in the O'Shea report on the nursing home subvention scheme which recommended that the health services develop a home based subvention scheme for older people as an alternative to long-term residential care. A draft of the scheme is currently being finalised by the HSE. Funding of €2 million has been allocated to the HSE in 2005 to introduce the scheme. In addition, funding of €113.75 million was allocated in 2004 for the home help service to support older people living in the community, with this funding being increased to €118.75 million in 2005.
In addition, as part of the Tánaiste's ten point plan to relieve ongoing pressure on acute hospital beds and accident and emergency services, it is proposed that the home care package scheme be expanded to support 500 additional older people who have been discharged from the acute hospital sector to their own homes.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:110 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the respite care facilities available to families of children with disabilities in the north west area, in particular for those in need of residential respite care. [13846/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for respite care. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:111 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the speech therapy services available in the north-west region, in particular access provided for children with disabilities to essential speech therapy programmes to develop and enhance their ability to speak, including current provisions for access to persons in rural areas; and the future plans to expand the service. [13847/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for speech and language therapy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's north western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Research Funding.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:112 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which research is proposed or ongoing with a view to determination of the reasons for high levels of autism in this country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13855/05]
In December 2004, my Department, through the Health Research Board, approved the expenditure of up to €5 million for autism research as part of a new major international research initiative to help improve international understanding of the genetic causes of autism. The Health Research Board is collaborating with organisations in the United States and Canada to award research grants to identify specific genes or gene variants, which may make people more susceptible to autism. Up to €1 million each year, for five years, will be provided through the Health Research Board to enable Irish researchers to participate in the autism genome project.
Autism Incidence.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:113 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which autism is recorded on a county or regional basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13856/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:114 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which the incidence of autism here has been measured against the incidence elsewhere in Europe and worldwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13857/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together.
The national intellectual disability database report provides a profile of the population with intellectual disability as it was on a particular date and details the existing level of specialised health services for this group. However, the information pertaining to diagnosis is specifically excluded, as the database is not designed as a epidemiological tool. The database does not identify persons with specific disabilities such as Down's syndrome or autism into separate groupings as its principal role is as a planning and monitoring tool. However, more detailed information may be available from the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the executive's national director for primary, community and continuing care to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:115 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the extent to which she intends to support research into autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13858/05]
In December 2004, my Department, through the Health Research Board, approved the expenditure of up to €5 million for autism research as part of a new major international research initiative to help improve international understanding of the genetic causes of autism. The Health Research Board is collaborating with organisations in the United States and Canada to award research grants to identify specific genes or gene variants, which may make people more susceptible to autism. Up to €1 million each year, for five years, will be provided through the Health Research Board to enable Irish researchers to participate in the autism genome project.
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the matter referred to by the Deputy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the executive's national director for primary, community and continuing care to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:116 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if research has indicated the way in which children suffering from autism can participate fully and achieve the best possible quality of life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13862/05]
International literature recommends a range of services for persons with autism which begins with assessment and diagnosis at the earliest possible point followed by an assessment of need to identify the health, educational and other supports required by an individual with autism over their lifespan. My Department is working with the Health Services Executive, the Department of Education and Science, people with autism and their families to enhance the level of support available to both children and adults with autism. Additional funding amounting to over €16 million has been invested in recent years in health related support services for children with autism and those with intellectual disability, including assessment and diagnostic, early intervention and multidisciplinary support services.
The task force on autism, which was established by the Department of Education and Science, has put forward a range of recommendations ranging from measures aimed at identifying prevalence rates, through issues relating to diagnosis and assessment, the centrality of the role of parents, the required models of education and health care services, the need for specialist training for those involved in service provision, to structural, constitutional and policy issues. The scope of the task force's recommendations is such as to require a multifaceted response involving educational and health care inputs.
Under the national disability strategy, two of the Government's legislative measures, the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and the Disability Bill 2004, together with a significant investment programme, provide the framework within which the support services required to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, including those with autism, will be further enhanced.
Health Services.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:117 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive will provide as a matter of urgency the necessary care and assistance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 and to their family. [13887/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:118 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has assessed the problem of declining skill mix in the nursing staff in many Dublin hospitals; if she plans initiatives to reduce the reliance on agency nurses and overseas nurses; her proposals to develop new areas of responsibility within nursing that might offer a satisfactory career path and help retain Irish trained nurses within the system. [13893/05]
Improving skill mix in the health service is a priority for the Government. Sustaining Progress contains a commitment to enhancing skill mix and mainstreaming earlier initiatives in relation to health care assistants. Substantial funding has been provided in recent years for the upskilling of health care assistants. Health care assistants working under the supervision of nurses have been enabled to take on a wider range of duties currently done by nurses, thus allowing the nurses to take on enhanced roles and better utilise their training and education.
Agency nurses have always been a feature of the system. They are required to make up for unexpected absences and dealing with short term fluctuations in workflows. The Health Service Executive — employer representative division — reported in December 2004 that an average of 458 agency nurses were employed, which must be set in context against an overall whole time equivalent nursing workforce of 34,313.
There has been an increase in overseas nurses in the Irish health system over the last number of years. However, the Central Statistics Office estimates that overseas nurses make up just over 8% of the total nursing workforce in the public and private health services. This figure could not be considered excessive. The number of overseas nurses is likely to rise in 2005-06 due to the fact that there will be no nursing graduates in autumn 2005.
The retention of adequate numbers of nursing staff has been a concern of the Government for some time. A study published by the Health Service Employers Agency last October showed that nationally, turnover among nursing staff declined by 40% between 1999 and 2003. Among the measures taken to facilitate retention of nurses has been the introduction of improved promotional opportunities, particularly the introduction of a clinical career pathway. The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery has been especially active in this area and to date 1,652 clinical nurse specialist and 24 advanced nurse practitioner posts have been approved.
Health Service Staff.
Dinny McGinley
Ceist:119 Mr. McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the serious shortage of psychologists in County Donegal; her plans for increasing the number of child psychologists in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13894/05]
The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes the provision of psychological services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the Health Service Executive's north-western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programme.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:120 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 335 of 26 January 2005, if she will report on progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13896/05]
The former Health Board Executive commissioned an international expert in cervical screening to examine the feasibility and implications of a national roll out of a cervical screening programme. The examination included an evaluation of the current pilot programme in the mid-western area, quality assurance, laboratory capacity and organisation and the establishment of national governance arrangements. The expert's report was published on 14 December 2004.
I am committed to the national roll out of a cervical screening programme in line with international best practice. International evidence demonstrates the proven efficacy of programmes that are effectively managed and meet quality assurance standards. Careful planning and consultation with relevant professional and advocacy stakeholders is required before I make definite policy decisions on a national roll out.
My Department is consulting the Irish College of General Practitioners, An Bord Altranais, the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the faculty of pathology of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the Women's Health Council and the Irish Cancer Society on the report. The consultation with these key stakeholders is well advanced and will be completed in a matter of weeks.
In addition, my Department allocated a further €1.1 million to the programme on an ongoing basis to complete the transition of the remaining laboratories to new and more effective testing and to support the development of quality assurance and training programmes. These are essential preparatory elements in a national roll out.
Tax Code.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:121 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if an Irish person (details supplied) can opt to be taxed in this State in the same manner as their fellow citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13780/05]
I have asked the Revenue Commissioners to examine the matter and to report back to me as soon as possible. I will revert to the Deputy on receipt of the relevant report.
Insurance Products.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:122 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the commissions paid to financial institutions in respect of premia for payment protection insurance have not been revealed to borrowers, despite levels of up to 70% commission allegedly applying; and if he will report on the gaps in legislation or codes of conduct which have permitted this situation. [13829/05]
Regulations were introduced in 2001 in respect of the disclosure, by insurers, of commissions for life insurance policies. However, similar regulations have not been introduced in respect of non-life insurance disclosure.
Under the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Act 2003 the regulatory and supervisory functions in relation to insurance, including the power to make regulations in relation to disclosure, were transferred to the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, the financial regulator.
Since its establishment in 2003 the financial regulator has sought to promote the best interests of users of financial services. In addition to certain well publicised interventions to assist consumers, the financial regulator aims to ensure that financial service providers act in a fair and transparent way and that similar standards apply to different sectors and products. A number of the initiatives taken by the regulator have particular relevance to payment protection insurance.
On 13 January the financial regulator issued a consultation paper entitled Review of Remuneration Structures and Transparency. The closing date for the receipt of comments on that paper was 15 April 2005. The financial regulator is considering the submissions and comments received and further requirements relating to the disclosure of commissions are being considered in that context.
The financial regulator also had some concerns about how payment protection insurance, PPI, was being sold arising from consumer focused inspections and undertook a survey of sales practices, suitability assessment and claims history in 2003 and 2004. The outcome of this survey, together with any further information or clarification, will feed into the development of the financial regulator's unified consumer protection code, a draft of which is currently published for consultation.
As regards the sale of PPI, the consultation paper on the draft code proposes an extension of suitability requirements by preparing a written statement on the reasons the recommended product is considered to be in the best interest of the customer at the time it is given. Where a regulated entity offers PPI in conjunction with a loan, the initial repayment estimate of the loan advised to the customer must be exclusive of the payment protection premium. If the customer decides to avail of the payment protection insurance, the regulated entity must endeavour to get the customer to sign a separate statement confirming that he-she is aware that the insurance is optional. The payment protection proposal form must be separate to the loan application form.
The financial regulator has also produced a consumer fact sheet on payment protection insurance designed to help consumers to understand this insurance and to decide whether it is suitable for their needs. The fact sheet is available through its consumer helpline, 1890-77-77-77, on its website www.itsyourmoney.ie and from the Information Centre, 6-8 College Green, Dublin 2.
Special Savings Incentive Scheme.
Seán Ryan
Ceist:123 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to issue directives or guidelines to the financial institutions or credit unions to ensure that approximately 1.1 million SSIA holders complete and return the SSIA4 form at maturing date; the considerations which are being made for older persons who are living alone, the sick or persons who have moved into a nursing home or institution to ensure that they will not lose out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13830/05]
Special savings incentive accounts, SSIAs, will mature between 31 May 2006 and 30 April 2007 depending on when the account was originally opened. In order for an account to be matured, the account holder will be required to make a maturity declaration on an SSIA4 form to his or her financial institution at any time within a period of three months ending on the maturity date. The declaration will simply confirm that at all times in the period from which the SSIA was commenced until the declaration is made, the saver complied with the terms and conditions of the scheme under the provisions of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 as inserted by section 33 of the Finance Act 2001. The earliest date on which a maturity form will be needed is 1 March 2006.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have arranged that the financial institutions will issue the SSIA4 forms to account holders and that discussions are ongoing with these institutions to finalise SSIA maturity guidelines and to ensure that these guidelines will be implemented in an efficient and practical manner. The objective of these guidelines and their implementation will be to ensure that all SSIA holders are aware of the maturity procedures required to get full benefits from their SSIA. Issues arising from situations where financial institutions cannot contact account holders are being considered as part of these discussions. It is intended that the guidelines will issue well in advance of March 2006.
Tax Code.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:124 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether there is a strong case to have LPG zero rated from excise duty in the same way as natural gas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13831/05]
The excise duty for LPG, other than that used as a motor fuel, is €41 per 1,000 kgs. While, under the EU energy tax directive, certain LPG usage could have been exempted, this was not viewed as feasible as it would have given rise to potential difficulties, including an increase in the potential for abuse. While natural gas is not currently subject to excise in Ireland, the EU energy tax directive requires member states to introduce an excise tax on natural gas by 2014 at the latest.
Post Office Network.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:125 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the sub-post offices which have closed in the Waterford constituency over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13789/05]
I am advised by An Post that at the end of 1994 there were 40 sub-post offices and two company owned offices in County Waterford. In March 2005, there were 34 sub-post offices, two company owned offices and two postal agencies.
Marine Safety.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:126 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when urgent structural and physical works will be carried out on a building (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13819/05]
There are no urgent structural and physical works required at the marine rescue centre at Malin Head, County Donegal. However, as part of the future development of the marine emergency co-ordination services of the Irish Coast Guard, proposals to further develop the Malin Head station are being considered at this time and this process will be completed as quickly as possible.
Harbours and Piers.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:127 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position with an application to upgrade a crane at a pier (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13820/05]
The Department provided funding of €82,064.81 to Donegal County Council in 2002 and 2003 towards the provision of a crane at Portaleen pier. This Department has not received an application from the county council to upgrade a crane at Portaleen pier.
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:128 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress to date on the new pier at Clogherhead, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13821/05]
Port Oriel pier, Clogherhead, is owned by Louth County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the local authority in the first instance. Sanction of €8.55 million, of which the Department will provide 75% grant aid towards the total cost, was approved by the Department in 2004. The development will provide up to 158 m of quay and will provide safe berthage for the local fishermen. I am pleased to say that I approved the allocation of €4,050,000 to Louth County Council towards the development, costing a total of €5,400,000 in the current year. I understand that the contract has been awarded by the county council and the contractor has moved onto the site.
Fishing Industry Development.
Jackie Healy-Rae
Ceist:129 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of fishermen who lost their livelihoods when tuna fishing ceased in south Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13822/05]
Jackie Healy-Rae
Ceist:130 Mr. Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the fishermen who fished for tuna in south Kerry will be compensated due to loss of earnings with the cessation of tuna fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13823/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 130 together.
In 1998, the Council of Fisheries Ministers took a decision to ban drift netting for tuna with effect from 1 January 2002. This decision to ban aparticular form of tuna fishing did not amount to the ending of the tuna fishery. For 2005, a quota of 5,723 tonnes is available to Irish fishermen, which compares favourably with the quota of 3,158 tonnes which prevailed in 2001.
As part of the package negotiated in 1998, it was agreed to postpone the introduction of the ban on drift netting for albacore tuna until 2002. It was accordingly possible during this phase out period to issue a total of 18 drift netting permits. It was clearly understood, however, by all of the fishermen concerned that the ban on drift netting for albacore tuna would be introduced with effect from the beginning of 2002.
As part of the transition process to new methods of fishing this valuable species, Bord Iascaigh Mhara provided substantial support to interested fishermen to develop alternative fishing techniques. The results of trials undertaken in this regard have shown that it is possible to catch tuna with non-drift netting techniques and in these circumstances the question of compensation does not arise.
