Vol. 603 No. 5
10 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent contacts by his Department with representatives of the Turkish Government; if representations have been made to his Department following comments in Dáil Éireann on 18 May 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18648/05]
The remarks in question have not been the subject of any discussion with, or representations from, the Turkish authorities. I can only say, once again, that I deeply regret the remarks and the offence they caused.
11 Mr. McEntee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has held discussions with his counterparts relating to the possible lifting of the EU arms embargo on China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18620/05]
51 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the possible lifting of the arms embargo on China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18619/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 51 together.
As stated on several previous occasions, 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.
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. The Government's position was repeated in May during the course of bilateral consultations with China which were held at senior official level in Dublin.
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. Discussions on the code of conduct and the Toolbox continue at official level.
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 Union 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. These points were conveyed to Chinese Foreign Minister Li when he met the troika of EU Foreign Ministers at the EU-China ministerial meeting held in Beijing from 11-12 May 2005.
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. I have not held discussions with EU colleagues on the lifting of the embargo since questions were last put in the House on 28 April. 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.
12 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland is eligible to join the EU constitution’s new permanent structured co-operation in view of the fact that the states involved must have military capabilities which fulfil high criteria and have made binding commitments to one another in the military area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17555/05]
The EU constitution puts in place a new arrangement, known as permanent structured co-operation, to enable those member states wishing to do so to commit to being able to undertake the most demanding crisis management missions. Structured co-operation is open to all member states, on the condition that they undertake to enhance their defence capacities through the development of national contributions and subject to participation in a number of areas specified in the constitution. It does not allow for or involve any mutual defence commitment, or any binding commitment to deploy troops in any specific operation. Neither does it allow for the participants in structured cooperation to mount missions on behalf of the EU other than with the approval of the Council as a whole, acting unanimously.
Member states can indicate their decision to take part in structured co-operation once the constitution comes into force. Alternatively, member states which decide not to participate immediately can decide to do so at a later date, providing they meet the criteria outlined. Decision-making procedures in relation to structured cooperation are set out in the EU constitution. These provide that decisions will be taken by unanimity among the states participating in permanent structured co-operation. The detailed arrangements for the implementation of structured co-operation have yet to be elaborated.
As the EU constitution provides that permanent structured cooperation will operate on an opt-in basis there is accordingly no obligation for Ireland to take part. The question would not arise to be decided until after the entry into force of the EU constitution. The Government will take a decision on whether or not Ireland should participate in structured cooperation in due course, once it becomes clear as to precisely what commitments are involved.
13 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the upcoming referendum on the EU constitution in Denmark. [18580/05]
22 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Referendum Commission will be established in respect of the Twenty-eighth amendment of the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18585/05]
28 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the upcoming referendum on the EU constitution in the Netherlands. [18578/05]
31 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the referendum on the EU constitution will be held in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18598/05]
35 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent EU referendums in France and the Netherlands; the implications for the future of the EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18640/05]
39 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the date for the referendum on the EU constitution here will be announced; and ifhe will make a statement on the matter. [18582/05]
43 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had, the briefings he has given and the meetings he has held with party leaders in the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to the proposed EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16175/05]
57 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the result of the French referendum on the EU constitution, and its implications. [18638/05]
60 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps being taken to enhance public knowledge of the new EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18612/05]
93 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent referendum on the EU constitution in France. [18576/05]
152 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the implications for Ireland’s EU constitution referendum following the outcome of the referendums held in France and the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18371/05]
158 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will hold a referendum on the EU constitution before or after the next general election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18846/05]
159 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the recent rejection by France of the EU constitution has implications for Ireland’s proposals to ratify the constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18847/05]
160 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in the wake of France’s rejection of the EU constitution with a view to addressing the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18848/05]
165 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals to address the issues arising from the rejection by France of the EU constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18853/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 22, 28, 31, 35, 39, 43, 57, 60, 93, 152, 158 to 160, inclusive, and 165 together.
As regards the Government's overall reaction to the outcome of the French and Dutch referendums on the EU constitution, I refer Deputies to the response to Priority Questions Nos. 2 and 4. The question of a referendum in Denmark is for the Danish people and their Government. The referendum is scheduled for 27 September. The indications are that it is the current intention of the Danish Government to proceed.
In regard to the timing of the Irish referendum, no date has yet been set. We are continuing to make the preparations necessary to allow for ratification by the target date of November 2006. The publication last week of the Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill was an important step in this regard.
In advance of the finalisation of the Bill, the Government consulted with those parties which had indicated clear support for the EU constitution and reached a broad consensus with them. On the day of the Bill's publication, last Thursday, I briefed the Green Party and organised an official level briefing for Sinn Féin.
Under the Referendum Acts, the publication of the Bill allows for the establishment of the Referendum Commission through an order made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Government has made clear that the Referendum Commission will have the time and resources necessary to carry out its tasks, which include informing the public on the subject matter of a referendum and encouraging voter turnout.
In addition, the Government, and others, have been making strenuous efforts to publicise and explain the EU constitution. The National Forum on Europe has had a very busy schedule of meetings in recent months, including several meetings outside Dublin. Both the Government and the forum published initial explanatory material on the EU constitution last autumn. My Department has since then launched a dedicated website on the EU constitution and the Government has prepared a comprehensive White Paper which will be ready for publication shortly. We would also intend to circulate summary information material to every household.
14 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his attendance at the seventh review conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in New York; the Government’s priorities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18498/05]
49 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on such progress as has been made on the implementation of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty; his views on whether provisions in the treaty require existing nations with nuclear capacity to reduce transparently their arms; his further views on whether the treaty envisaged a complete block on nuclear capacity for energy purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18479/05]
83 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made on the review of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18635/05]
94 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his speech to the seventh review conference of the non-proliferation treaty in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18643/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 49, 83 and 94 together.
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, NPT, which is the most universal of all of the multilateral instruments in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation, came into force in 1970. The treaty has been reviewed at five-year intervals to assess progress under its three pillars of disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The seventh NPT review conference took place on 2 to 27 May 2005 at the United Nations in New York. During the general debate, I delivered a statement on behalf of Ireland, the full text of which is available on the Department's website.
In my statement, I recalled Ireland's close association with the treaty, which was negotiated following an initiative taken by the then Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Frank Aiken, in 1958. I noted that the Government's highest priority in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation is support for efforts to strengthen the treaty. In the course of my remarks, I referred to the need to address serious challenges which have subjected the global non-proliferation regime to severe strain in recent years. I also emphasised the particular importance attached by Ireland to fulfilment of the nuclear disarmament obligations set out in Article VI of the treaty and reaffirmed and developed at previous NPT review conferences. Under this Article, the states parties, including the five nuclear weapon states, China, France, the Russian Federation, the UK and US, undertook to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures leading to nuclear disarmament.
I also drew attention to a number of important questions which the conference should address. These included consideration of the implications of states parties deciding to withdraw from the treaty. I also called for the strengthening of the IAEA safeguards system. I suggested that the current safeguards agreements, under which the agency verifies that nuclear materials and facilities in non-nuclear weapons states are used for peaceful purposes, should be reinforced by the IAEA additional protocol, which requires states parties to provide additional information and access to the agency inspectors.
I underlined my belief that the continued retention of nuclear weapons, or the unsatisfactory rate of progress in their elimination, can never serve as a justification for their development by other states. I also stressed the need to respect the current moratorium on testing pending the early entry into force of the comprehensive test ban treaty, CTBT, which prohibits states parties from carrying out any nuclear explosion. I called for the negotiation, without delay, of a fissile material cut-off treaty, FMCT, which would ban the further production of fissile materials for use in nuclear weapons.
The review conference ended last Friday without agreement on substantive conclusions and recommendations on how to strengthen the non-proliferation regime. While delegations were able to address substance in both the general debate and discussions in the three main committees, some two and a half weeks out of the four weeks were taken up by difficulties in respect of the agenda and organisation of work.
The Government is particularly disappointed that it did not prove possible to make further progress on the implementation of the nuclear disarmament obligation as set out in Article VI of the treaty. What we regard as the central bargain of the treaty, that the non-nuclear weapon states would not develop such weapons in return for which the nuclear weapon states would reduce and eliminate their nuclear weapons, was further developed at the NPT review conferences in 1995 and 2000. In 1995, states parties adopted a work programme on nuclear disarmament, which included the completion of negotiations of the CTBT, the immediate commencement of negotiations on the FMCT and the pursuit by nuclear weapons states of systematic and progressive efforts to reduce nuclear weapons globally. Ireland, as a member of the New Agenda Coalition, NAC, was actively involved in the negotiation of the 2000 final document, which includes the unequivocal undertaking by the nuclear weapons states to accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals and which we believe provides a realistic blueprint for achieving nuclear disarmament. We had hoped that the most recent review conference would have enabled us to build on these earlier documents by agreeing to accelerate their implementation.
Ireland acknowledges the right of states parties to the NPT under Article IV of the treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, in conformity with the safeguards obligations of the treaty. At the same time, we have made clear on various occasions that we do not, ourselves, wish to exercise that right.
The Government is deeply disappointed at the outcome of the conference which we feel is a missed opportunity for the international community to tackle, together, some key threats to global peace and security and to agree an effective collective response. Failure of NPT review conferences to reach a substantive result is not without precedent in the 35 year history of the treaty but it is all the more worrying given the scale of the challenges which have threatened to undermine the authority and credibility of the non-proliferation regime and risk its further erosion. The challenges remain to be tackled and we must work with our partners in the EU and other groups to find a way to make progress.
The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, in addressing the current situation, has stressed the need for leadership and pointed to the forthcoming meeting of Heads of State and Government in New York in September as a crucial opportunity to show such leadership. He has called on them to break the deadlock on the most pressing challenges in the field of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament and to take concrete steps to revitalise the NPT. We believe that states parties to the NPT must respond to the Secretary General's call and seek to identify ways that the NPT regime can be further strengthened. We are firmly of the view that the NPT is now more than ever of tremendous importance to the achievement of international peace and security. As I noted in my address, our success in halting the erosion of the non-proliferation regime will be an acid test of the effectiveness of the entire multilateral system.
15 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the humanitarian situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18594/05]
The security situation in Iraq has greatly reduced the capacity of those working in the humanitarian field to provide assistance to the civilian population and has also resulted in a slowing down of reconstruction programmes in the country. Over the past months, many humanitarian agencies have been forced to leave Iraq altogether following armed attacks and kidnappings of aid workers. The House is well aware of the price paid by such dedicated and courageous humanitarians as our own Margaret Hassan, whose death in November of last year reminded us all of the risks involved in operating in an environment as dangerous as that of Iraq. Even the most dedicated and courageous, however, are finding it increasingly difficult to work in such circumstances. In early May, the International Committee of the Red Cross, which had been the only international relief agency to maintain a continuous operational presence in central, southern and northern parts of Iraq since the start of the current conflict, was compelled to suspend virtually all assistance activities in the country.
Problems of humanitarian access mean that it is difficult to get precise statistics on the extent of the suffering of the civilian population. According to UN agency and Red Cross reports, large numbers of civilians have been displaced and essential services, such as water, health care, electricity and education, have been severely disrupted in many areas because of both the actions of insurgents and the military response of the coalition forces to the insurgency. The humanitarian situation is especially worrying in and around areas such as Fallujah, Ramadi, Kirkuk, Mosul and Al-Qaim.
Since the beginning of the current conflict, the Government has committed itself to providing assistance to the Iraqi people. In 2003, assistance worth €5 million was delivered by Ireland to meet the immediate emergency humanitarian needs of some of the most vulnerable in that country. Funding was delivered through key NGO partners such as Concern, Goal and Trócaire and through UN and international agencies such as the World Food Programme, the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Red Cross family.
In October 2003, the Government pledged a further €3 million at the donors' conference on Iraq in Madrid. To date, €1.5 million of this pledge has been delivered. Some €1 million has been channelled through the international reconstruction facility for Iraq to support UNICEF's primary education programme. Some €500,000 has been delivered to the NGO AMAR for health care programmes to assist the Marsh Arab population of southern Iraq, which suffered considerably under the former regime.
The ongoing security situation in Iraq and the operational constraints on humanitarian organisations have impacted on the draw-down of pledged funding. However, the Government remains ready to commit the balance of the funding as soon as suitable humanitarian programmes, which can be delivered in this challenging environment, are identified by UN or international agencies and NGOs.
16 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedures which are in place, or that he proposes, in order to account for Irish contributions to the Chernobyl shelter fund; the way in which the amount contributed by Ireland is spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18507/05]
The Chernobyl shelter fund was established as a multi-lateral funding mechanism to assist Ukraine in transforming an existing unsafe and hastily built shelter around the nuclear reactor destroyed in the accident at Chernobyl in 1986 into a safe and environmentally stable system.
The fund is administered and managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD, under the terms of the rules of the fund approved by the board of directors of the EBRD in 1997. The fund's objective is to finance, through specific grants, the provision of works and services necessary to transform the existing shelter. This comprises the provision of technical assistance, public information, consultancy, civil works and engineering services and the acquisition and installation of equipment.
Ireland has made a significant bilateral contribution to the fund against a background of strong and continuing public support for the victims of the Chernobyl disaster and awareness and concern about the dangers of nuclear energy. At the initial pledging conference for the fund in 1997 Ireland committed a contribution of US$2.9 million over three years. A second contribution of US$2.9 million covering a further three year period was committed at a further pledging conference held in 2000. At a pledging conference held in London last month, we made a further commitment to continue funding in the amount of €2.565 million over the period 2004-06. A total of US$935 million has been pledged to the fund to date by the international community, including a significant contribution by the European Union. Ireland's contribution to the Chernobyl shelter fund appears as a charge on the Department of Foreign Affairs Vote.
Twice yearly assembly of contributors meetings are held at the EBRD to review progress on the project and to approve the relevant financial reports. These are attended at official level by Ireland and the other contributors. The most recent meeting was held on 12 May at which, inter alia, the annual financial report for the fund for 2004 was approved. Ireland is represented on the board of governors of the EBRD by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, and on the board of directors by Mr. Desmond O’Malley.
17 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the recent EU Foreign Ministers’ statement on 23 May 2005 on Uzbekistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18642/05]
At its meeting on 23 May, the External Relations Council expressed profound concern at developments in eastern Uzbekistan and deeply regretted the appalling loss of life following events in the town of Andijan on 13 May. The Council strongly condemned the reported use of force by the Uzbek security forces, which it characterised as "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate." It urged the Uzbek authorities to act with restraint to avoid further loss of life and encouraged all sides to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the situation.
The Council also expressed concern about the situation of Uzbek refugees who have crossed into Kyrgyzstan and urged both countries to respect their commitments under international conventions on internally displaced persons and refugees. The Ministers called on the Uzbek authorities to grant immediate and unimpeded access to humanitarian agencies and other relevant international organisations to the area. The Council signalled its readiness to use instruments available under the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Co-operation Agreement to assist the affected population in its immediate humanitarian needs.
The Council deeply regretted the failure of the Uzbek authorities to respond adequately to the call from the United Nations for an independent international inquiry to take place. It urged them to reconsider their position and stated that the Council would consider further steps, depending on the response.
Previously on 18 May, I expressed my deep concern at the reports of killings of unarmed civilians and called for the facts to be independently established. I also said that the root causes of the instability needed to be addressed. This will no doubt require political and economic reforms in order to improve the daily lives of all the people of Uzbekistan. This point was taken up in the Council conclusions which urged the Uzbek authorities to carry out domestic reforms essential for social and economic development and for the achievement of democracy and stability in the country. The conclusions stated that the Council would co-ordinate with the OSCE, the Russian Federation and the United States in order to effectively support reforms.
In view of reports in recent days that some refugees are being forced to return to Uzbekistan from Kyrgyzstan, I would like to reiterate the importance we attach to full compliance by both countries with international conventions on internally displaced persons and refugees. It is vital that the human rights and dignity of those who have fled as a result of the unrest in Uzbekistan be respected. In my view, a failure to independently investigate the events at Andijan cannot be without consequences for relations with the European Union. If the Uzbek authorities persist in their refusal to establish a fully independent inquiry, further measures will have to be considered at a future Council meeting.
18 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timescale for the decentralisation of Development Cooperation Ireland to Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18630/05]
59 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff members of Development Cooperation Ireland who have signalled their intention to decentralise; their roles and positions within the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18631/05]
63 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations made by aid agencies, unions and others regarding the decentralisation of Development Cooperation Ireland to Limerick; if they have been supportive of or overwhelmingly opposed to the plan; the reasons for their support or opposition; if staff in DCI support the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18646/05]
66 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the decentralisation proposals which may undermine the effectiveness of the Government overseas aid programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18629/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 59, 63 and 66 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Priority Question No. 1. As regards the grades of staff involved, I have made available with my earlier reply a table detailing applications which have been made under the central applications facility, CAF, for Development Cooperation Ireland posts in Limerick. A number of representations have been received referring to potential risks to the aid programme arising from decentralisation to Limerick. We will do everything in our power to mitigate those risks.
Decentralisation is a voluntary process. To date, a number of staff have chosen to move with Development Cooperation Ireland to Limerick. I hope that more will volunteer as we approach the decentralisation date. In addition, a number of staff of my Department have opted for decentralisation with other Departments.
The position in regard to development specialists who do not opt to transfer to Limerick is dependent on the outcome of a case before the Labour Court and central negotiations between unions and the Department of Finance. For all staff in Development Cooperation Ireland, decentralisation will mean a period of change. Major challenges will have to be faced. Senior management in Development Cooperation Ireland are making every effort to ensure that there is full and satisfactory communication and consultation with staff during this period.
19 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for the establishment of a civilian response group to act as a rapid reaction force in natural and humanitarian disasters abroad; when he will bring such proposals to Cabinet; the type of functions this group will be involved in; the way in which such a group will be funded; the identity of the ultimate authority in charge of such a group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18497/05]
In the context of examining the opportunities for better co-ordination and operational response to future disasters and humanitarian emergencies abroad, an interdepartmental audit of the assets and capacities available to Ireland is currently underway.
This audit is intended to identify gaps and shortfalls in overall international capabilities at EU and UN level where Ireland might practically make a contribution. The audit will also examine how Ireland might best fill gaps that have been identified and the costs associated with the provision of trained and available assets. Once this audit is completed, which I expect will be in the coming months, we will be in a clearer position to decide how Ireland can best contribute to overall international efforts to assist in large-scale rapid onset emergency situations.
Since the Asian tsunami disaster, the issue of responding effectively to natural and humanitarian disasters abroad has been a particular focus of European Union deliberations. The main challenge for the EU is to ensure that it is able to respond rapidly and flexibly. Whether this is through improving mechanisms that already exist to respond to these type of events — such as the mechanism for civil protection or European Security and Defence Policy, ESDP, civilian capabilities — or through creating a new rapid response structure is an issue that is currently being discussed by member states.
Ireland has consistently supported the development of the EU's civilian capabilities to respond to crisis situations, both in respect of natural disasters, such as the Asian tsunami, and in the context of conflict and post-conflict scenarios. We have committed civilian resources through both the community mechanism for civil protection and, more broadly, through the civilian capabilities commitment process under the ESDP. These resources range from police capabilities to rule of law experts to civil protection personnel.
20 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the release from detention in Khartoum of a person (details supplied); if the Government made any representations to Sudanese authorities to secure this person’s release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18508/05]
Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam is the chairperson of the Sudan Social Development Organisation, SUDO, a voluntary organisation created to promote sustainable development and human rights in Sudan. It is engaged in humanitarian activities in the Darfur region as well as in human rights education and development projects throughout Sudan. Dr. Mudawi was previously arrested on 24 January 2005 and detained until 8 March 2005, when he was released on bail. While in custody he went on hunger strike and was subsequently charged with attempting to commit suicide. This charge has not yet been formally withdrawn. In 2004, Dr. Mudawi spent seven months in police custody, having been charged, in connection with his human rights work, of committing offences against the state. Following the hearing of his trial on 7 August 2004, all charges against Dr. Mudawi were dropped and he was released.
Dr. Mudawi was detained on 8 May 2005, shortly before he was due to travel to Ireland to be presented with the inaugural front line award for human rights defenders by President McAleese. Three days later, Dr. Mudawi and his colleague Mr. Yasir Salim were charged under the Sudanese penal code with espionage against the country and entering and photographing military areas and works. The first charge carries a potential penalty of death or life imprisonment. On Friday, 13 May 2005 the front line award was accepted on Dr. Mudawi's behalf by his wife, Mrs. Sabah Mohammed Adam Ali and daughter Huda from President McAleese at a ceremony held in Dublin's City Hall. Following Dr. Mudawi's detention, the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, contacted senior officials of the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his behalf, while the Irish ambassador in Cairo and, at our request, the representatives of the EU Presidency in Khartoum also followed up this case actively. Both Seanad Éireann and the European Parliament adopted resolutions calling for the immediate release of Dr. Mudawi. The Government of Sudan's decision to release Dr. Mudawi and his colleague reflects recognition of the widespread international concern which this case had generated.
At the time of Dr. Mudawi's release on 16 May, the Government welcomed this decision by the Government of Sudan and the Minister of State wrote to the Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs in a letter which also expressed hope that this release will be followed by the speedy conclusion of the case against Dr. Mudawi and Mr. Salim once the Sudanese legal authorities have completed their investigations. He also called for the release of three other members of SUDO who are currently being detained.
One of the key priorities in the field of human rights during the 2004 Irish Presidency of the European Union was the adoption by member states of guidelines on human rights defenders. The guidelines aim to mainstream concern for human rights defenders into EU foreign policy. The cases of Dr. Mudawi and his colleagues amply illustrate the continuing need for action in this area. The Government will continue to monitor the situation in Sudan and of human rights defenders around the world.
21 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the detention of Roy Bennett MP in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18606/05]
I remain very concerned at the continuing detention and treatment of Mr. Roy Bennett, the former MDC, Movement for Democratic Change, MP for the Chimanimani constituency in the Zimbabwean parliament who was sentenced by the Zimbabwean parliament last October to 12 months imprisonment for pushing the Zimbabwean Minister for Justice during a parliamentary debate, an offence which, if heard in an ordinary civil court, would only have attracted a small fine as a maximum penalty.
Having been initially cleared by the Zimbabwean electoral court to stand in the parliamentary election on 31 March last, 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. I understand that the MDC is contesting the result in Mr. Bennett's Chimanimani constituency, in a case lodged with the Zimbabwean electoral court.
On 9 May, Mr. Bennett was transferred from Mutoko prison to Chikurubi reform prison, a high security penitentiary facility near Harare. No explanation has been provided to either Mr. Bennett's family or his lawyers as to the reasons for his transfer. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, ZLHR, has expressed concerns about the reasons for the transfer and the apparently very poor conditions in which Mr. Bennett is now being detained in Chikurubi prison. The ZLHR has also expressed concern that Mr. Bennett's health will deteriorate even further under the conditions in which he is now being detained and they have filed a case with the African Commission on Human and People's Rights for his immediate release.
Separate legal proceedings are also being taken in the Zimbabwean Supreme Court with a view to securing Mr. Bennett's release. Following a two day hearing on 26 to 27 May, the Supreme Court in Harare reserved judgment indefinitely in the case taken by Mr. Bennett's lawyers. There are no indications of any intention on the part of the Zimbabwean Government to release Mr. Bennett before the completion of his 12 month sentence next October.
The Government, through the Irish ambassador to South Africa who is also accredited to Zimbabwe, has been active in making known to the Zimbabwean authorities its serious concerns regarding the imprisonment and treatment of Mr. Bennett. These concerns will be reiterated when the ambassador pays a further visit to Zimbabwe next week. The ambassador will also draw the attention of the Zimbabwean authorities to the terms of the motion adopted unanimously by Dáil Éireann on 24 March 2005 expressing concern at the treatment afforded to Mr. Bennett and at his politically motivated sentencing. A copy of this motion has already been forwarded to the speaker of the Zimbabwean Parliament, via the embassy in South Africa. We will also continue to raise the issue at EU level and urge EU ambassadors in Harare to be active on Mr. Bennett's behalf.
23 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the current state of the Northern Irish peace process and such recent talks as have taken place with the parties in Northern Ireland and the British Government; the proposals which the Irish Government has for breaking the current impasse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18493/05]
42 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the outcome of the Westminster elections in the North makes reaching an agreement on the re-establishment of the institutions created under the Good Friday Agreement more or less likely in the short to medium term; his strategy for the months ahead in terms of engagement with the North’s political parties and the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18502/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 42 together.
As joint guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, along with the British Government, we are committed to its full implementation. In the aftermath of the local and Westminster elections, I believe it is important to advance this vital project, to resolve the crisis of trust and confidence and move beyond the current political stalemate.
The Government's priority in the coming weeks and months is to encourage and facilitate the necessary definitive closure of paramilitarism and criminality. This requirement applies to all paramilitary organisations but IRA compliance is particularly important if there is to be any prospect of restoring inclusive devolved institutions in Northern Ireland. We now need the IRA to deliver a clear and decisive response.
As I said in a recent speech at UCD, "ifthe IRA is decisively removed from the equation . . ., and if that outcome is validated and verified by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning and by the Independent Monitoring Commission, the Irish Government will expect the DUP to commit itself to inclusive power-sharing within the Assembly and the Executive and to fully work the North-South institutions of the Agreement".
The results of the elections have consolidated the leadership positions held by the DUP and Sinn Féin in the Unionist and Nationalist communities, respectively. There is a correspondingly increased responsibility on them to work to achieve the restoration of the institutions. At the same time, the SDLP, UUP and the Alliance Party continue to have considerable electoral mandates and have important roles to play. The Government is continuing with our contacts with all parties to move matters forward and, along with the Taoiseach, I met the SDLP leader, Mark Durkan, and a delegation from the party on 23 May.
We are also working in partnership with the British Government to continue to implement the Agreement, and a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference will take place towards the end of this month. The conference will have a full agenda, including in the areas of justice and security, equality, and human rights.
We remain fully committed to the full and stable operation of all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement on an inclusive basis. That is what the people voted for when they solemnly endorsed the Agreement in referendums in both parts of the island.
24 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU has held recent discussions with the United States regarding recognition of the International Criminal Court by that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18616/05]
The EU has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, and has taken a leading role internationally in promoting the court. This position has been recognised in its common positions on the International Criminal Court, the most recent of which, of June 2003, 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.
The EU has identified the achievement of further ratifications of accessions to the Rome statute as a particular priority. Further ratifications and accessions boost the credibility of the court, as well as increase the court's operational capacity to deal with alleged crimes, as states parties are obliged to assist the ICC in its investigations. To date, 99 states have ratified or acceded to the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court.
The United States of America signed the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court in December 2000. However, in May 2002, the US informed the Secretary General of the United Nations that it did not intend to become party to the statute and that accordingly, it had no obligations arising from its signature.
The objections of the US to the International Criminal Court are based on its view that, because of the independence of the prosecutor of the ICC, US citizens and in particular its military forces, could be subjected to politically motivated prosecutions. As I have stated before, while I recognise these concerns, I do not share them nor are they shared by our EU partners.
The Council of the European Union, in its conclusions of 30 September 2002, proposed to develop a broader dialogue between the European Union and the United States on all matters related to the International Criminal Court. The EU remains willing to engage in such dialogue and maintains contact with the US on the matter.
25 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) now resident in an orphanage in Indonesia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18633/05]
86 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if officials of his Department are still in contact with Indonesian authorities on behalf of a person (details supplied) resident in an orphanage in Indonesia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18634/05]
154 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to enter into discussions with the Indonesian authorities in order that the best interests of a person (details supplied) are upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18780/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 86 and 154 together.
This is a most complex and highly sensitive case. The Minister of State, Deputy Treacy, outlined the case in detail to the House in recent weeks. I stress that from the beginning the Government has been actively engaged in seeking to find a solution to this difficult case. An embassy official was sent to the orphanage immediately after we learned of Tristan's situation to check on his welfare and, since then, the Department has been actively seeking clarity on his status. Tristan's welfare and best interests have always been and remain our foremost priority.
A delegation joined the Irish ambassador in Jakarta last month with instructions from the Government to take all appropriate steps to move this case forward. The delegation consisted of the deputy legal adviser of the Department of Foreign Affairs, a member of the Adoption Board and its senior social worker. During their visit they met Indonesian Government officials and others with the aim of seeking to identify the child's needs and working towards meeting them. For their part, the Indonesian authorities undertook to contact us shortly in relation to how they propose to deal with the situation. We will, of course, keep in close contact with them and, in this regard, the ambassador has returned to Jakarta this week for further meetings.
High Court proceedings against Joseph Dowse and Lala Dowse have been instigated by the Attorney General in his role as protector of the unprotected. As the matter is before the court, it is not appropriate to comment further.
26 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has a code of conduct; if that code includes reference to tackling racist or inappropriate language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18626/05]
The staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs are subject to the terms of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. Under section 10 of the code, behaviour at work, civil servants are required to ensure that non-discriminatory language is used in all communications, both internal and external, including display material and documents in electronic form. Under section 12, relations with colleagues, civil servants must show due respect for their colleagues and their values and beliefs and must not discriminate against colleagues on the basis of their gender, race, sexual orientation, membership of the Traveller community, disability, age, marital status, family status or religious belief. Copies of the code have been circulated to all staff in the Department and arrangements made to provide copies to all new entrants.
27 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposal for an on-line database for illegal Irish emigrants living in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18649/05]
102 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for an on-line database for illegal Irish emigrants living in the United States; the reason there is such a conflict between US and Irish Government estimates concerning the actual number of illegal Irish emigrants living and working in the United States; his views on whether such a database is a workable proposal; if his attention has been drawn to opposition to the plan from Irish emigrant lobby groups in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18499/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 102 together.
