Vol. 646 No. 2
103 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present position in Afghanistan, including the position of those detained in Bagram, in view of the international concerns which have been expressed in this regard. [3687/08]
114 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Amnesty International Report on the risks faced by prisoners in Afghanistan handed over by the International Security Assistance Force to the National Directorate of Security in terms of human rights and guarantees of protection from cruel and inhuman treatment including torture. [3681/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 114 together.
In December 2007, the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted Conclusions reaffirming the EU's commitment to long-term support for Afghanistan. The goal, in cooperation with the Afghan government, remains to extend stable and legitimate government and the rule of law to all parts of Afghanistan. It is of course also extremely important that the Afghan government make further meaningful efforts to address issues of concern such as drug production, tackling corruption, institutional reforms and the weakness of the rule of law.
As regards the question of detainees, the Amnesty International report published in November 2007 considered the issue of the possible complicity of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in their torture or ill-treatment through transferring them from ISAF to Afghan authorities. Amnesty International concluded that ISAF states may be complicit in this treatment and that if they are to comply with their international legal obligations, they must temporarily suspend all transfer of detainees to the Afghan authorities.
The report goes on to make the point that ‘ISAF, the Afghan government and relevant partners must urgently address the human rights concerns relating to the treatment of detainees. They should', it continues, ‘develop a comprehensive approach to reform the Afghan detention system in general and the National Directorate of Security (NDS) in particular'. At the same time, the report does not recommend that ISAF participants reduce their engagement in Afghanistan or that ISAF should take over the judicial functions of the Afghan state. ISAF's response to the report was that it has no evidence of mistreatment or torture of detainees who have been transferred by it to Afghan custody.
Ireland's strong view is that all countries who have contributed forces to the international effort in Afghanistan, be they part of ISAF or other military operations — including US forces who operate the Bagram base — would adhere to international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
There are seven members of the Permanent Defence Force currently serving in staff appointments at ISAF HQ in Kabul. Irish personnel have never been involved in any way in the transfer of detainees to the Afghan authorities.
104 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent measures the European Union has taken against the Sudanese Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3800/08]
110 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present position in relation to Darfur and the welfare of those forced into refugee camps and those displaced; and the Government’s views on present prospects for political progress. [3685/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 110 together.
The situation in Darfur remains dire, and the suffering of its people continues unabated, and the fracturing of the main rebel groups over the past year makes the pursuit of peace even more difficult. The peace talks on Darfur which the UN and African Union are mediating represent a vital window of opportunity to bring about a lasting peace, and all of the parties bear a responsibility to use this opportunity to seek to resolve their grievances peacefully. So far, the process has been disappointingly slow. The UN and AU have sent emissaries to find and speak with the rebels who have been boycotting the talks, and it is hoped that formal talks will restart soon. The international community is supporting AU and UN efforts, and bilaterally Ireland has contributed €500,000 to the UN Trust Fund in support of the peace talks.
Although peace will not come to Darfur until a political accommodation has been reached, UNAMID, the AU/UN hybrid force, has a role to play in re-establishing a secure environment and creating a breathing-space for the people of Darfur while negotiations continue. However, UNAMID, which took over from the African Union Mission in Sudan on 1 January 2008, is being hampered by the obstructive attitude of the Sudanese authorities to non-African participation.
The General Affairs and External Relations Council of 28 January was briefed by UN Special Envoy Jan Eliasson on progress. We expressed our support for the pursuit and implementation of political solutions in Darfur and between north and south Sudan; condemned obstruction of, and a recent attack on, UNAMID; stressed the importance of unfettered humanitarian access; and called for full co-operation with the International Criminal Court. We also urged Sudan and Chad to refrain from incursions into each other's territory and support for rebel groups. In this regard, reports that Sudan is actively supporting the current insurgency in Chad are very disturbing
I welcome the fact that the GAERC has decided to keep the option of further sanctions on the table until we are sure that the Sudanese Government, as well as other parties, are co-operating fully with the peace process, with UNAMID, and with humanitarian actors.