In so far as the livelihoods of fishermen are concerned, the critical factor is the provision of a good range of fishing possibilities each year. In that regard, the position in recent years represents a broadly favourable position for Irish fishermen, including those formerly involved in drift netting for tuna.
Postal Services.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:131 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to deal with the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding the future of the postal network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13824/05]
The Government is committed to a viable and sustainable rural post office network providing a range of services to meet consumer needs as set out in the programme for Government. This commitment is illustrated by the Government injection of €12.7 million into the network in 2003 to facilitate modernisation measures and the Government has strongly supported An Post initiatives such as the channelling of new utility and banking services through the network. In addition, An Post has introduced the new service delivery models in order to improve access to and take up of post office services.
This network is geared towards customer demand in both urban and rural locations. Notwithstanding the commercial remit of the network, there is a clear recognition of the social benefits of a nationwide service. The network must be adaptable to changing circumstances and trends but the core objective of the Government and An Post continues to be the retention of access to post office services in as many locations as possible, in the manner which best meets consumer needs, whether services are provided via post office, postal agencies or the postpoint network.
The following are the main business developments in 2004: collection of Garda fines scheduled for 2005; Barclaycard credit card payments; ESB — 800,000 new bill payment transactions; Tele 2 bill payments — new telecom company; and Dublin City Council commercial bin tags.
The automated network accounts for over 95% of An Post's counter business. This means that the 1,000 automated offices transact 95% of counter business while 475 non-automated offices undertake 5% of business. Nevertheless, An Post is now moving to undertake a pilot project, which would see ten manual post offices automated to gauge the effect on business. Furthermore, An Post will undertake a fundamental re-appraisal of the post office network. The objective of this exercise is to build on the existing strengths in terms of nationwide network, strong brand recognition and high footfall and to devise a suite of products and services to meet current and future needs of post office customers. This strategy will provide the road map for future service delivery throughout the network.
The level of remuneration for postmasters-postmistresses is a contractual matter between An Post and the individuals concerned. Contracts in place between An Post and members of the Irish Postmasters' Union are of a commercial nature and are based, in some cases, on the level of transactions carried out by individual offices. The issue of social welfare payments being paid through the post office network is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.
Economic Partnership Agreements.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:132 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s views on the UK paper on the economic partnership agreements being negotiated by the European Commission with 77 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries; if, in accordance with the concern expressed by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Government will join with the UK and other like-minded governments with a view to changing the EU position on EPAs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13840/05]
The economic partnership agreements, EPAs, which are to enter into force by 1 January 2008, are an integral element of the legally binding Cotonou Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific, ACP, states and the European Union.
EPAs are first and foremost instruments for development that will foster the smooth and gradual integration of ACP states into the world economy, with due regard for their own political choices and their own development priorities, thereby promoting their sustainable development and contributing to poverty eradication in the ACP countries. They combine trade and wider development issues in a unified framework while taking account of the specific economic, social and environmental circumstances of each regional group and its component states. I am satisfied that this approach addresses the particular concern of Ireland and other member states that development and poverty reduction should be the principal objectives of the EPAs.
I have read with interest the recent UK position paper setting out views on how the commitment to put development at the heart of the EPA negotiations can best be delivered. My understanding is that the paper was designed to promote an open discussion on EPA issues, particularly as the substantive negotiations get under way.
Under European Union regulations, the European Commission conducts the EPA negotiations between the EU and six regional groupings of ACP states on behalf of the member states. The Commission provides the Council with regular updates on the progress of the negotiations. Ireland is satisfied that the Commission is discharging its mandate in accordance with the provisions of the Cotonou Agreement. As in all trade negotiations, the EPA negotiation has brought to light differences of approach between the parties in a number of areas. It is to be hoped that as the talks progress, these divergences can be resolved in accordance with the principles and objectives underlying the negotiations. We are actively following the developments in the EPA negotiations process and will continue to do so.
Northern Ireland Issues.
Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:133 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the serious concern expressed from many quarters at the inadequate nature of the proposed British inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane; the response he has received to these representations; the Government’s position regarding the inquiry; the Government’s views on the adequacy of this inquiry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13733/05]
As the Deputy is aware, the British Government has proposed establishing an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane under the new Inquiries Act. Since the Inquiries Bill was first published, the Government has had concerns that the legislation would not allow an inquiry established under it to meet the necessary standards of independence and openness, in line with the commitment made by the Governments at Weston Park and with the recommendations of Judge Cory, following his investigation into the murder. His report established that there was strong evidence of collusive acts by the RUC, Special Branch, the British Army and the Secret Service.
The Government has raised these concerns with the British authorities at both political and official level. I raised the matter most recently with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at the meeting of the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference in Dublin on 2 February last. The Taoiseach has expressed his concerns directly to Prime Minister Blair about the implications the legislation will have for a full, independent, public inquiry. He has met the Finucane family a number of times recently, in the course of which the family were assured of the Government's continuing strong support for their case. During the course of his visit to Washington over the St. Patrick's Day period, the Taoiseach raised the matter directly with President Bush.
The Government is deeply disappointed that, despite its serious concerns, and those of the family and of others, including Judge Cory and Lord Saville, the Inquiries Bill was enacted on 7 April. The Government has reiterated to the British Government that an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane must be independent and public.
The British Government, in response, has continually stated that it is its belief that an inquiry established under the Inquiries Act will meet the necessary requirements. On this, we disagree. We have made known our views with regard to this matter not only in Washington but also at the UN and in the Council of Europe.
The House can be assured that the Finucane family will continue to receive the full support of the Government in their pursuit of a full public inquiry that is compliant with the Weston Park agreement and the key requirements set out in the Cory report.
Overseas Development Aid.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:134 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the humanitarian situation in Darfur, Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13861/05]
The humanitarian situation in Sudan, including Darfur, is of the utmost concern to the Government. The conflict in Darfur has displaced about 1.8 million people during the last two years. Estimates vary but well over 100,000 have died from the conflict, directly or indirectly.
I visited Darfur earlier this month. I saw at first hand the intense suffering of many of these vulnerable people. They have been displaced into often overcrowded camps where facilities and services are only now becoming any way acceptable. I visited Mornei displaced persons camp in west Darfur and the Jabal Mara region of north Darfur. I witnessed the important work of the aid agencies and pledged that Ireland would continue to assist in meeting immediate emergency needs and also longer term development activities when possible.
In a matter of weeks, the weather will change in Darfur and the rainy season will commence. This poses new difficulties for the vulnerable population of Darfur and for those humanitarian workers who are endeavouring to assist them. The rains have a potentially disastrous effect on the transport of much needed supplies. Darfur is a predominantly desert environment. Once the area becomes flooded, access is minimal. Food deliveries grind to a halt. As a result, it is all the more important that food supplies be put in place near the displaced populations as early as possible. I saw the food stocks in place in camps but was told by the humanitarian workers that it was not enough. It is now vitally important that further progress is made in pre-positioning supplies. Ireland has contributed to the World Food Programme efforts in this regard.
A further threat is that of disease. Worsening camp conditions, due to the intense rains, can be a breeding ground for potential cholera outbreak. Ireland has supported the UN World Health Organisation and non-governmental organisations including Concern, GOAL and Medecins Sans Frontieres for their work in primary health care response in Darfur.
In total in 2004 Ireland provided €6.38 million in assistance to the Darfur region. This funding was delivered rapidly to assist the life saving work of non-governmental organisations, UN agencies and the Red Cross family. The support was utilised to provide food and essential non-food items to help families and individuals survive.
During my visit I met a wide range of UN representatives, including the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Jan Pronk. I also met with Sudanese Government Ministers. I emphasised the importance of a political resolution to the conflict in Darfur. The political conflict is the cause of this enormous human suffering. Only a political solution will allow these people to return to their homes and to cultivate their fields in an atmosphere of genuine safety and security.
After my visit to Darfur I attended the International Donors' Conference on Sudan, which took place in Oslo on 11-12 April. The conference was focused on the needs of the whole of Sudan in the aftermath of the recent signing of a comprehensive peace agreement to end the 20 year old civil war between north and south Sudan. Pledges of some €4.5 billion were made for Sudan up to 2007. While recognising that the peace agreement is a new beginning for Sudan, participants emphasised the need to build on the agreement and to bring peace and stability to all of Sudan, particularly Darfur.
I pledged support of €15 million from Ireland to Sudan over the next two years. This support will be used to address the needs of people across Sudan. We will assist the people of Sudan to move towards recovery and to rebuild their lives. We will work closely with other donors, the UN and NGOs in this enormous task. The 2.5 million people directly affected by the conflict in Darfur will require humanitarian assistance for some time to come, particularly in the absence of a political resolution. I am committed to trying to ensure that the humanitarian and development needs of Sudan, including Darfur, are met by the international community over the coming years.
Emigrant Support Services.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:135 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the Luton Irish Forum which provides services to the Irish community in the Luton area; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the premises from which it operates and which is owned by the local council is in the process of being removed from it and that it is not in a position to provide an alternative premises from its own resources; if he will examine the matter with a view to financially assisting this group with the cost of acquiring an alternative premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13835/05]
I am aware of the Luton Irish Forum and the valuable work it does in providing advice, information and support services to Irish people in the Luton area. Officials of the embassy in London and the Irish abroad unit met with the management of Luton Irish Forum in January this year and an official of the embassy attended its St. Patrick's Day festivities.
I know that the Luton Irish Forum has developed a very good relationship with the Luton Borough Council. It has, for instance, been successful in accessing a number of local statutory grant streams, itself a positive reflection of the quality of services it provides.
The forum is currently located within a building that is owned by the borough council and that is, unfortunately, due to be closed. The embassy has raised this issue with the leader of the borough council and other local representatives. I understand that the current position is that the forum's management is in ongoing consultations with the council regarding various possibilities for relocation on both a temporary and permanent basis. In these consultations, it is supported by a community development worker from the Federation of Irish Societies, a post which is supported financially by the Government through the DION fund.
The Government supports the forum directly through the funding of its key advice worker post. I understand that the forum has made an application under the current round of DION funding and this will be considered carefully. The embassy will remain in close contact with the Luton Irish Forum with a view to being helpful in every way possible.
Questions Nos. 136 and 137 answered with Question No. 27.
Question No. 138 answered with QuestionNo. 22.
Question No. 139 answered with QuestionNo. 30.
Human Rights Issues.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the top ten locations worldwide which present with the most or greatest human rights abuses; the action proposed through the international community to tackle these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13869/05]
As has been made clear on previous occasions, it is not the policy of the Government to draw up any kind of 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 meetings of 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 61st session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, which has just concluded in Geneva, Ireland participated proactively in EU co-ordination on a number of country specific resolutions. The EU introduced resolutions on the human rights situation in Myanmar and on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK. The EU also tabled a resolution on Belarus jointly with the USA. In addition, the EU initiated a chair's statement on human rights in Colombia.
Active participation in multilateral organisations such as the EU, UN and the Council of Europe provides an opportunity for Ireland to 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.
HIV-AIDS Strategy.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the African countries which show the most progress in tackling the AIDS problem; his plans through the EU or UN to replicate the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13870/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:142 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has influenced the international community with a view to addressing the AIDS issue in Africa; the net benefit to date of such intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13871/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
Since its appearance just 20 years ago, HIV-AIDS has spread to all countries across the globe. One in five adults in southern Africa is living with HIV-AIDS, over 50% of whom are women. The disease is also now spreading rapidly in other regions and poses an enormous challenge to reducing poverty and attaining the millennium development goals.
Ireland has prioritised HIV-AIDS in its overseas development co-operation programme. We were one of the first donors to develop a HIV-AIDS strategy and we have worked to ensure that the issue is high on the agenda of the EU and of the UN's funds and programmes. Since 2001, Ireland's financial allocations to the fight against AIDS have increased tenfold. The budget allocation will be around €50 million in 2005. These resources are directed at HIV-AIDS activities at global, regional, national and community levels and are implemented through international and regional organisations and in programme countries. The latter include six highly infected countries in southern and eastern Africa.
Although HIV-AIDS is now a huge development challenge in many African countries, there have been some successes in containing the spread of this disease. Uganda, for example, has managed to halt and reverse the spread of HIV-AIDS. This has been due to strong political leadership, the establishment of an effective national co-ordinating authority, the adoption of a multi-sectoral response, the allocation of financial resources and a strong partnership between governmental, faith based and non-governmental organisations. Over the past year, the Government of Uganda has also been scaling up the provision of anti-retroviral, ARV, drugs for HIV-AIDS treatment. This has contributed to a culture of openness to HIV. Although stigma around being HIV positive still exists, many people have come forward and openly declared their status and are actively engaged in programmes in support of preventing the spread of the disease and providing care and support for others living with the virus.
Another country supported by Ireland, South Africa, reversed its opposition to the establishment of a national programme of HIV-AIDS treatment with anti-retroviral drugs and is now in the process of rolling out a national treatment regime.
Ireland remains fully committed to contributing to the global response to HIV-AIDS, both by our political influence on the international stage and through financial contributions. Through our representation on the executive boards of UN agencies, such as UNDP and UNICEF, we have ensured a strong response to HIV-AIDS. In addition, Ireland funds the joint United Nations programme on HIV-AIDS — UNAIDS. UNAIDS is the main advocate for global action on the epidemic. It brings together the efforts and resources of eight UN system organisations to help the world prevent new HIV infections, care for those already infected and mitigate the impact of the epidemic. In particular, we have a strategic interest in the expanded UN response at country level in Africa. At our meetings with the various UN bodies, we encourage a more co-ordinated response of UNAIDS and its co-sponsors.
Ireland continues to work with the Clinton Foundation, a partnership which provides financial and technical support to assist in the preparation of integrated HIV and AIDS treatment, care and prevention programmes. An amount of €50 million has been committed by the Government for the five year period 2003-7 and Mozambique has been identified as the country of focus. We are actively supporting the development of a new European Commission programme for action to confront HIV-AIDS, TB and malaria and will also be represented at the upcoming review of the declaration of commitment on HIV-AIDS, agreed following the 2001 United Nations special session on HIV-AIDS.