There is no firm figure for the number of undocumented Irish emigrants in the United States. There are a number of estimates, including a figure of 3,000 by the US authorities for the year 2000. This seems to the Irish immigration centres to be a very low figure. More recently, a figure of 50,000 has been mentioned in some quarters but this is probably too high. In an overall statistical context, the numbers of Irish undocumented are not significant, given that the total number of undocumented is believed to be over 9 million, of whom the overwhelming majority are Hispanic.
The Taoiseach and I had a very positive discussion on immigration reform with President Bush on St. Patrick's Day. Following this, I asked my officials to look again at ways of getting a more precise sense of the size of our undocumented population, including the possibility of setting up an on-line database for this purpose. However, the widespread view was that our undocumented would be very unlikely to register on a database. I can understand this and remain open to any further suggestions which may assist.
I would again like warmly to commend the role and work of the immigration centres in the US, in particular the support, information and advice which they make available to our communities there. Funding from my Department to these organisations increased by 83% last year. I am pleased that, given the substantial increase in funding secured for emigrant services in 2005, I will be in a position to grant even more support to them this year.
On the broader front, there has been some positive progress on immigration reform. In a significant development on 12 May, Senators McCain and Kennedy, in cooperation with several of their colleagues in the House of Representatives, published a Bill which would grant undocumented people an opportunity to regularise their status. I warmly welcome this important, timely and very positive contribution to advancing the debate on this sensitive issue. Our priority in the period ahead will be to lobby strongly in support of the Kennedy and McCain Bill, and to encourage the White House to become actively involved in the immigration reform process.
29 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if progress has been made with regard to Croatian entry talks to the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18600/05]
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 cooperation 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 that 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 postponed the meeting of the bilateral intergovernmental conference to begin accession negotiations until it establishes that Croatia is cooperating fully with the tribunal.
The tribunal has identified a single remaining case which Croatia needs to resolve, that of the indicted former general Ante Gotovina, who remains 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 of 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 the foreign minister of Croatia, in Luxembourg on 26 April. On the basis of developments, the forthcoming European Council on 16-17 June will consider whether sufficient progress has been made for a decision to open the accession negotiations with Croatia. I look forward to a detailed preparatory discussion at the General Affairs Council on 13 June.
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 very significant progress in its cooperation with the tribunal, and I hope that the last remaining issue can be resolved as quickly as possible. I believe it is important that the Council remains ready to take a positive decision on the opening of accession negotiations with Croatia, at the earliest opportunity.
30 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made by Turkey towards the achievement of the Copenhagen criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18597/05]
Turkey has been a candidate for membership of the European Union 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 16-17 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 pace of the negotiations will depend in large part on progress in the implementation of Turkey's wide-ranging reform programme.
Turkey has made very significant progress in recent years in legislating for reform. Important human rights reforms have been introduced, including legislation to protect freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, and the rights of women. In taking the decision to open accession negotiations, the December European Council emphasised the importance of sustaining the reform process and it underlined the need for early progress on six specific items of legislation identified by the Commission. I welcome the entry into force of five of these legislative reforms, on schedule, by 1 April 2005. The sixth, the comprehensive reform of the Turkish penal code, was approved by the Turkish Parliament on 27 May.
The December European Council expressed confidence that Turkey will continue to address areas in which reforms are needed. These include points of continuing concern which have been clearly identified by the Commission, including freedom of religion, freedom of expression, women's rights, and the zero tolerance policy in the fight against torture. The Commission will continue to monitor the reform process closely. It is essential that it is seen to be irreversible and that reform legislation is fully implemented throughout the country and at all levels of the administration. 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. The Council will also consider proposals from the Commission for a detailed framework for the accession negotiations.
Turkey is also committed to signing 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.
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 the successful opening of accession negotiations on 3 October.
32 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans or proposals at international level to enhance the programme to tackle AIDS in Africa with particular reference to the availability and use of the most modern medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18636/05]
166 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and location of African countries in need of aid to address AIDS and starvation; his plans through the EU or UN to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18854/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 166 together.
The HIV-AIDS pandemic is leading to a reversal of development gains in many African countries. It generally affects the most productive and economically active members of society. In societies where most people depend on agriculture as a source of income, there is a strong association between high rates of HIV infection and food insecurity. The scarcity of food increases the risk of exposure to HIV-AIDS. Infection with HIV-AIDS in turn increases the vulnerability of families to food insecurity.
Eastern and southern regions of Africa are at the epicentre of the AIDS pandemic. It is in countries such Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Lesotho that the greatest concentration of assistance is required to address the structural problems contributing to food insecurity and diseases such as HIV-AIDS. In these situations, there is need for action on two levels: responding to needs related to the current crisis, while simultaneously supporting actions that address longer-term needs.
Responding to the problem of HIV-AIDS is a key priority for the Irish development co-operation programme. Ireland was one of the first donors to develop a HIV-AIDS strategy and since 2001 the financial allocations to the fight against AIDS have increased tenfold with a budget allocation reaching almost €50 million this year. Through our work with the EU and the United Nations funds and programmes, we work at an international level to advocate for a sustained and well-resourced global response to HIV-AIDS.
Ireland is supportive of the introduction of anti-retroviral treatment programmes in developing countries in the context of national responses which encompass prevention, treatment and care in an integrated manner. In these countries we have supported the strengthening of health systems, the procurement and supply of medication and the training of health workers, all of which are necessary for the introduction of HIV treatment programmes. In addition to this, Ireland supports the implementation of the 3 X 5 Initiative of the World Health Organisation, a programme that aims to have 3 million people in developing countries accessing HIV treatment programmes by the end of 2005. Ireland is also working closely with and providing financial assistance to the William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation. This partnership provides financial and technical support to assist in the preparation of integrated HIV-AIDS treatment, care and prevention programmes.
Ireland is also supplying technical and financial support to governments, NGOs and UN agencies to help them to respond effectively to the twin challenges of HIV-AIDS and food insecurity. We are also actively supporting the development of a new European Commission programme for action to confront AIDS, TB and malaria.
Although there has been progress over the last three years in responding to the critical needs of people living in the region, there is a recognition that responding to HIV-AIDS, restoring food supplies and providing effective treatment will only happen after sustained assistance by governments and international organisations. I am determined that, in the context of a growing official aid programme, Ireland will continue to provide assistance to governments and international organisations that are effectively responding to the enormous development challenges presented by this disease.
34 Mr. Neville 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. [18603/05]
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK announced in February 2005 that it had produced and now possesses nuclear weapons and that it is to suspend its participation in the six party talks for an indefinite period. In May 2005, the DPRK further announced that it had finished extracting 8,000 fuel rods from its reactor at Yongbyon, which it reportedly shut down a month ago. The DPRK has previously claimed to have extracted the rods and reprocessed the fuel into plutonium. Claims were also reportedly made that it was taking measures to bolster its nuclear arsenal.
Given the nature of the regime in the DPRK and its strict control of information, it is difficult to verify the accuracy of such announcements. Normally, the International Atomic Energy Agency can offer reliable information on a country's nuclear programme. However, the IAEA has not been permitted to inspect the DPRK's nuclear facilities since its inspectors were expelled from the DPRK in 2002. The agency is, therefore, not in a position to ascertain the validity of the recent statements from the DPRK.
The DPRK's regional neighbours and parties involved in the six party talks, SPT, process, are continuing their efforts to encourage the DPRK to return to the stalled talks on the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. The SPT process involves the DPRK, the Republic of Korea, China, Japan, the Russian Federation and the United States. Three rounds of talks have taken place since the process was initiated in 2003. 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 cooperation with the DPRK if the present difficult situation can be resolved in a satisfactory manner.
The issue of the nuclear programme of the DPRK is kept under close and regular scrutiny within the European Union. The EU has clearly expressed its concern at the announcement on 11 February by the DPRK of its nuclear weapons activity. The EU has urged the DPRK to revoke, as soon as possible, its decision to withdraw from the six party talks and to allow the resumption of negotiations in order to find a negotiated and peaceful solution to the crisis in the Korean peninsula. The EU also reaffirmed its strong support for the six party talks process and renewed its appeal to the DPRK to comply with the terms of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The EU and Asian partners reiterated this concern at the Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers meeting which took place in Kyoto, Japan, on 6-7 May 2005.
At the seventh review conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which took place on 2-17 May 2005 in New York, the EU also called on the DPRK to respect fully its international obligations in the non-proliferation field, in accordance with its safeguards agreement with the IAEA. The EU further reaffirmed that it is firmly committed to contributing to a peaceful and negotiated solution to the DPRK's nuclear programme.
36 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position relating to the achievement of the millennium development goals by each member state of the European Union and by the Union in its entirety; the estimated date by which each member state and the EU as a whole will have achieved these goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18475/05]
Following an initiative of the then Irish EU Presidency, member states at the April 2004 meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, agreed to submit individual reports to the Commission on their efforts towards implementation of the millennium development goals, MDGs. Reports were submitted by member states in the second half of 2004 and the Commission subsequently presented the Council with a package of communications outlining proposals for a consolidated EU contribution to the MDGs. These proposals set out three focal areas for a contribution to the UN summit to review the MDGs in New York in September next: financing for development, policy coherence and Africa.
The General Affairs and External Relations Council, at its meeting on 24 May 2005, adopted a number of conclusions on the following issues. On volume of aid, a new collective EU target was agreed whereby member states which have not yet reached a level of 0.51% ODA-GNI undertake to reach that level by 2010. The new EU member states have agreed to reach a level of 0.17% ODA-GNI by 2010. In addition, member states undertake to achieve the 0.07% ODA-GNI target by 2015, while the new member states will strive to increase their ODA-GNI to 0.33% by 2015. On policy coherence, the EU recognises the importance of non-development policies for assisting developing countries in achieving the millennium development goals. The EU will make a specific effort to promote and enhance policy coherence for development in the context of the global partnership for development under millennium development goal eight and in support of partner countries' own policies and in compliance with international obligations. Focus on Africa means the EU considers the development of Africa a priority and will strengthen its efforts to support African countries to reach the millennium development goals. The EU will strengthen its cooperation with the UN and other international partners to that end. The Union agreed to increase its assistance to Africa and will provide collectively at least 50% of an agreed increase in ODA resources to the African continent.
Ireland participated actively in the discussions which led to the Council decisions. I very much welcome the outcome of the meeting. The rate of progress towards development is slower in Africa than in any of the other regions of the world. Ireland's primary aid focus has always been on Africa and this will continue to be the case. Over three quarters of all of the Government's spending on aid is directed to the world's poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
The UN September summit is not only the first major progress review of the achievement of the MDGs, but is also a unique opportunity for the world to come together and agree on a collective response to the multiple needs, threats and challenges which we all face, ranging from extreme poverty, endemic disease and climate change, to terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, genocide and civil war. As the world's largest aid donor, the EU has a major role to play in the achievement of the MDGs and in providing strong leadership towards their implementation. Following the Council's landmark decision on 24 May 2005, I believe that the Union is clearly showing its intention to provide that leadership.
The GAERC conclusions of 24 May 2005 also underlined the primary responsibility of developing countries for their development and the crucial importance of national ownership for development-supported, comprehensive and coherent national poverty reduction strategies bold enough to meet the MDGs' target by 2015.
Further details of the Council conclusions of 24 May 2005 may be seen at www.consilium.eu while the Commission communications of 12 April 2005 on speeding up progress towards the millennium development goals, financing for development and aid effectiveness, policy coherence for development, and the EU report on Millennium Development Goals 2000-2004: EU Contribution to the Review of the Millennium Development Goals at the UN 2005 High Level Event may be accessed on the website of the European Commission at www.europa.eu.int/comm/development/index_en.htm.
37 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had recent contact with the Palestinian 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. [18615/05]
The Government is in regular and ongoing contact with the Palestinian and Israeli Governments through diplomatic channels. In addition, during the seventh Euro-Mediterranean ministerial meeting in Luxembourg on 30-31 May, I had the opportunity to discuss the situation in the region with the foreign ministers of Israel and Palestine. I hope to travel to the region later this year to meet the Israeli and Palestinian authorities and to encourage further movement in advancing the peace process. At present, it is clear that neither side has done enough to fulfil its commitments under the roadmap, and that progress towards a peaceful settlement has not been as rapid as would have been hoped. Ireland, the EU and the international quartet will continue to press both sides to implement the roadmap fully.
38 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of aid to be given to Uganda for 2005 and 2006; if the Government is to alter policy in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18628/05]
40 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will be cutting its annual direct aid to Uganda to demonstrate the need for political reform in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18650/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 40 together.
Ireland has had a development programme in Uganda for a decade. The budget for the bilateral programme in 2005 is €32 million, comprising support to a poverty action fund focused on supporting key social sectors, dedicated support to related sectors like education, health, as well as for reform in the justice, law and order sector and support to a number of districts as well as to a number of projects. A further €4 million is being provided for emergency and development activities, mainly through non-governmental organisations.
Donor concerns about the pace of democratic reform in Uganda have been growing in the lead-up to presidential and parliamentary elections due to take place in 2006. These concerns focus on the slow pace of change to create space for a multi-party political system. Additionally, donors have raised concerns about the transparency of any moves to amend the constitution in order to remove the two-term presidential limit. While it is a matter for Ugandans to decide on constitutional change, I believe that the process must be fair and transparent if it is to command the confidence of the Ugandan people, as well as the international community.
In recent months discussions have intensified between donor countries, including Ireland, and the Ugandan Government across a range of governance reforms with a particular emphasis on the multi-party issue. There has been a strong engagement at official level in Kampala and on 20 May I met the ambassador of Uganda to Ireland, His Excellency, Dr. Tomasi Sisye Kiryapawo. At that meeting, I clearly outlined the concerns of the Irish Government. I indicated that, as a signal that Ireland wants to see real progress on reform, the withholding of €2 million in development assistance is being considered.
The situation is currently under review. I am continuing to maintain contact with my counterparts from other donor countries to encourage a coordinated approach. The United Kingdom withdrew €5 million sterling from its programme in Uganda earlier this year on account of similar concerns and other donor countries are also considering their position.
41 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding EU talks with Iran in relation to nuclear capability in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18604/05]
50 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the talks that are ongoing between the European Union and Iran; the basis of the European Union’s approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18490/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 50 together.
Negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme between Iran, France, Germany and the UK, supported by the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, resulted in an agreement signed in Paris in November 2004 on nuclear issues and future co-operation. Under this agreement, which was endorsed by the European Council last December, Iran, inter alia, reaffirmed that it does not and will not seek to acquire nuclear weapons and committed itself to full transparency and cooperation 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 cooperation; and nuclear issues. At the same time and in parallel the EU has engaged in formal negotiations with Iran towards a political dialogue agreement, PDA, and a trade and cooperation agreement, TCA. The suspension by Iran of those elements of concern in its nuclear programme is a necessary condition for these talks to take place.
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 discussed long-term arrangements for cooperation 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 cooperation in connection with Iran's nuclear programme. 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.
In recent weeks, such confidence was undermined when Iran issued statements that suggested that it would recommence some activities covered by voluntary suspension. France, Germany and the United Kingdom, in response, wrote to Iran and called for a ministerial level meeting, which took place on 25 May in Geneva. At a subsequent press conference, the UK's Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, commented that the two sides had a thorough discussion within the framework of the Paris agreement. He indicated that the European side would make detailed proposals to Iran by the end of July or the beginning of August, in the context of the Paris agreement remaining in force. During the meeting the European side again recognised Iran's rights under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, NPT, exercised in conformity with its obligations under the treaty, while Iran reaffirmed its commitment not to seek nuclear weapons.
I met the Iranian Foreign Minister, Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, on 2 May, at the NPT review conference in New York. The main subject discussed in this brief meeting was the Iranian nuclear programme. Dr. Kharrazi stressed the importance of nuclear power in providing for the future energy needs of his country and Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. I recalled Ireland's national position on nuclear power and reaffirmed the need for the Iranian nuclear issue to be addressed within the framework of the negotiations led by France, Germany and the United Kingdom, in strict conformity with the Paris agreement. I underlined the belief that difficulties should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation and that when a solution was found on the nuclear issue this would open the way to making progress on other issues, which could only be beneficial for both sides.
44 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his travel plans to the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18610/05]
I am continuing to engage 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 In Larger Freedom report 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.
Between now and the end of the year, I will attend also a number of EU related meetings including meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC; the informal meeting of EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs; European Council meetings scheduled for June, October and December and the UN General Assembly in September.
I will, of course, continue to meet the British Government and all the parties associated with the peace process in Northern Ireland and travel, as required, in furtherance of the Government's commitment to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. My programme of visits and meetings abroad until the end of the year is kept under constant review.
45 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will participate in EU battlegroups in view of the recent developments in this matter at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18605/05]
At last November's European Union military capabilities commitment conference, Ireland indicated that it was prepared to enter into consultations with partners with a view to potential participation in the battlegroups initiative. As reported previously to the House, I have subsequently undertaken consultations with my counterparts from Sweden, Finland and Austria on the role that battlegroups, or rapid response elements as they are also known, can play in enhancing the EU's crisis management capabilities.
An interdepartmental group, which includes representatives of my Department, the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Defence, the Defence Forces and the Attorney General's office, is currently examining the policy, legislative and operational issues arising from Ireland's possible participation in rapid response elements. The work of the group is ongoing.
I believe that this consultation process and the report of the interdepartmental group will enable the Government, in due course, to make a fully informed decision on Ireland's participation in rapid response elements.
I would highlight that the value and importance of rapid response elements for dealing with crises at the request of the United Nations has been strongly emphasised by the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan. In his recent report on UN reform entitled, In Larger Freedom, Kofi Annan particularly noted the decision by the European Union to create standby battlegroups as a very valuable contribution to the efforts of the United Nations in this area.
Participation in battlegroups would have no implications for our policy of military neutrality. Any Irish participation in an actual operation would remain a sovereign national decision, subject to the usual requirements of Government decision, Dáil approval and UN authorisation.
46 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s position on the Moroccan prisoners being held by Polisario; the number of these prisoners; if they have been visited by the International Organisation of the Red Cross; the action the Government or the European Union has taken to secure their release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18478/05]
The Polisario are still holding 408 Moroccan prisoners, 14 years after the ceasefire between the two sides in 1991. A number of the prisoners are believed to have been held already for some years prior to 1991. They are visited in detention by the International Red Cross.
Over 800 prisoners held by Polisario have been released in the last two years. The Government firmly believes that there is a compelling humanitarian case that all remaining prisoners, held by either side, be released immediately and without preconditions. This view has been strongly conveyed to the Polisario. During the Irish presidency of the EU last year, Polisario released 200 of the remaining prisoners of war. The Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Kitt, witnessed the release of the second group of 100 in June.
The Government will continue to press all parties to meet their humanitarian obligations without further delay. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan, raised this issue with Polisario's European representative at a meeting in Dublin in December 2004.
At EU level, the Presidency wrote to the foreign ministers of Morocco and Algeria and the Secretary General of Polisario in March 2005, calling on them to meet their humanitarian obligations without delay.
47 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the application by a person (details supplied) to reside here; the Government’s likely response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18481/05]
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and I share the widely held concerns about it. The person concerned was placed under a number of restrictions 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 and foreign governments. I understand the person concerned is awaiting the outcome of proceedings brought against him in December relating to breaches of the conditions under which he was released.
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 think that there is any likelihood that the Israeli Government will overturn the court's decision. The Government will continue to monitor the situation.
48 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether and if the European Union will insist that the current withdrawal of occupation in Gaza will be effected and followed by withdrawal from the West Bank and the territory adjoining east Jerusalem (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18476/05]
I welcome the fact that the withdrawal announced by the Israeli Government includes withdrawal from a number of settlements in the West Bank and I hope that this will mark the beginning of a comprehensive retreat from the occupied territories.
The Government, together with Ireland's partners in the EU, has repeatedly reaffirmed its position that the proposed Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the northern West Bank is to be welcomed so long as it takes place in conformity with the conditions endorsed by the European Council in March 2004. The Council noted five elements which are essential to make a Gaza withdrawal acceptable to the international community: it must take place in the context of the roadmap; it must be a step towards a two state solution; it must not involve a transfer of settlement activity to the West Bank; there must be an organised and negotiated handover of responsibility to the Palestinian Authority; and Israel must facilitate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza.
The roadmap remains the best framework within which to achieve a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The members of the international quartet of the European Union, Russia, the United States and the Secretary General of the United Nations are all committed to the roadmap. This commitment has been repeatedly reaffirmed in the international quartet statements, most recently on 9 May in Moscow.
At the seventh Euro-Mediterranean ministerial meeting, which I attended on 30 and 31 May, the EU Foreign Ministers and their partners in the region considered the future direction of the Middle East peace process. In our conclusions, which, for the first time in many years, were adopted by consensus, we recalled our attachment to the roadmap and underlined the central and unifying role of the quartet. We called for the rapid implementation of the roadmap and encouraged the parties to continue on the path of direct dialogue and negotiation in the fulfilment of the vision of two states, a safe and secure Israel, and a viable, sovereign, contiguous, democratic Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.
Together with our EU partners, we will continue to work for a negotiated end to the conflict leading to two states, Israel and Palestine, living at peace within secure and recognised borders. There can be no substitute for political negotiations between the parties to the conflict, leading to a lasting political settlement.
52 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the security situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18593/05]
Recent reports and incidents indicate that the security situation in Afghanistan remains volatile. On 1 June 2005, at least 20 people, including the Kabul police chief, Mohammed Akram, are believed to have been killed in a suspected suicide bomb attack on a mosque in Kandahar.
On 7 May, a suicide bombing attack on an Internet café in Kabul resulted in the deaths of two Afghan nationals and one UN worker and the injury of a number of others. The publication, on 9 May, of a report in an international publication, which has since been withdrawn, about the desecration of the Koran sparked demonstrations in Afghanistan during which an estimated 13 people were killed. On 18 May, five Afghan nationals who were working on a counter-narcotics project were killed.
The disarmament and demobilisation of irregular militia forces remains a key factor in building a secure environment in Afghanistan. The disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process, DDR, is proceeding well. Almost 50,000 militiamen have now 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 collected and secured in guarded compounds.
The training of a reformed Afghan national army and police force, key elements in building a secure Afghanistan, also continues to make progress. It is important that the international community remains focused on supporting Afghanistan in the period ahead. The forthcoming parliamentary and local elections, which will take place on 18 September 2005, will undoubtedly present a considerable security, logistical and political challenge. More than 5,000 candidates have been nominated for election. A considerable number of women have been nominated, which is to be welcomed. In a report on 18 March 2005, UN Secretary General Annan estimated that more than $128 million was required to move forward with electoral preparations. The Government is currently considering the allocation of funding towards these elections. The European Commission will deploy an EU election observation mission, EOM, for the elections. In addition to this, the EU is providing €8.5 million toward the cost of the elections in addition to a further €3 million for the institutional development of the Afghan Parliament.
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 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. Ireland, together with our partners in the European Union, will continue to sustain our support to Afghanistan in the period ahead.
53 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the response he has had to any efforts he made in relation to the 242 families who were accorded temporary residence in the United States following the eruption of the volcano in Montserrat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18482/05]
I refer the House to the replies I made on 8 March 2005 and 28 April 2005, respectively. I understand that the current position is that efforts to secure a deferral in any enforced departures among the Montserrat group continue to be made in the US Congress. Any decision on this is 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 Edward Kennedy and his colleagues.
54 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress being made in deciding the next seven year budget for the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18624/05]
Negotiations on the future financial perspectives for the enlarged Union 2007 to 2013 have now entered an intensive phase. Negotiations, with a view to preparing discussions by Heads of State or Government, are being conducted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council, supported by COREPER, with Finance Ministers contributing also through ECOFIN. The Presidency is conducting the negotiations on the basis of a "negotiating box" format which provides a framework for identifying issues on which there is broad agreement and for addressing also those remaining to be resolved.
The first version of the negotiating box was considered by Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 15 March and 26 April. A conclave of Foreign Ministers on 22 May discussed a second version of the negotiating box, issued on 19 May, which put forward possible solutions and options across expenditure headings and in relation to own resources. The Taoiseach is having discussions today in Luxembourg with the President of the European Council, Mr. Jean Claude Juncker. The next ministerial conclave, scheduled for 12 June, will consider and prepare a further revised version of the negotiating box for discussions by Heads of State or Government at the European Council on 16-17 June. Finance Ministers will also discuss the negotiations at their meeting on 7 June.
The Government's approach to the negotiations is that the future financial framework should equip the Union adequately to meet the expectations of our citizens and the challenges of the years ahead while providing value for money for the EU taxpayer. As the Deputy is aware, the Government has consistently underlined the importance of respecting the October 2002 agreement on the Common Agricultural Policy. We have pressed for a fair outcome for our regions in terms of cohesion, while reiterating Ireland's commitment to solidarity with the new member states in this regard. The Government has also expressed our concern to limit the cost of any rebates and correction mechanisms.
The Luxembourg Presidency has carried forward the negotiations in a very professional and skilful manner. However, it is not possible to predict at this stage whether agreement at the European Council on 16 and 17 June will be possible.
55 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the progress of the public consultation on the formulation of a White Paper on Official Development Aid. [18639/05]
At the end of last year, the Government announced that a White Paper will be published on the future of Ireland's official development assistance programme. This will be the first ever White Paper on the programme and it comes at a time when the resources allocated to development co-operation have reached very substantial levels.
As a first step in the preparation of the White Paper, the Department of Foreign Affairs is engaged in a wide-ranging process of public consultation. At the beginning of this year, advertisements were placed in the national press seeking written submissions on the future of the programme. The deadline for the receipt of submissions was initially set for 30 April, but extensions have been granted to those organisations and individuals which have sought them and submissions are still being received. Complementary to the written submissions, I have also undertaken a series of public meetings in different locations around the country. To date, meetings have taken place in the following locations: 13 April — Limerick, 27 April — Waterford, 3 May — Athlone, 4 May — Galway, 10 May — Cork, 17 May — Tralee, and 24 May — Dublin. I plan to hold further meetings in a number of other locations in the coming months. Details of the dates and locations of these meetings will be announced when arrangements are finalised. I have attended all the public meetings to date to listen to the views offered from the floor and to answer questions. The meetings have been well attended, bringing together experts and non-experts for informed, lively and useful discussion. At all meetings, I have found that there is a genuine appreciation that this process of public consultation is being undertaken.
Overall, the process of public consultation is proving to be very successful and I will be happy to report further to this House in the future, as the process continues.
56 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that aid to Africa goes directly to those for whom it was intended and that aid is not used as an indirect subsidy by some less than democratic administrations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18637/05]
167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that development aid to Africa is reaching those for whom it was intended; if action has been taken in order that such aid is not appropriated by administrations or regimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18855/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 167 together.
Issues at the heart of effective delivery of assistance to poor people in least developed countries include clear objectives, a well-articulated strategy for delivery and good oversight and accountability. As the Deputy will be aware, the central objectives of the Irish programme of development co-operation continue to be the reduction of poverty and the promotion of sustainable development. Meeting the basic human needs of some of the poorest people in the world and improving their access to food, water, health services, sanitation, education and employment are key goals of the bilateral development programme, of our interaction with multilateral institutions and of our engagement with and through NGOs.
The main geographical focus of the bilateral programme is sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest region in the world. Within the framework of three-year country strategy papers, CSPs, Development Co-operation Ireland provides long-term development assistance to seven programme countries, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Uganda and Zambia, as well as South Africa. In line with other donors, we operate in partnership with the Governments of these countries and agree our strategies with them to ensure that our interventions respond effectively to their development needs. We help to build up the capacity of these Governments to manage their own affairs, which in turn strengthens their sense of ownership of the whole development process. This more integrated and harmonised approach, focused on assisting poor countries to do things for themselves, is a major advance on the previous project-type engagement and has delivered positive and substantive results.
It is of critical importance, when operating in an environment of dire poverty and the corruption frequently associated with it, to have robust processes for oversight and accountability in relation to the funding provided. The Development Co-operation Ireland programme provides this through a rigorous system of evaluation, monitoring and audit. All accounts and expenditure are audited. There is a strong, comprehensive monitoring process, which acts as a quality control on the programme. The evaluation approach allows for a forensic examination of interventions to measure effectiveness and identify lessons learned.
I am satisfied that the auditing, evaluation and monitoring systems which we have in place ensure that the funding provided under our programme goes only to those for whom it is intended.
58 Mr. P. Breen 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. [18618/05]
170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is capable of bringing to an end the unsatisfactory situation in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18858/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 170 together.
The political 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. While the overall level of violence in Darfur has stabilised in recent months, the situation, as Secretary General Annan stated last week when visiting the region, remains unacceptable, with over 100,000 people having died as a direct or indirect result of the conflict and 2 million people forced to flee their homes. Sustained international pressure needs to be exerted on all the parties to honour their commitments, improve the security situation and achieve a speedy political settlement.
The African Union's observer mission, AMIS, in Darfur is playing an extremely valuable role in addressing the security situation in Darfur. It has been demonstrated that where AMIS is deployed in Darfur, a marked reduction in violence follows. There is a clear need, however, to increase further the size of the AMIS mission, if the situation on the ground is to be fully stabilised and suitable conditions created for the safe return of internally displaced persons, IDPs, and refugees. I therefore welcome the recent decision by the AU to expand its mission from 3,200 to more than 7,700 personnel. The strong support evident at the donors conference held in Addis Ababa last week at which US$300 million was pledged to assist with the planned expansion of AMIS demonstrates the international community's confidence in the African Union's efforts to try to resolve the Darfur conflict.