The humanitarian situation in Darfur remains very difficult, with the ongoing conflict continuing to limit humanitarian access to parts of North and West Darfur. The World Food Programme aims to provide food assistance to 5.6 million people in Sudan in 2008, including 3.7 million in Darfur. Since the start of 2006, Irish Government assistance to the people of Sudan, including Darfur, has amounted to almost €39 million. This includes funding of over €6 million since the start of 2008.
105 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress that has been made in relation to reforms affecting minority and human rights as part of the EU negotiating framework with Turkey. [3700/08]
Accession negotiations opened with Turkey in October 2005. Under the terms of the agreed negotiating framework, these negotiations are an open-ended process, the outcome of which cannot be guaranteed beforehand.
The negotiating framework addresses the European Union's expectations of Turkey with regard to advancing reforms in human rights and the protection of minorities. Turkey's progress in this regard is monitored closely by the European Commission, and is the subject of detailed reports to Council.
In November 2007, the Commission published its annual Communication to the Council and European Parliament entitled "Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2007 — 2008." In relation to political reform in Turkey, the Commission reported limited progress during 2007. Areas where advances were noted included the ratification of international human rights instruments and implementation of European Court of Human Rights judgements. Further action taken to improve women's rights was also noted, as was a decrease in the reported number of cases of torture and ill-treatment. However, the Commission highlighted areas where further progress is required and emphasised, in particular, the need for significant reforms in relation to freedom of expression and the rights of non-Muslim religious communities.
In December 2007, the General Affairs and External Relations Council welcomed the Commission Communication and took note of its analysis and recommendations. The Council welcomed the resolution of the political and constitutional crisis in Turkey last year. The Council regretted that limited progress was achieved in political reform during 2007 but welcomed the Turkish Government's declared intention and renewed commitment to continue the reform process and address existing shortcomings.
The Council noted the process underway to revise the Turkish Constitution. This presents a key opportunity to fully enshrine European standards in Turkish constitutional law. Nevertheless, the Council stressed that this process should not delay long-awaited reforms. Particular attention was drawn to the need for Turkey to proceed without delay in the implementation of reforms in the key areas of freedom of expression and freedom of religion.
In addition, the Council stated that significant further efforts are also needed in other areas examined in the Commission Communication such as minority rights, judicial reform, the fight against corruption, and the strengthening of cultural rights, women's rights, children's rights, trade union rights and the civilian control of the military. As regards the East and Southeast of Turkey, areas that are home to a predominantly Kurdish population, the Council recalled the need to promptly develop and implement a comprehensive strategy that will guarantee the economic, social and cultural development of this area.
106 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if an international conference on proposals to abolish the use of cluster munitions will take place here in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3804/08]
122 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he will take to advance the most recent motion agreed unanimously by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs on cluster munitions. [3703/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 122 together.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to campaign for a complete ban on the use of cluster munitions, Ireland has taken a lead role in international efforts and has been working intensively with a number of like-minded countries to this end. The Government will host a major Diplomatic Conference in Croke Park in May to negotiate a new instrument of international humanitarian law banning cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians. It is intended that this will also provide for cooperation and assistance for survivors and affected communities, clearance of affected areas and destruction of stockpiles. The Dublin Diplomatic Conference will be a key step in the process, as it will see formal negotiation on the text of a Convention and I am hopeful of a substantial outcome. There is strong political momentum, with over 130 countries in attendance at the most recent meeting in Vienna last December and substantial representation envisaged at a further meeting in New Zealand later this month, the last discussion before the Dublin Conference. Good work is taking place to raise awareness of the issue at national and international level.
In further implementation of the commitment in the Programme for Government, the Government has endorsed my plans to bring forward proposals for the establishment of a national committee on international humanitarian law which will, as its first task, begin work on preparation of the legislation necessary to give effect in domestic law to a new Convention and to enact a domestic ban on the use of cluster munitions. I believe, as does the Cluster Munition Coalition, a network of around 200 civil society organisations and the key civil society partner in the process preparing the Dublin Diplomatic Conference, that it makes sense to await the detail of the Convention before finalising legislation, as this will probably have to cover a range of issues not limited to a domestic ban which should not be prejudged at this stage.
Since 2005, Ireland has provided support of over €6.4 million for mine clearance, risk-education and rehabilitation of survivors and I remain open to increased levels of funding for such activities and in implementation of the new Convention. With regard to the question of the investment of public funds, this would primarily be a matter for my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, and I have drawn his attention to the issue.