Through these international fora, Ireland will continue to use its influence to advocate and promote strong political leadership and encourage effective country led responses to fight HIV-AIDS.
Questions Nos. 143 to 145, inclusive, answered with Question No. 93.
Diplomatic Relations.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which current Irish-Ukrainian diplomatic relations can be enhanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13875/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had direct discussions with Ukrainian authorities with a view to ascertaining the way in which support and encouragement can best be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13876/05]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:148 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has encouraged initiatives through the EU to establish stronger links with the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13877/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 to 148, inclusive, together.
Since the inauguration of President Yuschenko on 23 January at which the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, represented Ireland, I have ensured that Ireland took a consistent position of strong support for Ukraine in discussions in the relevant Council bodies. The EU had played a positive role during the unfolding of the political crisis in Ukraine. It was essential, in my view, that it should continue to respond appropriately to the aspirations of the people of Ukraine for the consolidation of democracy and economic reform as the new administration took on the great challenges it faces.
Ministers discussed Ukraine at the General Affairs and External Relations Councils of 31 January and 21 February. Our discussions, along with significant diplomatic effort by the Presidency, Commission and a number of Ukraine's neighbours in the EU, cleared the way for the EU-Ukraine Co-operation Council to adopt a three year joint action plan for Ukraine under the European neighbourhood policy. The Council on 21 February also approved a series of concrete measures, proposed initially by High Representative Solana and Commissioner Ferrero Waldner, to strengthen co-operation with Ukraine, making full use of the ENP action plan.
Early implementation of measures intended to underpin reform in Ukraine is key. A joint identification by the EU and Ukraine of concrete steps deliverable this year is under way. Both sides expect that there will be some achievements to record when the Co-operation Council next meets on 13 June and particularly at the EU-Ukraine summit scheduled for October. Further support to prepare Ukraine for accession to WTO, the granting of market economy status to Ukraine as soon as outstanding issues are resolved and the early launch of negotiations on visa facilitation and access to EIB financing are among the areas to which Ukraine attaches most importance in the near term. In addition to progressing economic integration, the action plan includes provision for closer political co-operation between the EU and Ukraine. It is hoped that the Union and Ukraine will be able to work together for progress in Moldova, for example.
While much of the content of the action plan relates to matters of Community competence which the Commission will take forward, Ukraine seeks also to interest individual member states or small groups of member states in co-operating with Ukraine on one or other specific aspect in which a member state is well placed to assist. Ukraine is keenly interested in co-operating with Ireland in a wide range of areas.
In consultation with the embassy of Ukraine, my Department has begun to co-ordinate preparations for assisting the development of administrative capacity in Ukraine. The Irish public service, and specifically the Institute of Public Administration, has rich experience of working with the new EU member states over many years to build up their administrative capacity before they joined the EU. I believe that this experience is very relevant for Ukraine at this juncture and I am determined that our lack of familiarity with conditions on the ground in Ukraine will not prevent us identifying a suitable partner in co-operation and making a start on a concrete project fairly soon.
Education is another area in which consideration of ways in which Ireland might co-operate with and support Ukraine is advancing. I am committed to making a start on practical co-operation and hopeful that a successful first experience will lay the groundwork for the development of stronger bilateral links across a range of areas — economic, cultural and political — between our two countries in the period ahead.
I intend to pursue the agenda of co-operation between Ireland and Ukraine during my planned visit to Kiev which I hope will take place shortly. This will be the first visit to Ukraine by an Irish Foreign Minister.
Sports Capital Programme.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:149 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will approve funding for an application under the sports capital programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13752/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:150 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of a sports capital application by a centre (details supplied) in County Roscommon; when he will make a decision on this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13753/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon aspossible after the assessment process has been completed.
M. J. Nolan
Ceist:151 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of grant applications for each county under the sports capital programme 2005. [13851/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. Details of the number of grant applications received from each county are as follows: Carlow — 22; Cavan — 20; Clare — 33; Cork — 151; Donegal — 59; Dublin — 267; Galway — 100; Kerry — 81; Kildare — 44; Kilkenny — 26; Laois — 22; Leitrim — 23; Limerick — 59; Longford — 19; Louth — 42; Mayo — 53; Meath — 28; Monaghan — 39; Offaly — 35; Roscommon — 32; Sligo — 21; Tipperary — 56; Waterford — 40; Westmeath — 25; Wexford — 38; Wicklow — 27; Total — 1,362.
All of these applications are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
Paddy McHugh
Ceist:152 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will allocate a grant under the sports capital programme to a project (details supplied) in County Galway in order to allow the project to proceed further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13888/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
Paddy McHugh
Ceist:153 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will allocate a grant under the sports capital programme to a project (details supplied) in County Galway in order to allow the project to proceed further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13889/05]
The national lottery funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.
Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All applications received before the deadline, including one from the organisation in question, are currently being evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.
FÁS Training Programmes.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:154 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if FÁS will be requested to recruit and train accession country drivers, who are already licensed to drive here, in basic language skills and itinerary familiarisation in order to facilitate the coach industry due to the chronic driver shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13737/05]
FÁS currently provides training for both heavy goods vehicles, HGV, and coach drivers. FÁS also provides trainees with language training, if necessary. FÁS would be happy to meet with representatives of the coach industry to identify jointly and plan any necessary training and recruitment solutions to labour shortages. Advice and guidance for EU-EEA workers is provided in all local FÁS offices together with relevant information in EU-EEA languages covering rights and obligations, information on living and working conditions and so forth, in addition to allowing full access to FÁS training and employment programmes, includinglanguage training.
FÁS provides a recruitment service for employers in all member states of the European Union and European Economic Area. This is a comprehensive advice, selection and recruitment service provided by EURES — European Employment Service — which networks the employment services throughout Europe. The service is provided at local level by FÁS EURES advisers who can instantly access the labour market and job seekers of all member states and quickly and efficiently source suitable candidates for Irish employers with "difficult to fill" vacancies.
Work Permits.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if and when a work permit will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13853/05]
The work permits section of my Department has no record of any valid application received containing the details supplied by the Deputy. Applications which are incomplete or incorrect are returned to the employer for completion.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:156 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will approve a work permit for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13902/05]
The work permits section of my Department has no record of any valid application received containing the details supplied by the Deputy. Applications which are incomplete or incorrect are returned to the employer for completion.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:157 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will reconsider the situation of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; the reason a special needs supervisor on a school bus is treated differently from a home help; if this situation will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13741/05]
The person concerned is currently in receipt of a reduced rate widow's non-contributory pension. This is a means tested payment. When assessing a person's means, account must be taken of any earnings, savings, investments, property or income which the person may have.
It was decided on 18 March 2005 that the person concerned was entitled to a reduced rate widow's non-contributory pension of €33.80, based on means of €121.05 per week derived from earnings as a special needs supervisor on a school bus. In addition, she is entitled to a fuel allowance of €9 per week. The person concerned was notified of this decision and of her right of appeal.
In the social welfare system, home help earnings are generally disregarded or treated more favourably than earnings from other insurable employment. No substantial changes have been made in these arrangements in recent years.
From January 2000, home helps were successful in securing equivalent status to non-nursing employees in the health service and are broadly in line with rates for equivalent health service staff. It is understood that these new pay rates also apply to the various agencies contracted by the HSE to provide home help services. Home helps employed directly by the HSE now have full employee status, with all of the rights of other health service employees, including annual leave, premia payments and mileage allowances. The treatment of earnings from employment as home help vis-à-vis earnings from other insurable employment for social welfare purposes is under review within my Department.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:158 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his examination of the proposal of this Deputy to provide free travel to Irish pensioners who live abroad while they are visiting Ireland has been completed; and when he expects to make a decision on the matter. [13763/05]
The extension of free travel to Irish pensioners living abroad could have, apart from the cost and administrative implications, legal implications arising from the prohibition of discrimination against pensioners of other EU member states. If the scheme were extended along the lines suggested, it is likely that it would have to be extended to all pensioners who are EU nationals coming to Ireland for temporary stays. Such an extension would have to be considered in a budgetary context, taking account of other requests for extension of the free travel scheme.
However, I am mindful that this matter has been raised in the House on a number of occasions recently and I am continuing my examination of the issues involved, including the legal situation.
Departmental Expenditure.
David Stanton
Ceist:159 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the nature of the standard or routine reports relating to the expenditure on benefits that are produced by the accounting systems of his Department each month; the reports produced by or derived from these systems which are brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13765/05]
David Stanton
Ceist:161 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amounts under each benefits heading in the appendix in his Department’s Vote for 2005 (details supplied), together with the amounts expended under each such heading to 31 March 2005 or such other date as he can conveniently provide; the amounts his Department had estimated at the beginning of 2005 which have been spent to such date under each benefits heading; the reason for the variances under each heading; his forecast of whether, for each benefit heading, the amounts estimated are likely to be exceeded or underspent for the full 2005 year in view of the experience gained in the year to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13767/05]
David Stanton
Ceist:162 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amounts under each subhead in his Department’s Vote for 2005, together with the amounts expended under each such subhead to 31 March 2005 or such other date as he can conveniently provide; the amounts his Department had estimated at the beginning of 2005 would have been spent to such date under each subhead; the reason for the variances under each subhead; his forecast of whether, for each subhead, the amounts estimated are likely to be exceeded or underspent for the full 2005 year in view of the experience gained in the year to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13768/05]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 159, 161 and 162 together.
In accordance with Government policy in regard to control and management of expenditure, I submit expenditure management reports to Government every second month outlining expenditure incurred in the year to date and projected end-year position for both my Department's Vote 38 and the social insurance fund, SIF. My Department submits reports each month to the Department of Finance comprising income and expenditure tables and qualitative assessments as to likely end-year outturns, for both Vote 38 and the SIF. The amounts drawn from the Exchequer in respect of Vote 38 are also specified. In addition, my Department carries out a detailed review on a quarterly basis of administrative expenditure with a view to monitoring any deviations and initiating any necessary corrective action.
A finance committee, comprising representatives of senior management, assesses the expenditure position based on the monthly expenditure and other reports and any concerns arising from this are brought to my attention. The estimates and expenditure information requested by the Deputy in regard to each subhead of my Department's Vote and each benefit heading in the SIF appendix is set out in the attached tabular statements. The statements show the position as at the end of February. Full expenditure returns for the month of March are not yet available.
The expenditure variances at the end of February are within the margin of error inherent in the monthly budgeting, or profiling, process. They are attributed to a combination of factors, including the timing of encashment of orders and drafts at post offices, which cannot be predicted accurately. In this regard, payments at post offices account for about 60% of the Department's programme expenditure. Additionally, timing differences as between profile assumptions and actual payments arise from time to time, particularly in regard to administration expenditure.
My Department is not, at this stage, forecasting any end year variances on Vote 38 or SIF expenditure. It is too early in the year to confidently predict outturns on what are very sizeable allocations driven almost entirely by demand led schemes.
|
Social and Family Affairs |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2005 Estimate |
Spend end-February |
Budget end-February |
Variance end-February |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
ADMINISTRATION |
||||
|
A1. Salaries, Wages and Allowances |
175,119 |
26,800 |
25,978 |
+822 |
|
A2. Travel and Subsistence |
4,577 |
439 |
615 |
-175 |
|
A3. Incidental Expenses |
10,178 |
476 |
712 |
-236 |
|
A4. Postal and Telecommunications Services |
14,505 |
1,381 |
1,917 |
-536 |
|
A5. Office Machinery and other Office Supplies |
14,164 |
679 |
1,488 |
-809 |
|
A6. Office Premises Expenses |
6,000 |
436 |
719 |
-283 |
|
A7. Consultancy Services |
8,000 |
380 |
999 |
-619 |
|
A8. Payments for Agency Services |
61,426 |
10,855 |
12,131 |
-1,276 |
|
A9. Information Society — REACH |
10,462 |
1,073 |
1,288 |
-214 |
|
A10. Information Society — Modernisation of the Civil Service Registration Service |
1,764 |
14 |
14 |
— |
|
Sub-Total |
306,195 |
42,534 |
45,861 |
-3,327 |
|
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE |
||||
|
B. Old-Age Pension (Non-Contributory) |
627,900 |
99,979 |
102,580 |
-2,601 |
|
C. Blind Pension |
16,900 |
2,634 |
2,748 |
-114 |
|
D. Child Benefit |
1,915,700 |
291,833 |
296,490 |
-4,657 |
|
E. Unemployment Assistance |
690,000 |
102,347 |
102,029 |
+319 |
|
F. Farm Assist |
63,600 |
10,656 |
10,493 |
+163 |
|
G. Employment Support Services |
107,543 |
19,233 |
18,776 |
+457 |
|
H. Pre-Retirement Allowance |
105,800 |
15,747 |
16,056 |
-309 |
|
I. One-Parent Family Payment |
769,700 |
111,592 |
112,083 |
-491 |
|
J. Widows and Orphans Pension (Non-Contributory) |
132,600 |
20,288 |
20,818 |
-530 |
|
K. Social Assistance Allowances |
11,500 |
1,772 |
1,775 |
-3 |
|
L. Family Income Supplement |
73,800 |
11,077 |
11,821 |
-744 |
|
M. Carers Allowance |
212,200 |
31,673 |
31,985 |
-312 |
|
N. Supplementary Welfare Allowances |
702,400 |
102,616 |
104,951 |
-2,335 |
|
O. Disability Allowance |
636,200 |
94,018 |
98,884 |
-4,866 |
|
P. Respite Care Grant |
36,000 |
— |
— |
— |
|
Q. Free Schemes |
204,092 |
37,829 |
40,111 |
-2,283 |
|
R. Money Advice and Budgeting Service |
13,620 |
5,717 |
5,497 |
+220 |
|
S. Family Support Agency |
24,466 |
1,351 |
2,268 |
-916 |
|
T.1 Combat Poverty Agency |
4,236 |
501 |
443 |
58 |
|
T.2 Social Exclusion Programme |
123 |
— |
— |
— |
|
U. Comhairle |
20,917 |
4,500 |
4,500 |
— |
|
V. Miscellaneous Services |
15,033 |
4,127 |
3,712 |
+415 |
|
Gross Total |
6,690,525 |
1,012,024 |
1,033,881 |
-21,857 |
|
Deduct: |
||||
|
W. Appropriations-in-Aid |
156,573 |
-26,697 |
-26,726 |
+29 |
|
Net Total |
6,533,952 |
985,327 |
1,007,155 |
-21,828 |
|
Social Insurance Fund |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2005 Estimate |
Spend end-February |
Budget end-February |
Variance end-February |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
EXPENDITURE |
||||
|
BENEFITS: |
||||
|
Disability Benefit |
521,200 |
84,397 |
81,576 |
+2,821 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
534,900 |
79,293 |
79,765 |
-472 |
|
Occupational Injuries Benefits |
89,600 |
13,724 |
13,768 |
- 44 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
137,100 |
19,410 |
19,908 |
-498 |
|
Health and Safety Benefit |
184 |
33 |
30 |
+3 |
|
Adoptive Benefit |
680 |
113 |
106 |
+7 |
|
Treatment Benefits |
80,300 |
9,640 |
10,216 |
-576 |
|
Old Age (Contributory) Pension |
1,110,900 |
170,770 |
173,793 |
-3,023 |
|
Retirement Pension |
1,067,700 |
158,283 |
160,147 |
-1,864 |
|
Unemployment Benefit |
463,600 |
70,247 |
70,866 |
-619 |
|
Widows’ and Orphans’ (Contributory) Pensions |
980,000 |
148,579 |
150,053 |
-1,474 |
|
Widowed Parent Grant |
3,186 |
514 |
530 |
- 16 |
|
Deserted Wife’s Benefit |
91,800 |
14,140 |
14,075 |
+65 |
|
Carer’s Benefit |
8,000 |
1,175 |
1,171 |
+5 |
|
Bereavement Grant |
13,500 |
1,995 |
2,250 |
-255 |
|
Free Schemes |
183,828 |
33,343 |
35,119 |
-1,776 |
|
Redundancy and Insolvency Payments |
150,500 |
10,053 |
25,082 |
-15,029 |
|
Administration |
211,603 |
27,052 |
26,950 |
+102 |
|
Total Benefits |
5,648,581 |
842,762 |
865,405 |
-22,644 |
David Stanton
Ceist:160 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amounts expended in each of the past ten years on software packages, consultancy services and hardware, including maintenance charges, to manage the accounts of his Department; the number of officials engaged in preparing, managing and analysing the accounts centrally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13766/05]
The amounts expended specifically on software packages, consultancy services and hardware, including maintenance charges, to manage my Department's accounts, are only available in respect of the years from 1998 inclusive. The total amounts in each of these years are as follows: 1998 —€33,164; 1999 —€49,419; 2000 —€82,700; 2001 —€245,454; 2002 —€369,831; 2003 —€202,609; 2004 —€106,370. The increased costs in 2001 and subsequent years were due to necessary upgrades of the financial management system which required new hardware and consultancy services.