The External Relations Council agreed on 23 May that the EU should lend all possible support to AMIS's military, police and civilian efforts and a specific package of assistance, focusing on logistical and planning support, was outlined by High Representative Solana at the donors conference in Addis Ababa. Ireland was also represented at the Addis Ababa meeting and has pledged to provide additional financial support for the expansion of AMIS, subject to further discussion on details, as part of the overall EU package of support. I informed the UN Secretary General yesterday that we will be contributing an additional €1 million; it is intended that this further contribution will be earmarked for the humanitarian and human rights components of the AMIS mission. This will be in addition to the €500,000 for the humanitarian and human rights elements of AMIS which Ireland provided last year. An officer from the Permanent Defence Force is also serving as an EU observer with the AMIS mission, though his assignment will finish at the end of June 2005 and we are in a position to offer the services of a logistics planner at lieutenant colonel level for an expanded AMIS mission.
The African Union is also playing a key role in efforts to achieve a political resolution to the conflict in Darfur. Peace talks in Abuja, Nigeria under African Union auspices between the Government of Sudan and the two Darfur rebel groups, SLM/A and JEM, are scheduled to resume on 10 June.
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 individual s survive.
The Minister of State with responsibility for development co-operation and human rights, Deputy Conor Lenihan, visited Sudan from 3-8 April. During his visit he met a wide range of UN representatives, including the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Jan Pronk. He also met Government Ministers, NGOs, the Red Cross, community leaders and regional leaders. The Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, witnessed the important work of the aid agencies at first hand and pledged that Ireland would continue to assist in meeting immediate emergency needs and also longer term development activities when possible. 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 relevant UN Security Council resolutions, especially that relating to the International Criminal Court.
The visit by the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, 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. At the Oslo conference, the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, pledged €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 will also to begin to address the long-term development needs of the Sudan. To date this year the Government has approved funding of €2.6 million for emergency and humanitarian programmes in the Darfur region and south Sudan. These programmes are being operated by Irish and international NGOs and include nutrition, basic health care, water and sanitation, seeds and tools and assistance to internally displaced persons.
61 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the new EU agreement, recently signed, which relates to the achievement of the UN target for overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18613/05]
88 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the May 2005 agreement by EU foreign Ministers to reach the UN’s goal of giving 0.7% of GNP in aid by 2015; the Irish position regarding this goal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18645/05]
156 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason, in view of the recent commitment to achieving an aid level of 0.7% GDP by 2012, he has opposed the European Commission’s recent proposal to increase the EU’s overseas development aid to 0.7% of GDP by 2015. [13375/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 88 and 156 together.
As I reported to the Joint Committee on European Affairs on 25 May 2005, EU member states came to an agreement at the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, on 24 May 2005 on a new threshold for official development assistance, ODA, for 2010 and 2015.
The elements of the Council's agreement are as follows: member states, which have not yet reached a level of 0.51% ODA-GNI undertake to reach, within their respective budget allocation processes, that level by 2010, while those that are already above that level undertake to sustain their efforts; member states, which have joined the EU after 2002, and that have not reached a level of 0.17% ODA-GNI, will strive to increase their ODA to reach, within their respective budget allocation processes, that level by 2010, while those that are already above that level undertake to sustain their efforts; and member states undertake to achieve the 0.7% ODA-GNI target by 2015 while those which have achieved that target commit themselves to remain above that target; and member states which joined the EU after 2002 will strive to increase by 2015 their ODA-GNI to 0.33%.
The Council's decision is part of the European Union's contribution to the preparation of the United Nations summit in September 2005 on the follow-up to the 2000 millennium declaration. The September 2005 summit is not only the first major progress review of the achievement of the millennium development goals, but is also a unique opportunity for the world to come together and agree on a collective response to the multiple needs, threats and challenges which we all face, ranging from extreme poverty, endemic disease and climate change to terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction, genocide and civil war. As the world's largest aid donor, the EU has a major role to play in the achievement of the millennium development goals and in providing strong leadership towards their implementation. Following the Council's landmark decision on 24 May 2005, I believe that the Union is clearly showing its intention to provide that leadership.
Far from having opposed the European Commission's proposals to increase ODA, I fully supported the proposals on this subject which were adopted by consensus at the meeting of the Council on 24 May.
On a national level, the Government remains strongly committed to achieving the UN target of 0.7% ODA-GNI for expenditure on ODA. The issue of how best to meet the target, and in what timeframe, is under ongoing review.
62 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the 23 May 2005 meeting of the EU foreign Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18641/05]
The General Affairs and External Relations Council met in Brussels on 23-24 May. The May meeting is traditionally attended also by Ministers for Defence for an exchange of views on developments in European Security and Defence Policy. Moreover, the second day of the Council was devoted to development issues as is the practice once during each Presidency. I attended the Council, accompanied by the Minister for Defence and the Minister of State with responsibility for development co-operation and human rights.
In the general affairs part of the meeting, the Presidency presented the first draft of the annotated agenda for the June European Council. Ministers will examine this in more detail at the next meeting of the Council on 13-14 June. The main external relations item on the European Council agenda is expected to be preparation of the EU position for the September high level summit at the United Nations. In this context, I briefed my colleagues on my most recent consultations in my role as special envoy for UN reform.
Under the external relations agenda, the Council discussed a wide range of issues and adopted conclusions in relation to European Security and Defence Policy, Uzbekistan and Sudan. Foreign Ministers and Development Co-operation Ministers considered jointly the follow-up to the EU action plan on the Asian tsunami.
Development Co-operation Ministers discussed the millennium development coals including the EU contribution to the high level event in New York in September 2005; the action programme against HIV-AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria 2007-11; and the revision of the development co-operation policy statement. Conclusions were adopted on the first two of these items.
On the eve of the Council, the Presidency arranged a meeting of Foreign Ministers to discuss the future financial perspectives for the period 2007-13. We have entered an intensive phase of this very important negotiation. 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.
Before attending the Council, I, along with the Minister for Defence and the Minister of State with responsibility for development co-operation and human rights, met with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs for a detailed exchange of views on the agenda. As there did not prove to be sufficient time to consider fully the development issues at that meeting, the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, met the committee at its invitation on 25 May 2005 to debrief its members on the outcome of the GAERC.
64 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the appointment of Mr. Peter Hain as the new British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; the contents of his meeting with him in Dublin on 18 May 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18501/05]
As the Deputy will be aware, Mr. Peter Hain, MP, was appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, following the Westminster election in May. I spoke by telephone to Mr. Hain shortly after his appointment to offer my congratulations and to arrange for an early meeting.
I subsequently met Mr. Hain on 18 May in Dublin. This meeting was a valuable opportunity to consider the post-election situation in Northern Ireland, and to affirm our shared goal of securing the implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement. We are both entirely at one on the need for an early and decisive response from the IRA and, in turn, a real commitment by unionism to inclusive power-sharing arrangements.
Mr. Hain's previous political experience will undoubtedly stand him in good stead for his new post and the challenging task ahead. I greatly look forward to working closely with him in the same spirit of partnership that characterised my working relationship with his predecessor.
I would like once again to pay warm tribute to Paul Murphy for his immense contribution to the peace process during his time as Secretary of State. Both his political acumen and his unfailing courtesy were appreciated by all those who worked with him and I wish him every success in his continuing career.
Together with the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair, Mr. Hain and I will avail of all opportunities to engage with the political parties in the period ahead in an attempt to move the process decisively forward. I also hope to meet the Secretary of State within the framework of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference later this month.
65 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is planned that he will address the UN on any topic before the end of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18611/05]
I addressed the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference at the United Nations on 2 May and will address the United Nations General Assembly during the general debate in September.
67 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to recent contacts in Belfast between the British Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Jonathan Powell, and senior republicans including leading members of the Irish Republican Army; if any such meetings were held with the knowledge of his Department; if he or representatives of his Department have had similar meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18503/05]
It is not our practice to provide details on contacts between Government officials, Irish or British, and political parties in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless, I am not aware of recent contacts of the nature referred to in the Deputy's question.
My contacts with Sinn Féin since the beginning of the year included the meeting on 25 January when the Taoiseach, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and I met Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness in Government buildings. Subsequently, in the course of a programme of events in Derry, I had an informal meeting with Martin McGuinness on 4 February. Finally, together with the Taoiseach, I met Gerry Adams in Washington DC on 16 March. All of these contacts were in the public domain and the Taoiseach and I have commented on them as appropriate.
68 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Amnesty International Report 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18644/05]
The Amnesty International Report 2005 documents the human rights situation in 149 countries around the world. The report was launched last week and is currently being studied in my Department. It provides a very useful overview of the human rights situation around the globe.
The Government shares Amnesty International's concern for the effective promotion and protection of human rights globally. I have met Amnesty International since assuming my role as Minister for Foreign Affairs and my officials are in ongoing contact with Amnesty International regarding a wide range of human rights issues.
In addition Amnesty International is represented on the Department of Foreign Affairs NGO standing committee on human rights. This committee provides a formal framework for a regular exchange of views between the Department and representatives of the NGO community.
Furthermore, Ms. Irene Khan, the Secretary General of Amnesty International gave the key note address at the annual Department of Foreign Affairs NGO forum on human rights, which took place in Dublin last December. Officials in my Department are currently examining the Amnesty International Report in detail and will consider it in the context of their ongoing work in the field of human rights, both at EU level and at UN level.
69 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has brought proposals to Cabinet concerning the expansion of Ireland’s international boundaries to allow for further offshore exploration; the potential benefits for Ireland in this regard; the likelihood of the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to accept these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18504/05]
Article 77 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 provides that a coastal state exercises over its continental shelf sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting its natural resources. It exercises these rights out to a maximum distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, or further if the shelf naturally extends beyond that limit. Where the submerged prolongation of its land territory extends beyond 200 nautical miles, a state is required by Article 76 of the convention to submit information on the limits of its extended continental shelf to the commission on the limits of the continental shelf. Such a submission should be accompanied by technical and scientific data that support the claimed limits. The commission, which is composed of 21 scientific experts, considers the submission and then issues recommendations to the submitting state. The limits established on the basis of these recommendations are final and binding. These limits mark the boundary between the continental shelf of the coastal state and the international deep seabed "area", which is the common heritage of all mankind.
Ireland claims a broad continental shelf which, in the Hatton-Rockall area to the west, extends more than 500 nautical miles from shore before reaching the deep seabed. Although a continental boundary agreement here was concluded between Ireland and the UK in 1988, this cannot bind Iceland or Denmark, in respect of the Faroe Islands, which both make overlapping claims. There are similar unresolved boundary issues in the Celtic Sea involving France and Spain. The State claims a further portion of extended continental shelf between these two areas, in the region of the Porcupine Abyssal Plain, which has not been the subject of any dispute with another state.
The terms of the convention require Ireland to make its submission to the commission within ten years of entry into force of the convention with respect to the State, that is, by 21 July 2006. However, the tenth meeting of the states parties to the convention, which took place in 2000, decided to extend the ten year period to May 2009 for all states that had ratified or acceded to the convention before 13 May 1999, the date on which the commission adopted its scientific and technical guidelines. However, the commission's rules of procedure prevent consideration by it of any submission in respect of a part of the continental shelf that is the subject of a dispute except with the prior consent of all the disputing parties.
Work on the preparation of Ireland's submission began over ten years ago and extensive seismic and bathymetric surveys of the extended shelf claimed by Ireland were conducted on behalf of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in 1995 and 1996. Detailed consideration and analysis of this data followed and more recently the question of how to handle submissions for the two disputed areas of shelf has been the subject of two separate sets of consultations with the states concerned.
Following the completion of work on Ireland's submission, the Government recently authorised me and my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, to arrange for a partial submission in respect of the undisputed area of the extended continental shelf abutting the Porcupine Abyssal Plain to be made to the Commission. This partial submission was lodged with the Secretary General of the United Nations on 25 May last.
Ireland's submission will be considered at the next session of the commission, which takes place at the end of August. A sub-commission of seven members will be established for this purpose. It is hoped that the commission's recommendations will be issued next year.
The limits established on the basis of the commission's recommendations will enable the Government to designate up to an additional 39,000 km2 of seabed pursuant to the Continental Shelf Act 1968. Once designated, hydrocarbon prospecting and exploration may be licensed there.
Ireland is the fourth country to make a submission to the commission, following upon submissions made by the Russian Federation in 2001 and by Brazil and Australia in 2004.
70 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent Senate Committee hearings in the United States dealing with the abuses of Iraqi oil resources in the early days of the occupation of that country. [18485/05]
I am aware of the hearings in the United States Senate, and of allegations made concerning misuse of Iraqi oil resources both under the former Iraqi regime, and in the early months of the occupation of Iraq after March 2003.
It is not clear yet if these hearings will result in any findings, or to what extent the allegations made will be substantiated. It would clearly be a matter of serious concern if funds intended to meet the needs of the Iraqi people had been diverted for other purposes, regardless of whether this took place before or after the overthrow of the previous Iraqi regime.
71 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on any progress made following a recent complaint made to the Israeli authorities of ongoing and serious harassment of Palestinians in the Hebron area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18487/05]
I am aware of the situation to which the Deputy refers, and share her concerns about the plight of the people affected. My Department has actively raised these concerns with the Israeli authorities, and will continue to do so as the situation warrants it.
72 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government continues to make representations on behalf of detained pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Sun Kyi in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18602/05]
The Government has consistently condemned the lack of progress towards democracy in Burma and the continuing abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms in that country. Together with our EU partners, we remain acutely aware of, and gravely concerned about, the continuing house arrest of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, other opposition activists and a number of MPs elected in 1990. Aung San Suu Kyi, who will be 60 on 19 June 2005, has now been under house arrest since 30 May 2003. I am pleased to note that Aung San Sauu Kyi will be honoured by the city of Galway with the freedom of that city on the occasion of her sixtieth birthday.
On 7 May 2005, the EU Troika of Foreign Ministers met the Burmese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. U Nyan Win, in the margins of the Asia-Europe Meeting, ASEM, of Foreign Ministers in Kyoto, Japan. The Troika expressed concern about the situation in Burma and called on the Burmese authorities to enter into a constructive dialogue with the opposition National League for Democracy, NLD, other legitimate representative bodies and ethnic groups. The Troika also called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, and all political prisoners. The Troika further appealed to the Burmese authorities to establish permanent and sincere co-operation with the UN Secretary-General's special envoy on Burma, Mr. Razali Ismail, the special rapporteur on the situation on human rights in Burma, Mr. Sergio Pinheiro and with all relevant UN agencies. The Burmese Foreign Minister undertook to consider the demands expressed by the EU.
At the opening session of the ASEM Foreign Ministers meeting on 6 May, European and Asian Foreign Ministers collectively expressed to the Burmese Foreign Minister, their concern at the situation in Burma and expressed the expectation that all restrictions on the democratisation process will be lifted at the earliest possible opportunity. Ireland was represented at the meeting by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Dick Roche. The Minister urged the Burmese authorities to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners. He also expressed Ireland's grave disappointment and concern that the Burmese authorities had failed to create the conditions for political parties to participate in the national convention, now in recess.
On 14 April 2005, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights passed without a vote a resolution, introduced by the EU, and co-sponsored by Ireland, which criticised systematic violations of human rights in Burma, and called for the restoration of democracy and freedom for all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi. The resolution also called on the Burmese authorities to release unconditionally and immediately, all political prisoners, with particular emphasis on the elderly and the sick. It further called on the Burmese authorities to desist from arresting and punishing persons for their peaceful political activities.
The Government's continuing goal, and that of the EU, remains the return of democracy to Burma, an end to human rights violations there and the realisation of peace and prosperity for the long suffering people of Burma.
73 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his estimate of the loss of civilian life in Iraq; his views on the escalating loss of life and the deflection of funds from the task of reconstruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18484/05]
79 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current political and security situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18588/05]
80 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action being taken at European level to assist in the drafting of a new Constitution in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18632/05]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 73, 79 and 80 together.
Following the elections on 30 January, and lengthy negotiations between the parties, the new transitional Iraqi Government under Mr. Al-Jafaari was formed at the beginning of May. It includes representatives of all the major groups in the Assembly. It also includes six Sunni Ministers, despite the under-representation of the Sunni community in the assembly due to violence surrounding the election and a boycott of the election by Sunni parties.
The political process mapped out in Security Council Resolution 1546 calls for the assembly to agree a new constitution by October, to be put to the people in a referendum, followed by new elections for a fully sovereign assembly and government in December.
An international conference on Iraq will be held on 22 June, to focus international support for the new Iraqi Government and the reconstruction of Iraq. It will also enable Iraq to set out its priorities and plans for the work of reconstruction, for of course it is now for the Iraqi Government to take the lead role in directing these efforts. It has unfortunately been the case to date that economic and infrastructure reconstruction in Iraq has been greatly hindered by violence, including attacks on contractors.
The security situation continues to give rise to serious concern. There has been a noticeable rise in insurgent violence over the last month, seemingly aimed at denying the new Government any political momentum. The attacks are aimed mostly at Iraqi security forces and officials, but also include large bomb attacks on Shia and Kurd community targets, such as markets and mosques, intended to try and spark civil strife.
It has been estimated that some 600 Iraqis have been killed in these attacks in the last month. The Government does not have any means of its own of estimating casualty figures in Iraq, or of assessing the accuracy of the figures put forward by other parties. However the Government's view, which has been expressed clearly since the outset of the conflict, is that the use of military force should be kept to a minimum, and that every possible effort must be made to avoid civilian casualties. Attacks intentionally targeted at civilians, which unfortunately have been a very frequent occurrence in recent weeks, are completely unacceptable.
The new Government faces serious and interconnected challenges: establishing effective administration and security forces; defeating a violent insurgency; constitution-making; and rebuilding the economy and infrastructure. A crucial overarching challenge is to engage the Sunni community and leaders fully in the political process, including the drafting of the constitution, despite their low representation in the assembly.
The EU is supporting the Iraqi Government in these efforts, including, inter alia, significant support for reconstruction, training in Europe for police and criminal justice system officers, and expert support for elections. The EU has also offered Iraq expert assistance in the process of drafting the constitution. This is of course a sensitive area in any political system, and it is up to the Iraqis to decide if they wish to avail of such help.
75 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to Rockall under the international law of the sea and the related rights of exploration that ensue from the issue of jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18505/05]
The issue of Rockall has in the past been a source of legal and political controversy in both Ireland and the United Kingdom. Much of that controversy was due to fears at the time that jurisdiction over Rockall and similar rocks and skerries would be a crucial factor in establishing rights over mineral and other resources in the adjacent seabed and to fishing rights in the surrounding seas. However, during the course of the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea, which took place between 1973 and 1982, the Irish delegation played a leading role in securing agreement on a satisfactory legal regime applicable to islands. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which was adopted at Montego Bay at the conclusion of the conference on 10 December 1982, provides at Article 121, paragraph 3 that: "Rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf."
Article 121 (3) applies to Rockall. Ireland ratified the Convention on 21 June 1996. The United Kingdom acceded to the Convention on 25 July 1997. It is accordingly accepted by both states that Rockall cannot be used as a basis for delimiting their respective continental shelves or fisheries zones.
While the United Kingdom continues to claim jurisdiction over Rockall, this claim is not accepted by Ireland. Each country remains aware of the position of the other.
76 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the UN statement declaring that it has satisfied itself regarding the departure of the Syrian military from the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18491/05]
On 5 March Syria began to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, as required under Security Council Resolution 1559, and the process appeared to be complete by the end of April, in keeping with the commitment given by President Assad. On 23 May, the initial report of the UN verification mission indicated that the mission had encountered no Syrian forces still in Lebanon. There were some areas still to be visited, and some remaining questions related to the exact demarcation of the Syria-Lebanon border, but broadly the report confirmed the full withdrawal of Syrian forces. Questions remain about the possible presence of Syrian intelligence elements in Lebanon, and the extent to which Syria will still try to exert a dominating influence in Lebanese politics.
I welcome the withdrawal of Syrian forces, which is an important achievement. It removes a major impediment to the rebuilding of a fully functioning political society in Lebanon. However, it would be a mistake to assume that the most difficult problem is now solved. The divisions in Lebanese society are still very close to the surface, and the international community will have to remain focussed on Lebanon, and use great care in its efforts to support the political process there.
The next stage of that process is now underway with the parliamentary elections, the first round of which took place on 29 May.
77 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action being taken at European level to prevent human trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18623/05]
The Government is fully committed to the active promotion of full observance of universal human rights standards, and opposes, and seeks the elimination of, the practice of human trafficking. The importance of addressing trafficking in persons has been recognised by Ireland and our EU partners. Article 5 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights prohibits trafficking in human beings.
In 2004 the EU adopted a council framework decision on combating trafficking in persons. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is currently preparing legislation which will criminalise trafficking in human beings for the purpose of their sexual and labour exploitation as provided for in the framework decision.
The Council of Europe has recently concluded negotiations on a Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. This convention, which was opened for signature at the Third Summit of the Council of Europe in Warsaw on 16 May, aims to prevent and combat trafficking in people in all its forms, national or international, whether or not it is linked with organised crime.
The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, at its ministerial meeting in December 2003 in Maastricht, endorsed an action plan against trafficking in human beings, and subsequently appointed an OSCE special representative, Helga Konrad, to assist in putting this plan into practice.
Europol and the European Police College, CEPOL, organise courses on an EU-wide basis for police forces dealing with investigations into the trafficking of human beings. Gardaí working in the Garda National Immigration Bureau investigating the trafficking of human beings have attended such courses.
Ireland is also a signatory to the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime and its two accompanying protocols on prevention, suppression and punishment of trafficking in persons, especially women and children and smuggling of migrants by land, air or sea. The protocol on trafficking not only provides for measures to suppress trafficking, but also measures to protect the victims of trafficking.
Through its participation at international fora such as the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Commission on Human Rights, CHR, the Council of Europe and the OSCE, Ireland raises its concerns in cooperation with like-minded countries regarding these issues. As a member of the EU, Ireland coordinates with the other EU member states in these fora. At the recent meeting of the CHR in Geneva, Ireland made a national statement condemning the trafficking of people and welcoming the appointment in 2004 of a special rapporteur on trafficking in persons.
81 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18590/05]
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 by no later than June 2006, as scheduled under the 2002 Sun City peace accords. It now appears likely that a decision will be taken by the transitional national Government in Kinshasa to defer the elections, originally due to be held this month, until either later this year or early 2006, in order to enable necessary legislative and administrative measures to be put in place. One positive development has been the adoption of a draft constitution by the transitional national assembly on 13 May 2005. The EU has welcomed adoption of the draft constitution which will now be submitted for approval in a referendum later this year.
Substantial international support will be required for the holding of elections in the DRC which it is estimated could cost up to almost US$300 million to arrange. The EU has already committed itself to provide some €85 million in electoral assistance while Ireland, in principle, is prepared to consider making a contribution in support of the electoral process, once there is 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 nationally 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 their efforts, in conjunction with the DRC Government, to establish peace and security in the troubled eastern region. The strong and effective action which MONUC has taken 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. It is also to be hoped that renewed efforts will be made by the DRC and Rwandan governments, in close collaboration with MONUC and the FDLR. 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 their efforts, in conjunction with the DRC Government, to establish peace and security in the troubled eastern region. The strong and effective action which MONUC has taken 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. It is also to be hoped that renewed efforts will be made by the DRC and Rwandan governments, in close collaboration with MONUC and the FDLR — Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda — to build on the latter armed group's important disarmament initiative of 31 March 2005 in which it expressed regret for the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and undertook to complete a process of voluntary disarmament and repatriation to Rwanda by the end of June.
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. 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 establishment of the IPU. The EU is also in the process of deploying a second mission, EUS EC 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 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 in April 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 cooperate fully with the ongoing International Criminal Court investigation into serious human rights violations carried out in the DRC since 1 July 2002.
82 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the political and humanitarian situation in Liberia; the number of Irish nationals serving in the country at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18617/05]
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. Parliamentary and presidential elections are due to be held on 11 October 2005. This election will mark the return of Liberia to a constitutional democracy after 14 years of civil war. The registration process was completed last month, with 1.2 million people registering to vote in the 11 October poll. 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.
President McAleese, accompanied by the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, visited Liberia on 14 December 2004 and met Chairman Bryant, the former 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 2005.
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, Ireland has committed €4.85 million of this pledge.
The United Nations mission in Liberia, UNMIL, was established on 19 September 2003 by UN Security Council resolution 1509. The Irish contingent comprises a motorised infantry battalion of some 410 personnel, together with six 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. Despite recent improvements in the security situation in UN-controlled areas, the Liberian peace process remains fragile. 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. UNMIL has successfully completed its programme of disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration, DDRR, for rebel groups which 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 has made a contribution of €1 million to the disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation programme in Liberia. 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.
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 2005, 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, tackling corruption, and the judicial system to warrant an easing of sanctions at this time.
85 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he has taken to increase the Department’s capacity to account for the spending of ODA by aid agencies, in order that further insinuations that money is being misspent by aid agencies are avoided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18647/05]
The first priority of Development Co-operation Ireland is long-term sustainable development with the objective of poverty reduction through meeting basic needs and building up local capacity. At the same time, there is an emphasis that the assistance provided is both targeted and cost-effective. Projects and programmes are subject to regular review and evaluation from sectoral experts within the development co-operation directorate and by external consultants. They are also subject to review by the development assistance committee of the OECD.
There is a range of management and accounting controls in place throughout the development aid programme. The aid programme has an active evaluation and audit unit, which carries out an annual series of evaluations of various programmes and projects. Within the various schemes through which the Department funds aid agencies, provision is made for evaluation and audit. The multi-annual programme scheme, MAPS, is the most significant funding scheme in terms of the amount of funds available to aid agencies. MAPS is an arrangement established with a small number of Development Co-operation Ireland's core NGO partners, with the aim of strengthening strategic and programmatic co-operation, and providing a more flexible and predictable funding framework for the NGOs to operate.
A number of major exercises have been conducted in the past in relation to civil society and a key strategic evaluation of the MAPS scheme will be concluded before the end of the year. In addition to the management systems and requirements agreed between the aid agencies and Development Co-operation Ireland, there are a number of domestic requirements for aid agencies registered in most countries. In many cases, this includes requirements under the relevant Companies Acts, including lodging annual audits with the registrar of companies and publishing annual reports. The proposed charities legislation in Ireland should, while providing an enabling environment for charities, further strengthen the oversight of aid agencies.
87 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if recognition of the Sahara-Arab Democratic Republic as an independent state is still Government policy; his views on whether it is legal for mining or fishing rights, which were in the jurisdiction of the former Spanish Sahara, to be exploited by others; his further views on whether it is appropriate for EU assistance to be made available for such actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18477/05]
Ireland is a long-standing supporter of the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination. The Government played a prominent role in seeking a solution to the Western Sahara dispute during its term on the UN Security Council. Security Council resolution 1495 of July 2003 recommended the acceptance by all sides of the "Baker II plan". This plan was drawn up by Mr. James Baker during his term as personal envoy of the UN Secretary General. The "Baker II" plan proposes a transitional period of four to five years during which Western Sahara would be self-governing under Moroccan sovereignty. At the end of five years, a referendum would be held giving residents a choice between independence, integration with Morocco or continued autonomy.
The Government believes that these proposals represent the best way forward towards a negotiated settlement of the issue which fully respects the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people. Algeria and the Polisario front have indicated their broad acceptance of these proposals. Morocco continues to reject them. United Nations efforts to secure agreement between the parties, led by the Secretary General's special representative, continue with the strong support of the Government.
The Government's position on recognition is that there is as yet no Saharan state that meets internationally established criteria for recognition. Such a step would in any event prejudge the outcome of the UN efforts, which, as I have noted, the Government strongly supports. As regards the question of mining and fishing rights, the key issue is that Western Sahara is a non-self-governing territory. The principle that the interests of the peoples of non-self-governing territories are paramount, and that their well-being and development is the responsibility of their respective administering powers, is well established in the charter of the United Nations. It is developed further in UN General Assembly resolutions on the question of decolonisation and economic activities in such territories.
In recognising the inalienable rights of the peoples of non-self-governing territories to the natural resources in their territories, the UN General Assembly has consistently condemned the exploitation and plundering of natural resources and any economic activities which are detrimental to the interests of the peoples of these territories and deprive them of their legitimate rights over their natural resources. The UN has, however, recognised the value of economic activities which are undertaken in accordance with the wishes of the peoples of those territories, and their contribution to the development of such territories. Exploration and exploitation activities that proceed in disregard of the interests and wishes of the Saharawi people would be in violation of the international law principles applicable to natural resource activities in non-self-governing territories. It would be inappropriate for EU assistance to be given to actions in violation of international law.
89 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the logic behind, and reasons for the production of a White Paper on Development Aid, in view of the fact that a major review took place in the recent past which led to the establishment of an advisory committee; the new target date for the achievement of the 0.7% target for overseas development aid; if the proposed White Paper will formally identify such a date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18495/05]
This will be the first ever White Paper on development co-operation. The White Paper will set out coherent, effective and sustainable policy priorities for the Government's official programme of development assistance into the future that accurately reflect both public and expert opinion, as well as best practice in the field.
The Government remains committed to increasing the resources available for development co-operation, as evidenced by the three-year multi-annual commitment announced in the last budget. The aid programme is not static. It has evolved as it has expanded and that will continue into the future, guided by the White Paper.