I welcome the attention given by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to the issue of prohibiting cluster munitions nationally and internationally and supporting clearance, risk-education and rehabilitation of victims of explosive remnants of war, including mines and cluster munitions, and I look forward to working with the Committee to advance this important objective.
107 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the strength of the Rapid Response Corps; and his plans to increase the numbers involved. [3798/08]
Sixty four volunteers were invited to become members of the Rapid Response Corps in 2007 following a rigorous selection and interview process. Fifty two of this group completed their pre-departure training and checks in the past year, and seven of those have already been deployed to various humanitarian crises worldwide. A further member will be deployed shortly. To date, Corps members have been deployed in Sri Lanka, Kenya, Somalia, Nepal, Mozambique, Tanzania and Sudan. They are making a valuable contribution to saving lives and rebuilding livelihoods.
A new campaign to recruit further members will be launched in February. The campaign will seek to recruit volunteers with the logistics, engineering and humanitarian skills most requested, together with new skills profiles identified to us, by our partner agencies. The next pre-deployment training course is scheduled for May.
108 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on continued reported human rights abuses perpetrated in Zimbabwe, as documented by Amnesty International, as well as the renewed detention of a political opponent of the country’s President ahead of a recent planned rally focussing on the need for political reform in the country; if the EU has had input into, or information from, South African led talks aimed at changing Zimbabwe’s media security and electoral laws; if so what these consisted of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3683/08]
222 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will summarise what was discussed at the Lisbon Summit in December 2007 on the subject of Zimbabwe. [3982/08]
228 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which at EU or UN level attention is drawn to the ongoing situation in Zimbabwe; the plans, proposals or suggestions arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4180/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 222 and 228 together.
The situation in Zimbabwe remains grave. In addition to pervasive and very serious economic hardships, it is reported that political opponents of the Government and civil society activists continue to be beaten and tortured by police. The leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Morgan Tsvangirai, was one of several opposition activists arrested on 23 January 2008 in Harare following government attempts to ban an opposition march, though Mr. Tsvangirai was later released without charge. Such actions underline the pervasive atmosphere of intimidation and violence which exists towards those who seek change in the country.
Ireland and the EU believe that African leadership is the key to encouraging progress towards economic and political stability. We support the talks between the government and opposition in Zimbabwe which are being mediated by President Mbeki under a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mandate. I understand that media and security laws, as well as preparations for the March elections, are among the issues being discussed. The EU has no direct involvement in these talks though a representative of High Representative Solana did discuss their progress with AU, SADC and South African representatives in early December.
The Taoiseach discussed the progress of the SADC initiative with President Mbeki when they met in Pretoria on 15 January. The Taoiseach and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Kitt, also attended the EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon in December at which the EU's concerns regarding the current situation in Zimbabwe were clearly articulated by Chancellor Merkel and High Representative Solana on behalf of the Union.
Implementation of any agreement reached will of course be crucial, and must bring about real policy change. The Zimbabwean people must have a chance to express their will without fear in the elections which have been announced for 29 March. Unfortunately, in the current environment we can have no confidence that Zimbabweans will have this chance. The appointment of an independent electoral commission, reform of the voter registration lists, the halting of political oppression and violence, free media access and the deployment of impartial election observers would be important steps towards ensuring that these elections are free and fair. There appears to be little prospect that such steps will be possible in the time available.
Ireland will continue to be active in relation to Zimbabwe, including condemning human rights abuses and urging political and economic reform. Our Embassy in Pretoria monitors allegations of human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, and raises issues of concern with the Zimbabwean government at every available opportunity. Ireland has also supported raising the situation in Zimbabwe at the UN Human Rights Council. It is important to maintain pressure on the Zimbabwean Government to address the gravely irresponsible economic policies and appalling human rights situation in that country and, in that regard, last month Ireland fully supported the renewal for a further year of the EU Common Position on Zimbabwe, which provides for restrictive measures against the régime.