My Department's accounting system requirements necessarily reflect the substantial scale and complexity of its business. Underlying an expected expenditure of more than €12.2 billion in 2005 are almost one million individual payments each week as well as half a million monthly payments each month. These are made through a range of different payment instruments. The Department's voted funds and the social insurance fund must be separately accounted for with details of each of the schemes involved. Detailed accounting for all administrative expenditure is also necessary, including that related to about 4,800 staff.
The accounts are prepared and managed by the accounts branch of my Department, which comprises 83 staff. Reports extracted from the accounts are regularly analysed by various officials across the Department for budgetary and wider management purposes.
Questions Nos. 161 and 162 answered with Question No. 159.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Michael Ring
Ceist:163 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the negotiations which have taken place with the telephone companies with regard to giving the free schemes for mobile phones; and when an announcement on this will be made. [13769/05]
I am committed to facilitating greater social welfare client choice of telephone services. In this regard my Department is in contact with the regulator, ComReg, regarding the technical and administrative requirements for mobile phone, as well as land-line services. To date, three mobile phone companies have expressed an interest in participating in the telephone allowance scheme and these companies are in discussion with my Department and the telecommunications regulator.
My Department is carrying out a fundamental review of the current operational arrangements with the various service providers. As part of this review the regulator, interest groups and other relevant entities will be consulted as required. It is expected that this review will be completed within the next couple of months and I will then be in a position to make decisions on the expansion of the telephone allowance scheme to include mobile phones.
Postal Service.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:164 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to deal with the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding the future of the postal network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13825/05]
Four of the five points raised by the person concerned in the circular type letter received by the Deputy concern matters which are the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The other point relates to allegations that my Department is forcing its customers to change from payment at post offices to direct payment into bank accounts.
The position is that social welfare customers opting for a particular payment method do so on an entirely voluntary basis having regard to their own circumstances and particular needs. This is in line with our policy of ensuring that a range of payment options is available to customers and that service is continually improved by providing access to the wide range of payment options and new services and facilities now available.
Current payment methods include payment at post offices by means of a pension order book, electronic or manual post draft issued to the customer's designated post office each week, payment by cheque to the home address of customers and direct payment to customers' bank or building society accounts by electronic fund transfer. Where possible, my Department provides a payment option which best suits the needs of customers.
Some 58% of customers currently receive payment through their local post office, comprising 800,000 customers on longer term schemes who have chosen to be paid by a book of personalised payable orders encashable each week at the customers' designated post office, and a further 135,000 customers, mainly on unemployment schemes, who are paid at their designated post office by electronic or manual post draft each week. Some 11% or 160,000 customers are paid by cheque through the postal system and 31% or 500,000 customers receive direct electronic payment to their bank or building society account.
By way of illustration, some 66% of new applicants for old age contributory pension and 65% of new applicants for child benefit have chosen to be paid directly to their bank accounts. In late 2003, customers getting family income supplement were transferred to a new payment system. These customers are at work on low pay and many already had their salaries or wages paid into their bank accounts. It suited their needs, therefore, to have their family income supplement paid in the same manner. Currently 84% of those customers are paid by direct payment.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:165 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason community employment scheme participants are excluded from access to the family income supplement, when social employment scheme participants and those availing of the part-time job initiative are not; and if he will address this anomaly. [13843/05]
Family income supplement is designed to assist people in low income employment with qualified child dependants where they might otherwise be only marginally better off than if they were fully dependent on a welfare payment.
The part-time job incentive, PTJI, scheme applies where a recipient of long-term unemployment assistance takes up insurable employment for up to 24 hours per week. A weekly allowance is paid, which does not include an increase for child dependants. Participants in this scheme are obliged to continue to make efforts to find full-time work. To qualify for FIS, PTJI recipients must work in insurable employment for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight. The part-time job allowance is counted as income for FIS purposes.
Participants on CE, which was previously called the social employment scheme, SES, have never been eligible for FIS payments. CE is a publicly funded employment and training programme with the specific objective of progressing the long-term unemployed and other disadvantaged people from social welfare dependency towards employment in the open labour market. CE allowance includes an increase for qualified adult and child dependants, where applicable.
As a State-funded employment and training programme rather than full-time remunerative employment, CE earnings are specifically excluded by regulation for the purpose of FIS qualification. There are no plans to amend these regulations.
M. J. Nolan
Ceist:166 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons under the age of 25 years in receipt of unemployment assistance. [13849/05]
On 22 April 2005, there were 16,726 persons under the age of 25 years in receipt of an unemployment assistance payment. Of these, some 1,332 received a part-payment as they were employed on a casual or part-time basis.
In addition, some 4,253 persons under the age of 25 years were claiming unemployment assistance but not receiving a payment. Of these, 50 are being disallowed, 1,106 are suspended while the remainder are awaiting a decision on claims which have been recently made.
Social Welfare Appeals.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a social welfare application and appeal has been disallowed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship caused to this person as a result of the disallowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13881/05]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, provides assistance to eligible people who have little or no income.
The Dublin/mid-Leinster area of the executive has advised that payment of a basic supplementary welfare allowance and rent supplement to the person concerned ceased when she ceased to reside at the address she had provided. The executive has further advised that she was unsuccessful in appealing against this decision to the executive's area appeals officer. Her case was forwarded to the social welfare appeals office for further adjudication. The appeals officer upheld the original decision to terminate payment of basic supplementary welfare allowance and rent supplement.
The appeals systems both in the executive and in the social welfare appeals office operate independently and are designed to ensure that every appellant's case gets full and satisfactory consideration. Neither I nor my Department have any function in decisions made by an appeals officer.
Social Welfare Benefits.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:168 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Question No. 248 of 20 April 2005, the certain conditions which must be satisfied; the way in which such a grant can be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13897/05]
The respite care grant is an annual payment for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention. Both the carer and person in receipt of care must satisfy certain conditions. The carer must be aged 16 years or over; ordinarily resident in the State;caring for the relevant person on a full-time basis; living with the person being cared for or, if not, contactable quickly by a direct system of communication between his or her home and the home of the person being cared for; and caring for the relevant person for at least six months, which includes the first Thursday in June.
The person being cared for must be so incapacitated as to require full-time care and attention — medical certification is required; not normally live in a hospital, convalescent home or other similar institution; and not receive full-time care and attention within his or her own home from another person.
As stated in my earlier reply, from early May application forms and information leaflets will be available throughout my Department's network of local and branch offices, from citizens' information centres and from my Department's website. Where carers are in receipt of carer's allowance, carer's benefit, domiciliary care allowance or prescribed relative allowance, or where the person being cared for is in receipt of constant attendance allowance, they will not have to apply for the grant as it will be paid automatically.
As already advised, my Department has set up a dedicated unit to administer the enhanced respite care grant scheme. To coincide with the current publicity campaign and to provide assistance and advice on the scheme, a special freefone service at 1800 690590 is being provided until May 11. Thereafter, the new dedicated unit will provide advice and assistance as required.
Airport Security.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:169 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether airport security in this State should be under the overall control of the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13749/05]
There are no proposals under consideration to alter the existing control arrangements for airport security in the State.
My Department, which has responsibility for aviation security policy, liaises on an ongoing basis with the Garda Síochána concerning issues relating to airport security. The Garda Síochána is a member of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, which was established in 1974 to advise the Government and the civil aviation industry of security policy for civil aviation, to recommend and review the effectiveness of security measures and to provide for co-ordination of the various interests involved.
In the context of wider national security, the Garda Síochána is responsible for monitoring any terrorist threat and recommending appropriate security measures to address any such threats.
Road Safety.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:170 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if the new centre median safety barriers being installed on existing dual carriageways have been proved to be the last option for motor cyclists and their pillion passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13778/05]
It is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, to ensure that motorways and dual carriageways are equipped with appropriate containment barriers in accordance with the NRA's design manual for roads and bridges. The NRA, as a matter of practice, keeps road design standards, including safety aspects, under regular review.
Public Transport.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:171 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to appoint an independent transport regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13734/05]
As I have indicated previously, I am committed to reforming the public transport market in order to provide opportunities for both public and private companies to deliver increased public services and to ensure the taxpayer and customer get a high quality of service and the best value for money. In this context, it remains my intention to establish an independent national public transport procurement and regulatory body to, inter alia, procure socially necessary bus services, license commercial services and regulate fares.
Officials in my Department are continuing to meet stakeholders regarding their views on how to reform the market within the framework I have set out. When I have had an opportunity to consider these views I will decide how best, in a spirit of partnership, to give effect to reform of the public transport market.
Proposed Legislation.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:172 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to replace the Transport Act 1932; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13735/05]
As I have indicated previously, I am committed to reforming the public transport market to provide opportunities for both public and private companies to deliver increased public services and to ensure the taxpayer and customer get a high quality of service and the best value for money.
In this context it remains my intention to replace the Transport Act 1932. This Act provides the statutory basis for regulating the bus market in Ireland and is totally outdated and in need of reform. It is a commitment of this Government to replace the Act with a modern regulatory framework which achieves a more open, effective and competitive regime.
Officials in my Department are continuing to meet stakeholders regarding their views on how to reform the market within the framework I have set out. When I have had an opportunity to consider these views I will decide how best, in a spirit of partnership, to give effect to reform of the public transport market.
Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:173 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the replacement of EU Regulation 3820/85 in order to introduce new EU tachograph regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13736/05]
The European Parliament has recently completed its second reading of the Commission proposal to replace the existing drivers' hours rules and has proposed a number of amendments.
The Council now has three months to consider the Parliament's second reading. If the Council accepts the Parliament's second reading, the proposal could be finally adopted in July 2005. However, if the Council is unable to accept the Parliament's second reading, the conciliation procedure is invoked with a view to finding a compromise. In that event, the procedure leading to final adoption — assuming that an agreement can be reached between the Council and Parliament — could take until the end of 2005 to complete.
Security of the Elderly.
David Stanton
Ceist:174 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of funding applications submitted for socially monitored alarms between the years 2000 and 2004 and to date in 2005 with regard to the community support for older people scheme; the number of these applications which were approved for funding in each of these years; the number of older persons who received socially monitored alarms under this scheme in each of the years; the amount expended by his Department on funding for socially monitored alarms under this scheme in each of the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13833/05]
Responsibility for the scheme of community support for older people transferred from the then named Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs to the newly formed Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in June 2002. The scheme was operated through the regional offices of the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs up to and including 2002.
The purpose of the scheme is to encourage and assist the community's support for older people by means of a community based grant scheme to improve the security of its older members. Funding under the scheme can be provided for door locks, door chains and window locks; security lighting; and smoke alarms and the once-off cost of installing socially monitored personal alarms.
Details in respect of the groups approved and amounts approved for security equipment — including socially monitored personal alarms — under the scheme for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002 are available in the Oireachtas Library. The details in respect of grants paid under the 2003 and 2004 schemes are available on my Department's website, www.pobail.ie.
In summary, the details are in the table.
|
Year |
Number of applicant groups |
Number of groups approved |
Amount (€ million) |
|
2000 |
Not available |
571 |
4.03 |
|
2001 |
Not available |
461 |
2.68 |
|
2002 |
Not available |
432 |
2.67 |
|
2003 |
461 |
391 |
2.86 |
|
2004 |
531 |
450 |
2.65* |
*Includes approximately €670,000 paid in 2005 in respect of applications received under the 2004 scheme.
I recently announced the 2005 scheme open for applications. The closing date for receipt of applications in the Department is 24 May 2005.