The report of the Ireland aid review committee and the White Paper are very different. The report of the Ireland aid review committee published in 2002 was a most valuable and useful document which remains valid today. The Ireland aid review committee was an independent committee of experts which made a wide range of valuable recommendations on the future of the aid programme. Many of those recommendations have been, or are being, implemented.
The preparation of the White Paper provides an opportunity to engage in a broad public consultation regarding the future direction of the official development assistance programme. It will set out the principles which have brought us to where we are today and which will guide our efforts into the future. The official development assistance budget is public money. We want to ensure that the public are aware of how it is being spent and also that they have an opportunity to make their views known.
The Government remains strongly committed to achieving the UN target for expenditure on official development assistance. The issue of how best to meet the target and in what timeframe is under ongoing review. This is a separate question from the preparation of the White Paper, although the implications of any decision taken with regard to reaching the target will be reflected in the text.
90 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when it is envisaged that Romania and Bulgaria will join the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18609/05]
Both Romania and Bulgaria are due to accede to the Union on 1 January 2007, if they are ready. The Treaty of Accession with both countries was signed last month and since then they have become active observers at nearly all EU meetings. Bulgaria ratified the treaty on 11 May and Romania is expected to ratify within the next few weeks. In order for the treaty to come into effect, as envisaged, on 1 January 2007 it must be ratified by all EU member states by 31 December 2006.
91 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of recommendations of the task force on emigrants that have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18622/05]
The task force on policy regarding emigrants produced an excellent report which provides us with a very valuable framework for action. Its varied and wide-ranging recommendations are best implemented on a phased basis. Many of the recommendations relate to issues of continuing importance which require ongoing action from all partners, in Government and the voluntary sector, at home and abroad. Considerable progress has already been made, with action underway on over two thirds of the report's recommendations.
Overall policy is now, as recommended by the task force, the responsibility of my Department. The high priority that we attach to this issue is reflected in the establishment of the Irish abroad unit and the designation of staff to work exclusively on emigration issues. This is an important step and one which we are convinced is injecting a fresh momentum to advance progress on all of the important areas identified by the task force.
Funding for emigrant services, which comprises the Díon fund for emigrant welfare in Britain, as well as direct funding from my Department to groups in the US, Australia and Ireland, is more than eight times greater now than it was in 1997. This year, funding for emigrant services has reached €8.273 million. This is the highest amount ever allocated and represents a 63% increase on 2004 funding.
The higher level of funding for emigrant services in recent years has allowed us to increase very significantly our financial support to voluntary agencies which provide invaluable services to our vulnerable emigrants. These agencies are active in the critical areas identified by the task force of pre-departure services and, of course, advice and support for our community living abroad. They are also involved in assistance to emigrants who may be considering returning to Ireland, another important area examined by the task force.
A particular priority continues to be the need to support our most vulnerable and marginalised Irish community abroad such as our older community in Britain and undocumented Irish people in the United States. Agencies involved at the front-line in supporting them received additional funding last year. The additional funding available for this year means that financial assistance in support of services that benefit our vulnerable emigrants will increase even more in the coming months.
My Department will continue to maintain very close and regular contact with the front-line organisations that support our emigrants so as to ensure that the voluntary sector 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.
92 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Irish Permanent Mission to the United Nations will support the request of Bhutanese refugees sheltered in seven camps in south-eastern Nepal to return in safety to their home country; if the mission supports the request that the King of Bhutan accept the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as an independent monitor of verified repatriation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18509/05]
The situation of the Bhutanese refugees has its origins in the policies of the Government of Bhutan in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which resulted in the expulsion of tens of thousands of people from the south of the country to Nepal. These refugees are of Nepalese descent and Hindu, unlike the northern Bhutanese who are predominantly Buddhist. Many of the refugees were forced to sign so-called "voluntary migration certificates" when they were expelled, effectively forfeiting their rights to Bhutanese citizenship under the country's citizenship laws. They are now accommodated in seven camps in southeast Nepal administered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR.
Although Bhutan and Nepal agreed in 1993 to set up a high level committee at foreign minister level to work towards a settlement of the refugee issue, little progress has been made. The committee last met from 19-22 May 2003, in Kathmandu, and agreed a report on the status of the refugees in only one of the seven camps. Furthermore, the UNHCR decided in October 2003 to phase out assistance to the refugees camps and promote local integration of the refugees in Nepal. This was due to the Government of Bhutan's refusal to allow UNHCR access to southern Bhutan to monitor the repatriation of refugees.
Together with our EU partners, Ireland continues to urge the government of Bhutan to allow UNHCR such access. We also call upon the governments of both Bhutan and Nepal to invite the UNHCR to participate fully in monitoring a verification and appeals process for the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal.
In our national statement at the 61st session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva on 11 April 2005, Ireland specifically raised the plight of the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal, and called for "a prompt, viable solution to the problems of this group, involving voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement". Together with our EU partners, Ireland will continue to press the Government of Bhutan to accept the UNHCR as an independent monitor of verified repatriation for this refugee group.
95 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the five permanent members of the UN Security Council will block plans for reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18625/05]
The UN Secretary General has put forward a wide-ranging set of proposals for UN reform which it is hoped will be adopted at a summit level meeting to take place in New York in September. A small number of reforms will require amendment of the UN Charter. The most significant of these is the proposed expansion of the Security Council.
Article 108 of the charter states that an amendment to the charter must be adopted by a vote of two thirds of the members of the General Assembly and ratified, in accordance with their respective constitutional processes, by two thirds of the members, including by all the permanent members of the Security Council. It is therefore possible for a permanent member to prevent a change in the charter from coming into force. The permanent members of the Council are, like all 191 members of the United Nations, taking part in the preparatory process ahead of next September's crucial summit at the United Nations.
The House will be aware that, at the summit, Heads of State and Government will seek to agree on reforms that will strengthen the system of collective security, to restore momentum to the achievement of the millennium development goals, to enhance the human rights function of the United Nations, and to reform its institutions and management structures. The House will be equally aware that it is a central priority for the Government to do what it can to promote the success of the summit.
Discussions on Security Council reform are ongoing, and it would not be appropriate for me, particularly in light of my role as envoy of the Secretary General, to comment on the position of individual states. While the issue of Security Council reform is important, it should not, in the Government's view, overshadow other very important aspects of the reform agenda.
96 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the proposed Real ID Act in the United States will lead to the deportation of undocumented Irish emigrants living in the United States before they have an opportunity to achieve legal status; if he has had discussions with US authorities on the Real ID Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18500/05]
The Real ID Act was passed unanimously by the US Senate on 10 May 2005 and was signed into law by President Bush the following day. Among its provisions, the Real ID Act establishes minimum standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identity cards in order that they be eligible for use as federal identification. People applying for, or seeking renewal of, driver's licenses and official identity cards will need to prove their legal presence in the United States by showing official documentation such as proof of citizenship, a valid visa, or a pending application for asylum or protected status. Under the Act, states are required to introduce the necessary legislation over the next three years.
The Act was prompted in part by the report of the 9/11 Commission, which was set up in the US in response to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, and which recommended that standards be set for the issuance of birth certificates and sources of identification, such as driver's licenses. As the Deputy may be aware, the regulations for issuing driver's licenses vary from state to state, allowing undocumented people in some states to obtain driver's licenses, which are widely-accepted in the US as a means of identification.
The impact of the new legislation cannot be foreseen at this time but clearly it could have an impact on numbers of undocumented Irish people for whom the driving licence is their main form of identity. Furthermore, it is likely to present difficulties for undocumented people who work in sectors of the economy, such as construction or home help, where the necessity to drive and possession of a driver's license are vital.
On the broader front, there has been some positive progress on immigration reform. In a significant development on 12 May, Senators McCain and Kennedy, in co-operation with several of their colleagues in the House, published a Bill which would grant undocumented people an opportunity to regularise their status. I welcome this important, timely and very positive contribution to advancing the debate on this sensitive issue.
The Deputy can be assured that the issues of our undocumented citizens and immigration reform have the highest priority for the Government. The Taoiseach and I raised the issue of the undocumented, as well as the issue of wider immigration reform, with President Bush when we met with him on St. Patrick's Day, and also on the Hill at that time. President Bush re-affirmed 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 of the undocumented in a positive and sympathetic way. Our priority in the period ahead will be to lobby strongly in support of the Kennedy-McCain Bill and to encourage the White House to become actively involved in the immigration reform process.
97 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the report commissioned by the Government in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami; and if he will give an indication of the Irish presence in Aceh, both in terms of those persons employed by the Irish Government as well as those working for non-governmental associations. [18489/05]
Mr. Chris Flood, in his role as the Irish Government's special envoy to the tsunami affected region, has to date made one visit to Thailand, two to Sri Lanka and one to Indonesia. Mr. Flood's role is to oversee the disbursement of Ireland's assistance and to ensure it is carried out in line with best international practice.
Mr. Flood has briefed the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Ahern, and myself on his findings and has submitted two interim reports. These reports provide information about the humanitarian situation in the affected areas and the progress of the national and international response to date. The reports also include recommendations as to how the Government's response to the tsunami can be developed in line with evolving needs. Mr. Flood's recommendations have been incorporated into the Government's overall tsunami response strategy. Mr. Flood will submit a final report following his next visit to the region, which is scheduled for July.
While the Government does not have a permanent presence in Aceh, several assessment and monitoring missions have been made to the region by officials from Development Co-operation Ireland. With regard to Irish NGOs in the region, Concern has a number of Irish personnel on the ground, as have the Irish Red Cross and Hope International. Trócaire is in the process of opening a regional office in Jakarta and some of its Irish personnel will travel to Aceh province from time to time. In addition, a number of Irish missionaries are also working in the region.
98 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the discomfort he expressed at the term “battlegroup” at a recent meeting of the Forum on Europe, he has held discussions with the United Nations’ General Secretary and other high ranking officials in the UN regarding any suggested regional rapid reaction force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18483/05]
The term "battlegroups" is a widely used military one. It essentially refers to effective military units that are capable of stand-alone rapid response operations. Unfortunately, the use of the term can create a misleading impression of what the European Union is actually seeking to achieve in facilitating the establishment of stand-alone units to respond in crisis management contexts. I consider that the term, "rapid response elements", by which battlegroups are also known, reflects more accurately the role these units are intended to fulfil.
The value and importance of rapid response elements for dealing with crises at the request of the United Nations has been strongly emphasised by the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan. They could provide valuable support to the UN in crisis management and be used to respond to situations similar to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2003 where the deployment of an EU force contributed greatly to restoring stability and thereby alleviating a situation of great humanitarian distress.
The EU and the United Nations are natural partners in the field of peacekeeping and crisis management. The UN is increasingly looking to regional organisations, such as the European Union and the African Union, to take on peacekeeping missions. Such missions, while mandated or authorised by the UN Security Council, would be carried out by the regional organisations themselves. This development was highlighted by Kofi Annan during his visit to Dublin in October 2004 and has been the subject of discussion between the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the UN Secretary General.
In his recent report on UN reform entitled, In Larger Freedom, Kofi Annan particularly noted the decision by the European Union to create standby battlegroups as a very valuable contribution to the efforts of the United Nations in this area. Overall, he welcomed the development of regional rapid reaction capability and called for greater co-operation between regional organisations and the United Nations.
99 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether Ireland should join a common EU security and defence arrangement with other EU member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17532/05]
The amendment to Bunreacht na hÉireann, approved by the people in October 2002 at the initiation of the Government, precludes Ireland from participating in a common defence. It is the Government's intention that this prohibition be carried over in the context of the ratification of the European constitution.
100 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU will agree on a common approach to UN reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18627/05]
The European Union is a strong advocate of the UN Secretary General's reform agenda and has placed its weight behind efforts to secure agreement at the September summit on a positive and balanced package of measures that would restore momentum to the achievement of the millennium development goals, MDGs, and enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations.
Support for effective multi-lateralism with the United Nations at its centre is a key element of the European security strategy. The European Union and the United Nations are in close consultation on developing their cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security.
In the discussions taking place in New York on the four clusters of proposals contained in the Secretary General's, In Larger Freedom, report, the EU has voiced support for most of the key recommendations. These include, inter alia, measures to ensure the attainment of the millennium development goals, the establishment of a peacebuilding commission to assist states emerging from conflict to make the transition to peaceful development, and reform of the UN’s human rights machinery. Many of the recommendations in the Secretary General’s, In Larger Freedom, report are drawn from the report of the Secretary General’s high-level panel on threats, challenges and change, which itself reflected key elements of the EU’s contribution to the work of the panel, drafted and agreed during Ireland’s EU presidency.
The European Union, both at the United Nations in New York and in multilateral fora, has engaged in an active policy of outreach with other major regional groups, in support of the Secretary General's, In Larger Freedom, agenda. Within the past week, the EU has discussed UN reform and the preparation of the September summit with its Latin American partners at the EU-Rio group meeting and its Mediterranean partners at the seventh Euro-Mediterranean Ministers' meeting. I was present at both meetings, which I addressed in my capacity of envoy of the UN Secretary General.
The European Union and its member states have a major role to play in ensuring that the developed world plays its part in the achievement of the millennium development goals. EU Development Ministers agreed on 24 May to new official development assistance or ODA volume targets, which, inter alia, commit the pre-accession 15 members of the EU to reaching the target of allocating 0.7% of gross national income to ODA by 2015, and the ten member states that acceded in 2004 to reaching 0.33% by that date. They also agreed to an interim target of 0.56% by 2010 for the European Union as a whole. This agreement will ensure that the EU fulfils its side of the bargain struck at the Monterrey conference on financing for development in 2002, when the developed countries committed themselves to increase funding and the developing countries committed themselves to good governance and respect for human rights.
The European Union presidency intends to reach formal agreement by way of a declaration at the European Council later this month on the broad range of EU support for the Secretary General's reform agenda and the preparation of the summit. The European Commission has been actively engaged in the development of a coherent policy on cluster one, or development aid, issues and has made a number of useful proposals for EU action in support of a number of areas on the September agenda, including human rights, peace building, environment, sanctions, small arms and the institutional strengthening of the UN.
One aspect of reform where the European Union does not have a Common Position is that of reform of the Security Council, where, as the House will be aware, sharply diverging positions among partners have prevented the emergence of a shared EU position. The EU, accordingly, does not pronounce collectively on this issue. However, this has not impaired the capacity of the EU to address actively the broad range of UN reform measures currently under discussion. It should not be allowed to overshadow other very important elements of the reform agenda, or prevent actions by the EU in support of the summit outcome.
103 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a personal assistant will be assigned for 26 hours to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18758/05]
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 personal assistance services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the mid-western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
104 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the poor quality of replies being issued by the Health Service Executive in response to parliamentary questions; the unacceptable length of time it takes for the HSE to respond; if there is a tight and specified timeframe within which replies should be given by way of regulation or legislation; if all replies will be comprehensive and deal with the information requested without fudge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18759/05]
Since the establishment of the Health Service Executive, the chief officers, that is, the former health board CEOs, in each of its administrative areas have continued to deal with parliamentary questions in accordance with the arrangements which previously operated under the health boards. This arrangement was calculated to avoid any erosion in the accountability, as regards the timeliness or quality of replies, arising under the parliamentary question system since the health boards were abolished.
The executive recently established a parliamentary affairs division to act as a central contact for all Oireachtas requests relating to matters within its statutory remit. A key function of the division is to monitor, throughout the executive's national directorates and administrative areas, the timeliness of replies and to follow-up immediately where a reply has not issued within 20 working days of receipt of the referral.
It is my view, shared by the executive, that it should endeavour to give all available information and possible assistance to Oireachtas members as circumstances may permit at the time of reply. I recognise that the subject matter of questions can differ greatly in their detail and complexity. Also, it may not always be possible for a public body to give all information sought or a definitive reply within a particular time. The guiding principle, however, must be to provide the maximum assistance possible. This is an area which merits ongoing attention between my Department and the executive. In that regard, the establishment of the new division will enable the executive to centrally monitor, and be held accountable for, the service provided to Oireachtas members. My Department is currently working with the executive on the finalisation and early implementation of arrangements to further enhance the capabilities of the executive to provide an information service to Oireachtas members.
I am keen to ensure that the executive provides a high quality service to members of the Oireachtas and I will shortly be making regulations under section 79 of the Act regarding the conduct by the executive of its dealings with members of either House of the Oireachtas.
105 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 with regard to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by her Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18761/05]
The information requested is being collated by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
106 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of vacancies by Health Board area, of nursing, therapy and allied medical professional posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18784/05]
The quarterly health service personnel return collects employment information solely on the basis of grade and employing agency and does not include any data in relation to vacancy levels as requested by the Deputy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the national director of human resources of the Health Service Executive to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and respond to her directly.
There has been an increase in the level of health service employment of 30,882, excluding home helps, in whole-time equivalent terms, since 1997, or 45.5%. In this context, comparing employment levels at end-December 2004 to those at end-1997, there were 40.9% more medical-dental personnel, an increase of 2,037; 116% more health and social care professionals employed in the health services, an increase of 6,892; and 25.5% more nurses in whole-time equivalent terms, an increase of 6,967.
107 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of tenders and requests to participate as a design team to work up detailed plans for the design and construction of the two new BreastCheck static clinical units have been received; the length of time expected in deliberating on the tenders received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18788/05]
A contract notice was dispatched to the Official Journal of the European Communities, OJEC, on 6 May 2005 concerning the appointment of a design team for new breast screening centres in Cork and Galway. The contract will be awarded using the negotiated procedure. In accordance with EU procurement procedures, the time-limit for receipt of requests to participate in the procedure is 37 days — 12 June 2005 — from the date of dispatch of the notice. Immediately following the closing date for receipt of requests to participate, shortlisting of applicants for interview will commence. A minimum of three and a maximum of six applicants for each design team discipline will be interviewed. It is intended that the appointment of the design team will be carried out as expeditiously as possible.
108 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be seen in a hospital in Dublin. [18801/05]
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. As the person in question resides in County Mayo, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised, and to reply directly to the Deputy.
109 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the post of consultant haematologist with interest in child haematology in Cork University hospital (details supplied) will be advertised. [18807/05]
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 recruitment of consultant staff. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's southern area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
110 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the design team will be appointed to the project at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny as announced by her Department three years ago; if the plans for this project have been received by her Department; if the plans will be approved and allowed to go to local authority planning stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18816/05]
A design brief was prepared some time ago by the South Eastern Health Board for a major redevelopment at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. This formed part of the board's overall proposals under the National Development Plan, NDP, 2000-2006, and was submitted to my Department. Given the various competing demands overall for capital priorities under the NDP, including the need to take account of non-capital implications of capital proposals, it has not been possible to date to progress this particular project.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, established on 1 January 2005, to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for considering new capital proposals or progressing those already in train, under the health capital investment framework 2005-2009.
It is therefore a matter for the HSE to consider any proposed development of the type specified, in the context of its overall priorities and funding resources.
111 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the 14 hospitals from which patients on the outpatient waiting lists will have access to the national treatment purchase fund; if the initiative is confined to certain specialties; if there is a waiting period after which patients in these hospitals will make an application to the fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18832/05]
Arrangements for the outpatient pilot projects mentioned by the Deputy are being made by the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF. My Department, has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the NTPF to respond directly to the Deputy with regard to the information requested.
112 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Government is making efforts to have an independent representative appointed to protect the rights of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18834/05]
The Attorney General has been engaged in correspondence with the legal representative of this child's adoptive parents in seeking to find a solution to this case. High Court proceedings have been issued by the Attorney General in his role as protector of the unprotected against the adoptive parents of this child. As the matter is before the court, it is not appropriate to comment further on it.
113 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if reconsideration will be given to the case of an application for a medical card in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18839/05]
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 assessment of applications for medical cards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the Health Service Executive's south western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
114 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18840/05]
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 assessment of applications for medical cards. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the Health Service Executive's south western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
115 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the role in respect of the alleviation of bed shortages in each of the hospitals in the greater Dublin area with particular reference to James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, Peamount, Naas General and other similar hospitals which have been identified as having potential in this regard; if all the necessary facilities in terms of staff, equipment and accommodation have been addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18841/05]
116 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the standard and type of extra beds available to alleviate overcrowding in the various hospitals in the greater Dublin area; the number and quality of such beds provided; the locations to which they have been provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18842/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.
As responsibility for the management and delivery of health services is a matter for the Health Service Executive, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to reply directly to the Deputy with regard to the matters raised.
117 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons covered by medical cards; the percentage which this represents; and the number of prescriptions issued in 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005. [18891/05]
119 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of patient visits, prescriptions issued and population cover under the medical card scheme in each of the years 1998 to 2005. [18893/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.
The number of persons covered by medical cards since 1998 to date in 2005 is set out in the following table:
|
Years |
No. of persons covered |
% of population |
Population |
|
December 1998 |
1,183,554 |
31.95 |
3,704,900 |
|
December 1999 |
1,164,187 |
31.09 |
3,786,900 |
|
December 2000 |
1,148,055 |
30.32 |
3,786,900 |
|
December 2001 |
1,199,454 |
31.24 |
3,838,900 |
|
December 2002 |
1,168,745 |
29.84 |
3,917,203 |
|
December 2003 |
1,158,143 |
29.57 |
3,917,203 |
|
December 2004 |
1,148,914 |
28.41 |
4.043,800 |
|
May 2005 |
1,146,347 |
28.35 |
4,043,800 |
The statistics requested by the Deputy concerning the number of patient visits is not kept by my Department. GMS general practitioners receive a capitation fee for each medical card patient on their panel. This annual capitation amount is payable to the general practitioner regardless of the number of consultations involved. Statistics on the number of visits are not currently collected for this group of general practitioners. However, a small group of general practitioners, 18, in 2003 are paid on a fee per item basis. Information in the 2003 GMS, payments, board annual report suggests an overall visiting rate for patients of these doctors of 10.97 visits in 2003.
Information regarding the number of prescriptions issued is not collected by my Department. Information relating to the number of prescriptions dispensed is contained in the following table and is based on the most recent information available in the 2003 annual report of the HSE, Primary Care Reimbursement Services, former GMS payments board.
|
Years |
Number of prescriptions dispensed |
|
December 1997 |
9,355,985 |
|
December 1998 |
9,474,988 |
|
December 1999 |
9,631,472 |
|
December 2000 |
9,737,023 |
|
December 2001 |
10,453,500 |
|
December 2002 |
11,551,122 |
|
December 2003 |
12,243,184 |
Figures in respect of the number of prescriptions dispensed in 2004 and to date in 2005 are not yet available. However, my Department has referred the matter to the HSE for investigation and direct reply.
118 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of persons with medical card cover aged 70 and over in 2000, 2004 and to date in 2005; and the average cost of medical card cover for persons aged 70 and over compared to those aged under 70 in each of the respective years. [18892/05]
Information in respect of the number of persons with medical card cover aged 70 years and over in 2000 was not collected. However, following the decision to introduce automatic eligibility for a medical card for all persons aged 70 and over, from July 2001, statistical information is available from June 2001, and is set out in the following table for the relevant dates:
|
June 2001 |
December 2004 |
April 2005 |
|
258,183 |
316,928 |
319,790 |
The figures requested by the Deputy concerning the average cost of a medical card for persons aged 70 years and over are not readily available in my Department. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief executive officer of the HSE primary care reimbursement service to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
120 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the breakdown of the capitation rates paid to general practitioners based on the age, gender and distance from the surgery of the patients on their GMS panels in each of the years 1997 to 2005; the way in which this payment is calculated if it bears no relation to the number of consultations. [18894/05]
On the basis of the figures contained in the annual reports of the GMS payments board, now the HSE primary care reimbursement service, the capitation rates paid to general practitioners are shown in the following tables. The latest date to which figures are available is December 2004. It should be noted that adjustments to capitation rates under national wage agreements have not been applied since 1 January 2004.
|
Age |
Up to 3 Miles |
3-5 Miles |
5-7 Miles |
7-10 Miles |
Over 10 Miles |
|||||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
up to 4 |
35.69 |
34.83 |
37.60 |
36.74 |
40.41 |
39.55 |
43.17 |
42.32 |
46.61 |
45.76 |
|
5-15 |
20.73 |
20.98 |
21.53 |
21.75 |
22.68 |
22.92 |
23.80 |
24.03 |
25.22 |
25.43 |
|
16-44 |
26.48 |
43.26 |
27.50 |
44.29 |
29.00 |
45.79 |
30.47 |
47.26 |
32.31 |
49.10 |
|
45-64 |
52.83 |
58.05 |
55.30 |
60.52 |
58.91 |
64.12 |
62.46 |
67.71 |
66.90 |
72.11 |
|
65 and over |
55.66 |
62.12 |
62.47 |
68.92 |
72.59 |
79.03 |
82.53 |
88.96 |
94.85 |
101.29 |
|
Age |
Up to 3 Miles |
3-5 Miles |
5-7 Miles |
7-10 Miles |
Over 10 Miles |
|||||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
up to 4 |
38.94 |
37.98 |
41.00 |
40.06 |
44.06 |
43.13 |
47.08 |
46.16 |
50.83 |
49.89 |
|
5-15 |
22.60 |
22.86 |
23.46 |
23.71 |
24.72 |
25.00 |
25.94 |
26.21 |
27.48 |
27.71 |
|
16-44 |
28.85 |
47.17 |
29.96 |
48.29 |
31.61 |
49.92 |
33.22 |
51.27 |
35.20 |
53.52 |
|
45-64 |
57.62 |
63.31 |
60.29 |
65.98 |
64.23 |
69.91 |
68.11 |
73.81 |
72.95 |
78.62 |
|
65 and over |
60.70 |
67.71 |
68.12 |
75.14 |
79.14 |
86.16 |
89.96 |
96.99 |
103.42 |
110.45 |
|
Age |
Up to 3 Miles |
3-5 Miles |
5-7 Miles |
7-10 Miles |
Over 10 Miles |
|||||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
up to 4 |
39.52 |
38.55 |
41.62 |
40.66 |
44.72 |
43.78 |
47.79 |
46.85 |
51.59 |
50.64 |
|
5-15 |
22.94 |
23.20 |
23.81 |
24.07 |
25.09 |
25.38 |
26.33 |
26.60 |
27.89 |
28.13 |
|
16-44 |
29.28 |
47.88 |
30.41 |
49.01 |
32.08 |
50.67 |
33.72 |
52.04 |
35.73 |
54.32 |
|
45-64 |
58.48 |
64.26 |
61.19 |
66.97 |
65.19 |
70.96 |
69.13 |
74.92 |
74.04 |
79.80 |
|
65-69 |
61.61 |
68.73 |
69.14 |
76.27 |
80.33 |
87.45 |
91.31 |
98.44 |
104.97 |
112.11 |
|
70 and over |
63.61 |
70.95 |
71.37 |
78.73 |
82.93 |
90.28 |
94.27 |
101.63 |
108.37 |
115.74 |
|
Age |
Up to 3 Miles |
3-5 Miles |
5-7 Miles |
7-10 Miles |
Over 10 Miles |
|||||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
up to 4 |
44.18 |
43.14 |
46.41 |
45.39 |
49.71 |
48.71 |
52.98 |
51.98 |
57.04 |
56.02 |
|
5-15 |
26.50 |
26.78 |
27.43 |
27.71 |
28.79 |
29.10 |
30.11 |
30.41 |
31.78 |
32.03 |
|
16-44 |
33.26 |
53.08 |
34.46 |
54.28 |
36.24 |
56.05 |
37.99 |
57.51 |
40.13 |
59.94 |
|
45-64 |
64.37 |
70.53 |
67.26 |
73.42 |
71.52 |
77.67 |
75.72 |
81.89 |
80.95 |
87.09 |
|
65-69 |
67.71 |
75.30 |
75.73 |
83.33 |
87.65 |
95.24 |
99.35 |
106.95 |
113.91 |
121.52 |
|
70 and over |
69.84 |
77.66 |
78.10 |
85.95 |
90.43 |
98.25 |
102.51 |
110.36 |
117.53 |
125.39 |
|
Age |
Up to 3 Miles |
3-5 Miles |
5-7 Miles |
7-10 Miles |
Over 10 Miles |
|||||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
up to 4 |
60.36 |
58.94 |
63.41 |
62.03 |
67.92 |
66.55 |
72.39 |
71.03 |
77.94 |
76.54 |
|
5-15 |
36.21 |
36.58 |
37.48 |
37.85 |
39.32 |
39.76 |
41.14 |
41.56 |
43.41 |
43.77 |
|
16-44 |
45.44 |
72.53 |
47.08 |
74.15 |
49.51 |
76.58 |
51.91 |
78.58 |
54.83 |
81.90 |
|
45-64 |
87.95 |
96.37 |
91.89 |
100.32 |
97.72 |
106.12 |
103.46 |
111.89 |
110.61 |
119.00 |
|
65-69 |
92.51 |
102.87 |
103.47 |
113.87 |
119.76 |
130.12 |
135.75 |
146.13 |
155.64 |
166.04 |
|
70 and over |
95.43 |
106.11 |
106.71 |
117.44 |
123.56 |
134.24 |
140.06 |
150.79 |
160.58 |
171.33 |
|
Age |
Up to 3 Miles |
3-5 Miles |
5-7 Miles |
7-10 Miles |
Over 10 Miles |
|||||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
up to 4 |
62.78 |
61.31 |
65.95 |
64.51 |
70.63 |
69.21 |
75.29 |
73.88 |
81.07 |
79.61 |
|
5-15 |
37.65 |
38.05 |
38.99 |
39.38 |
40.90 |
41.36 |
42.79 |
43.22 |
45.16 |
45.53 |
|
16-44 |
47.25 |
75.43 |
48.97 |
77.13 |
51.49 |
79.65 |
53.99 |
81.73 |
57.02 |
85.19 |
|
45-64 |
91.48 |
100.23 |
95.57 |
104.33 |
101.64 |
110.37 |
107.61 |
116.37 |
115.04 |
123.76 |
|
65-69 |
96.22 |
107.00 |
107.62 |
118.42 |
124.56 |
135.34 |
141.19 |
151.98 |
161.87 |
172.69 |
|
70 and over |
99.25 |
110.36 |
110.98 |
122.15 |
128.50 |
139.61 |
145.69 |
156.83 |
167.02 |
178.19 |
|
Age |
Up to 3 Miles |
3-5 Miles |
5-7 Miles |
7-10 Miles |
Over 10 Miles |
|||||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Up to 4 |
62.78 |
61.31 |
65.95 |
64.51 |
70.63 |
69.21 |
75.29 |
73.88 |
81.07 |
79.61 |
|
5-15 |
37.65 |
38.05 |
38.99 |
39.38 |
40.90 |
41.36 |
42.79 |
43.22 |
45.16 |
45.53 |
|
16-44 |
47.25 |
75.43 |
48.97 |
77.13 |
51.49 |
79.65 |
53.99 |
81.73 |
57.02 |
85.19 |
|
45-64 |
91.48 |
100.23 |
95.57 |
104.33 |
101.64 |
110.37 |
107.61 |
116.37 |
115.04 |
123.76 |
|
65-69 |
96.22 |
107.00 |
107.62 |
118.42 |
124.56 |
135.34 |
141.19 |
151.98 |
161.87 |
172.69 |
|
70 and over |
99.25 |
110.36 |
110.98 |
122.15 |
128.50 |
139.61 |
145.69 |
156.83 |
167.02 |
178.19 |
|
Age |
Up to 3 Miles |
3-5 Miles |
5-7 Miles |
7-10 Miles |
Over 10 Miles |
|||||
|
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Female |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Up to 4 |
61.65 |
60.13 |
64.91 |
63.43 |
69.74 |
68.27 |
74.53 |
73.08 |
80.48 |
78.98 |
|
5-15 |
35.77 |
36.17 |
37.14 |
37.55 |
39.11 |
39.58 |
41.06 |
41.50 |
43.50 |
43.88 |
|
16-44 |
45.65 |
74.67 |
47.42 |
76.43 |
50.01 |
79.02 |
52.60 |
81.16 |
55.71 |
84.72 |
|
45-64 |
91.20 |
100.22 |
95.42 |
104.44 |
101.67 |
110.67 |
107.82 |
116.85 |
115.48 |
124.45 |
|
65-69 |
96.09 |
107.20 |
107.83 |
118.96 |
125.28 |
136.39 |
142.41 |
153.52 |
163.71 |
174.85 |
|
70 and over |
105.72 |
117.16 |
117.81 |
129.30 |
135.85 |
147.29 |
153.54 |
165.02 |
175.52 |
187.03 |
121 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of inpatient admissions in hospital in 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005; the number of day cases; and the total inpatient and day care capacity in each year. [18895/05]
123 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of accident and emergency attendances and of out patient attendances in 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005. [18897/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 123 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table:
|
2003 |
2004 |
January to March 2005 |
|
|
In-Patient Admissions |
567,303 |
575,902 |
140,224 |
|
Day Cases |
448,676 |
484,090 |
119,355 |
|
In-Patient Beds Available |
12,299 |
12,331 |
12,444 |
|
Day Beds Available |
909 |
1,081 |
1,142 |
|
A&E Attendances |
1,211,071 |
1,240,241 |
295,137 |
|
Out-Patient Attendances |
2,275,202 |
2,379,751 |
613,991 |
Notes:
(i) Data for 2004 and 2005 are provisional.