Irish Aid continues to provide support to alleviate the sufferings of the Zimbabwean people, amounting to over €17 million in 2006 and 2007, and already in 2008 a further €1.1 million has been disbursed. Our contribution is channelled through UN agencies which are active in Zimbabwe such as the World Food Programme and UNICEF, as well as local and international NGOs, and Irish missionaries. Ireland stands ready to respond appropriately to any positive change in Zimbabwe.
112 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether potential exists, during this US presidential year, to make progress in respect of the undocumented Irish issue; the contacts he has had recently in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3945/08]
221 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the undocumented Irish in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3972/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 221 together.
The Government attributes the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States. I have also made it a personal priority as Minister, and will continue to do so. The passage of the agreed Motion by the Dáil on 7 November sent an important and timely message of solidarity from all parties of the House to our undocumented community.
Following the failure of the US Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation last June, despite the strong endorsement and encouragement of President Bush, the Government immediately set about exploring with key US Administration and Congressional contacts possible alternative bilateral options.
I emphasised our interest in and support for a bilateral solution for our undocumented citizens in a series of meetings with key US Administration and Congressional figures during a visit to Washington last October. Since the all-party Motion was passed, the Taoiseach had a detailed telephone call with Senator Edward Kennedy on 7 December, in which he again reiterated the Government's strong support for a bilateral solution. At a meeting with the US Ambassador later the same month, I forcefully made the same point. Likewise, our Ambassador and his Embassy colleagues in Washington are in ongoing discussions with Congressional, Administration and Irish community figures, including Senators Kennedy and Schumer, on possible ways forward.
Achieving progress on immigration at this time, in the middle of a Presidential campaign, is exceptionally difficult. Our many friends in Congress have emphasised this, including the difficulty of passing legislation specifically for our citizens separate from the other 11 million undocumented.
Despite these considerable political difficulties, the Government is determined to make every effort to succeed. The Taoiseach will again be pursuing our case very actively at the highest level on his visit to the U.S. over the St. Patrick's Day period, as will the Ambassador and his colleagues on an ongoing basis on the ground in Washington.
113 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will send diplomatic delegations to Libya, Sudan, La RCA, Nigeria and Cameroon in view of Ireland’s decision to send troops to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33128/07]
146 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Irish participation in a United Nations mandated EU force being deployed to Chad. [3689/08]
223 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Chad with particular reference to deployment of peacekeeping forces there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4175/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113, 146 and 223 together.
The European Union military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR Tchad/RCA, as authorised by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1778 (2007), was formally launched by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 28 January. Ireland is expected to be the second largest contributor of troops to the mission, which aims to protect civilians in danger, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protect UN personnel.
The nomination of Lieutenant General Pat Nash for the position of Operation Commander of EUFOR was approved by Dáil Éireann on 9 October. The Dáil gave its approval for Irish participation in the mission on 28 November.
As part of the advance Command Group of the Force Headquarters, a total of eight Irish soldiers deployed last month to N'Djamena and Abéché in Chad, as part of a reconnaissance party in advance of the main body of the EU's Initial Entry Force.
A further contingent of 54 members of the Defence Forces was due to travel last week. This deployment was postponed by the Operation Commander due to a sudden escalation in fighting between rebels and Government forces in Chad, including in the capital N'Djamena, and the consequent unavailability of the airport. The Defence Forces are maintaining regular contact with the eight Irish soldiers currently in Chad. A further contingent of 54 members of the Defence Forces was due to travel last week. This deployment was postponed by the Operation Commander due to a sudden escalation in fighting between rebels and Government forces in Chad, including in the capital N'Djamena, and the consequent unavailability of the airport. The Defence Forces are maintaining regular contact with the eight Irish soldiers currently in Chad. All are safe and well.
The European Union has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a political settlement of the conflict. The Union also emphasised its commitment to the achievement of the objectives of EUFOR and to the continuation of the deployment when circumstances permit. The United Nations Security Council similarly demanded an end to the violence and recalled its commitment to the sovereignty and political independence of Chad. It also reaffirmed its full support for EUFOR.
Latest reports indicate that the situation in Chad has stabilised. As my colleague the Minister for Defence has indicated, the next deployment of Irish troops is therefore expected to take place within 8 -10 days, contingent upon the prevailing operational circumstances and the availability of the airport in N'Djamena. The Defence Forces Headquarters in Dublin, the Operational HQ in Paris and the Force HQ in Abéché are continuing to monitor the situation on the ground.