Farm Retirement Scheme.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:175 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason farmers are not entitled to draw a non-contributory pension in conjunction with the farm retirement pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13898/05]
It is a requirement of the EU regulations under which both the current and previous early retirement schemes are implemented that the early retirement pension can only be paid as a supplement to any national retirement pension that the participant and his or her spouse or partner in a joint management arrangement receive. Consequently, the value of any such national retirement pension, which includes the non-contributory old age pension, must be deducted from the early retirement pension.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:176 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason farmers are not entitled to draw a contributory pension in conjunction with the farm retirement pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13899/05]
It is a requirement of the EU regulations under which both the current and previous early retirement schemes are implemented that the early retirement pension can only be paid as a supplement to any national retirement pension that the participant and his or her spouse or partner in a joint management arrangement receive. Consequently, the value of any such national retirement pension, which includes the contributory old age pension, must be deducted from the early retirement pension.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:177 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a farmer must inform the Department of Agriculture and Food of his or her social welfare entitlements; her plans to automate this system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13900/05]
It is a requirement of the EU regulations under which both the current and previous early retirement schemes are implemented that the early retirement pension can only be paid as a supplement to any national retirement pension that the participant and his or her spouse or partner in a joint management arrangement receive. This means the value of any such national retirement pension must be deducted from the early retirement pension.
On entering the schemes, participants signed an undertaking to comply with the requirements, among which it is stated that the pension can only be paid as a supplement to a national retirement pension. The onus remains primarily on the scheme participant to inform my Department of his or her entitlement to a national retirement pension. As a further safeguard against unintentional overpayments, however, my Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs co-operate in the routine exchange of information and are currently in discussion about ways in which this can be improved further.
Grant Payments.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:178 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when she intends to make the single payment in order that farm families can plan their financial budget not only from a banking point of view but also from a taxation point of view; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that payments made after 1 January 2005, for instance, for the 2004 livestock year, will be added to the single payment within the one 12 month period and that farmers must know when they will receive this in order to organise their system to ensure that they retain an income for their family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13738/05]
The operation of the single payment scheme is governed by the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003. In general, Article 28 of that regulation provides for the issue of payment under the scheme once a year within the period from 1 December of the scheme year to 30 June of the following calendar year.
My Department is currently in the final stages of implementing the single payment scheme and the deadline for the receipt of applications is 16 May 2005. My primary objective is that payment should issue to farmers from the beginning of December 2005.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:179 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the outcome of an application under force majeure and under the national reserve by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13739/05]
The person named, having been notified that the circumstances outlined by him did not satisfy the criteria for force majeure or exceptional circumstances under Article 40 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003, submitted an appeal to the independent single payment appeals committee.
Following a full examination of the circumstances outlined in the appeal, the independent single payment appeals committee made a recommendation and a letter issued to the person named on 26 April 2005. The findings of the appeals committee were that the original decision taken by my Department should be upheld.
The person named has also applied under the 2005 single payment national reserve under category C, which caters for farmers who sold their milk quota into the milk quota restructuring scheme between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003 and who converted to a farming sector for which a direct payment under the livestock and/or arable aid schemes would have been payable in respect of the years 2000 to 2002. My Department is processing some 16,500 applications to the national reserve while the closing date is 16 May 2005. This application will be examined to assess whether or not the person named has converted to a qualifying sector and he will be notified of the outcome in due course.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:180 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive a breakdown of the calculation of their SFP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13754/05]
Records in my Department show that a provisional statement of entitlements issued to the person named on 22 March 2005. An explanation as to the basis of the calculation was also included with the statement. Given that the person named may not have received this, I have had arrangements made to have a further copy issued.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:181 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive a result to a force majeure application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13755/05]
An application for consideration under the force majeure or exceptional circumstances measure of the single payment regulations was submitted by the person named on 5 February 2004.
Following consideration by my Department and the independent single payment appeals committee of the circumstances outlined, my Department is satisfied that force majeure criteria can be applied in respect of the person named. Consequently, the years 2000 and 2001 will be excluded and the year 2002 will be used in the calculation of the single payment entitlement.
The person named was notified of this decision on 25 April 2005 and an amended statement of provisional entitlements reflecting this position will issue shortly. In the meantime, I have arranged for details of the calculation of the named person's single payment to be issued directly to him.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:182 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly will receive notification of SFP entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13756/05]
The person named submitted an application in respect of the inheritance and new entrant measure of the single payment scheme. Following processing of the documentation received the person named was deemed to be ineligible for consideration in respect of the new entrant measure as he submitted area aid applications in all three reference years, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
I am pleased to advise, however, that the application for consideration in respect of the inheritance measure has been successful. Arrangements have been made to issue a provisional statement of entitlements reflecting this position to the person named next week.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:183 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive notification of SFP entitlement as an inheritance case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13757/05]
The person named inherited a farm as a result of his father's death but did not submit an application under the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme.
An official from my Department contacted the person named on 20 April 2005 and requested him to submit an application for consideration in respect of the inheritance measure of the single payment scheme. Upon receipt and processing of his application, the person named will be issued with a statement of provisional entitlements reflecting this position.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:184 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive notification of SFP entitlement with a correct PPSN; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13758/05]
The provisional statement of entitlements, which issued recently to the person named, quoted the PPSN for the person named that was held on Department records. However, following direct contact by officials of my Department with the person named, the position regarding the PPSN has been clarified. Arrangements are being made to issue a further provisional statement of entitlements to the person named, quoting the correct PPSN.
Seymour Crawford
Ceist:185 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the payments which will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; when they will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13759/05]
The person named submitted three applications under the 2004 special beef premium scheme, in respect of 24 animals. The first application, in respect of eight bulls, was received on 26 February 2004. The 60% advance payment issued on 18 October 2004 and the 40% balance on 18 April 2005. The second application, in respect of three 2nd age animals and ten bulls, was received on 12 December 2004. The 100% payment issued on 18 April 2005. The third application, in respect of two 2nd age animals and one bull, was received on 31 December 2004. The 60% advance issued on 1 April 2005 and the 40% balance on 18 April 2005. Therefore, all special beef premium applications have been fully paid.
Eleven eligible animals were slaughtered under the herd number of the person named and are, therefore, eligible under the 2004 slaughter premium scheme. The 60% advance payment in respect of nine animals issued on 20 October 2004, in respect of one animal on 1 December 2004 and in respect of the final animal on 21 December 2004. The balancing payment in respect of the 11 animals, which issued on 18 April 2005, took account of the quota overshoot of 2.13%. Therefore, all payments due to the person named under the slaughter premium scheme have issued.
The person named was due compensation of €2,738.99 in respect of seven reactor animals slaughtered on 7 March 2005. Following receipt of a factory docket on 7 April 2005, the claim was processed and payment was made on 25 April 2005.
The person named also applied under the 2004 extensification premium scheme. Payments under this scheme are normally made in June. The application will be considered in due course.
Pat Breen
Ceist:186 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare did not qualify for the full grant for a slatted house; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13771/05]
The above named person is an applicant under the farm waste management scheme. The applicant received approval under the scheme for the completion of investment works at an estimated cost of €46,838.70. However, it was found during the course of the pre-payment inspection that some items had not been completed in accordance with the approved proposals. In particular, the area of associated concrete laid was less than that proposed, the dimensions of the completed tank wall were smaller than originally proposed and only ten linear metres of gates were installed compared to the 16 metres proposed. As a result, the overall cost of the completed works was calculated at €44,645.37 and the level of grant, which was paid at 40%, reduced accordingly.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:187 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if entitlements for single payment will be reviewed for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [13788/05]
The person named has submitted an application for consideration in respect of both the new entrant and inheritance measures of the single payment scheme. The inheritance measure is the more beneficial and arrangements have been made to issue a statement of provisional entitlements reflecting this position to the person named.
Milk Quota.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:188 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the status of an application before the milk quota appeals tribunal by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made on the reallocation of quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13837/05]
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 milk quota year.
The person in question applied for additional quota on the grounds of animal disease in the 2004-05 quota year. The tribunal examined the application last January and its recommendation that an allocation of quota be made was accepted and he was duly notified. The person concerned has appealed the decision, seeking an additional allocation. The tribunal has reviewed his case and the outcome of his appeal will be notified to him shortly.
Grant Payments.
Pat Breen
Ceist:189 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive the REP scheme payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13838/05]
The application from the person named was received in my Department on 23 March 2005 and is being processed in accordance with the targets set out in the protocol on direct payments to farmers.
EU Directives.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:190 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to introduce a State aid package for those ineligible under the terms of the current CFP scheme; if she will increase the level of grant aid available under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13883/05]
Consultations are ongoing with the European Commission in regard to the action programme for implementation of the nitrates directive in Ireland. The question of possible changes to the conditions of the farm waste management scheme, which has now replaced the control of farm pollution scheme, can only be considered in the light of the requirements of the action programme, when agreed.
Farm Waste Management.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:191 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the current EU support for the CFP scheme will cease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13884/05]
The farm waste management scheme, which has replaced the control of farm pollution scheme, was established under the terms of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. The scheme is co-funded by the European Union and applications will be accepted by my Department under the scheme until 31 December 2006.
Discussions are taking place in Brussels on the rural development framework which will be in operation from 2007 onwards.
Common Agricultural Policy.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:192 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures she is taking under the CAP reform agreement to introduce an advisory package for farmers; the additional funding set aside for these proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13885/05]
Under Article 13 of Council Regulation 1782/2003, which governs the operation of the single payment scheme, member states are obliged to set up a farm advisory system by 1 January 2007. The advisory system is to be operated by one or more designated authorities or by private bodies. Ireland already has a farm advisory system in place operated by both Teagasc and independent consultants.
Visa Applications.
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:193 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding the visa application of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [13748/05]
My Department approved the application to which the Deputy refers on 25 April 2005. The applicant will be notified of this decision as soon as possible.
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:194 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 162 of 3 March 2005, if the Garda received reports of further acts of vandalism to cars and other anti-social behaviour; the action that is being taken; if anyone has been charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13750/05]
Further reports of acts of vandalism to cars and other anti-social behaviour in the area referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 162 of 3 March 2005 have been received by the Garda Síochána. Under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, proceedings have commenced against five persons for offences committed in the area.
The sale of intoxicating liquor to young people in the area is the subject of a separate Garda investigation. Gardaí continue to patrol the area in question by using mobile patrols, foot patrols and plain clothes patrols. A policing plan to prevent further similar occurrences is in place and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Garda Investigations.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:195 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform , further to Parliamentary Question No. 718 of 12 April 2005, if the Garda received a report of a person (details supplied) in Dublin being attacked; the number of other similar attacks in the same area to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13751/05]
A report from the person in question was received and the incident remains under investigation and no person has been made amenable to date. It is not practice to comment upon ongoing Garda investigations, which are operational matters for the Garda authorities.
To date in 2005, there are six recorded instances of similar attacks in the area of the towpath or canal bank. Garda foot patrols are giving coverage and attention to that area.
Registration of Title.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:196 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Land Registry Office will issue a land map to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [13781/05]
An application for copy folio and filed plan in respect of the folio number to which the Deputy refer was lodged and completed on 19 April 2005. Application number C2005CK002741D refers.
Visa Applications.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:197 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will prioritise an application for a visa by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13783/05]
I understand that the person in question has permission to remain in the State up to 13 May 2005 as a visitor and that no application has been received for a renewal of that permission. I am also aware that she has made an application for permission to remain in the State based on parentage of an Irish born child. The position regarding this application was outlined in my reply to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 420 of 19 April 2005. I am not aware of any application for a visa by the person concerned.
Deportation Orders.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:198 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence from a committee (details supplied); and if he will meet it to discuss the matter raised. [13784/05]
I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Question No. 346 on Tuesday, 8 March 2005. I have received many representations, including one from the Castleblayney Committee, requesting that the persons concerned be permitted to return to Ireland. I am satisfied that these persons were deported following a fair and comprehensive examination of their asylum claims and of their applications for leave to remain temporarily in the State. I do not intend to revoke their deportation orders, and consequently a meeting with the committee would serve no useful purpose.
Visa Applications.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:199 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration will be given to an application for a visa on behalf of a person (details supplied). [13785/05]
The Deputy has omitted to supply a visa application reference number. Therefore, unfortunately it has not been possible to identify the application in question. I am informed that a search of all applications recorded by my Department did not yield any current applications for a person with the same name as that supplied by the Deputy. Consequently, it is not possible to comment on the specifics of this case.
However, should an application be submitted it will, of course, be considered, as is the case with all applications received by my Department. Until such time as an application is submitted, or a reference number for an existing application is supplied, I will not be in a position to comment further.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:200 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration will be given to an application for a holiday visa for a person (details supplied). [13786/05]
My Department has not to date received a visa application in respect of a holiday visa for the person named by the Deputy for a visit in 2005.
A previous visa application for the named person was received in 2004 and was sought to enable the wife of a non-EEA national employed under the work permit scheme to join her husband in the State. This application was refused as the visa officer was not satisfied on the basis of financial documentation that the applicant would be fully financially supported by her husband. The refusal was upheld on appeal on 17 August 2004. Any new application will be fully examined by my Department.
As processing times for visa applications are, on average, between four and six weeks from the date of receipt in my Department the applicant can expect a decision within this timeframe.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:201 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for a visa will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [13787/05]
The Deputy has omitted to supply a visa application reference number. Therefore, unfortunately it has not been possible to identify the application in question. I am informed that a search of all applications recorded by my Department did not yield any current applications for a person with the same name as that supplied by the Deputy. Consequently, it is not possible to comment on the specifics of this case.
However, in general, applications are dealt with strictly in the order they are received, in order to guarantee the fairest service to all customers dealing with my Department. In exceptional cases, applications may be prioritised where it is demonstrated that there are extenuating circumstances to do with the case. However, on the basis of the information supplied by the Deputy, it does not appear that any such circumstances exist in this case.
Departmental Programmes.
John McGuinness
Ceist:202 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for funding in the name of a company (details supplied) in County Carlow for the provision of an upgraded outdoor play area; the timeframe for the decision; and if a decision will be expedited. [13808/05]
I understand that a third application for capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000-2006, was submitted by this group to my Department some time ago.