(ii) ‘Beds Available' refers to the average number of beds available for use over the period taking beds that were temporarily closed or opened into account.
Source: Integrated Management Returns, Department of Health and Children.
122 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of inpatient procedures in hospitals here in each of the years 1998 and to date in 2005; and the estimated cost of an inpatient procedure in the same years. [18896/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table. The activity figures refer to total procedures carried out on an inpatient basis to patients discharged in each of the specified years from 1998 to 2004, inclusive, from all publicly funded acute hospitals. Day cases are not included. Data for 2005 is not yet available. The data are derived from the hospital inpatient inquiry, HIPE, system. The figures indicate that the numbers of recorded inpatient procedures carried out in publicly funded acute hospitals have more than doubled since 1998. It should be noted that approximately 50% of the increase between 2001 and 2002 can be attributed to a provision in the HIPE system introduced in 2002 to allow recording of up to ten procedures compared with a maximum of four for data prior to 2002.
As indicated, day case work, much of which is procedure-based, is not included in the table. There has been a 180% increase in day case activity over the period 1998 to 2004.
The second column, which indicates inpatient base price, refers to the average cost per inpatient discharge based on the 32 publicly funded acute hospitals which participate in the casemix programme. Casemix is a method of hospital funding which quantifies hospital outputs by classifying each patient into a specific resource group. Individual procedures are not costed and the data cannot be used to estimate cost per procedure or total cost for all procedures. Casemix costs for 2004 are not yet available.
|
Year |
Total Number of Inpatient Procedures |
Inpatient Base Price |
|
€ |
||
|
1998 |
555,995 |
2,002.79 |
|
1999 |
682,389 |
2,325.37 |
|
2000 |
797,134 |
2,455.13 |
|
2001 |
980,517 |
2,910.03 |
|
2002 |
1,267,710 |
3,467.23 |
|
2003 |
1,433,610 |
3,644.19 |
|
2004 |
1,469,078 |
Source: This table is based on hospital inpatient inquiry, HIPE, data received to end of April 2005.
124 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number employed in the health services in 2004 and to date in 2005 and the way in which that has grown since 1997; the way in which these numbers are distributed between programmes, general hospital, long-stay facilities, disability, mental health, community health, doctors, nurses, paramedics and so on and administrative back up. [18898/05]
The quarterly health service personnel return collects employment information solely on the basis of grade and employing agency and does not include any data on a programme by programme basis as requested by the Deputy.
The latest available data is in respect of year end 2004. Between 1997 and year end 2004, there was an increase in the level of employment of 30,882, or 45.5%, excluding home helps, in whole-time equivalent terms. In this context, comparing employment levels at end-December 2004 to those at end-1997, there were 40.9%, 2,037, more medical and dental personnel, 116%, +6,892, more health and social care professionals and 25.5%, 6,967, more nurses employed in the health services in whole-time equivalent, WTE, terms. Employment growth in each of the grade categories of health service staff in the health board, voluntary hospital and intellectual disability sectors respectively is set out in the following table for the period requested by the Deputy. Caution should be exercised in comparing employment growth between grade categories, however, owing to some changes in their composition over the period.
As far as the balance between front line and administrative staff is concerned, almost two-thirds of health services personnel formally classified as management or administrative are involved in direct service provision to the public.
|
Type of Administration |
Grade Category |
31/12/1997 |
31/12/2004 |
Change end-1997 to end-2004 |
|
Health Boards |
Medical/Dental |
3,029 |
4,481 |
1,452 |
|
Nursing |
17,358 |
23,360 |
6,002 |
|
|
Health and Social Care Professionals2 |
3,613 |
7,814 |
4,201 |
|
|
Management/Administrative3 |
5,910 |
11,479 |
5,569 |
|
|
General Support Staff and Other Patient and Client Care |
13,491 |
18,642 |
5,151 |
|
|
Sub-Total |
43,401 |
65,776 |
22,375 |
|
|
Intellectual Disability Services |
Medical/Dental |
49 |
89 |
40 |
|
Nursing |
2,166 |
2,624 |
458 |
|
|
Health and Social Care Professionals2 |
364 |
2,140 |
1,776 |
|
|
Management/Administrative3 |
485 |
974 |
489 |
|
|
General Support Staff and Other Patient and Client Care |
3,211 |
4,783 |
1,572 |
|
|
Sub-Total |
6,275 |
10,610 |
4,335 |
|
|
Voluntary Hospitals |
Medical/Dental |
1,898 |
2,444 |
546 |
|
Nursing |
7,822 |
8,329 |
507 |
|
|
Health and Social Care Professionals2 |
1,961 |
2,876 |
915 |
|
|
Management/Administrative3 |
2,449 |
3,704 |
1,255 |
|
|
General Support Staff and Other Patient and Client Care |
4,035 |
4,985 |
950 |
|
|
Sub-Total |
18,165 |
22,337 |
4,172 |
|
|
Total |
67,841 |
98,723 |
30,882 |
Source: Health Service Personnel Cenus.
Note 1: Excludes Home Helps.
Note 2: The professionalisation of Child Care Workers/House Parents resulted in grade category shift of these grades from Other Patient Care to Health and Social Care Professionals in 2001-2002. This change together with other changes of a less substantial nature have resulted in making direct comparisons over extended periods unreliable for these categories.
Note 3: Includes all management/administrative and clerical personnel. The Management/Administrative Category includes — staff who are of direct service to the public and include Consultant‘s Secretaries, Out-Patient Departmental Personnel, Medical Records Personnel, Telephonists and other staff who are engaged in front-line duties together with staff in the following categories Payroll, Human Resource Management (including training), Service Managers, IT Staff, General Management Support and Legislative and Information Requirements.
125 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total receipts from the health levy for 2003 and 2004 including the estimate for 2005 based on the returns for the year to date. [18899/05]
The amount received by the Department of Health and Children in respect of health contributions in 2003 and 2004 was €855.938 million and €950.52 million, respectively. The 2005 estimated receipt from health contributions, as published in the 2005 Revised Estimates Volume, for the Vote for the Health Service Executive, Vote 40 is €1,005.924 million. The Estimate for 2005 has not been revised at this stage.
126 Mr. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the national average base price for inpatient and day cases in 2002, 2003 and 2004. [18900/05]
The casemix adjusted base price for inpatients and day cases is the average cost of a case when all national data has been aggregated. The national base price is the national cost of treating a standard case with a complexity of 1. Data on the national average base price for inpatients and day cases is detailed in the attached table. The data sought by the Deputy, which is based on audited costs and activity, is contained in the table that follows this reply. Data for 2004 will be available as part of the 2006 financial allocation.
|
Year of Financial Allocation |
Year of Activity and Costs |
National Inpatient Base Price |
National Day case Base Price |
|
€ |
€ |
||
|
2002 |
2000 |
2,454 |
523 |
|
2003 |
2001 |
2,910 |
604 |
|
2004 |
2002 |
3,467 |
547* |
|
2005 |
2003 |
3,644 |
540* |
*The Day case Base Price for 2002 and 2003 fell because the programme was broadened and more less costly activity was included, thereby reducing the ‘average' cost per case.
127 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18902/05]
The General Register Office in Roscommon is the only section of the Department of Health and Children that is based outside Dublin. The decentralisation of the office has been completed. Some 52 people are based in the Roscommon office.
128 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the contribution of SMEs to the economy in terms of tax revenues. [18744/05]
129 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the contribution of micro enterprises to the economy in terms of tax revenues. [18745/05]
130 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the contribution of FDI companies to the economy in terms of tax revenues. [18746/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 to 130, inclusive, together.
I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax records of micro-enterprises and small and medium sized enterprises cannot be identified in a manner that enables the precise information requested by the Deputy to be provided. Relevant information is available in respect of companies liable to corporation tax which are in the micro-enterprise category because they have no more than ten employees and their total income before capital allowances does not exceed €2 million. Such information is also available in respect of companies which are in the small and medium sized enterprise category because they have no more than 250 employees and their total income before capital allowances does not exceed €50 million. I propose to outline the corporation tax liability of companies in the two categories in question. The most recent figures relate to the accounting periods ending between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2003. During that time, companies in the micro-enterprise category had a corporation tax liability of €169 million and companies in the small and medium sized enterprise category had a corporation tax liability of €509 million.
Foreign direct investment companies are not identified on the records of the Revenue Commissioners in a manner that enables the information sought by the Deputy to be provided. The contribution of all companies to other tax revenues, such as VAT and stamp duty, cannot be readily identified from the overall yield from such taxes. This information could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the records of the Revenue Commissioners.
131 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 in relation to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18762/05]
The only expenditure from the Vote of the Department of Finance that was spent on commissions, inquiries and tribunals in the years in question was spent on the Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service and the Commission on Public Service Pensions. The Commission on Financial Management and Control Systems in the Health Service was established in April 2002 to examine, evaluate and make recommendations on relevant financial systems, practices and procedures in the health services. Some €135,000 was spent on the commission from the Vote of the Department of Finance. That figure does not include the cost of getting staff from the Department to service it. The commission published its report on 18 June 2003.
The Commission on Public Service Pensions was established in February 1996 to examine and report on the occupational pension arrangements of public servants. Some €500,000 was spent on the commission from the Vote of the Department of Finance. That figure does not include the cost of getting staff from the Department to service it. The commission published its report on 31 January 2001. The costs of judicial salaries arising from other inquiries and tribunals are paid in the normal way from the Central Fund. Other costs are charged from the Votes of the relevant Departments.
132 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance when proposals for the further extension of bodies covered by the freedom of information legislation will be finalised within his Department; if the extension of the freedom of information legislation will cover the Higher Education Training Awards Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18775/05]
I expect that consideration of the public bodies to be brought under the aegis of freedom of information legislation in 2005 will be finalised in the coming weeks. Pending publication of the details of the extension, I do not propose to make any further statements about individual bodies in this regard.
133 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a flooding problem in the charge of the Office of Public Works at the home of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; when the brook, which appears to be causing the flooding, will be cleaned; when work will be carried out on the brook in order that the problem does not recur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18791/05]
The brook in question is a channel of the River Brosna catchment drainage scheme, which was designed primarily to provide outfall to deal with the flooding of agricultural land. The brook is scheduled for maintenance next year. An engineer from the Office of Public Works will conduct an inspection in the next few weeks in order to establish the extent, if any, to which the condition of the brook may be contributing to the flooding of the house in question.
134 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Finance when a new test centre will be built (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18817/05]
A number of potential sites which have been identified for the test centre are being evaluated to determine their suitability. The development of the new centre can be progressed when the preferred site has been agreed.
135 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the flooding which occurred on the Clontarf Road in 2004 as a result of a tidal incursion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18818/05]
I am aware that flooding occurred in Clontarf in 2004 as a result of the tidal conditions at the time. I understand that proposals for improved sea defences are included in the Dublin coastal flooding protection project report, which is being examined. Officials from the Office of Public Works have had preliminary discussions with officials from Dublin City Council about the matter. Further discussions, which will also involve the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, which is responsible for coastal flooding, are planned.
136 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the process which is available to persons who are dissatisfied with the outcome of applications or interviews in respect of membership of the civil or public service; if such procedures were followed in respect of the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he has satisfied himself that the interviews and decisions arising therefrom are in accord with the relevant legislation, regulations or statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18860/05]
Section 23 of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, which relates to codes of practice, requires the establishment of an appeals process. The code of practice issued by the Commission for Public Service Appointments provides guidelines on how the appeals process should work, including timescales for the submission of appeals and complaints, the issuing of acknowledgements and the notification of decisions and explanations.
The appeals procedure adopted by the Public Appointments Service is a three-tier process. It involves a review by the recruitment manager in the first instance. In reviewing a case, the recruitment manager may consult the relevant interview or selection board. The recruitment manager may uphold or change the original decision. If the candidate is not satisfied with the decision taken at the first review, he or she may appeal the decision and the case will be referred to a senior manager at assistant principal or principal level within the recruitment unit who has not been directly associated with the original decision. This manager will review the basis for the decision and the underpinning rationale. He or she may discuss it with the recruitment manager, the public appointments representative at the interview or selection board and the board itself. The manager may overturn the original decision, if appropriate.
A candidate who is not satisfied with the response at the second layer of the appeals process may appeal to a decision arbitrator, who is a person at a senior level unconnected with the selection process. The arbitrator will review all documentation relating to the recruitment process to ensure that the principles set out in the code of practice for recruitment have been followed. The arbitrator will confine the consideration of the appeal to the content of the original information submitted by the candidate. The decision of the arbitrator is final.
I cannot comment on the specific case for which details have been supplied as I understand it is the subject of an appeal that is still in progress. The appeal process is a matter for the Public Appointments Service as set out in the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004.
137 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance the number of premises or sites that have been acquired to date; the location of same in pursuit of the Government decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18869/05]
Following detailed evaluation of the options available and intensive negotiations, suitable sites or premises have been identified in a number of locations. Prices have been agreed for 13 locations — Longford, Newcastle West, Buncrana, Carlow, Clonakilty, Donegal, Dungarvan, Killarney, Knock, Portarlington, Portlaoise, Thurles and Tullamore — in respect of which contractual documentation is being prepared. State-owned properties have been identified in a number of other locations including Athlone, Sligo, Na Forbacha and the Curragh. In a small number of locations, the possibility of renting existing or new buildings under construction or with planning permission is being pursued. Such locations include Kilrush, Listowel and Carrick-on-Shannon. While prices have yet to be agreed, the process of acquiring sites in several other locations is at an advanced stage.
138 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the potential value of the capital allowances write off on the construction of a private hospital; if these will be written off against all sources of rental income and other non-rental income; and if a funding package based on 25% equity, 75% loan will yield an investor a tax rebate close to 90% of the initial equity invested. [18882/05]
Capital allowances are available in respect of capital expenditure incurred on the construction of certain qualifying private hospitals. The Health Service Executive, in consultation with the Department of Health and Children, must certify that a hospital that wishes to qualify contains minimum facilities, meets capacity requirements and makes available not less than 20% of its capacity for the treatment of public patients. The expenditure can be written off over seven years, at a rate of 15% per annum over the first six years and 10% per annum in the seventh year.
Companies, the trustees of a trust, individuals involved in the operation and management of the hospital and property developers are excluded from the scope of the capital allowance regime for private hospitals. That is necessary to ensure EU agreement to the scheme from a state aid perspective. Allowances are, therefore, only available to other individual investors investing in private hospitals. As passive investors, such individuals are subject to restrictions on the amount of allowances they can set sideways against non-rental income. Allowances must be set against rental income. If the allowances exceed the rental income, the amount that can be set against the individual's non-rental income in any one tax year is restricted to €31,750.
The source of an investor's funds or the proportion of equity and loan finance does not affect the amount of capital allowances that can be claimed in a particular case. Rather, the value of the capital allowances will depend on the construction costs incurred. Allowances are only available in respect of the costs incurred in constructing the building. There are no allowances for the cost of acquiring the site or other non-construction costs such as marketing and selling the completed building. Therefore, buildings which qualify for capital allowances are often marketed on the basis that they will qualify for 80% or 90% relief, for example. Such percentages are a reflection of the cost of site acquisition and other non-construction costs not qualifying for capital allowances.
Finally, the potential value of capital allowances to an individual investor depends on the detailed arrangements applying in a particular case. It depends especially on that individual's share of the construction expenditure incurred, calculated at the individual's marginal rate of tax at 42%. It will also depend on the individual's circumstances, such as his or her capacity to absorb the allowances as they come on stream over the seven-year write-off period. If the individual has insufficient income against which the write-off can be made, the unused allowances have to be carried forward and set against rental income in future years.
139 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the proposal to reclaim land from Dublin Bay will increase the risk of recurrence of flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18818/05]
I am aware of the flooding that occurred in Clontarf in 2004 as a result of tidal conditions at the time. I understand that proposals for improved sea defences are included in the Dublin coastal flooding protection project report, which is being examined. Officials from the Office of Public Works have had preliminary discussions with officials from Dublin City Council about the matter. Further discussions, which will also involve the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, which is responsible for coastal flooding, are planned.
140 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the studies he has undertaken of traffic congestion surrounding Dublin Port; the recommendations which have emerged from these studies; and the recommendations which have been accepted and those which have been rejected. [18824/05]
I have no function in relation to the matters referred to by the Deputy.
141 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a decision has been made to locate the acting harbourmaster for Killybegs port in Dublin; and the reason for such a decision. [18747/05]
The staff member who had been deployed to undertake harbour master duties on a temporary exceptional basis at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre has, by agreement, resumed his official duties at the Department in Dublin. Alternative temporary arrangements have been made locally for the carrying out of harbour master duties at Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre.
142 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will sign the PSO from AER VI into action. [18748/05]
AER VI applicants, successful in the competition, must confirm compliance with certain rules of the competition to be included in the order made under section 39 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. My Department has endeavoured to facilitate requests by some applicants for additional time to comply with those rules before the order is signed.
Last week, the last remaining applicant seeking a deferral confirmed compliance with the outstanding requirements of the AER VI rules. The substantial work on drafting the order by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government was completed some time ago. The draft order has now been updated and returned to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for final clearance, primarily on procedural points. The order will be signed once final clearance on its form is confirmed to my Department.
143 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 in relation to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18763/05]
The Southern Regional Fisheries Board Commission was established by order on 23 February 1996 under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1995 to take over the management, conservation and protection functions of the fisheries board. The commission ceased on 31 December 1999.
It has not been possible within the time available to establish the costs of the commission, as these would have been incorporated into the overall operating costs of the board for the time period concerned. There have been no inquiries or tribunals set up by this Department since 1995.
144 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if unclaimed tonnage under the lost at sea scheme has been assigned to other fishing vessels; if so, the names of the vessels in question and the names and addresses of the owners of same. [18777/05]
I assume the Deputy is referring to replacement capacity — tonnage and engine power — which has been granted under the lost at sea scheme but which has not yet been used by successful applicants to license and register a fishing vessel. In the case of two of the six successful applications, the capacity involved has not been availed of yet. The terms of the scheme dictate that capacity granted can only be used by the successful applicants or by an immediate relation of theirs. It is not, therefore, open to any other party to assign it to a vessel. Under current licensing policy, capacity which was off-register on 1 January 2004, and this includes capacity granted under the lost at sea scheme, must be brought back onto the fishing boat register by 31 December 2005, otherwise the entitlement will be lost.
145 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn that Dublin City Council is preparing a strategy statement which will set a framework for the development of Dublin Port in the context of the protection of Dublin’s Bay; if he will make a submission to this strategy statement; if he will outline the aims of his submission. [18819/05]
147 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to an application for the development of port facilities at Bremore in County Louth; the scope this application will have diverting tonnage from Dublin Port to release pressure on capacity; his Department’s strategy in respect of developing satellite ports around Dublin as an alternative to further development in the congested Dublin Port. [18821/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 147 together.
When launching the ports policy statement in January 2005, I indicated that one of the key challenges ahead was the timely provision of adequate in-time port capacity. I noted that the internal resources of our commercial ports are not sufficient in general to fund large-scale infrastructure projects. I said this represented a significant challenge in view of the need for additional capacity at our ports over the coming years, particularly to cater for the growth in unitised trade. I indicated that the Department would consult with the commercial ports concerned to determine their view of port capacity and how they intended to deal with the projected capacity requirement.
As an initial step, the Department has sought and received information from the commercial ports, which handle unit load cargo, on key projects identified by them as essential to deal with anticipated capacity deficiencies to 2014 and beyond, and whether the ports see these being funded from their own resources or in partnership with the private sector. The new policy framework encourages all port sector stakeholders to address capacity provision. Drogheda Port Company has submitted information on its proposal for the development of a new deepwater port at Bremore in its response to the information request from the Department in relation to port capacity. The timeframe for the proposed development and the preparation of a detailed business plan are matters for Drogheda Port Company in the first instance. The Department has also received information on proposals for the provision of additional unitised port capacity ranging from Greenore Port to Shannon Foynes Port Company.
I cannot say at this stage which projects will meet the national capacity requirement. The new policy framework encourages all port sector stakeholders to address the issue of capacity provision. The Department intends in the near future to procure independent assistance from consultants to refine the criteria to be used for project evaluation, to draw up a uniform template for submission of detailed project proposals and to subsequently evaluate and prioritise the projects submitted as a basis for the Department's recommendation to Government. The Government expects that the port companies, as commercial entities, should be capable of funding their operations and infrastructure requirements without relying on Exchequer support. The port companies are, therefore, encouraged to seek financial assistance from other avenues such as private sector investment within ports.
Proposals for capacity provision for unitised trade at the ports concerned, including Dublin and Drogheda, will be considered as part of the above process. Dublin City Council informed the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in March 2005 that it had adopted the Dublin City Development Plan on 14 February 2005 and the plan came into effect on 14 March 2005. The council stated that the policies and objectives in regard to Dublin Port set out in the development plan, include the preparation of a plan for that part of Dublin Bay, from and including North Bull Island and the South Wall and up to and including Sandymount, Merrion Strand and Booterstown and also concentrated on the port area. The plan will identify and determine the role of that part of the bay as an economic, amenity, recreational, environmental and ecological resource. The council indicated that its policy is to support the continued development of Dublin Port but that any such development would have to be considered inthe light of a plan being prepared and any material change arising from that plan being incorporated in the Development plan by way of variation.
146 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the ownership of the foreshore has been established in the context of the proposal by Dublin Port to reclaim land from Dublin Bay; the implications for the assessment of the application which ownership will have; if Dublin Port has sought a lease from the State in order to proceed with this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18820/05]
149 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will publish his assessment of the environmental aspects of the application by Dublin Port to reclaim land from the bay in order that it will be considered by Dublin City Council in the context of developing a strategic plan for the Bay. [18823/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 149 together.
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 230 of 18 May 2005, Dublin Port Company's application in respect of the proposed reclamation was made under sections 10 and 13 of the Foreshore Act 1933. Issues arose concerning proof of ownership of the area in question. These are being actively pursued by the State's legal services, acting on behalf of the Department, and Dublin Port Company's legal advisers. If it is established that the area in question is owned by the Port Company, the matter would fall to be dealt with under sections 10 and 13 of the Foreshore Act 1933. A full assessment of the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development would fall to be undertaken as an integral part of the Department's further consideration of the proposal.
148 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of vehicles entering and exiting Dublin Port during each hour of the day; his views on whether there is further capacity for moving port volumes to off peak hours. [18822/05]
The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin Port Company. I have asked the company to provide the Deputy with the information sought.
150 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the directors of a marina (details supplied) in County Donegal do not feel that his Department wishes to resolve outstanding matters expeditiously as alleged recently due to the fact that they perceive as political parochialism in County Donegal and the fact that correspondence from the company to the Department goes unanswered for protracted periods of time; and if he will resolve the outstanding areas of contention that are preventing this vitally important marine tourism project from achieving it’s full potential. [18884/05]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Questions Nos. 92 and 93 of 26 May 2005.
151 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18903/05]
The Government's programme involves the relocation of the Department's headquarters to Cavan, the seafood and coastal zone functions to Clonakilty and the maritime safety directorate and the Irish Coast Guard to Drogheda. In addition, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM, is relocating to Clonakilty, Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, to Dundalk and the Central Fisheries Board, CFB, to Carrick-on-Shannon.
Physically relocating people depends on providing accommodation in the decentralised locations and this is a matter for the Office of Public Works, OPW. The decentralisation implementation group, DIG, has set out a timetable of late 2006 for facilities in Drogheda and early 2007 for completion of Department and BIM facilities, in Clonakilty. SEI's move to Dundalk is scheduled for early 2007. The Department is working closely with the OPW towards delivering on this schedule. The DIG has not yet set a timetable in regard to Cavan and Carrick-on-Shannon. However, we are also progressing the moves to these locations.
The Department and its agencies already have a well-established decentralised dimension with staff and services based in 25 locations right around the country. Given the property situation it has not yet been possible to relocate any of our staff under the Government's decentralisation programme.
However, the Department is progressing preparations for staff transfers both internally and with other Departments, in advance of full physical relocation. In this regard the Public Appointments Service, PAS, has advised there are 140 expressions of interest for the 90 Department posts in Clonakilty and 36 for the 94 BIM posts. There are 71 expressions of interest for the 47 Drogheda posts and 176 for the 378 Cavan posts. A further 59 people have expressed interest in the 39 SEI posts in Dundalk, while 45 are interested in the 62 CFB posts in Carrick-on-Shannon.
153 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress which has been made on the implementations of the recommendations of the task force on policy regarding emigrants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18779/05]
The task force on policy regarding emigrants produced an excellent report which provides us with a very valuable framework for action. Its varied and wide-ranging recommendations are best implemented on a phased basis. Many of the recommendations relate to issues of continuing importance which require on-going action from all partners, in Government and the voluntary sector, at home and abroad. Considerable progress has already been made, with action underway on over two thirds of the report's recommendations.
Overall policy is now, as recommended by the task force, the responsibility of my Department. The high priority that we attach to this issue is reflected in the establishment of the Irish abroad unit and the designation of staff to work exclusively on emigration issues. This is an important step and one which we are convinced is injecting a fresh momentum to advance progress on all of the important areas identified by the task force.
Funding for emigrant services, which comprises the Díon fund for emigrant welfare in Britain, as well as direct funding from my Department to groups in the US, Australia and Ireland, is more than eight times greater now than it was in 1997. This year, funding for emigrant services has reached €8.273 million. This is the highest amount ever allocated and represents a 63% increase on 2004 funding.
The higher level of funding for emigrant services in recent years has allowed us to increase very significantly our financial support to voluntary agencies which provide invaluable services to our vulnerable emigrants. These agencies are active in the critical areas identified by the task force of pre-departure services and advice and support for our community living abroad. They are also involved in assistance to emigrants who may be considering returning to Ireland, another important area examined by the task force.