The mission is planned to reach full operational capability by mid-May, by which stage the Irish contribution will be in the region of 400 personnel, primarily drawn from the Western Brigade.
While mindful of the need to minimise risk, the Government remains strongly committed to the humanitarian objectives of EUFOR. The current incursion by rebel forces is a matter for the Chadian authorities and does not fall within the remit of the EU mission, which, as stated above, is focused on the protection of refugees and internal displaced persons.
The Government does not at present have plans for any diplomatic delegations to countries in the region. I would however recall my visit to Sudan and Chad last November, when I had the opportunity to visit the refugee camps in Eastern Chad where EUFOR will facilitate the provision of humanitarian relief. The Government also decided in December to request the Government of Chad to accept the accreditation of a non-resident Ambassador, based in Abuja, to facilitate communications and foster relations between Ireland and Chad. Diplomatic contacts with other countries in the region are maintained through regular diplomatic channels.
115 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of audits carried out on Overseas Development Aid in 2006 and 2007; the number of these that were required to address issues that were of concern and what they were; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3805/08]
Audits of Ireland's overseas development aid are undertaken on the basis of a three-year rolling audit work plan which is overseen by the Department's Evaluation and Audit Unit. At the start of each year an annual operational plan is agreed which comprises a range of audit activities including:
Work carried out directly by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit and by Internal Auditors based at Missions in Programme Countries;
Work carried out by internationally recognised audit firms that is commissioned by Irish Aid;
Joint donor funded audits of specific programmes;
Audit reports obtained from other partner organisations such as those carried out by UN funds and programmes and non-governmental organisations.
The main objective of Irish Aid's audit programme is to gain assurance that funds granted are used for the purposes intended. As systems of control in developing countries are often weak, Irish Aid works closely with partner governments and other organisations to improve their financial and accounting systems. This work includes strengthening audit institutions and standards in line with international best practice, with capacity building where appropriate.
The Evaluation and Audit Unit conducts a series of audit visits annually to Irish Aid's Programme Countries. During 2006 and 2007, the Unit carried out eight such visits.
The Missions in Irish Aid's Programme Countries are themselves audited annually by internationally recognised audit firms. Further audit assurance is provided by Mission-based Internal Auditors who carry out audits of partner organisations that are in receipt of Irish Aid funding and review Missions' internal controls.
Where issues of concern arise they are reported to Senior Management. Management responses are provided in reply to each audit, and a process has been established for follow up on the implementation of audit recommendations.
In addition to these robust internal systems the Department has an independent Audit Committee which reports to the Secretary General. It provides an independent appraisal of the Department's audit and evaluation arrangements through regular interaction with the Evaluation and Audit Unit and Senior Management. The Committee meets regularly with the Secretary General and annually with the Comptroller and Auditor General. It also publishes an annual report on its work; the 2006 version is available on the Department's website at http://www.dfa.ie.
116 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans he has with regard to the need to publicise the forthcoming referendum on the Lisbon Reform Treaty; the Government’s plans towards creating an information campaign; if a decision has been taken on when the referendum is to be held; and when this is to occur. [3680/08]
117 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Referendum Commission on the Lisbon Reform Treaty will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3790/08]
118 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has decided on a date for holding the referendum on the Reform Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2471/08]
142 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the high rate of abstentions in the past two EU referenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3791/08]
145 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a date has been agreed for a referendum on the Lisbon Reform Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3794/08]
235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposed date of the referendum on the Lisbon Reform Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4187/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 to 118, inclusive, 142, 145 and 235 together.
Following its signature in Lisbon on 13 December 2007, Member States are expected to ratify the Reform Treaty by 1 January 2009. The Attorney General has advised that the legal effects of the Reform Treaty require amendment of the Constitution to enable ratification by Ireland. The timing of the referendum is currently under consideration by the Government. A number of points will have to be taken into consideration, including the timing of the legislation's passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas and the desired duration of the referendum campaign.
Under the Referendum Act, in the case of a constitutional referendum, the Referendum Commission can be established no earlier than the date on which the Referendum Bill is initiated in Dáil Éireann. It is the Government's intention to properly resource the Commission and to give it sufficient time to carry out its tasks. Preparatory work is already underway to ensure that the Commission is in a position to undertake its work.