The group in question was approved for EOCP capital grant assistance of almost €54,000 in 2001 and a further capital grant of €410,000 in 2002. The group appealed this latter amount and was awarded an additional amount of almost €24,000 in 2003 bringing its total capital allocation to over €488,000. The group submitted a further request for over €99,000 in additional capital funding in autumn 2004. This group has also been awarded staffing grant assistance of €362,949 under the EOCP to date. The additional capital grant application is under appraisal by Area Development Management Limited, ADM. ADM has been in dialogue with the group and is awaiting additional information from the group to advance the appraisal process.
The level of demand for capital grant assistance was such that I considered it important to increase the capital provision for the present programme. Following discussions with my colleague the Minister for Finance, an additional capital provision of €90 million was made available over the period 2005-09, in the context of the 2005 budget.
This brings the total funding available for the programme to €499.3 million and now includes an increased provision for capital developments for which €205 million has been set aside. Since budget 2005, I have announced a record allocation totalling almost €68 million in capital funding to community based not-for-profit groups, in two tranches, one in December 2004 and another on 4 March 2005.
The availability of the additional capital funding will enable me to make capital grant assistance available to groups which can show that they address significant child care service gaps and where the project proposal represents good value for money when considered in relation to the guidelines on building costs. In the light of this, the group in question was advised in December 2004 that, whilst its project had not been prioritised for immediate funding at that stage, it will be reconsidered for possible support in the future. When the assessment on the project in question is completed, the application will then be considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, before I make a final decision. In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on this application.
Citizenship Applications.
Jack Wall
Ceist:203 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation by persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13809/05]
Applications for naturalisation by the persons referred to by the Deputy were received in the citizenship section of my Department on 30 April 2003. These cases are under active consideration at present and I will inform both the applicants and the Deputy as soon as I have reached a decision.
Prison Accommodation.
Joe Higgins
Ceist:204 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will meet with a group (details supplied) urgently to afford it the opportunity of discussing its concerns at the selection of the site at Thornton Hall. [13810/05]
I am advised that the group referred to by the Deputy declined the offer of an early meeting with the director general of the Irish Prison Service after the decision to relocate Mountjoy Prison to the site at Thornton Hall was announced. Officials from the Irish Prison Service did, however, meet with a group of representatives from the local school. All the relevant information about the Government decision has since been put in the public domain and has been made available to the group.
I understand that a person associated with a local residents' association has secured leave from the High Court for judicial review of the decision to select the site. In the light of this legal action, it would be inappropriate for me or the Irish Prison Service to have a meeting with the group at this point.
Asylum Applications.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:205 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for permission to remain here on the basis of parentage of an Irish born child will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [13811/05]
An application was submitted on 31 March 2005, which is the closing date for applications, and received in my Department on 1 April 2005 seeking permission to remain in the State on the basis of her parentage of an Irish born child under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005.
Applications are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible and, in so far as is possible, in order of receipt. Given the number of applications being processed and the fact that this application was one of the last received, processing of the application from the person concerned will be completed in due course.
Deportation Orders.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:206 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take in the event of a person deported by his Department being intimidated, violated or threatened on their return to their homeland; if he has contingency plans in such an event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13812/05]
The Minister must consider 11 factors under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, together with section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, prohibition of refoulement, when considering whether to deport a person.
The safety of returning a person, or refoulement as it is referred to, is fully considered in every case when deciding whether to make a deportation order. This means that a person shall not be expelled from the State or returned in any manner whatsoever to a State where, in my opinion, the life or freedom of that person would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. The legislation requires that this consideration is given before the deportation decision is made and not after the person has returned. My Department uses extensive country of origin information drawn from different independent sources, including UNHCR, in evaluating the safety of making returns to third countries. I am satisfied that the procedures operated ensure as far as possible that persons are not returned in dangerous circumstances.
Citizenship Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:207 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legal basis for his decision to refuse naturalisation to non-nationals other than refugees, programme refugees or stateless persons who have lived and worked here for several years if they at any time availed of such social welfare payments as unemployment assistance, rent support or the one parent family allowance; if his attention has been drawn to the consequences of such discrimination against persons who have had to avail of perfectly legitimate payments to which they are entitled under national and international law; if he will reconsider his policies in this regard with a view to enabling those who have worked here for a specified period to become eligible for naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13813/05]
The first main point that must be made is that the acquisition of Irish citizenship through the naturalisation process is a privilege — not a right. The discretionary nature of the naturalisation process is in keeping with international practice. Thus it is not the case that a person who has been resident here or in employment here has after a period of time — or even an extended period of time — a right to naturalisation. In fact it has been the case since 1935 that all decisions on naturalisation, even where all of the statutory conditions for naturalisation have been fulfilled, are expressed to be at the "absolute discretion" of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
I set out details of my general policy relating to applicants for naturalisation who avail of long-term State financial support in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 130 on 14 April 2005. I have no plans to review this policy at the present time.
Deportation Orders.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:208 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, notwithstanding his previous decision to deport a person (details supplied), the reason for which this person arrived here in the first place is still sufficiently compelling to defer for an indefinite period their deportation if it transpires that they cannot continue to obtain current treatment in respect of their illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13814/05]
I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Questions Nos. 164 on Thursday, 3 February 2005, and 265 on Wednesday, 9 March 2005. The person concerned is awaiting deportation following a comprehensive examination of his asylum claim and of his application to remain temporarily in the State. Late representations made regarding his medical condition were considered and were not deemed to constitute grounds for revoking the deportation order and granting leave to remain in the State instead. The decision to deport therefore remains unchanged.
Wildlife Acts.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:209 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 321 of 20 April 2005, the number of firearm certificates or licences that were endorsed in the terms specified in section 2(d) of the Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2000 in each of the years between 2000 and 2004; the number of forearm certificates, and the gun categories involved, that were issued in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13815/05]
With regard to the Deputy's reference to the endorsement of firearm certificates under section 2(d) of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2000, there is no such provision. However, there is a provision under section 29 of the Wildlife Act 1976 which permits the hunting and killing of exempted wild mammals and birds. The Garda authorities inform me that these figures are not readily available.
However, the figures for the total number of firearm certificates granted in each of the years between 2000 and 2004 are set out in the table.
|
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
|
Category |
|||||
|
Rifles and Air Rifles |
39,850 |
40,281 |
41,650 |
43,246 |
45,225 |
|
Shotguns |
167,202 |
166,231 |
167,157 |
168,640 |
168,177 |
|
Crossbows |
60 |
64 |
68 |
68 |
74 |
|
Pistols and Revolvers |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
120 |
|
Total |
207,112 |
206,576 |
208,875 |
211,954 |
213,596 |
Asylum Applications.
Jack Wall
Ceist:210 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to correspondence (details supplied) from his Department of 31 March 2005, the position regarding the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13816/05]
The person in question, along with his wife, arrived in the State on 24 December 1997 and made applications for asylum. The wife gave birth the following month, January 1998. They subsequently withdrew their asylum applications and applied for, and were granted, permission to reside in the State on the basis of parentage of the Irish born child. The person in question was recently requested to furnish documentation to assist with the consideration of the circumstances particular to his application for further permission to remain in the State. The matter is at present under consideration and it is expected that a decision will be made shortly.
Decentralisation Programme.
Michael Lowry
Ceist:211 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date with decentralisation of the Garda vetting unit to Thurles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13817/05]
Unlike the Government's decentralisation programme, three areas from within Garda headquarters are scheduled to move. These areas comprise 203 staff, including 89 members of the Garda Síochána, from the Garda criminal records office, GCRO; the Garda central vetting unit, GCVU; and the information technology and fixed charge processing system, FCPS. The Office of Public Works has identified a suitable site in Thurles to accommodate all 203 staff and work is continuing in regard to its acquisition. In the meantime, it has been agreed that the Garda criminal records office and Garda central vetting unit will move to Thurles in the coming months. A temporary premises has been identified and the leasing of same should be finalised shortly to accommodate the 40 staff involved.
Departmental Programmes.
Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:212 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a staffing grant and a capital grant for a group (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13818/05]
I understand that applications for staffing and capital grant assistance under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000-2006, were submitted by the group to my Department in October 2004 and January 2005 respectively. The EOCP is a seven year development programme which aims to increase the availability and quality of child care to support parents in employment, education and training. These applications have been forwarded to Area Development Management Limited, which is engaged by my Department to carry out detailed assessments on all EOCP grant applications on my behalf.
The level of demand for capital grant assistance was such that I considered it important to increase the capital provision for the present programme. Following discussions with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, an additional capital provision of €90 million was made available over theperiod 2005-09, in the context of the 2005 budget.
Of this amount, €50 million is being made available under the present programme and the remaining €40 million will flow under the next phase of the post-2006 EOCP. This augments the increased EU funding of some €12 million made available last year in recognition of the progress of the programme. This brings the total funding available for the programme to €499.3 million and now includes an increased provision for capital developments for which €205 million has been set aside. Since budget 2005, I have announced a record allocation totalling almost €68 million in capital funding to community based not-for-profit groups, in two tranches, one in December 2004 and another on 4 March 2005.
The availability of the additional capital funding will enable me to make capital grant assistance available to groups which can show that they address significant child care service gaps and where the project proposal represents good value for money when considered in relation to the current guidelines on building costs. I hope to make further significant capital commitments during the remainder of 2005 and thereafter.
The ongoing assessment of the applications in the pipeline will be concluded as speedily as possible to facilitate the development of additional child care facilities and places at the earliest opportunity. When the assessment on the projects in question is completed, the applications will then be considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, before I make a final decision. In the interim, it would be premature of me to comment further on these applications for funding.
Citizenship Applications.
M. J. Nolan
Ceist:213 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the passport of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be returned. [13850/05]
An application was received in my Department on 30 March 2005 from the person concerned seeking permission to remain in the State on the basis of her parentage of an Irish born child under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005.
The passport from the person concerned was submitted with her application and will be returned to her by registered post shortly. Applications are being dealt with as expeditiously as possible and, in so far as is possible, in order of receipt. Given the number of applications being processed, it is expected that the processing of the applications from the person concerned will be completed within the next few weeks.
Refugee Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:214 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the form of identification acceptable in the case of asylum seekers or refugees who may qualify for residency status here on the basis of parentage of Irish born children but do not possess passports or other identification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13863/05]
It is a fundamental requirement for consideration of applications under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005, that applicants submit a valid passport or national identity document as proof of their identity. This requirement cannot be waived.
I am aware that some applicants are experiencing difficulties in obtaining these documents. Where appropriate, applicants are being facilitated with temporary travel documents to enable them to obtain the necessary identity document from their embassies or consulates abroad.
Asylum Support Services.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:215 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allow a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 remain at her present address; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13864/05]
The lady in question wastransferred temporarily to accommodation at Portobello Harbour due to an outbreak ofchickenpox at Balseskin reception centre. The arrangement was for four weeks which is the usual quarantine period for an outbreak of that disease. She has since returned to the Balseskin centre where she can avail of a wide range of health services on site, including ante-natal care services. She was advised prior to the transfer that the arrangement was strictly temporary and in the interest of her own and her unborn child's health.
Garda Investigations.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:216 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to reports of a 48-hour delay in Garda response to a vicious homophobic attack in Dublin 8; the steps he has taken about this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13892/05]
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that, at 8.10 a.m. on Sunday, 17 April 2005, the gardaí at Kevin Street Garda station were made aware that a male person lay injured in a specific area within Dublin 8. Gardaí attended the scene immediately and it was preserved. The scene was technically examined at 9.30 a.m. on the same date. The Garda authorities have further informed me that an investigation immediately commenced to ascertain how the injured party, who remains in a serious condition in hospital, sustained his injuries, and this investigation is continuing.
The Deputy will be aware that it is not practice to comment upon ongoing Garda investigations, which are operational matters for the Garda authorities.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:217 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals she has to address the crisis in regard to class size in County Waterford primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13790/05]
The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. Significant improvements have been made in this area in recent years. The average class size at primary level is now 23.9, down from 26.6 in 1996.
The pupil-teacher ratio, which includes all the teachers in the school including resource teachers, has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.4:1 in 2003-04. Over 4,000 additional teachers have been employed in our primary schools since 1997. These additional teaching posts have been used to reduce class sizes, to tackle educational disadvantage and to provide additional resources for children with special needs.
In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio in our schools. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and to those from disadvantaged areas.
In regard to the average class size in County Waterford, the latest data available in my Department show that in the 2003-04 school year the average class size in primary schools in Waterford city was 24.7 while in Waterford county the average was 23.8.
Gerard Murphy
Ceist:218 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if the programme for Government 2002 committed the Government to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio in schools; when there will be a reduction in the ratio; and the extent of such reduction. [13791/05]
The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes. Significant improvements have been made in this area in recent years. The average class size at primary level is now 23.9, down from 26.6 in 1996-97.
Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 17.44:1 in the 2003-04 school year. In line with Government policy, my Department will continue to provide further reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio. Priority will be given to pupils with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas.
School Class Sizes.
Joan Burton
Ceist:219 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13792/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the 2003-04 school year, the last year for which details are available, there were 19 classes of over 30 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. However the average class size in the school is 28. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the current school year is a principal and 26 mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 752 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition the school has two resource posts, two learning support teacher posts and three temporary language support posts.
My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2004 was 733 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the relevant staffing schedule.
The area in which the school in question is located is experiencing phenomenal growth. My Department has a range of measures in train to address the educational needs in this rapidly developing area.
Joan Burton
Ceist:220 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children. [13793/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the 2003-04 school year, the last year for which details are available, there were 12 classes of over 30 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. However the average class size in the class is 30. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the current school year is a principal and 20 mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 573 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition, the school has two resource posts, one learning support teacher posts, two temporary language support posts and one temporary special class post.
My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2004 was 592 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the relevant staffing schedule.
The area in which the school in question is located is experiencing phenomenal growth. My Department has a range of measures in train to address the educational needs in this rapidly developing area.
Joan Burton
Ceist:221 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13794/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the 2003-04 school year, the last year for which details are available, there were 26 classes of over 30 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. However the average class size in the school is 28. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the current school year is a principal and 33 mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 945 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition, the school has three resource posts, two learning support teacher posts, three temporary language support posts and one resource post for Travellers.
My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2004 was 934 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the relevant staffing schedule.