A particular priority continues to be the need to support our most vulnerable and marginalised Irish community abroad such as our older community in Britain and undocumented Irish people in the United States. Agencies involved at the front-line in supporting them received additional funding last year. The additional funding available for this year means that financial assistance in support of services that benefit our vulnerable emigrants will increase even more in the coming months.
My Department will continue to maintain very close and regular contact with the front-line organisations that support our emigrants so as to ensure that the voluntary sector 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.
155 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the discussions regarding the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which commenced in May 2005 at the United Nations; the discussions he has had with the Iranian Foreign Minister on the issues surrounding the development of nuclear technology by Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18795/05]
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which is the most universal of all of the multilateral instruments in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation, came into force in 1970. The treaty has been reviewed at five-year intervals to assess progress under its three pillars of disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The seventh NPT review conference took place from 2 May to 27 May 2005 at the United Nations in New York. During the general debate, I delivered a statement on behalf of Ireland, the full text of which is available on the Department's website. The Government is deeply disappointed at the outcome of the conference, which it feels is a missed opportunity for the international community to tackle together key threats to global peace and security and to agree an effective collective response.
Failure of NPT review conferences to reach a substantive result is not without precedent in the 35-year history of the treaty, but it is all the more worrying, given the scale of the challenges that have threatened to undermine the authority and credibility of the non-proliferation regime and risk its further erosion. The challenges remain to be tackled and we must work with our partners in the EU and other groups to find a way to make progress.
The UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, in addressing the current situation, has stressed the need for leadership and pointed to the forthcoming meeting of heads of state and government in New York in September as a crucial opportunity to show such leadership. He has called upon them publicly to break the deadlock on the most pressing challenges in the field of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament and to take concrete steps to revitalise the NPT.
The Government believes that states parties to the NPT must respond to the Secretary General's call and now seek to identify ways that the NPT regime can be further strengthened. The NPT is now more than ever of tremendous importance to the achievement of international peace and security. As I noted in my address, our success in halting the erosion of the non-proliferation regime will be an acid test of the effectiveness of the entire multilateral system. This is a fight we, for our own sake and that of future generations, cannot afford to lose.
With respect to my meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, this took place at the latter's request on the second day of the NPT review conference. The main subject discussed in this brief meeting was the Iranian nuclear programme. Dr. Kharrazi stressed the importance of nuclear power in providing for the future energy needs of his country and Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The Minister recalled Ireland's national position on nuclear power and reaffirmed the need for the Iranian nuclear issue to be addressed within the framework of the negotiations led by France, Germany and the United Kingdom, in strict conformity with the Paris Agreement. I underlined my belief that difficulties should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation and that when a solution was found on the nuclear issue this would open the way to making progress on other issues, which could only be beneficial for both sides. The two of us also briefly discussed the UN Secretary General's reform proposals and my role as UN envoy. Dr. Kharrazi stated Iran has been following the matter closely. He believed it was an important mission and wished the Minister every success with his task.
157 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 for all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18764/05]
There has been no expenditure relating to commissions, inquiries and tribunals by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which he foresees membership and formation of the UN Security Council developing in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18849/05]
162 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his preferred options for the future development of the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18850/05]
168 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his preferred options for the future formation and membership of the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18856/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 161, 162 and 168 together.
It is generally agreed that the 60-year old structure of the United Nations Security Council, which derives from the immediate post-war situation, is not in accord with today's realities. There are, however, sharply divergent views on how the structure should be reformed.
The high level panel on threats, challenges and change that reported to the UN Secretary General in December 2004 on measures to enhance collective security was itself unable to agree on a recommendation for reform of the Security Council. Instead it 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, in making his own recommendations for reform of the UN generally in his report, In larger Freedom, did not recommend either of these models to the membership, stating that reform of the Security Council was a matter for UN members themselves. However, he recorded his agreement with the factors which, according to the high level panel, UN members should take into consideration in deciding on a reform of the Security Council: states that contribute most to the United Nations financially, militarily and diplomatically should have an increased involvement; the council should be more representative of the broader membership, especially of the developing world; the effectiveness of the Security Council should not be impaired; and the democratic and accountable nature of the body should be enhanced.
The Secretary General asked members to reach a decision before next September's summit, preferably by consensus, but if necessary by a vote of the General Assembly. A change in the charter of the United Nations requires the assent of two-thirds of the members in the General Assembly, and takes effect when ratified by two-thirds of the members, including all the permanent members of the Security Council.
Four states with aspirations to permanent membership, Germany, Japan, India and Brazil, have recently circulated a draft resolution providing for an increase in the membership of the Security Council to 25, including six new permanent members. A group of states opposed to this approach, the Uniting for Consensus group, have put forward a counter proposal that would involve the creation of ten new elected members, distributed among the regions, who would serve for two or three years and could be re-elected with the approval of their regional groups. This arrangement would offer the possibility of extended or very frequent membership of the Council for certain states, with the agreement of their regional groups.
The Government, along with other governments, is currently the merits of the different proposals that have been put forward. It will wish to ensure, in so far as it can, that whatever new structures are adopted will be in the interest of the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. It will also wish to ensure such an agreement preserves the possibility for smaller countries such as Ireland, which make substantial contributions to the work of the UN to serve on the Security Council at reasonable intervals.
163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action taken or proposed through the EU or UN to address the issues of war, strife, starvation and human rights abuses in the 20 most urgently pressing locations worldwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18851/05]
There is no internationally recognised system for ranking the severity of humanitarian crisis situations around the world, neither is it the policy of the Government to draw up a league table of countries deemed guilty of the worst human rights abuses. However, it is clear that there is a strong inter-relationship between conflict, the abuse of human rights, food insecurity and poverty. Conflict is exacerbated by poverty, inequality and exclusion. Most wars occur in poor countries and conflicts impact on the poorest and most vulnerable people, particularly women and children. Furthermore, food security is undermined by the effects of conflict.
Nineteen of the 20 countries ranked lowest on the UNDP's human development index for 2004, which takes into account life expectancy, education levels and per capita GDP, are in Africa. The only non-African country among these 20, at 158 out of a total of 177 countries, is East Timor. Ireland’s programme of development assistance is primarily focussed on the African continent. This programme addresses issues related to poverty, including conflict and food security. This assistance is delivered through a number of channels, directly, through our embassies in a number of African countries and, indirectly, using UN agencies, NGOs and other international organisations. East Timor is also one of Ireland’s priority programme countries for development assistance.
As well as directly assisting many of the poorest countries in Africa, Ireland is a strong advocate for the developing world and for international peace and security through our membership of the EU and the UN. During the Irish Presidency of the EU, we were heavily involved in major conferences, including to consider post-conflict reconstruction in Liberia and Iraq and to highlight the appalling situation in Darfur, Sudan. Ireland has recently opened a development office in Freetown, Sierra Leone, which will oversee funding programmes in Sierra Leone and Liberia, two countries which are emerging from conflict. A major component of funding in these countries has been in support of UN programmes to assist in the recovery process.
In addition to our support to emergency and recovery operations, Ireland will contribute €47 million in 2005 to the long-term work of UN agencies which seek to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development. Ireland's key partner agencies include the UN development programme, UNICEF — UN children's fund — the High Commissioner for Refugees, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN population fund, each of which contributes, within its own specific mandate, to the ongoing efforts of developing countries.
If we are to break the cyclical nature of food insecurity and conflict in Africa and elsewhere, the underlying structural problems affecting poverty and stability must be addressed. Ireland has strong development partnerships with six countries in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as with East Timor. Through these partnerships, Ireland fully engages with the governments, donors, EU and UN agencies on the basis of poverty reduction strategy plans. 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.
The EU is strongly committed to implementing the UN millennium declaration and the millennium development goals. In this regard, the General Affairs and External Relations Council on May 24 decided on a package of MDG-related measures. These include significant increases in member states' development assistance between now and 2015, measures on policy coherence for development and a special focus on Africa. These actions will help ensure that the EU is in a position to offer leadership at next September's UN summit on the MDGs and thus enhance the possibility which this unique event provides for the world community to agree on a collective response to the multiple needs, threats and challenges which we all face, ranging from extreme poverty, endemic disease and climate change to terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, genocide and civil war.
164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress on an amnesty for the undocumented Irish in the US; the result of recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts in the regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18852/05]
Since the tragic events of 11 September 2001, immigration has become a highly sensitive and divisive issue in the United States. There is, in particular, a widespread and strongly held view in Congress that an amnesty for the undocumented should not be on the agenda. Members who have visited Washington in recent times will have come away with this clear message. However, there have been positive developments recently. In a significant development on 12 May, Senators Kennedy and McCain, in co-operation with several of their colleagues in the House, published a Bill which would, inter alia, provide a way for the undocumented to seek the regularisation of their status. The Government has warmly welcomed the Bill. As with all legislative proposals in the US, the Kennedy-McCain initiative will have to be considered in detail by Congress, and we can anticipate a vigorous debate in this regard.
The issue of our undocumented has the highest priority for the Government. The Taoiseach and I raised this issue, as well as that of wider immigration reform, with President Bush when we met him on St. Patrick's Day, as we also did on Capitol Hill at that time. The President re-affirmed to us his willingness to work with Congress in advancing reform.
Our priority in the period ahead will be to lobby strongly in support of the Kennedy-McCain Bill, and to encourage the White House to become involved in support of the reform process. It is not necessary to have a discussion with my EU colleagues in this regard. If this should be seen to be helpful at any stage, I will have it raised in the first instance at the regular meetings of EU ambassadors in Washington.
169 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give an update on the situation in Nepal; if human rights issues are being addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18857/05]
A rebellion against the monarchy in Nepal, led by the extreme left wing Maoist Communist Party has been ongoing since 1996. The insurgency has, to date, claimed approximately 10,000 lives. The rebels are fighting to abolish the constitutional monarchy and establish a socialist state in the Himalayan kingdom. It is estimated that more than 40% of the country is now under the control of the insurgents. On 1 February 2005, King Gyanendra dismissed the country's government and declared a state of emergency, a move condemned by the international community. Since then, political detainees have been released, and on 30 April 2005, the King lifted the state of emergency.
However, basic human rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of association and a free press, remain indefinitely suspended. The judiciary has also raised questions about its independence and ability to defend constitutional rights. The security situation in the Government-controlled areas of the country is generally peaceful. However, fighting between the insurgents and security forces outside this area has intensified over the past two months, with neither side able to deal a decisive blow against the other.
At the most recent session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, in Geneva, held from 14 March to 22 April 2005, a resolution on the human rights situation in Nepal was adopted which provides, inter alia, for the establishment of an international monitoring mission through a regional office of the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, OHCHR. It also calls for the restoration of democratic institutions and respect for the rule of law, an independent National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, and full and unimpeded access to places of detention for the NHRC, OHCHR and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, remains concerned at the situation in Nepal, particularly in relation to human rights. The EU has urged both King Gyanendra and the political parties in Nepal to show flexibility in engaging in dialogue and in reviving the democratic process. The EU has emphasised its strong belief that the development of multi-party democracy in Nepal must be an essential part of any acceptable and sustainable resolution of the current conflict.
When he presented credentials to King Gyanendra in Kathmandu on 27 May, the Ambassador of Ireland to Nepal, who is resident in New Delhi, took the opportunity to state the EU and Irish position. In welcoming recent positive steps including the lifting of the state of emergency, the further release of political and other detainees and the appointment that day of the new NHRC, the ambassador said that the international community was also deeply interested in seeing the necessary progress in the reconciliation between the monarchy and the political parties, in the movement back to a functioning democracy and in the restoration of civil liberties. The Irish embassy in New Delhi is continuing to monitor and report on the situation in Nepal. Ireland, together with its EU partners, will continue to follow closely the situation in Nepal and to encourage both sides to pursue a peaceful, political solution and respect for human rights.
171 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the information on the circumstances surrounding the murder of a person (details supplied); if he has initiated new inquiries with the authorities in Burundi; if identification of the killers has been advanced to any extent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18859/05]
Since the events of 29 December 2003, my Department has been endeavouring to establish the full circumstances of the ambush that led to Archbishop Michael Courtney's tragic death. My predecessor, Deputy Cowen, discussed this issue on a number of occasions with both the President and Foreign Minister of Burundi, most recently on 21 September 2004, when he met the President in New York at the United Nations General Assembly. The Government was also presented in February 2004 with the results of the initial investigation conducted by the Burundian authorities. This report, which was presented simultaneously to the Holy See, was provided in confidence to the Government and to the Holy See. Ongoing contact has also been maintained throughout between my Department and the Holy See.
Arising from the investigation by the Burundian authorities, an individual, said to have suffered serious injury during the ambush that resulted in Archbishop Courtney's murder, was arrested in February 2004. My Department has learned that the suspect has since died in custody. The Burundian authorities have assured us that they are continuing to pursue others who they believe may have been involved in the ambush but they fear that some of those concerned may have fled to a neighbouring country. The Government remains in close contact with and seeks regular updates from the Burundi authorities regarding developments in the investigation. The Burundian Government has offered assurances that they remain fully committed to taking all possible steps to bring those responsible to justice. The Government will continue to urge that all efforts are made by the Burundian authorities to apprehend those responsible for the Archbishop's murder. I also will seriously consider the issue of official representation, in the event that any trial eventually takes place.
172 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the recent attacks on the cars and homes of Catholics in North Belfast which appear to have been co-ordinated and carried out by unionist paramilitaries and intended to intimidate residents and increase tensions in advance of the marching season; his communications with the British Government on this issue; if he is seeking public repudiation of these attacks by prominent Unionist politicians; and the steps he is taking to ensure that this is not the start of another anti-Catholic campaign in north Belfast over the summer months. [18880/05]
The Government is concerned about the ongoing attacks against the homes of residents in the Sommerdale Park, Ligoniel Road and Ballysillan areas of north Belfast. These attacks have been of a highly intimidating nature, with paint and petrol bombs thrown at cars, houses attacked and damaged, windows broken and ordinary families terrorised in their own homes. The Government raised its concerns about these incidents through the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat on 15 May and again in the wake of the attacks that occurred over the weekend of 20-21 May. Officials from my Department have met community leaders in north Belfast to discuss the situation and will continue to closely monitor the situation there as the summer progresses. The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference at the end of June will afford me the opportunity to again raise the matter and I will continue to seek reassurances that appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all the residents of north Belfast. The Government consistently impresses on all community leaders, including the leadership of the political parties, the desirability of increased efforts to ease tensions and help ensure that the marching season passes off peacefully.
173 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18904/05]
A small number of officers from other Departments have already joined the Department of Foreign Affairs with a view to decentralising to Limerick and the rate of intake will gradually increase over the next few weeks and months until all the necessary new staff are in place. It is planned to relocate the directorate in a single move during the first quarter of 2007.
174 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 regarding to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18765/05]
No costs have been paid from Exchequer funds in respect of commissions, inquiries or tribunals commenced by my Department since its establishment in June 2002.
175 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if grants are available to assist a club (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [18785/05]
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 does not assist in the purchase or rental of premises. The programme is advertised on an annual basis and applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December 2004. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. However, my Department did not receive an application for funding from the organisation in question under the 2005 programme.
The organisation might like to note that section 847(a) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a scheme for tax relief for relevant donations to an approved sports body for the funding of sports capital projects. Approved sports status can be awarded by my Department for suitable capital projects, allowing for tax relief to be claimed by a club on donations towards the project that exceed the minimum qualifying threshold of €250 per annum. Full details of the tax relief scheme are available on my Department’s website at www.dast.gov.ie.
176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18905/05]
As the Deputy will no doubt be aware, the decentralisation implementation group recommended in November 2004 that 15 Departments and agencies be prioritised in the first phase of this programme of decentralisation. The organisations identified include my Department. It is expected that construction of the new building to house the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism in Killarney will commence in the last quarter of 2005. The anticipated completion date is the first quarter in 2007. My Department is currently reviewing the transfer list resulting from the CAF process and will shortly commence to transfer those staff into the Department who wish to relocate to Killarney in early 2007. Three of my Department's agencies selected for decentralisation have not been identified as early movers. However, I understand that the decentralisation implementation group will shortly make recommendations in regard to the organisations not referred to in its November 2004 report.
177 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of SME’s in the State, their sectoral breakdown and the numbers employed. [18744/05]
178 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of micro enterprises in the State, their sectoral breakdown and the numbers employed. [18745/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.
The following table sets out the total number of registrations for VAT maintained by the Revenue Commissioners, which is taken as the best indication of the number of enterprises operating in the country. It is estimated that approximately 90% of all enterprises are micro-enterprises and about 98% in total are SMEs. The table reflects the classification of traders based on the descriptions of economic activities contained in the general industrial classification of economic activities within the European Communities known as NACE. They do not record the numbers employed by such enterprises.
|
Number |
|
|
Agriculture |
10,154 |
|
Forestry |
511 |
|
Fishing |
720 |
|
Energy Industry and Water Supply |
341 |
|
Mining and Quarrying |
285 |
|
Food, Drink and Tobacco Manufacturing |
1,580 |
|
Textile and Leather Industry |
434 |
|
Clothing and Footwear Manufacturing |
388 |
|
Other Manufacturing, including Books, Printing, Timber Processing |
13,087 |
|
Recycling |
136 |
|
Construction, including Builders, Civil Engineering and Related Trades |
42,881 |
|
Motor Vehicle Sales and Services |
6,329 |
|
Fuel Retailers, including Filling Stations |
1,329 |
|
Wholesalers |
10,300 |
|
Retailers |
21,857 |
|
Repair of Goods |
765 |
|
Accommodation, including Camping, Holiday Homes, Hotels, Guest Houses |
2,676 |
|
Catering, including Canteens, Contract Cleaners, Restaurants |
5,415 |
|
Publicans |
7,166 |
|
Transport Services |
1,373 |
|
Haulage Services |
6,734 |
|
Communications |
2,330 |
|
Financial Services, including Banking, Credit Unions, Insurance |
1,902 |
|
Property Services |
12,147 |
|
Hiring and Leasing |
3,334 |
|
Information Technology |
6,684 |
|
Professional Services, including Advertising, Architects, Barristers, Solicitors, Legal Agents, Press |
22,968 |
|
Miscellaneous Activities and Services, including Research, Security, Cleaning, Photography, Secretarial, Personal Care |
40,292 |
|
Total |
224,118 |
179 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of FDI companies in the State, their sectoral breakdown and the numbers employed. [18746/05]
In so far as the agencies under the aegis of my Department, those being IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development, are concerned, the information sought by the Deputy and supplied to me by them is set out in a tabular statement and is in respect of the year ended 31 December 2004.
|
Sector |
Total Number of Companies |
Total Numbers Employed |
|
Chemical Products |
119 |
19,985 |
|
Textile and Clothing |
19 |
1,649 |
|
Metals and Engineering |
342 |
58,154 |
|
Miscellaneous Manufacturing |
98 |
6,320 |
|
Food |
29 |
10,314 |
|
International Services |
248 |
34,433 |
|
Financial Services |
224 |
11,141 |
|
Transport Travel and Freight |
16 |
1,692 |
|
Other |
23 |
1,168 |
180 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 regarding to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18766/05]
The only commissions, inquiries or tribunals commenced by my Department in the period from 1995 to the end of 2004 relate to the area of company law inquiries. In respect of those company law inquiries commenced since 1997, I refer the Deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 68, 88 and 108 of 31 May 2005. As the information requested is not readily available for the 1995-96 period, I will have to revert to the Deputy on the matter but will do so as soon as possible.
181 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18906/05]
As part of the Government's current decentralisation programme it was decided that 250 of my Department's core staff will be relocated to Carlow. The Department was identified as an early mover in the third report of the decentralisation implementation group, which gave an indicative timeframe of the second quarter of 2008 for completion of the Department's new building in Carlow. The current position is that the OPW is close to completing a site acquisition in Carlow town centre and construction is due to commence in the second quarter of 2006.
While no staff of my Department have moved to Carlow as yet, I am confident that we will meet the deadline set by the decentralisation implementation group, with some 300 staff relocating to Carlow once the building has been completed. The decentralisation programme also includes the relocation of four of my Department's agencies to Birr, Arklow, Thomastown and Shannon, namely, FÁS with 383 staff, National Standards Authority of Ireland with 132 staff, the Health and Safety Authority with 110 staff and Enterprise Ireland with 292 staff, respectively. The current position is that no staff have yet been relocated by any of my agencies. Both FÁS and the Health and Safety Authority have been recommended in the third report of the decentralisation implementation group for priority attention in terms of implementing their decentralisation programmes and they are working towards progressing this recommendation. While indicative timeframes for moving Enterprise Ireland and the NSAI have not yet been set by the decentralisation implementation group, both agencies are working towards relocating to their new locations. In the autumn of 1998, prior to the current decentralisation programme, my Department re-located the Patents Office from Dublin to Kilkenny. This involved 63 staff relocating to Kilkenny city at that time.
182 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 regarding to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18767/05]
There are no commissions, inquiries or tribunals of the kind referred to under the aegis of my Department.
183 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated cost of extending the free travel companion pass scheme to persons who are aged 70 years and over and who are medically certified as unfit to travel alone. [18814/05]
Free travel companion passes have been issued to over 14,000 people aged 75 and over and to almost 900 people aged 70 to 74 because they qualify through other criteria, for example, where they are recipients of invalidity pension or wheelchair users. As I have no details of how many of those aged 70 to 74 would be medically assessed as unfit to travel alone, it is not possible to estimate the cost of extending the companion pass to all those who are in this group.
184 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18862/05]
Rent supplements are provided through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. One of the conditions for receipt of rent supplement is that the tenant must be in need of accommodation and be unable to obtain it from within his or her own resources. Local housing authorities assess the accommodation needs.
The Dublin-mid-Leinster area of the executive has advised that the person concerned was referred to her local authority for an assessment of her housing needs. Having completed its assessment, the local authority advised the executive that the person concerned is not considered to be in need of housing as she has the option of living in the family home. In these circumstances, she does not satisfy the conditions for receipt of rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
185 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18907/05]
Under the Government decentralisation programme announced as part of budget 2004, 1,300 staff of the Department and its agencies are required to relocate to seven provincial locations, namely, Drogheda, Buncrana, Donegal, Carrick-on-Shannon, Sligo, Carrickmacross and Monaghan. The Department has prepared outline plans for the movement of posts and sections under the programme. The programme will commence with the decentralisation of a number of sections to Sligo and arrangements are currently being made for the relocation of one business area, with 15 posts, to Sligo in early July.
186 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 in relation to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18768/05]
The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Commission-Inquiry |
Date Established |
Date Completed |
Cost |
|
€ |
|||
|
Investigation into fatal air accident of Aer Lingus Viscount St. Phelim EI-AOM 2000 off Tuskar Rock on 24 March 1968 |
November 2000 |
January 2002 |
117,035 |
|
Inquiry into non-fatal accident of Aer Lingus DC3 near Birmingham on1 January 1953 |
May 2001 |
March 2002 |
95,954 |
|
Inquiry into Kilkenny Railway Order |
April 2004 |
May 2004 |
8,048 |
|
Inquiry into the rail accident at Kiltoom Level Crossing 16 February 2001 |
February 2001 |
August 2003 |
3,767 |
|
Inquiry into derailment of freight train at Cahir Viaduct on 7 October 2003 |
October 2003 |
January 2005 |
19,765 |
|
Public Inquiry into Luas Line A Tallaght to Abbey Street |
August 1998 |
December 1998 |
120,000 |
|
Public Inquiry into Luas Line B St. Stephen’s Green to Sandyford |
January 1999 |
June 1999 |
134,000 |
|
Public Inquiry into Luas Line C Abbey Street to Connolly Station |
October 1999 |
January 2000 |
34,000 |
|
Public Inquiry into Luas Line C Store Street to Connolly Station |
July 2000 |
October 2000 |
24,000 |
187 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport his plans for HGV driving tests to be carried out in a town (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18800/05]
Driving tests for category C, rigid truck, are being conducted in Letterkenny. Category EC tests, articulated truck, are currently suspended as certain manoeuvres which form part of the test can no longer be safely conducted on test routes in the locality. My Department has asked the Office of Public Works to secure a suitable off-road compound so that category EC tests can be resumed in Letterkenny.
188 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the quality bus corridors in Dublin and their respective length and the total number of inbound and outbound services each day on each of the corridors. [18829/05]
189 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the routes on which the 10 km of bus priority which are not deemed quality bus corridors and the total length of bus priority on each. [18830/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.
As indicated in the response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 220 and 221 of May 2005, there are nine quality bus corridors in operation at present with a total length of 117 km. The total quality bus corridor length, including priorities on associated approaches, is disaggregated as follows:
Lucan N4, including St. John's Road and Lucan bypass — 16.8 km
Malahide — 7.5 km
Stillorgan, including Newtownpark Avenue and Foxrock-Bray extension — 24 km
Finglas — 6 km
North Clondalkin — 12.1 km
Rathfarnham, including Ballyboden Road — 8.1 km
Tallaght — 12.2 km
Blanchardstown — 16.4 km
Swords — 14.6 km
Total — 117.7 km
There are a further 9.8 km of bus priority measures which may not meet the full quality bus corridor specification but which do prioritise buses through traffic, disaggregated as follows:
N7 Monastery Road to Newlands Cross — 1.5 km
Newtown Park Avenue — 0.5 km
Outer Ring Road — 3.3 km
N32 — 2.5 km
Clontarf Road — 1.5 km
Laurel Lodge — 0.5 km
Total — 9.8 km
The issue of services on the corridors is a day to day operational matter for Dublin Bus and other public transport service providers.
190 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the forecast number of driving tests scheduled in each test centre for each week from 30 May 2005 until 30 December 2005 as far forward as schedules are planned on a weekly basis. [18864/05]
191 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving tests scheduled in each test centre for each week from 1 January 2004 to 27 May 2005 on a weekly basis; and the number of actual tests conducted during this time. [18865/05]
192 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving testers rostered at each test centre for each week from 1 January 2004 to 27 May 2005 on a weekly basis. [18866/05]
193 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Transport the forecast of driving testers rostered at each test centre for each week from 30 May 2005 to 30 December 2005 as far forward as schedules are planned on a weekly basis. [18867/05]
I propose to take Question Nos. 190 to 193, inclusive, together.
The information sought by the Deputy on driving tests scheduled and conducted and for the number of driver testers assigned to test centres for the period 1 January 2004 to 27 May 2005 is not readily available in the format requested for the period in question. The information is being compiled and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Table 1 sets out details of tests scheduled at each test centre between 30 May 2005 and 2 July 2005. Table 2 sets out details of testers assigned for the same period. This covers the period for which schedules are finalised at present.
|
Driving Test Centres |
W/C 30/5/2005 |
W/C 6/6/2005 |
W/C 13/6/2005 |
W/C 20/6/2005 |
W/C 27/6/2005 |
|
North Leinster Region |
|||||
|
Finglas |
213 |
170 |
272 |
223 |
248 |
|
Raheny |
247 |
201 |
142 |
242 |
58 |
|
Dundalk |
72 |
59 |
117 |
75 |
54 |
|
Mullingar |
18 |
— |
94 |
67 |
22 |
|
Navan |
130 |
90 |
153 |
123 |
74 |
|
South Leinster Region |
|||||
|
Churchtown/Rathgar |
318 |
338 |
295 |
239 |
311 |
|
Tallaght |
214 |
216 |
154 |
275 |
180 |
|
Gorey |
77 |
— |
36 |
82 |
— |
|
Naas |
267 |
145 |
259 |
253 |
254 |
|
Tullamore |
69 |
35 |
25 |
26 |
15 |
|
Wicklow |
74 |
— |
92 |
43 |
85 |
|
West Region |
|||||
|
Athlone |
86 |
28 |
41 |
45 |
77 |
|
Birr |
36 |
— |
39 |
— |
— |
|
Castlebar |
81 |
55 |
148 |
45 |
99 |
|
Clifden |
36 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Ennis |
45 |
68 |
36 |
67 |
— |
|
Galway |
129 |
85 |
— |
120 |
77 |
|
Loughrea |
51 |
— |
26 |
28 |
25 |
|
Roscommon |
41 |
36 |
48 |
45 |
18 |
|
Tuam |
— |
52 |
63 |
— |
59 |
|
North West Region |
|||||
|
Ballina |
81 |
— |
75 |
86 |
|
|
Buncrana |
38 |
— |
— |
— |
44 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
89 |
32 |
46 |
82 |
68 |
|
Cavan |
85 |
18 |
— |
85 |
16 |
|
Donegal |
92 |
— |
81 |
— |
49 |
|
Letterkenny |
— |
82 |
52 |
113 |
20 |
|
Longford |
38 |
— |
81 |
34 |
— |
|
Monaghan |
45 |
37 |
— |
45 |
— |
|
Sligo |
— |
57 |
— |
65 |
36 |
|
South East Region |
|||||
|
Carlow |
86 |
76 |
84 |
76 |
71 |
|
Clonmel |
67 |
67 |
17 |
76 |
50 |
|
Dungarvan |
— |
30 |
32 |
80 |
43 |
|
Kilkenny |
75 |
79 |
138 |
— |
133 |
|
Nenagh |
35 |
— |
— |
35 |
— |
|
Portlaoise |
49 |
27 |
29 |
40 |
— |
|
Thurles |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Tipperary |
— |
— |
— |
26 |
43 |
|
Waterford |
126 |
32 |
14 |
55 |
75 |
|
Wexford |
85 |
54 |
52 |
69 |
71 |
|
South West Region |
|||||
|
Cork |
363 |
250 |
162 |
269 |
314 |
|
Killarney |
61 |
32 |
— |
— |
— |
|
Kilrush |
36 |
— |
48 |
— |
— |
|
Limerick |
47 |
101 |
— |
136 |
129 |
|
Mallow |
82 |
— |
67 |
78 |
36 |
|
Newcastle West |
88 |
— |
84 |
56 |
74 |
|
Shannon |
— |
— |
29 |
— |
82 |
|
Skibbereen |
38 |
66 |
78 |
— |
— |
|
Tralee |
77 |
— |
84 |
70 |
80 |
|
Driving Test Centres |
W/C 30/5/2005 |
W/C 6/6/2005 |
W/C 13/6/2005 |
W/C 20/6/2005 |
W/C 27/6/2005 |
|
North Leinster Region |
|||||
|
Finglas |
9 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Raheny |
7 |
8 |
4 |
7 |
3 |
|
Dundalk |
2 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
Mullingar |
1 |
— |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Navan |
4 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
South Leinster Region |
|||||
|
Churchtown/Rathgar |
10 |
11 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
|
Tallaght |
5 |
7 |
4 |
6 |
4 |
|
Gorey |
2 |
— |
1 |
2 |
— |
|
Naas |
6 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Tullamore |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
— |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
West Region |
|||||
|
Athlone |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Birr |
1 |
— |
2 |
— |
— |
|
Castlebar |
2 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
|
Clifden |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Ennis |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
— |
|
Galway |
3 |
4 |
— |
4 |
1 |
|
Loughrea |
2 |
— |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tuam |
— |
2 |
2 |
— |
2 |
|
North West Region |
|||||
|
Ballina |
2 |
— |
1 |
— |
2 |
|
Buncrana |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
|
Carrick-on-Shannon |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
1 |
— |
2 |
1 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
— |
2 |
— |
1 |
|
Letterkenny |
— |
2 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
|
Longford |
1 |
— |
2 |
1 |
— |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
1 |
— |
1 |
— |
|
Sligo |
— |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
South East Region |
|||||
|
Carlow |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Clonmel |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Dungarvan |
— |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
2 |
4 |
— |
3 |
|
Nenagh |
1 |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
|
Portlaoise |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
— |
|
Thurles |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Tipperary |
— |
— |
— |
1 |
1 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
South West Region |
|||||
|
Cork |
9 |
9 |
4 |
7 |
8 |
|
Killarney |
2 |
1 |
— |
— |
— |
|
Kilrush |
1 |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
|
Limerick |
1 |
3 |
— |
4 |
4 |
|
Mallow |
2 |
— |
2 |
2 |
1 |
|
Newcastle West |
2 |
— |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Shannon |
— |
— |
1 |
— |
2 |
|
Skibbereen |
1 |
— |
1 |
— |
— |
|
Tralee |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
194 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers carried by mainline rail, suburban rail, DART, Dublin Bus and by provincial bus in 2004. [18886/05]
According to the CIE annual report for 2004, the number of passengers carried in 2004 by the CIE operating companies is as follows: mainline rail — 11.310 million; DART — 20.683 million; suburban rail — 2.557 million; Dublin Bus — 150 million; and Bus Éireann — 90.165 million, which includes 42.4 million passengers carried under the school transport scheme.
195 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the details of the fare levels on CIE services at the beginning of 1998 and to date in 2005. [18887/05]
198 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the comparison of fares on Dublin Bus, DART and Luas for an equivalent journey. [18890/05]
I propose to take Question Nos. 195 and 198 together.
The details of the fare levels on CIE services at the beginning of 1998 and to date in 2005 are as follows:
|
Type |
1998 |
2005 |
Increase |
|
€ |
€ |
% |
|
|
Bus Eireann |
|||
|
Average Fare |
8.98 |
10.92 |
21.6 |
|
Bus Átha Cliath |
|||
|
Adult (1-3 stage) |
.70 |
.90 |
28.5 |
|
Adult (4-7 stage) |
1.02 |
1.30 |
27.4 |
|
Adult (8-13 stage) |
1.27 |
1.50 |
18.1 |
|
Adult (14-23 stage) |
1.40 |
1.75 |
25 |
|
Adult (over 23 stage) |
1.59 |
1.85 |
16.3 |
|
Child (1-7 stage) |
.44 |
.60 |
36.3 |
|
Child (over 7 stages) |
.70 |
.80 |
14.2 |
|
Schoolchild (all stages) |
.38 |
.45 |
18.4 |
|
A sample of fares on services is as follows: |
|||
|
Iarnród Éireann |
|||
|
Dublin — Cork |
41.91 |
52.50 |
25.2 |
|
Dublin — Thurles |
24.13 |
30.00 |
24.3 |
|
Dublin (Connolly) — Dun Laoghaire |
1.39 |
1.90 |
36.6 |
|
Tara Street — Raheny |
1.27 |
1.60 |
25.9 |
A comparison of fares on Dublin Bus, DART and Luas services for an approximately equivalent journey is as follows:
|
Journey |
Fares |
|
€ |
|
|
Dublin Bus — DART Luas |
|
|
Bray — City Centre |
1.85 — 2.20 |
|
Malahide Village — City Centre |
1.75 — 1.90 |
|
Sandyford — City Centre |
1.75 — 2.00 |
|
Tallaght — City Centre |
1.75 — 2.00 |
196 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the number of passengers carried by each Luas in each month since they first opened. [18888/05]
Luas passenger numbers since start up in July 2004 are as follows: Quarter 3 2004 — 1,945,000; quarter 4 2004 — 4,625,000; quarter 1 2005 — 4,500,000; quarter 2 2005 — 3,450,000 to end May only.
The green line opened to the public at the end of June 2004. Patronage began at approximately 630,000 passenger trips per month and has grown by approximately 45% in the period to April 2005. The red line opened to the public in late September 2004. Patronage began at approximately 670,000 passenger trips per month and has grown by approximately 25% in the period to April 2005.
197 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the estimate of the annual subvention towards mainline rail, DART, other suburban rail, provincial bus, Dublin Bus and Luas and his estimate of the subvention per passenger carried. [18889/05]
The total Exchequer payment for public service obligations to Iarnród Éireann in 2004 was €71.421 million, of which €1.06 million was in respect of DART interest payments. The total number of passenger journeys on Iarnród Éireann services was 34.6 million, of which 23.3 million were carried on the DART and suburban lines. The Exchequer payment for each passenger was, therefore, €4.92. It should be noted that passenger numbers fell in 2004 arising from line closures at weekends during the DART upgrade works. It should also be noted that Iarnród Éireann carries significant costs associated with the management and maintenance of the rail infrastructure.
The Exchequer subvention to Bus Éireann in 2004 was €23.998 million. No Exchequer payment was made in relation to commercial Expressway services. The company carried 40 million passengers in 2004 on public service obligation services. The estimated Exchequer payment per passenger in respect of the public service obligations was 62 cent.
The Exchequer provided €61.8 million to Bus Átha Cliath in 2004 for public service obligations. The company carried 149 million passengers in that year and the Exchequer payment, therefore, amounted to approximately 40 cent per passenger.
The total Exchequer payment to the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, for the operation of Luas services in 2004 was €1.453 million. Luas services commenced on the green line in June 2004 and on the red line in September 2004. In 2004 Luas carried 6.6 million passengers. This equates to an Exchequer payment of 22 cent per passenger.
The Exchequer subvention to the CIE group of companies for 2005 is €270.1 million, of which €179.991 million will be allocated to Iarnród Éireann services, €25.1 million to Bus Éireann and €64.9 million to Bus Átha Cliath. The companies have budgeted to carry the following number of passengers in 2005: Iarnród Éireann — 36.4 million; Bus Éireann — 40 million and Bus Átha Cliath — 150.6 million. If these projected passenger numbers are reached it would result in a subvention per passenger of €4.90 for Iarnród Éireann; 43 cent for Bus Átha Cliath and 63 cent for Bus Éireann.
The RPA estimates that the subvention in respect of Luas for 2005 is €2.576 million. The RPA estimate that Luas will carry 20.58 million passengers in 2005. This equates to an operating subsidy of 13 cent per passenger. It should be noted that based on current forecasts the requirement for a subsidy of operational deficits on Luas red and green lines will cease after 2006. These forecasts are based on the assumption that patronage rises in line with projections and fares rise at least in line with the indexed cost of the contracts in place for the operation and maintenance of the Luas system and all other costs remain at forecast levels.
199 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18908/05]
My Department and transport agencies already have a strong regional presence throughout the country. Further moves are planned as part of the recent decentralisation programme. While these moves have not taken place yet both the road haulage function of the Department of Transport and the National Safety Council have been identified as candidates for early transfer.
200 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his estimate of the passenger miles which will be travelled in 2005 by the mainline rail, DART, other suburban rail, provincial bus, Dublin Bus and Luas. [18920/05]
The estimate from CIE of the passenger miles which will be travelled in 2005 is as follows:
|
Provincial bus: |
89.7 million |
|
Dublin Bus: |
1.05 billion |
|
Luas: |
100 million |
Iarnród Éireann states that total passenger kilometres in 2004 amounted to 1.582 billion. This figure was depressed due to the DART weekend closures. The company states that if the closures had not taken place, then the estimated total would have been 1.622 billion subdivided as follows: mainline rail — 1.242 billion and DART-suburban — 0.380 billion. Iarnród Éireann expects that there will be a growth in 2005 of between 5% and 9% gross on last year's figures.
201 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 in relation to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18769/05]
No commissions, inquiries or tribunals have been commenced by my Department since its establishment in June 2002.
202 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the specific funding that has been disbursed from the dormant accounts fund in 2005 to each individual constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18776/05]
203 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding that has been disbursed from the dormant accounts fund in 2004 to projects on the offshore islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18786/05]
204 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding that was disbursed from the dormant accounts fund in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18787/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 204, inclusive, together.
Decisions on the disbursement of unclaimed moneys from the dormant accounts fund are currently a matter for the Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursements Board. This is an independent statutory body under the aegis of my Department and established under the Dormant Accounts Acts. The board engaged Area Development Management Limited, ADM, to administer the initial round of funding on its behalf, which involves the disbursement of up to €60 million from the fund.
During 2004, the board approved 420 projects for funding totalling almost €42 million. To date in 2005, the board has approved further projects bringing the overall totals to 482 approvals involving a total amount of €56.2 million. While a breakdown of these approvals by individual constituency is not available, a county analysis is set out in the following appendix for the Deputy's information.
The drawdown of funding is subject to the satisfactory completion of legal contracts between the individual groups and the board. As part of this process, groups are required to submit necessary documentation, such as agreed budgets, tax clearance certificates, evidence of insurance, etc., to ADM before payments are actually made. The total amount disbursed with regard to projects approved by the board was approximately €1.4 million in 2004 and to date in 2005, this figure has increased to €4 million. Furthermore, in July 2004, following consultation with the board and in accordance with the terms of the Dormant Accounts Act 2001, as amended, €10 million from the fund was transferred to my Department to partly finance the rural social scheme.
With regard to projects on the offshore islands, I understand that five applications were received by ADM. These were evaluated against the criteria set out in the published guidelines and recommendations made to the board for decision. None of these applications were successful and the groups concerned were advised of the board's decisions and offered the opportunity to seek a review of those decisions.
|
County |
No of Approved Projects |
Value of Approved Projects |
|
Carlow |
6 |
313,149 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
606,523 |
|
Clare |
9 |
793,872 |
|
Cork |
58 |
6,231,161 |
|
Donegal |
11 |
983,930 |
|
Dublin |
184 |
19,181,811 |
|
Galway |
27 |
4,091,015 |
|
Kerry |
25 |
4,807,470 |
|
Kildare |
11 |
2,695,868 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
748,130 |
|
Laois |
4 |
199,722 |
|
Leitrim |
7 |
560,749 |
|
Limerick |
16 |
1,943,616 |
|
Longford |
7 |
451,336 |
|
Louth |
9 |
700,464 |
|
Mayo |
14 |
2,281,543 |
|
Meath |
1 |
112,000 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
253,233 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
60,000 |
|
Roscommon |
12 |
1,115,269 |
|
Sligo |
13 |
1,204,859 |
|
Tipperary |
17 |
1,302,150 |
|
Waterford |
15 |
2,383,602 |
|
Westmeath |
8 |
564,263 |
|
Wexford |
9 |
1,319,282 |
|
Wicklow |
8 |
1,286,788 |
|
Total |
482 |
€56,191,804 |
205 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18909/05]
The Deputy will be aware that, under the decentralisation programme, my Department will be decentralising to two locations, namely, Knock Airport and Na Forbacha in Galway, which is an existing decentralised location. In addition, it is proposed that staff of two bodies, reporting to my Department, ADM and Foras na Gaeilge, will relocate — ADM to Clifden, County Galway and Foras na Gaeilge to Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal.
Relocation can only take place when suitable accommodation is in place. My Department is committed to completing the relocation process to Knock Airport by 2007. This timescale is dependent on the Office of Public Works encountering no delays in the planning and building processes involved in providing the required accommodation.
Temporary accommodation is currently available in Na Forbacha and relocation is subject to the availability of staff with fluency in Irish becoming available through the CAF mechanism. Prior to the announcement of the Government's plan for decentralisation in December 2003, I had decided to relocate some of the work of my Department from Dublin to Galway. Under this initiative, five posts have been relocated to date. The OPW is also in the process of securing a site in Clifden to accommodate staff of ADM.
Foras na Gaeilge is a North-South implementation body and the re-location of staff of the body to Gaoth Dobhair is subject to the agreement of the North-South Ministerial Council, NSMC. The relevant issues that require examination prior to submission of the question to the NSMC are being pursued on an ongoing basis.
206 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a forestry premium will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18806/05]
The forest service of my Department wrote to the person in question on 17 May 2005 requesting documentation with regard to eligibility for the farmer rate of forestry premium. Payment of the premium will be made on receipt of this documentation. If the person in question is unable to furnish the required documentation, payment of the premium at the non-farmer rate will be made.
207 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures taken to research if there is any link between the intestinal problems in animals or humans and the spread of the ragworth weed, especially on waste ground, throughout Ireland. [18876/05]
208 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the livers of horses who have been feeding on waste ground have rotted due to ingesting the ragworth weed; the steps she will take to eliminate the ragworth weed from the countryside; and the threat to livestock it poses. [18877/05]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.
Under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936, it is an offence not to prevent the spread of certain weeds, including ragwort and the owner, occupier, user or manager of lands on which ragwort is growing is liable, on conviction, to be fined.
Ragwort is a highly poisonous plant as the alkaloids it contains can cause serious damage to the liver of farm animals. The only way to safeguard against loss from ragwort poisoning is to eradicate the weed either by pulling, ploughing, cutting or chemical control. Where weeds are pulled or cut, they must be removed and destroyed before animals are allowed to graze as they are much more palatable in the dried state. Hay or silage should not be harvested from fields containing ragwort. There are no official figures available in Ireland for deaths of horses due to ragwort poising. Unofficial estimates indicate that the level is very low and does not warrant any special attention or investigation.
Over the years the problem of noxious weeds on farms has diminished with most complaints on noxious weeds now relating to urban areas, particularly derelict sites, roadways and waste areas which come within the remit of local authorities. A Teagasc advisory leaflet is available for the control of noxious weeds and is revised in line with advances in new control procedures.
209 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 in relation to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by her Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18770/05]
No commissions, inquiries or tribunals were commenced by my Department from 1995 to 31 December 2004.
210 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will retain the current supports for afforestation as requested by the IFA relating to the ongoing EU rural development negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18803/05]
The issues here relate to the forestry elements contained in the draft Rural Development Regulation 2007-2013, first published by the European Commission in July 2004 and which is the subject of ongoing negotiations in the Council of Ministers.
Throughout the negotiations so far, the Irish position on the draft regulation in general, including the specific aspects related to forestry has been clear. On these forestry aspects I have pointed to the negative impacts that the proposals would have on the sector, particularly those relating to reduced establishment grants, premiums and associated premium payments periods. Negotiations on the Commission proposals are continuing within the Agriculture Council and as they progress, I will be pressing for the best possible outcome for Ireland on the package as a whole, including a satisfactory outcome on forestry issues.
211 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to the payment of the 2004 headage payment, suckler cow payment and extensification payment for a person (details supplied) in county Wicklow; if these payments will be awarded as speedily as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18808/05]
The area aid unit wrote to the person named with regard to problems that arose while processing his 2004 area aid application. The Department sought maps and evidence to entitlement to commonage areas being claimed on his area aid application. There has been no reply from the person named to date. On receipt of a reply from the person named, the area aid unit will process his 2004 area aid application without delay and any payments due to him will be made in due course, provided he has complied with the conditions of the schemes for which he applied.
212 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the potential loss of up to €80 million due to Irish farmers arising from special beef premium payments with particular reference to commitments given by the then EU Agricultural Commissioner, Mr. Franz Fischler, to the effect that no country or individual farmer would lose out from the changeover to full decoupling; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that arising from indications to date, losses of between €50 and €80 per animal are likely with obvious negative consequences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18837/05]
I am fully aware of the impact that the overshoot reduction will have on beef farmers who claimed on more than 25 animals. The decision to opt for full decoupling was arrived at following careful consideration of all options and following a widespread public consultation process. A very persuasive factor in this process was the suggestion that farmers in those member states which fully decoupled would not be disadvantaged during the transitional period. The level of the overshoot of the regional ceiling is attributable to the ending of the special beef premium scheme in 2004 and application patterns both in terms of total numbers of animals applied upon and the timing of lodging of applications, strongly suggest this to be the case.
I am actively seeking a solution to this issue and will continue to do so with the European Commissioner and her officials. I have already raised the issue with the Commissioner on a number of occasions during various meetings. My Department also forwarded a detailed submission to the European Commission dealing with this matter on 25 April 2005. The matter has been discussed with the Commissioner's cabinet and with the most senior officials of the European Commission. Arrangements are currently at an advanced stage for a meeting between my officials and the various services of the Commission's DG Agriculture.
I am availing of every opportunity to press for appropriate measures to be put in place to alleviate the difficulties encountered by beef farmers in Ireland as a result of the ending of the special beef premium in 2004. I will continue to pursue the matter with the Agriculture Commissioner and Commission officials.
213 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason force majeure and exceptional circumstances were not granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if a more lenient view will be taken when this appeal is being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18868/05]
An application for consideration under the force majeure-exceptional circumstances measure of the single payment regulations was submitted by the person named on 17 February 2004. Following consideration by my Department and the independent single payment appeals committee of the circumstances outlined, including additional information submitted, my Department is satisfied that force majeure can be applied in respect of disease outbreaks which resulted in decreased production in 2002. Consequently, the year 2002 will be excluded and only the years 2000 and 2001 will be used in the calculation of the single payment entitlement. The person named was notified of this decision and an amended statement of provisional entitlements reflecting this position has been issued.
214 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18910/05]
My Department located approximately 50 additional staff in Portlaoise as an initial step in decentralisation during 2004. Currently work for another 60 staff is being transferred to Portlaoise and will be undertaken by staff in that office who are being freed up as a result of rationalisation of income support schemes. My Department aims to transfer a further 50 staff to Portlaoise by early 2006 in ongoing implementation of the Government's programme for decentralisation.
215 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detailed for each of the districts within the Kilkenny-Waterford division for each of the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. [18756/05]
With regard to crime figures, on becoming Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I arranged for the publication of headline crime statistics on a quarterly basis to improve the quality of information available to the public. While caution should be exercised in interpreting levels of crime between quarters, I am pleased to note that during my term of office as Minister, the quarterly crime rate has decreased from 6.7 per 1,000 population to 6 per 1,000 over the longer period of 11 quarters for which figures are available. This trend is reflected throughout most Garda districts in the country.
In interpreting these figures, account has also to be taken of the introduction of the new PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999, which led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. The Deputy will also be aware that, taking into account the significant increase in our population since 1995, the headline crime rate has fallen from 29 per 1,000 population in 1995 to 25 per 1,000 population in 2004.
The tables show the headline offences, for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive, for the each Garda district within the Kilkenny-Waterford division for the years 2000 to 2004.
|
Year |
2004* |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||
|
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
|
|
Homicide |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Assault |
28 |
25 |
21 |
20 |
38 |
35 |
21 |
18 |
11 |
10 |
|
Sexual Offences |
6 |
4 |
14 |
14 |
16 |
15 |
11 |
11 |
8 |
8 |
|
Arson |
8 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
7 |
|
Drugs |
8 |
8 |
20 |
20 |
26 |
26 |
7 |
7 |
13 |
13 |
|
Thefts |
263 |
108 |
250 |
96 |
231 |
79 |
173 |
92 |
146 |
71 |
|
Burglary |
185 |
26 |
193 |
34 |
143 |
41 |
136 |
53 |
165 |
66 |
|
Robbery |
1 |
0 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Fraud |
21 |
18 |
31 |
29 |
20 |
14 |
37 |
35 |
25 |
24 |
|
Other |
1 |
1 |
12 |
12 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
|
Total |
522 |
192 |
550 |
230 |
489 |
223 |
395 |
223 |
381 |
205 |
|
Year |
2004* |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||
|
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
|
|
Homicide |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assault |
61 |
49 |
65 |
57 |
71 |
60 |
41 |
30 |
20 |
19 |
|
Sexual Offences |
22 |
7 |
35 |
27 |
58 |
48 |
116 |
110 |
18 |
16 |
|
Arson |
9 |
4 |
6 |
3 |
9 |
4 |
8 |
2 |
16 |
11 |
|
Drugs |
43 |
43 |
53 |
52 |
62 |
62 |
53 |
53 |
24 |
24 |
|
Thefts |
492 |
283 |
502 |
286 |
447 |
251 |
377 |
190 |
344 |
235 |
|
Burglary |
197 |
36 |
242 |
64 |
267 |
65 |
252 |
72 |
257 |
78 |
|
Robbery |
3 |
1 |
19 |
12 |
14 |
9 |
13 |
3 |
11 |
8 |
|
Fraud |
57 |
38 |
84 |
65 |
57 |
43 |
94 |
88 |
42 |
38 |
|
Other |
15 |
13 |
46 |
45 |
20 |
17 |
10 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
899 |
474 |
1,053 |
611 |
1,007 |
561 |
966 |
559 |
734 |
431 |
|
Year |
2004* |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||
|
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
|
|
Homicide |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assault |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
10 |
10 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
|
Sexual Offences |
0 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
14 |
14 |
20 |
19 |
2 |
2 |
|
Arson |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Drugs |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
8 |
8 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
Thefts |
102 |
31 |
99 |
36 |
70 |
25 |
52 |
17 |
62 |
12 |
|
Burglary |
90 |
11 |
99 |
12 |
72 |
15 |
85 |
15 |
126 |
30 |
|
Robbery |
0 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fraud |
70 |
68 |
21 |
20 |
23 |
23 |
25 |
25 |
12 |
10 |
|
Other |
4 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
274 |
119 |
237 |
81 |
201 |
99 |
196 |
90 |
211 |
63 |
|
Year |
2004* |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||
|
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
|
|
Homicide |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assault |
25 |
17 |
34 |
28 |
39 |
31 |
24 |
21 |
11 |
11 |
|
Sexual Offences |
10 |
3 |
11 |
9 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
|
Arson |
3 |
0 |
7 |
3 |
16 |
5 |
7 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Drugs |
20 |
20 |
25 |
25 |
16 |
16 |
20 |
20 |
4 |
4 |
|
Thefts |
189 |
88 |
185 |
73 |
159 |
63 |
143 |
43 |
110 |
20 |
|
Burglary |
122 |
34 |
168 |
36 |
150 |
27 |
108 |
23 |
136 |
22 |
|
Robbery |
5 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
|
Fraud |
6 |
5 |
22 |
20 |
26 |
21 |
13 |
12 |
9 |
7 |
|
Other |
4 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
385 |
175 |
457 |
197 |
420 |
174 |
324 |
131 |
279 |
72 |
|
Year |
2004* |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||
|
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
|
|
Homicide |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Assault |
107 |
84 |
114 |
96 |
127 |
111 |
85 |
62 |
59 |
49 |
|
Sexual Offences |
36 |
28 |
75 |
58 |
39 |
28 |
21 |
16 |
22 |
20 |
|
Arson |
14 |
1 |
30 |
17 |
37 |
14 |
38 |
13 |
15 |
7 |
|
Drugs |
68 |
68 |
110 |
110 |
134 |
134 |
108 |
108 |
86 |
86 |
|
Thefts |
1,122 |
691 |
1,173 |
826 |
941 |
583 |
965 |
651 |
760 |
516 |
|
Burglary |
420 |
105 |
491 |
160 |
464 |
150 |
477 |
205 |
497 |
244 |
|
Robbery |
31 |
19 |
34 |
18 |
32 |
15 |
50 |
33 |
48 |
35 |
|
Fraud |
120 |
113 |
142 |
134 |
96 |
87 |
92 |
83 |
115 |
113 |
|
Other |
33 |
23 |
29 |
27 |
25 |
19 |
11 |
11 |
4 |
4 |
|
Total |
1,952 |
1,133 |
2,199 |
1,447 |
1,898 |
1,144 |
1,848 |
1,183 |
1,686 |
1,074 |
216 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a visa application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18757/05]
It is my understanding that a significant amount of supporting documentation was absent when this application was submitted to my Department. My officials have written to the applicant in question requesting additional documentation to be supplied as soon as possible. Upon receipt of the requested documentation, the application will be assessed by my Department and a decision will be made.
217 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 on all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18771/05]
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.
|
Name of Commission/ Inquiry/Tribunal |
Cost Paid to 31/12/2004 |
Estimated Date of Completion |
Estimated Final Cost |
|
Tribunal of Inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of John Carthy at Abbeylara, County Longford on 20 April, 2000. |
€8,147,368 |
Autumn 2005 |
€12,147,368 |
|
Tribunal of Inquiry into complaints concerning some gardaí of the Donegal Division. |
€15.1m |
It is not possible to give a precise indication but it is hoped that it will have completed its work by early 2006. |
It is not possible to estimate the final cost of this tribunal. In addition to the actual costs of the tribunal itself, there will also be additional costs arising as a result of orders for costs which have yet to be determined. |
|
Review of the action taken and of relevant papers held by the Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform relevant to allegations that members of the Garda Síochána in the Donegal Division engaged in criminal, unethical or unprofessional behaviour — Report by Shane Murphy SC |
€107,674.00 |
January 2002 |
€107,674.00 |
|
National Irish Bank Inquiry — The High Court appointed inspectors under the Companies Act on the application of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment with effect from 1 April, 1998 |
€5,842,959.92 — this was reimbursed to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in April 2005. |
The inspectors presented their report to the High Court on 12 July 2004 |
See across. |
|
Ansbacher Inquiry — The High Court appointed inspectors to Ansbacher (Cayman) Ltd. under the Companies Act on the application of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment with effect from 22 September, 1999 |
The inspection cost of €3.45m was paid for by my Department, of which €1.25m was later reimbursed. |
The inspection in relation to Ansbacher (Cayman) Ltd. was completed in June 2002 and a Report was published. |
See across |
|
Inquiry carried out by Mr. Justice Francis D. Murphy under the provisions of Section 21 of the Courts of Justice (District Court) Act 1946 in relation to the propriety of Judge O’Buachalla’s handling of the licensing of Jack White’s Inn and the discharge of judicial functions in certain cases brought before him by two gardaí |
Information not readily available in time allowed to answer parliamentary question. Information will be forwarded directly to Deputy by my Department as soon as possible. |
Final report — November 2000 |
Information not readily available in time allowed to answer parliamentary question. Information will be forwarded directly to Deputy by my Department as soon as possible. |
218 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for permission to remain in the State for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18789/05]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 14 July 2002 and applied for a declaration as a refugee. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on 24 July 2002 and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal on 28 November 2002.
Subsequently, in accordance with section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options to be exercised within 15 working days of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order.
In the normal course of events, this person's case file, including all representations received, would fall to be considered under section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, and under section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended — prohibition of refoulement. The person concerned, however, made an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of his parentage of an Irish born child born before 1 January 2005 under the revised arrangements announced on 15 January 2005.
The closing date for receipt of applications for the scheme was 31 March 2005. Some 18,000 applications were received. To date, in excess of 6,000 applicants have been granted temporary permission to remain. 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 application from the person concerned will be completed within the next few weeks.
219 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist a group (details supplied) in Dublin 10 with regard to assistance from the gardaí in obtaining clearance for community employment child care workers. [18796/05]
The Garda central vetting unit, GCVU, carries out criminal record vetting in respect of, inter alia, prospective full-time employees of the Health Service Executive and in certain agencies funded by the executive, as well as in respect of prospective child care workers on equal opportunities child care schemes funded by my Department. The unit currently deals with approximately 100,000 vetting applications per annum.
Although the group referred to by the Deputy cannot currently avail of this vetting regime in respect of some of its staff, these will be covered by a planned phased extension of Garda vetting arrangements to all relevant groups. In this regard, a working group was established to examine the issue of extending vetting arrangements. The working group submitted its final report in March 2004 and this report has since been published in electronic form on my Department's website. On the basis of this report, my colleague, Deputy Brian Lenihan, Minister of State with special responsibility for children, announced the provision of additional staff resources for the GCVU to enable the Garda Síochána's vetting services to be extended.
The Minister of State's announcement implements one of the key recommendations of the working group. The other practical recommendations are being brought forward by an implementation group chaired by the Garda Síochána and comprising representatives of my Department; the Departments of Health and Children, Education and Science and Finance; the Office of the Attorney General and Mr. Paul Gilligan, chief executive officer of the ISPCC.