The area in which the school in question is located is experiencing phenomenal growth. My Department has a range of measures in train to address the educational needs in this rapidly developing area.
Joan Burton
Ceist:222 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13795/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the 2003-04 school year, the last year for which details are available, there were six classes of over 30 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. However the average class size in the school is 29. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the current school year is a principal and nine mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 265 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition, the school has three additional mainstream posts due to its developing status, one temporary resource posts and three temporary language support posts.
My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2004 was 349 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the relevant staffing schedule.
The area in which the school in question is located is experiencing phenomenal growth. My Department has a range of measures in train to address the educational needs in this rapidly developing area.
Joan Burton
Ceist:223 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13796/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the 2003-04 school year, the last year for which details are available, there were two classes of over 30 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. However the average class size in the school is 28. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the current school year is a principal and five mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 162 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition the school has one resource post.
My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2004 was 167 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the relevant staffing schedule.
The area in which the school in question is located is experiencing phenomenal growth. My Department has a range of measures in train to address the educational needs in this rapidly developing area.
Joan Burton
Ceist:224 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13797/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the 2003-04 school year, the last year for which details are available, there were four classes of over 30 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. However the average class size in the school is 29. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the current school year is a principal and nine mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 251 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition the school has one additional mainstream post due to its developing status, one resource post and two temporary language support posts.
My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2004 was 291 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the relevant staffing schedule.
The area in which the school in question is located is experiencing phenomenal growth. My Department has a range of measures in train to address the educational needs in this rapidly developing area.
Joan Burton
Ceist:225 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 or more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13798/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the 2003-04 school year, the last year for which details are available, there were nine classes of over 30 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. However the average class size in the school is 27 and the pupil teacher ratio is 22. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the current school year is a principal and 27 mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 777 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition, the school has one resource post, three learning support posts and three temporary language support posts.
My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2004 was 735 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the relevant staffing schedule.
The area in which the school in question is located is experiencing phenomenal growth. My Department has a range of measures in train to address the educational needs in this rapidly developing area.
Joan Burton
Ceist:226 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 of more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13799/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the 2003-04 school year, the last year for which details are available, there were 11 classes of over 30 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. However the average size class in the school is 28. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the current school year is a principal and 27 mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 761 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition, the school has three resource posts, two learning support posts and two temporary language support posts.
My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2004 was 766 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the relevant staffing schedule.
The area in which the school in question is located is experiencing phenomenal growth. My Department has a range of measures in train to address the educational needs in this rapidly developing area.
Joan Burton
Ceist:227 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 of more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13800/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the 2003-04 school year, the last year for which details are available, there were six classes of over 30 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. However the average class size in the school is 27. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the current school year is a principal and ten mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 269 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition, the school has two resource posts, two temporary language support posts and the services of a learning support teacher based in the school.
My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2004 was 270 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the relevant staffing schedule.
The area in which the school in question is located is experiencing phenomenal growth. My Department has a range of measures in train to address the educational needs in this rapidly developing area.
Joan Burton
Ceist:228 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of classes in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 which have 30 of more children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13801/05]
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, agreed between my Department and the education partners. The system for allocating teachers to primary schools is based on ensuring an overall maximum class of 29 in each school. Where some classes in a school have class sizes of greater than 29, it is generally because a decision has been taken at local level to use the teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the 2003-04 school year, the last year for which details are available, there were five classes of over 30 pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy. However the average class size in the school is 28. In accordance with the staffing schedule, the staffing of the school for the current school year is a principal and ten mainstream class teachers based on an enrolment of 272 pupils at 30 September 2003. In addition, the school has one resource posts, three temporary language support posts, one special class post and the services of a learning support teacher based in the school.
My Department will finalise the staffing schedule for the 2005-06 school year shortly and thereafter notify school boards of management. According to data submitted to my Department by the board of management, the enrolment in the school on 30 September 2004 was 282 pupils. The staffing for the 2005-06 school year will be determined on the basis of this figure and in accordance with the relevant staffing schedule.
The area in which the school in question is located is experiencing phenomenal growth. My Department has a range of measures in train to address the educational needs in this rapidly developing area.
Computerisation Programme.
Pat Carey
Ceist:229 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the ratio of students to computers in schools here; the funding necessary to provide a computer for every four pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13802/05]
The latest statistical data available to my Department are from the ICT school census undertaken by the National Centre for Technology in Education in autumn 2002. Based on that information, there was an overall pupil to computer ratio of some 9:1. To reduce that ratio to 4:1 based on the pupil numbers in that year would have required an increase of some 110,000 computers. Assuming an illustrative cost per computer of €700, the cost of providing 110,000 computers would be in the region of €77 million. Furthermore, every €50 variation in the illustrative cost results in an overall variation of €5.5 million. However, this estimate, which is based on historical data in 2002-03, is purely indicative. The NCTE is undertaking a new ICT school census next month.
School Curriculum.
Pat Carey
Ceist:230 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding being allocated for science in schools in 2005. [13803/05]
A new science curriculum has been introduced at primary level supported by a resource grant in December 2004 of €1000 per school plus €10.00 per pupil. The total cost of the grant was €7.739 million.
Revised syllabi in junior certificate science and in leaving certificate physics, chemistry and biology have been introduced. The introduction of the revised syllabi has been supported by comprehensive inservice programmes for teachers, for example, some 62,000 training days for teachers at an estimated cost of €5.6 million was provided in 2002 and 2003 to support these programmes. An estimated €920,000 in 2004 and €980,000 in 2005 is being spent on inservice training for second level science teachers. At primary level, the estimated cost of inservice training for teachers to support the science curriculum is €376,000 in 2004 and €480,000 in 2005.
Additional equipment grants have been provided to schools, and laboratories continue to be refurbished as part of the ongoing schools building programme. In that context, €16 million was issued to schools in 2004 to support the implementation of the revised junior certificate science syllabus.
Investment in the programme of research in third level institutes is continuing apace to enhance and promote world class standards in research, innovation and development. Between this programme and the various grants to the research councils, and other sources, an estimated €101.5 million will be invested in third level institutions in this area in 2005. This builds on investment over the period 2002-04 of €213.7 million in this area.
I have recently announced a provision of €750,000 towards the cost of the BA festival of science which is being hosted by Trinity College this year.
Post-Leaving Certificate Courses.
Pat Carey
Ceist:231 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the demand for PLC courses in 2004; the extent to which demand exceeded the cap on places on the courses; the additional funding required to meet such demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13804/05]
VECs and schools sought approval for approximately 39,000 post-leaving certificate places in the 2004-05 academic year. My Department approved 28,588 places. The extent to which places sought exceeded the number approved is 10,412. Based on a pupil-teacher ratio of 16:1, it is estimated that an additional 651 extra teachers would be required at an annual cost of €35.791 million.
In addition, it is estimated that annual non-pay grants to VECs in respect of 10,412 PLC students would amount to €2.790 million. Full maintenance and part maintenance grants under the relevant student support scheme would also be payable to some students, depending on circumstances. Not including the cost of student support which might arise, it is estimated that the additional funding required to meet such level of demand would be €38.581 million.
School Transport.
Pat Carey
Ceist:232 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school buses fully equipped with seat belts in all seats; the likely cost of providing seat belts in all passenger seats in school buses without them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13805/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available.
There are currently in the region of 3,000 vehicles in use each day providing school transport services on behalf of my Department under the school transport scheme. About 20% of the fleet is made up of Bus Éireann school buses and the remaining 80% is owned by private operators on contract to Bus Éireann. My Department has already requested Bus Éireann to conduct a survey to establish the number of vehicles equipped with seat belts.
A discussion document on safer school buses published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2002 stated, inter alia: it would not be feasible to fit seat belts with the existing seating configuration in most of the vehicles in use. A schoolbus must meet certain engineering requirements if it is to be safely fitted with seat belts. The structure of the bus itself must be sufficiently robust to withstand the potential loading imposed by occupied seatbelts in the event of an accident. The seats will also impose additional stresses on the bus, particularly on the floor structure. Many of the existing vehicles in the schoolbus fleet, particularly the older ones would not meet the engineering requirements for structural and seat strength without significant retro-fitting. The age of part of the fleet is such that the modifications would not be economically viable. Estimates put the cost of engineering modifications at about €19,000 per vehicle, with the retro-fitting of belts costing much the same again.
School Staffing.
Pat Carey
Ceist:233 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of concessionary teaching posts in schools; and the funding allocated for them in 2005. [13806/05]
Teacher allocations for second level schools are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules relating to recognised pupil enrolment. Each school management authority is required to organise its curriculum, teaching timetable and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation. The rules for allocating teaching posts provide that where a school management authority is unable to meet essential curricular commitments, my Department will consider applications for additional short term support. About 684 whole time equivalent teacher posts have been allocated to schools to meet their short-term curricular needs for the 2004-05 school year.
Third Level Education.
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:234 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of the numbers of students studying full-time courses and the number studying part-time courses in the universities and institutes of technology in 1997, 2002 and 2004. [13807/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table. It should be noted that completed data are not yet available to my Department for the current academic year and accordingly data for 2003-04 has been provided.
|
1997/1998 |
2002/2003 |
2003/2004 |
||||
|
Institutions |
Full-time enrolments |
Part-time enrolments |
Full-time enrolments |
Part-time enrolments |
Full-time enrolments |
Part-time enrolments |
|
Higher Education Authority (University Sector) |
61,308 |
9,365 |
74,922 |
14,036 |
77,491 |
13,420 |
|
University College Cork — National University of Ireland, Cork |
10,207 |
930 |
12,492 |
1,273 |
12,993 |
1,314 |
|
University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, Dublin |
14,400 |
2,901 |
15,888 |
4,271 |
16,313 |
4,295 |
|
National University of Ireland, Galway |
7,539 |
446 |
11,020 |
1,686 |
11,368 |
1,620 |
|
Trinity College, Dublin |
10,159 |
2,004 |
11,628 |
2,798 |
11,722 |
2,587 |
|
National University of Ireland, Maynooth |
3,758 |
820 |
4,707 |
574 |
4,956 |
436 |
|
Dublin City University |
5,110 |
1,188 |
6,205 |
1,445 |
6,591 |
1,302 |
|
University of Limerick |
6,963 |
828 |
8,142 |
1,576 |
8,494 |
1,512 |
|
St. Patrick’s Teacher Training College, Drumcondra |
1,072 |
121 |
2,033 |
171 |
2,012 |
185 |
|
Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick |
1,354 |
116 |
1,983 |
198 |
2,187 |
143 |
|
National College of Art & Design |
746 |
11 |
824 |
44 |
855 |
26 |
|
Institutes of Technology / Other Technological Colleges |
41,909 |
13,157 |
51,507 |
17,404 |
53,586 |
17,321 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
9,807 |
5,891 |
10,240 |
5,634 |
10,307 |
5,793 |
|
Athlone Institute of Technology |
2,795 |
435 |
3,466 |
365 |
3,517 |
388 |
|
Institute of Technology, Carlow |
2,450 |
575 |
2,476 |
534 |
2,510 |
513 |
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
4,675 |
2,401 |
6,068 |
3,187 |
6,108 |
3,509 |
|
Dundalk Institute of Technology |
2,362 |
194 |
2,624 |
395 |
3,111 |
719 |
|
Galway — Mayo Institute of Technology |
3,644 |
333 |
4,563 |
1,090 |
4,983 |
1,108 |
|
Letterkenny Institute of Technology |
1,530 |
239 |
1,927 |
274 |
2,041 |
124 |
|
Limerick Institute of Technology |
2,625 |
803 |
3,602 |
904 |
3,639 |
794 |
|
Institute of Technology, Sligo |
2,550 |
312 |
3,441 |
400 |
3,340 |
454 |
|
Institute of Technology, Tallaght |
1,646 |
1,528 |
2,297 |
1,371 |
2,507 |
738 |
|
Institute of Technology, Tralee |
2,286 |
160 |
2,422 |
197 |
2,485 |
205 |
|
Waterford Institute of Technology * |
4,744 |
224 |
5,711 |
2,430 |
6,062 |
2,430 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology |
462 |
41 |
1,255 |
53 |
1,355 |
55 |
|
Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown† |
0 |
0 |
856 |
297 |
1,027 |
353 |
|
Tipperary Institute† |
0 |
0 |
354 |
224 |
386 |
87 |
|
Hotel Training/Catering Coll, Killybegs |
333 |
21 |
205 |
49 |
208 |
51 |
|
Overall Total |
103,217 |
22,522 |
126,429 |
31,440 |
131,077 |
30,741 |
* No data received for the 2003-04 academic year. Data refer to the 2002-03 academic year.
† Enrolments in Blanchardstown IOT and Tipperary Institute commenced in 1999-2000 academic year.
Schools Building Projects.
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:235 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a secondary school on the east side of Galway city at the Ardaun-Merlin Park area; if a joint application has been made by Galway City VEC and Educate Together for the provision of such a secondary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13826/05]
An application has been received form City of Galway Vocational Education Committee for the recognition of a new post-primary school in the eastern suburbs of Galway. An examination of existing provision and the likely requirements for education provision in the greater Galway area is underway in the school planning section of my Department and all relevant factors will be considered in this process.
A submission from Galway Educate Together has also been received regarding the need for a new multidenominational secondary school in the Galway region.
Michael Lowry
Ceist:236 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Education and Science if correspondence regarding a school (details supplied) has been brought to her attention; if she will include the school in upcoming building works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13827/05]
The school to which the Deputy refers applied for funding under the summer works scheme, SWS, for 2005. Unfortunately, the school was unsuccessful in obtaining funding this year. The scheme for summer 2005 has been finalised and the list of successful schools has recently been published. However, it is open to the school authorities in question to apply under the summer works scheme for 2006, details of which I will announce over the coming months.
State Examinations.
Tony Gregory
Ceist:237 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received any request from history teachers to make more time available for the leaving certificate examination in history from two and a half to three and a half hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13828/05]
I am not aware that my Department has received any request from history teachers of this nature. Leaving certificate history is assessed by a terminal written examination of three hours duration. A revised syllabus will be examined for the first time in June 2006. Assessment will comprise two components, a terminal written examination in June and a research study report which will be submitted in March.
The written examination will be allocated 80% of the marks and will be of two hours and 30 minutes duration. The remaining 20% of marks will be allocated to the research study. The duration of the written paper has been reduced to take account of the addition of the second component. The combination of written examination and research study will ensure a broader range of student skills are assessed and that students' final marks will not depend on one terminal event.
These changes to the assessment of leaving certificate history have been recommended by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA. Teachers are being fully informed of the approach required by the written examination and the research study through the support service which has been actively engaging with them for the last year and will continue to do so for the coming year.
Disadvantaged Status.
Mary Upton
Ceist:238 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will re-examine the need of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6W to be given disadvantaged status; and the position regarding the school’s application for additional resource teachers. [13844/05]
The Giving Children an Even Break scheme subsumes the previous process of designation of schools that serve areas of educational disadvantage and my Department's approach is now refined to ensure that individual at risk pupils are targeted. Rather than the old method of designating additional schools, under this scheme my Department provides support that is commensurate with the levels of concentration in schools of pupils with characteristics that are associated with educational disadvantage and early school leaving.
The school referred to by the Deputy is included in the urban dimension of the Giving Children an Even Break programme. It is benefiting from supplementary funding to provide additional educational supports for the children concerned. The school was not considered eligible for additional teaching staff based on the level of concentration of at risk pupils.
Third Level Education.
Mary Upton
Ceist:239 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the guidelines which are in place for third level colleges, including institutes of technology, for disciplinary procedures against students who behave inappropriately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13845/05]
In accordance with the Universities Act 1997, universities are responsible for the day-to-day management of their own affairs. Issues such as student conduct are, therefore, a matter for the governing authority and management of each individual institution.
Similarly, institutes of technology, including the Dublin Institute of Technology, are statutory bodies established under the Regional Technical Colleges Act 1992 and the Dublin Institute of Technology Act 1992. Under these Acts, the governance and day-to-day activities of the institutes are matters for the governing body and management of each institute. This includes issues in regard to student conduct.
School Enrolments.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:240 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children enrolled in primary schools at 30 September or the most suitable date for each of the past 20 years. [13890/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table. The data refer to pupils enrolled in institutions aided by the Department of Education and Science only.
|
School year |
Numbers enrolled |
|
1984/1985 |
566,289 |
|
1985/1986 |
567,064 |
|
1986/1987 |
567,567 |
|
1987/1988 |
565,487 |
|
1988/1989 |
560,116 |
|
1989/1990 |
552,182 |
|
1990/1991 |
543,744 |
|
1991/1992 |
534,269 |
|
1992/1993 |
521,531 |
|
1993/1994 |
505,883 |
|
1994/1995 |
491,256 |
|
1995/1996 |
478,692 |
|
1996/1997 |
469,628 |
|
1997/1998 |
460,845 |
|
1998/1999 |
452,533 |
|
1999/2000 |
444,310 |
|
2000/2001 |
439,560 |
|
2001/2002 |
441,065 |
|
2002/2003 |
443,720 |
|
2003/2004 |
446,029 |
Irish Language.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:241 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the opportunities or positions within the public service from which children who receive exemptions from studying Irish in either primary or second level schools will be excluded due to either intellectual impairment or nationality. [13891/05]
In so far as teaching posts are concerned, the position in regard to qualifications in Irish is different for primary and secondary level teachers. At primary level, teachers are class teachers rather than subject specialists and must be qualified to teach the range of primary school subjects to children aged four to 12 years. Accordingly, applicants must satisfy my Department that they are competent to teach the Irish language and to teach the full range of primary school curricular subjects through the medium of Irish before being granted full recognition to teach in mainstream classes in national schools.
Teachers trained outside the jurisdiction of the State, whose qualifications have been assessed and accepted by my Department but who do not possess an appropriate Irish language qualification, are granted a five year period of provisional recognition to teach in mainstream classes in primary schools. During this period, these teachers are expected to obtain their Irish language qualification in order to become fully recognised. This qualification is achieved by undergoing and passing the Irish qualifications examinations entitled "An Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge", SCG, both written and oral. Until such time as a teacher passes the SCG, they are not considered fully qualified as a teacher in a mainstream national school.
The Department also grants restricted recognition to teachers who have a recognised primary teaching qualification from another jurisdiction and certain Montessori trained teachers. Restricted recognition gives eligibility to teach in certain categories of special schools and in certain categories of classes in mainstream schools where Irish is not a curricular requirement. Teachers who hold restricted recognition are not required to take the SCG.
At post-primary level, an aspirant teacher must in general hold an approved primary degree, NQAI level 8, of a recognised third level college. To be approved, the course leading to this award must be in a subject relevant to at least one curricular subject from the post-primary curriculum and this subject must have been taken to final examination level. These provisions apply to those teaching Irish. In addition, the aspirant must have successfully completed an approved training in teaching course aimed at the age range 12 to 18 years, that is, the higher diploma in education or an equivalent qualification. Adequate competence in Irish is also required in respect of teachers required to teach through Irish.
Queries in regard to the requirements for other public sector jobs should be addressed to the specific organisation or responsible Minister. My Department has issued guidelines in regard to the granting of exemptions from the study of Irish to primary and post-primary schools. Such exemptions are not granted in the context of employment requirements. The guidelines in regard to an exemption from Irish at primary level are outlined in circular M10/94. The guidelines for post-primary level are outlined at rule 46 of the "Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools" and in circular letter M10/94. Under the terms of this circular, my Department has delegated authority to the principals of primary and second level schools to grant the exemptions provided that the pupil meets the criteria as set down.
Exemptions may be granted by school authorities for pupils whose primary education up to 11 years of age was received in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland; pupils who were previously enrolled as recognised pupils in a primary or second level school who are being re-enrolled after a period spent abroad, provided that at least three years have elapsed since the previous enrolment in the State and the pupil is at least 11 years of age on re-enrolment; certain categories of pupils with special educational needs as set out in circular M10/94; and pupils from abroad who have no understanding of English and who, when enrolled, would be required to study one language only, Irish or English.
Skateboarding Facilities.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:242 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of his proposals for the funding of skateboard initiatives; if this funding will be available to both private and public sector bodies; and the number of locations for skateboarding he hopes to develop over the next five years. [13740/05]
On 20 February 2005, I announced my intention to introduce a new initiative to provide, on a pilot basis, facilities for teenagers such as skateboard parks. My Department is developing this proposal and I will be announcing specific details as soon as possible.
Election Management System.
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:243 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if audit logs are available from the electronic voting machines used in the general election of 2002; if so, the location at which these logs can be viewed; the contents of same; if audit logs are available for the counting computers used to tally the votes from the different machines used in the general election; if so, the location at which these logs can be viewed; the contents of same; and if he has satisfied himself that the aforementioned logs are complete and accurate. [13747/05]
A number of different audit facilities are available on the electronic voting machines and the computers to aggregate and count the votes cast. The equipment was used in Meath, Dublin North and Dublin West, the pilot constituencies at the May 2002 general election. Following a review of the use of the system in 2002, a number of improvements were made in the procedures for recording and reconciling election data. The Commission on Electronic Voting confirmed in its first report, published in December 2004, that the system accurately counted the votes recorded at the pilot polls in 2002.
Responsibility for any records associated with the operation of the audit facilities lies with the Dáil returning officers for the constituencies concerned. Section 129 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides for the retention, and disposal after a period of six months from the date of the poll, of specified documents related to a Dail election. These documents include the counted ballot papers, ballot paper accounts and marked copies of the register. These provisions have been applied to electronic voting by section 46 of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001. If the Deputy provides more specific details on the information sought, I will endeavour to be of assistance.
Flood Relief.
Paul McGrath
Ceist:244 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a problem with flooding in Moate, County Westmeath, due to the need to upgrade the storm water system in that town; if an application for funding for this project has been received from Westmeath County Council; the date of receipt of this application; the estimated cost of these works; if he will immediately provide funds for this work (details supplied). [13779/05]
Following the Government's decision to adopt the recommendations of the national flood policy review group, the Office of Public Works has the lead role at national level in regard to the management of flood risk and the implementation of flood relief works. In addition, consideration may be given under my Department's water services investment programme to the inclusion, in an approved waste water scheme, of works to prevent large volumes of storm water overloading foul sewers or sewerage treatment works in urban areas.
Moate sewerage scheme is included in my Department's water services investment programme for 2004 to 2006 as a scheme to enter planning and the submission of a brief outlining the proposed works from Westmeath County Council is awaited.
Local Authority Housing.
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:245 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if disability can be used as a refusal for a shared ownership loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13836/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
The administration of the shared ownership scheme is a matter for individual local authorities. Authorities must assess each application under the scheme on its merits and must have regard, inter alia, to the ability of applicants to manage the mortgage and rental commitments arising from a shared ownership transaction. They must satisfy themselves that the financial commitment being entered into would not put undue pressure on the applicant and his or her family over the lifetime of the loan.
Accordingly, the question of disability is not pertinent in the assessment of loan approval to purchase under the shared ownership scheme. Anyone who believes he or she is being discriminated against in his or her mortgage applications because of disability should refer the matter to the Equality Authority.
Private Rented Accommodation.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:246 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans for the future roll-out of the services of the Private Residential Tenancies Board, PRTB, to sub-national level due to the large workload facing the board and the difficulties facing those outside Dublin accessing its services. [13841/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
While the offices of the Private Residential Tenancies Board are in Canal House, Canal Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, the dispute resolution function of the board is carried out, as far as possible, in the area where the tenancy that is the subject of a dispute is located. The panels of mediators and adjudicators established by the board under section 164 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 operate countrywide and mediators and adjudicators are allocated disputes based on the location of the tenancy.
Dan Boyle
Ceist:247 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will address the continuing issue of poor sanitary standards in inner city private rented accommodation by increasing resources available to local authorities which are not adequately fulfilling this responsibility. [13842/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
Responsibility for the enforcement of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993 rests with the local authorities. Between 1996 and 2004, specific resources for this work have been available to local authorities through registration fees payable by landlords to the local authority in whose functional area their rented dwellings are situated.
Since 1 September 2004, the regulations relating to registration with local authorities have been repealed and replaced with the requirement on authorities to register details of their tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board. Arrangements are in place for the transfer of registration fee moneys from the board to the local authorities in recognition of their registration fee income foregone. The transfer will be based on each authority's performance in enforcing the standards and rent books regulations as evidenced by their statistical returns, as well as the level of registrations relating to their functional areas and the need to distribute income across the four year tenancy cycle. These new arrangements will mean that authorities continue to be specifically resourced for this function and should lead to greater enforcement activity of the standards regulations on their part.
Water Supply Contamination.
M. J. Nolan
Ceist:248 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the increased expenditure which has had to be made by Carlow County Council due to the emergency caused by the contamination of the water supply to Carlow town will be reimbursed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13848/05]
I understand Carlow County Council, in consultation with the Health Service Executive, has put in place a number of short-term measures to deal with contamination of Carlow town's water supply. Operational expenditure incurred by local authorities on their existing water services is financed from their own resources, including from local government fund grants and charges payable by non-domestic consumers in accordance with water services pricing policy.
Capital improvement works to water supplies are funded under my Department's water services investment programme. In March 2005, the county council submitted proposals to my Department to increase the water supply from the Rathvilly water treatment works to Carlow town through the installation of a booster pumping station at Friarstown. This work will allow the council to reduce output from the Sion Cross treatment plant, which is currently operating beyond its design capacity, and thereby reduce contamination risks to the town's water supply.
The funding of this work has been approved as an advance element of the Carlow north regional water supply stage two, which is included in my Department's water services investment programme for 2004 to 2006 as a scheme to commence in 2005, at an estimated cost of over €6.8 million. The council is urgently carrying out this advance work.
Urban Renewal Schemes.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects the urban renewal scheme for Kilcock to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13854/05]
A strategy document prepared by Kildare County Council proposes extensive works at the Square, Kilcock. The proposed works include significant improvements to footpaths and pedestrian areas, together with soft landscaping and provision of street furniture. These works are due to be carried out in 2006 under the urban and village renewal measure of the southern and eastern regional operational programme for 2000 to 2006.
Kildare County Council has indicated that it remains its intention to undertake the above works in Kilcock in 2006.
Water Quality.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:250 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he is taking to complete a nationwide groundwater study to provide a baseline for the implementation of the nitrates directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13886/05]
Responsibility for monitoring water quality is assigned primarily to local authorities and to the Environmental Protection Agency. Local authorities have been monitoring groundwaters and surface waters in the context of the nitrates directive since 1992. The level of nitrates is also a parameter which is monitored by local authorities in the context of their monitoring of drinking water supplies.
The Environmental Protection Agency commenced its national groundwater quality monitoring programme in 1995 and is at present, in the context of the implementation of the EU water framework directive, co-ordinating a review of all water quality monitoring programmes. For this purpose, the agency is required under the European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 to prepare a monitoring programme by June 2006 which will cover all waters and will include the chemical and quantitative status of groundwaters. Comprehensive information in regard to water quality is contained in the series of reports, Water Quality in Ireland, issued by the EPA, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library.
Energy Efficient Housing.
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:251 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department plans to allocate grants for home energy efficiency for one-off houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13895/05]
Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)
My Department does not have funds at its disposal to grant assist energy efficiency improvements for one-off houses, nor is such a scheme of grants proposed. However, many effective measures to improve energy efficiency in houses can be achieved at negative or zero equivalent annual cost to the householder. Information on a broad range of energy efficiency measures may be obtained from Sustainable Energy Ireland.
Sustainable Energy Ireland operates a grants scheme with the aim of improving the quality of energy features in Irish housing. However, this scheme is principally designed to support demonstration projects and is available only for a number of housing units and not for one-off houses.
Turbary Rights.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:252 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive an early settlement top up payment and a per acre top up payment for the sale of his or her bog to the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13901/05]
In July 2004, my Department concluded an agreement with the farming pillar under Sustaining Progress which involved increased rates of compensation for the cessation of turf cutting in bogs that have been proposed as designated conservation areas. This agreement incorporates retrospective provisions benefiting landowners who participated in the original 1999 scheme for disposal of raised bogs and turbary rights to my Department.
The person referred to is one of those who participated in the 1999 scheme. The detailed application of the retrospection provisions in this case is being examined and will be communicated to the landowner as soon as possible.