I am pleased that the extension of the services of the GCVU will commence later this year, as soon as the necessary practical arrangements are in place, and public announcements will occur in this regard in due course.
220 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the headline offences recorded and detailed for each of the districts within the Galway east-Roscommon Garda division in the years 1997, 2000 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18797/05]
It has not been possible to compile the information requested in the timeframe allowed. I will arrange for the information to be forwarded directly to the Deputy at the earliest possible opportunity.
221 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for Bantry Garda district in west Cork for the years 2000 to 2004 respectively; and if he will give consideration to establishing a further Garda presence in the area. [18805/05]
I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 831 on Tuesday, 31 May 2005. The information requested by the Deputy is given in the tables.
With regard to crime figures, on becoming Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I arranged for the publication of headline crime statistics on a quarterly basis to improve the quality of information available to the public. While caution should be exercised in interpreting levels of crime between quarters, I am pleased to note that during my term of office as Minister, the quarterly crime rate has decreased from 6.7 per 1,000 population to 6 per 1,000 over the longer period of 11 quarters for which figures are available. This trend is reflected throughout most Garda districts in the country.
In interpreting these figures, account has also to be taken of the introduction of the new PULSE computer system by the Garda Síochána in 1999, which led to more complete and comprehensive recording of crimes reported than was previously the case. Taking into account the significant increase in our population since 1995, the headline crime rate has fallen from 29 per 1,000 population in 1995 to 25 per 1,000 population in 2004. The tables show the headline offences, for the years 2000 to 2004 inclusive, for the Bantry Garda District.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the current personnel strength of the Bantry district, as at 31 May 2005, was 41, all ranks. The number of Garda personnel assigned to each station, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, is continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.
With regard to Garda resources generally, I am pleased that the Government has approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to 14,000 members on a phased basis, in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. This is a key commitment in the programme for Government and its implementation will significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the force.
|
Year |
2004* |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||
|
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
Rec |
Dec |
|
|
Homicide |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Assault |
14 |
11 |
17 |
15 |
18 |
16 |
19 |
17 |
9 |
6 |
|
Sexual Offences |
11 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
23 |
23 |
|
Arson |
3 |
0 |
8 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Drugs |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
4 |
4 |
6 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
|
Thefts |
109 |
39 |
162 |
41 |
134 |
56 |
70 |
13 |
68 |
20 |
|
Burglary |
28 |
6 |
39 |
10 |
45 |
13 |
29 |
9 |
61 |
23 |
|
Robbery |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fraud |
10 |
7 |
9 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
14 |
14 |
13 |
12 |
|
Other |
8 |
8 |
7 |
7 |
13 |
12 |
6 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
|
Total |
189 |
83 |
254 |
86 |
226 |
110 |
151 |
68 |
183 |
82 |
222 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the numbers and take up rates of parental leave for each year since the introduction of the Parental Leave Act 1998. [18827/05]
I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with the information requested as my Department does not compile statistics on uptake of parental leave. However, the Deputy may be interested to know that a survey was commissioned on the uptake levels of parental leave in the context of a review of the Parental Leave Act 1998 which was conducted by my Department in 2001. The survey, carried out by MORI MRC, consisted of 655 questionnaires completed by employers during July and August 2001.
According to MORI MRC's estimates, almost 7% of employees were eligible for parental leave and 20% of these were estimated to have taken some form of parental leave. A summary of the findings of this survey are published in the report of the working group on the review of the Parental Leave Act 1998, which is available on my Department's website www.justice.ie and in the Oireachtas Library.
223 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the numbers and take up rates of unpaid maternity leave in each of the past five years for which figures are available. [18828/05]
My Department does not compile statistics on the uptake of additional unpaid maternity leave. Consequently, I am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy.
224 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18843/05]
The person in question has an application for permission to reside in the State and this is currently under consideration. A request for further information recently issued to the person's legal representative in this regard. On receipt of the information requested a decision will be made on the application.
225 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 214 of 28 April 2005 in the case of persons (details supplied), if he will authorise the necessary temporary travel documents to enable these persons travel to the UK in an effort to obtain the necessary passports or proof of identity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18844/05]
I refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to Questions Nos. 214 on Thursday, 28 April 2005, and 133, on Thursday, 26 May 2005. Applications received under the revised arrangements announced by me on 15 January 2005 are currently being examined in respect of the persons concerned. I understand that the examination will determine whether there is a necessity for the applicants to travel outside the State to obtain identity documents for the purpose of complying with this scheme. I also understand that a decision will be made shortly in respect of the applications from the persons concerned.
226 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drug seizures for each of the past ten years per district in Dublin; and the type and value of the drugs seized. [18871/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the establishment of a breakdown by district and value of the drugs seized would require an extensive manual search of records and would necessitate an inordinate commitment of resources. Details of figures for the number of cases in which proceedings were commenced can be found in the Garda Síochána annual reports for the years 1995 to 2003. Figures in respect of 2004 are not yet available.
227 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and type of guns found along with each drug seizure of over €10,000 in value; and the type of drugs in each case in each of the past five years. [18872/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the establishment of the drug type and the number of firearms involved in the seizures to which the Deputy refers would require an extensive manual search of records and would involve the expenditure of a significant level of resources. The table provides details of drugs seizures valued at over €10,000 where at least one firearm, within the meaning of the Firearms Acts 1925 to 1990, was also seized in the past five years.
|
Year |
No. of seizures involving firearms with drugs valued over €10,000 |
|
2005 to date |
8 |
|
2004 |
2 |
|
2003 |
9 |
|
2002 |
4 |
|
2001 |
3 |
|
2000 |
2 |
228 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda district for each of the crack cocaine seizures in the past 15 years. [18873/05]
It has not been possible within the timeframe available to collate the information required by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy directly when information is to hand.
229 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has met with the traders, shop owners or the policing forum in the Thomas Street-Francis Street-Meath Street areas to discuss the increase in open drug dealing and associated crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18874/05]
Operational matters are an issue for the management of the Garda Síochána. However, I am in regular contact with the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána on matters of importance.
I am informed by the Garda Síochána that the areas referred to by the Deputy receive regular attention from officers based at Kevin Street station and consists of patrolling by uniformed gardaí, detective units, the divisional crime task force, the special resource unit, the Garda mountain bike unit and the community policing unit. The district drugs unit at Kevin Street station also constantly patrols these areas.
Garda management keeps the issue of resource allocation under constant review in all areas to best determine the policing methods most appropriate for local communities. In this respect the involvement of the local community directly with gardaí through local police fora is to be encouraged and supported. I am informed that, in this case, the gardaí are constantly liaising with the business community in the areas referred to with a view to ensuring that problems of concern to it are addressed effectively.
230 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements for the secure storage and safe destruction of illicit drugs seized by the Garda Síochána; if there is independent monitoring and verification of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18875/05]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all illegal drugs seized are initially conveyed to the forensic science laboratory, pending analysis. Once analysed, smaller quantities of seized drugs are returned to the Garda district or divisional headquarters of origin where they are stored in secure conditions in a safe for evidential purposes until no longer required. Volume drug seizures are stored in secure conditions at Garda headquarters in the Phoenix Park. When no longer required as evidence, or in the event of no prosecution, they are transported to a facility where they are incinerated under the supervision of the Garda technical bureau. Smaller seizures of drugs are destroyed at district level, under the supervision of a Garda inspector.
231 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the evidence upon which he is implementing mandatory drug testing in prisons when the Scottish prison service has indicated it is cancelling its mandatory testing programme as MDT is not working, is encouraging rather than deterring heroin use among prisoners, is increasing tensions between staff and prisoners, and is discouraging drug users accessing drug treatment programmes. [18878/05]
The programme for Government gave a commitment to tackling the issue of drug use in Irish prisons. This includes treatment and rehabilitation, supply reduction and the introduction of mandatory drug testing. I am satisfied that mandatory drug testing can play an important role in the overall strategy for tackling the scourge of drug use among prisoners. Mandatory drug testing will provide information on trends in drug misuse, enable the identification and referral of drug abusers to treatment programmes, enable enhanced focusing of resources and act as a deterrent to drug misuse. Mandatory drug testing will also provide important information to prison management that will contribute significantly to decision-making in relation to the management of individual prisoners sentences.
Without this basic information, planning for treatment can never be as focused as it should be and resources can never be effectively targeted. The introduction of mandatory drug testing will allow the Irish Prison Service to deploy its resources in the most rational and productive manner.
232 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on recent media reports (details supplied) that he intends to allow for the privatisation of Loughan House and Shelton Abbey prisons. [18879/05]
There is no question of any prison or place of detention, including Loughan House and Shelton Abbey, being privatised at this time. However, I have made it abundantly clear at all times that, in the absence of agreement with the Prison Officers' Association on proposals for organisational change involving new staff attendance arrangements, the intention is to proceed with a package of cost controlling measures, which includes closure of the open prisons at Loughan House, County Cavan and Shelton Abbey, County Wicklow. Thereafter those premises would not be part of the prison system and they would not be managed by the Irish Prison Service.
The Probation and Welfare Service and certain voluntary organisations already provide facilities to assist prisoners with the transition from prison to life in the community. I am of the view that this area needs to be developed further and I wish to see halfway houses made available on a structured basis. Rather than leave the premises in Cavan and Wicklow idle, I have instructed my Department to make arrangements for them to be made available as halfway houses for offenders on temporary release to facilitate their re-integration into society.
In a recent prior indicative notice published in the EU journal, my Department signalled an intention to invite tenders for the operation of halfway houses at Loughan House and Shelton Abbey, including management, staffing, security, catering, cleaning, laundry, general maintenance and the provision of training and therapeutic programmes.
233 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18911/05]
Work is currently underway in my Department to give effect to the decision of the Government on decentralisation. Nine offices or sections of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform involving close to 1,000 staff are scheduled to decentralise to seven locations over the lifetime of this programme. Transfers of staff between Departments and offices who have applied to decentralise to these locations are currently being processed in accordance with human resource protocols agreed at central level.
To date six staff have relocated to Tipperary to work in the private security authority. I would also remind the Deputy that over 200 staff of my Department have already relocated to Kerry under a previous decentralisation programme.
234 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to regularise the situation regarding special needs assistants in primary schools; her further plans to make those posts full-time; if re-deployment arrangements will be entered into where special needs assistants become surplus to requirements in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18752/05]
The Deputy may be aware that a review has been conducted in recent months to establish whether primary schools have the level of special needs assistant, SNA, support that they need for children in their care, whether they have resources which they no longer need or whether they need extra resources. The review has found that some schools no longer have the care needs for which the SNA was originally sanctioned, that is, in some cases the child may have left the school while in other cases the care needs of the child have diminished as the child has progressed through the school. In this regard, the schools where surplus SNA support was identified have been advised that they may retain this surplus until the end of the current school year.
There is no redeployment scheme in place by which SNAs who are surplus to requirements in a particular school could be redeployed to another school. Putting such a scheme in place would be quite complex as there is no guarantee that as a post becomes surplus in one school, an additional post would become available in the locality. Unlike teachers, where posts are allocated on a pupil-teacher ratio basis which enables a redeployment scheme to work effectively, SNA posts are allocated on the basis of individual care needs and the creation of a workable redeployment scheme would be much more difficult.
The Deputy will be aware that this Government has put in place an unprecedented level of support for children with special needs. Indeed, since 1998, the number of SNAs has increased from under 300 to nearly 6,000 nationally. In addition to this, more effective systems, such as the establishment of the National Council for Special Education, have been put in place to ensure that children get support as early as possible. It is important to state that where it has been established that additional SNA posts are required, these posts are continuing to be allocated on an ongoing basis.
235 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reverse the decision made to discontinue the three posts of classroom assistant in a school (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the impact that decision will have on so many of the children who are dependent on the support of a classroom assistant. [18753/05]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the positions of special needs assistants which are allocated to schools to meet the care needs of children with special needs. My Department has undertaken a review of the number of special needs assistants in our primary schools to ensure that they have the right level of support to meet the assessed needs of their pupils.
This review found that some schools had excess posts in that the care needs for which they were originally given the post no longer exist. This would be because the child that the special needs assistant was sanctioned for has either left the school or has progressed to a point that they no longer need this type of support. Special needs posts cannot be held onto by schools who no longer have the care needs for which they were sanctioned. Others schools were found to need additional SNA posts and these posts are continuing to be allocated on an ongoing basis.
Following the review, my Department advised the school in question that based on the special educational needs of its pupils, it has a surplus capacity of two full-time SNA posts. The school has been advised that the surplus can be retained until the end of the current school year. The school currently has four full-time and two part-time SNA posts.
236 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there has been a delay of over two years for a psychological assessment for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [18754/05]
If the Deputy can supply details of the age of the person and the name and roll number of the school attended, it will then be possible for officials of my Department to investigate this matter for him.
237 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the junior infants class starting in September 2005 in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will comprise 34 pupils; if this is a temporary arrangement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18755/05]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in primary circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines 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 their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a principal and nine mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 235 pupils at 30 September 2003. The school also has the services of a learning support post. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and nine mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 252 pupils at 30 September 2004.
The schedule referred to above can only be deviated from when a school experiences rapid growth in its enrolment. Rapid growth is defined as an increase in its enrolment in one year relative to the previous year of 25 pupils plus a stipulated excess of five pupils on the appointment figure. If the board of management of the school feel that the enrolment of the school will increase by this amount, they may apply for a post under the developing schools criteria as outlined in Department circular 15/05.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02 which is also available on my Department's website. The appeals board will meet in June, July and October to consider appeals on the mainstream teaching allocation to schools for the 2005-06 school year.
The closing dates for appeals are 3 June, 24 June and 7 October. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
238 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 in relation to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by her Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18772/05]
The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse was established in 1999. A sum of €21,234,960.02 has been expended from Exchequer funds up to the end of 2004 which covers administrative costs, legal costs and the Department's legal fees. The Government signed an order on 20 May 2005 extending the term of the commission up to 23 May 2008. However, the commission has indicated that it should conclude its inquiry well before that date. The overall estimated cost of the commission to the end of 2007 is €102.2 million.
The Residential Institutions Redress Board was established for a three year period on the 16 December 2002. Up to the end of 2004 a sum of €141,238,936.72 was expended on redress awards and associated costs. A further sum of €30,978,640.97, received from the religious congregations under the terms of the indemnity agreement of 5 June 2002, was used to meet redress awards. The administrative cost of the redress board and the review committee up to the end of 2004 was to €12,226,640.23. Therefore, the total sum expended from Exchequer funds up to the end of 2004 was €153,465,576.95.
It is not possible to determine the total number of applications under the redress scheme at this juncture. It will take the board some considerable time to deal with all applications and as a result the final cost of the scheme may not be known until some time in 2007. Based on the total number of applications the redress board expects to receive up to the 15 December 2005, and allowing for legal and administration costs, the estimated total cost of the scheme will be somewhere in the region of €680 million to €730 million.
Between 1995 and the current date there have been two non-statutory inquires in the child detention school sector. Both inquiries concerned allegations made against employees of children detention schools. The first inquiry commenced in April 2002, its work finishing in July 2003. The total cost was €98,552, including VAT. The second inquiry commenced in the summer of 2002 and finished in November 2002. The total cost was €15,730, including VAT.
There is power for the Minister to establish inquiries under the vocational education Acts into the fitness of officers of vocational education committees and institutes of technology to hold office. One such inquiry was established regarding a member of staff in Dundalk Institute of Technology. The cost of that inquiry was €4,381.51. Other similar inquiries have taken place but it has not been possible to obtain details of these in the time available. I will arrange to forward the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Finally, under section 20 of the Regional Technical Colleges Act 1992, the Minister for Education and Science has power to authorise officers to report on the operation of institutes of technology. One such inspection has been carried out in the relevant time period. The cost involved was €40,653.43.
239 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18790/05]
The schools to which the Deputy refers have agreed to amalgamate to form a community college. It has been determined that the amalgamated school will be located on the site of one of the existing providers. County Offaly vocational education committee is pursing the acquisition of this site. When the site has been acquired progress on delivery of the project can be considered.
240 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to correspondence (details supplied) regarding a school in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18799/05]
The project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria which was revised following consultation with the education partners. The project will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme 2005-09.
241 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a special needs assistant. [18804/05]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a full-time special needs assistant has been approved to the school to cater for the special care needs of four pupils including the pupil in question. A letter confirming this arrangement issued to the school on the 25 February last.
242 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties from the implementation of the general allocation model for special education needs teachers for young junior teachers in larger schools; if this anomaly was an unintended outcome; if the present low-incidence special needs posts will be continued as permanent posts where the low-incidence hours at schools so warrant. [18811/05]
As the Deputy is aware the review of the general allocation system has now been completed. The new model replaces that which was notified to schools in June 2004, which has been reviewed to take account of difficulties that it may have caused for smaller schools.
The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system and to ensure continuity of service for children who have previously been given an individual allocation until those children leave the primary school system. The model was constructed so that allocations would be based on pupil numbers, taking into account the differing needs of the most disadvantaged schools and the evidence that boys have greater difficulties than girls in this regard.
The advantages of using a general allocation model are as follows: it facilitates early intervention as the resource is in place in the school when the child enrols; it reduces the need for individual applications and supporting psychological assessments; it puts resources in place on a more systematic basis, thereby giving schools more certainty about their resource levels; it gives more security to special education teaching posts and makes special education teaching a more attractive option; it allows flexibility to school management in the deployment of resources, leading to a more effective and efficient delivery of services; and it will automatically adjust a school's general allocation on the basis of changing enrolment.
My Department has devised school clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the general allocation system. This information has been notified to schools, where appropriate, along with the details of each school's individual allocation.
In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, my Department has advised schools that where they currently have a permanent resource teacher and where they have adequate hours to warrant the continuation of a full-time post through a combination of general allocation hours and-or low incidence hours and-or transitional hours for the coming school year, they may retain the existing teacher for the school year without the status of the teacher having to change.
My Department is finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. This circular will issue before the end of the current school year.
243 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if parents of children at second level schools, who believe that it is not in the interests of their children to complete transition year, are entitled to have their children transferred straight into the leaving certificate programme after junior certificate year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18813/05]
The transition year programme is optional for each school. A minority of schools do not offer transition year at all. In others it may be available as an optional programme for some pupils. Some schools, in deciding to offer the programme, require all pupils to take the programme in accordance with their curriculum provision across the school. In such schools — representing about 30% of the 500 schools offering the programme in the current school year — the programme is compulsory. This decision is made by school management.
If a parent is unhappy with matters concerned with the management of the school he or she may make representations to the principal, the board of management and in the case of a VEC school the local vocational education committee.
244 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reverse the announced loss of a teacher for the coming school year for a school (details supplied) in view of the fact that Kildare has the highest pupil-teacher ratio nationally and that Celbridge is one of the fastest developing parts of the county. [18815/05]
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year and by reference to a staffing schedule. This staffing schedule is outlined in primary circular 15/05 which issued to all primary schools recently. This is in line with guidelines 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 their teaching resources to have smaller numbers in other classes.
In the current school year the staffing of the school referred to by the Deputy comprises of a principal and 19 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 534 pupils at 30 September 2003. The school also has two learning support posts, a resource post and a temporary language support post. The mainstream staffing of the school for the 2005-06 school year will consist of a principal and 18 mainstream class teaching posts. This is based on an enrolment of 504 pupils at 30 September 2004.
To ensure openness and transparency in the system an independent appeals board is now in place to decide on any appeals. The criteria under which an appeal can be made are set out in Department primary circular 19/02 which is also available on my Department's website. The appeals board will meet in June, July and October to consider appeals on the mainstream teaching allocation to schools for the 2005-06 school year. The closing dates for appeals are 3 June, 24 June and 7 October. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent appeals board.
245 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy of her Department in providing bus escorts on school buses; the proportion of buses on which they are employed; and if they make a worthwhile contribution to safety on school buses. [18835/05]
My Department allocates funding to schools to enable them to employ escorts on school transport services. These escorts are specifically engaged to cater for children with special educational needs whose care requirements are such as to necessitate continuous support. Over 600 escorts are employed. These escorts provide a very valuable service for children with special needs who require assistance.
246 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the information technology system linking Institutes of Technology, including its cost; the selection process and its performance to date; her plans to undertake a formal assessment of its performance which has come in for some criticism. [18836/05]
The system referred to is a computerised management information system known as the MIS project which is a joint project of the 15 institutes of technology. An EU-wide tender process for a standard system across the institutes was undertaken by a consortium board under the direction of the Dublin Institute of Technology. The board included representation from the institutes of technology and my Department. The MIS project involved some 59 installations in the areas of student records, finance, core payroll-human resource, and library. The total cost of the project for the 15 institutes was €45 million.
At present, 58 of the installations have been completed and the remaining project, namely, the student record system in the Cork Institute of Technology, will be completed shortly. As the project was undertaken on a phased basis, I am aware that some institutes are more advanced in managing the new resource. Both the council of directors of the institutes of technology, and the Dublin Institute of Technology, have indicated strong support for the MIS project and no criticism of its performance has been notified to my Department. Indeed, I understand that some universities are now examining what has been achieved with the common MIS platform in the institutes of technology.
247 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will obtain a place at a college (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18838/05]
The National Educational Welfare Board is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The parents of the child referred to by the Deputy have been advised to contact the senior educational welfare officer for the area to seek assistance in this matter.
My Department has also written to the parents informing them of their right, under section 29 of the Education Act 1998, to appeal a decision by any recognised school to refuse enrolment to their child. Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides parents with an appeal process where a board of management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under section 29 of Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department.
It must be stressed that my Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a pupil, except in the case of an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 against a refusal to enrol and where that appeal is upheld. Information in relation to the section 29 appeals procedures, including an appeals application form and contact details for the relevant section of my Department, have been sent to the parents of the child referred to by the Deputy. To date, no such appeal has been lodged with my Department.
248 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps she will take to correct an inequality, which has arisen, in relation to the allocation of special needs and learning support teachers, under the new general allocation system, to a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if the allocation will be restored to this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18883/05]
As the Deputy is aware the review of the general allocation system has now been completed. The new model replaces that which was notified to schools in June 2004, which has been reviewed to take account of difficulties that it may have caused for smaller schools.
The introduction of this new system will involve the provision of an estimated additional 340 permanent posts in primary schools from September next. A further 320 posts are being provided on a temporary basis to facilitate the transition to the new system and to ensure continuity of service for children who have previously been given an individual allocation until those children leave the primary school system.
My Department has devised school clusters in respect of allocations to be made under the general allocation system. This information has been notified to schools, where appropriate, along with the details of each school's individual allocation. The general allocation for the school in question is 12.5 hours. In addition, the school has received one post and 15 part-time hours under transitional arrangements to cater for the needs of individual pupils with high incidence disabilities until such time as these pupils leave the school.
I can confirm that this school received a teaching allocation based on its status as a mixed school, that is, the first post is allocated at 145:1. Schools whose allocations are based on 80:1 are those disadvantaged schools that are specifically eligible for additional staffing under the urban dimension of the Giving Children an Even Break scheme. This school is not eligible for such additional staffing and therefore it does not qualify for the 80:1 ratio.
My Department is finalising a circular for schools which will contain detailed information on how the new system will operate. This circular will issue before the end of the current school year.
249 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18912/05]
As a result of earlier programmes of decentralisation, my Department has just over 300 posts located in Athlone and over 150 posts located in Tullamore. Some 400 Dublin based posts in my Department will decentralise — 300 of these will go to Mullingar and the remaining 100 will go to Athlone. I understand that it is anticipated that the building needed to accommodate the posts in Athlone should be available in late 2006 or early 2007. It is anticipated that the accommodation for the posts in Mullingar will be available sometime during 2008 at the earliest.
Following the completion of the move to Mullingar my Department will be fully decentralised, with its main bases being in Mullingar, Athlone and Tullamore. The only posts remaining in Dublin will be those associated with inspectorate and psychological services to Dublin schools, along with two small regional offices.
My Department has set out the areas of work to be based in Mullingar, Athlone and Tullamore in its implementation plan. The process of arranging to have each area of work staffed by people who wish to decentralise with that area of work when the accommodation is ready for occupation is underway.
250 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 in relation to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18773/05]
In so far as my Department is concerned, no commissions, inquiries or tribunals have been initiated since 1995.
251 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18913/05]
The Government decision on decentralisation announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement on 3 December 2003 provides for the transfer of my Department's Dublin based Civil Service staff to Newbridge, County Kildare. The number of staff to be relocated to Newbridge is 200. The Government decision also provides for the transfer of 300 Defence Forces headquarters staff to the Curragh, County Kildare.
The Office of Public Works is currently in discussions with Kildare County Council regarding the possible acquisition of a site in Newbridge for the Department's new headquarters. A site for the Defence Forces headquarters at the Curragh has been selected and preliminary planning in connection with the design of the building has commenced. Accordingly, in the absence of office accommodation, there have been no staff transfers to the new locations. It is envisaged that both relocations will take place in 2007.
In the context of the White Paper on defence, the Government decision of 29 February 2000 provides for the decentralisation of the Civil Defence Board to Roscrea, County Tipperary. There are approximately 30 posts in the Civil Defence headquarters. Ten staff of the Civil Defence Board have moved to temporary accommodation in Roscrea with effect from 10 September 2004. The Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision of official accommodation for Government Departments, has placed a contract for the fit-out of a leased building in Roscrea. It is expected that this building will be available for occupation later this year.
252 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs paid from Exchequer funds to 31 December 2004 in relation to all commissions, inquiries and tribunals commenced since 1995 by his Department; the title of the commission, inquiry and tribunal; the estimated date of completion of same; the estimated final cost of each commission, inquiry and tribunal. [18774/05]
I assume that the question relates to commissions, inquiries and tribunals established for specific investigative purposes. The total cost of the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments to 31 December 2004 is €37.602 million. The tribunal expects to finish all its public hearings by at the latest March 2007. It is not possible for my Department to estimate the final costs of the tribunal at this stage as these depend on the progress of its business and on decisions by the tribunal with regard to costs of witnesses.
253 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the process which is available to persons who are dissatisfied with the outcome of applications or interviews in respect of membership of the civil or public service; if such procedures were followed in respect of the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he has satisfied himself that the interviews and decisions arising therefrom are in accord with the relevant legislation, regulations or statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18861/05]
The Commission for Public Service Appointments, set up under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, has recently published codes of practice governing recruitment to the Civil Service. The code prescribes the necessary standard of probity, merit, equity and fairness to be applied to recruitment and provides for a review-appeals procedure.
Most recruitment for this Department and for senior posts in local authorities is carried out by the Public Appointments Service also set up under the above mentioned Act. The Department also directly recruits a number of staff to industrial and contract posts. The code of practice will be applied to all such recruitment in the future. In the case of competitions held prior to the publication of the code of practice, it has been the practice of my Department to examine and respond to any complaints received to ensure that due process had been followed.
Recruitment by State bodies under the aegis of the Department, and posts, other than senior posts in local authorities, is generally carried out directly by those bodies. The details supplied with the question do not allow my Department to identify the particular competition or the recruiting body concerned. If the Deputy would like to supply this additional information I will have this matter examined further.
254 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil and public servants on a county basis who have been relocated in accordance with the Government’s programme for decentralisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18914/05]
In accordance with the Government decision on the first phase of moves under the decentralisation programme, the transfer of my Department's headquarters to Wexford is included in the list of those organisations considered potential early movers. The indicative timescale provided for the completion of the Department's headquarters in Wexford and the subsequent relocation of staff, is the second quarter of 2007. Consequently, no staff have been relocated at this time. A revised decentralisation implementation plan which sets out the issues to be addressed in the context of the move to Wexford, has been submitted to the decentralisation implementation group.
255 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of outstanding loans under the shared ownership scheme in 2004; and the total subvention awarded towards the cost of the rental element. [18915/05]
Mortgage finance for the shared ownership scheme is generally provided by the housing finance agency and administered by individual local authorities. Accordingly, statistics relating to the number of loans advanced to fund shared ownership transactions or the number outstanding are not available in my Department. However, information on activity under the scheme for each local authority is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.
Some €2,770,818 was paid to the local authorities in respect of rent subsidy under the shared ownership scheme for 2004.
256 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social houses completed in 2004; and his estimates of the average cost per unit. [18916/05]
Some 6,117 units were completed in 2004 under both the local authority housing construction-acquisition and voluntary housing programmes. Taking account of new local authority housing, vacancies arising in existing houses and output under the range of other social housing measures the needs of over 12 ,000 households were met last year. In 2005, it is anticipated that the needs of in excess of 13,000 households will be met from the same measures.
The average cost of a housing unit provided in 2004 under both the local authority housing construction programme and the voluntary housing programmes is estimated at €150,000.
257 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his estimate of the total revenue raised by local authorities from development levies in 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005. [18917/05]
Information in relation to development contributions collected by planning authorities are published in my Department's annual planning statistics, which are available in the Oireachtas Library. The total amount of development contributions collected by planning authorities in 2003 was €215 million. The 2004 planning statistics are currently being compiled; an initial estimate of the amount collected in development contributions in that year is €350 million. My Department is not yet in a position to estimate the amount of development contributions that will be collected in 2005.
258 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses completed in 2004 under part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000; and his forecast for the full year 2005. [18918/05]
Local authorities acquired 591 social and affordable housing units in 2004 under part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2004. It is anticipated that over 1,600 housing units will be provided under part V this year.
259 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the revenue received from motor taxation in 2004; and the expected revenue in 2005. [18919/05]
Total receipts from motor taxation, including driving licence duties, etc., amounted to €747 million in 2004. Estimated receipts for 2005 are €770 million.