In this respect, the Government Supplies Agency recently published a notice inviting tenders for the supply of bilingual booklets by the Referendum Commission to inform the electorate about the Reform Treaty. While the work of the Commission is entirely a matter for the Commission, it is expected that between 2.4 and 2.5 million booklets will be published.
The drafting work on the Referendum Bill is nearing completion and work on a White Paper on the Reform Treaty is ongoing. It is the aim of the Government to publish the White Paper in good time to inform the debate in the Oireachtas and in the referendum campaign.
Voter turnout is an issue for any referendum and there can be no room for complacency. The Nice Treaty referendum taught us a valuable lesson in this regard. A priority for the Government therefore is to inform the public about the Treaty and explain the issues at stake. A detailed guide to the Reform Treaty is expected to be published later this month. This will form part of the Government's information campaign, following both the publication of an information pamphlet in December and the setting up of a dedicated Reform Treaty website which, among other things, contains the full text of the Treaty.
Additionally, the National Forum on Europe will have an important role to play in promoting greater awareness of, and debate on, the Reform Treaty.
119 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the threats to the life of the head of the Kenyan Human Rights Commission, Maina Kiai. [3671/08]
121 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position to make a statement, even on an interim basis, on the results of the initiative of the former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Anan, in relation to the current crisis in Kenya. [3670/08]
141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his colleagues at EU and UN level are in a position to positively influence the situation in Kenya with particular reference to bringing about an immediate cessation to the ongoing loss of life; if the international community is satisfied that democratic procedures have been followed in the most recent elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3870/08]
152 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his position on the crisis in Kenya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3789/08]
227 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action at EU and UN level to address the deteriorating situation in Kenya with particular reference to the need to alert the worldwide community to the seriousness of the matter and putting in place measures to address the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4179/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 121, 141, 152 and 227 together.
I refer the Deputies to the answer I have given to Priority Questions Nos. 95 and 98.
120 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he and his Department have had with Chinese counterparts as well as representatives of the Chinese Government in Ireland with regard to continued mistreatment of practitioners and adherents of Falun Gong. [3690/08]
Questions relating to the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners, including specific cases, are raised by the Government with the Government of China on a regular basis in the context of bilateral discussions on human rights issues, as well as through the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue.
On a bilateral level, human rights issues form part of the standard agenda of meetings between the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, myself and other Ministers and their Chinese counterparts. In addition, senior officials of my Department engage in regular meetings with the Chinese Embassy here on human rights issues, at which all major issues of concern — including issues relating to the Falun Gong — are discussed. Our Embassy in Beijing also plays a role in raising issues and cases involving human rights with the Chinese Government.
Ireland is also involved in the development and expression of EU policy in relation to human rights in China. The EU-China Human Rights Dialogue is the agreed formal framework through which the EU raises human rights issues and concerns with China. This broad-ranging dialogue with the Chinese Government, which takes place twice each year, includes issues relating to the Falun Gong, including specific individuals and cases.
My Department also meets Falun Gong representatives, as well as representatives of Human Rights Organisations dealing with China, on a regular basis. In addition, senior officials of my Department met on two occasions with the authors of the Kilgour-Matas report into allegations of organ harvesting of Falun Gong members, allegations which remain unsubstantiated to date, but which nevertheless identify issues of concern.
These contacts, as well as with representatives of the Falun Gong in Ireland, will continue to be maintained and issues of concern will continue to be raised with the Chinese authorities.
123 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department’s attention has been drawn to the ongoing persecution of the Ahmedin community in Pakistan in regard to their human rights. [3691/08]
131 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken to reflect the widespread condemnation here at the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3788/08]
151 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to ongoing human rights abuses of the Ahmedin people in Rabwah in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3692/08]
154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures available to the international community to verify that the forthcoming elections to be held in Pakistan are free and fair and in accordance with the democratic principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3871/08]
226 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action the EU or the UN proposes to take to encourage normal and peaceful elections in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4178/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 131, 151, 154 and 226 together.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, continues to have concerns about human rights issues in Pakistan, including the situation of the Ahmadis. Promoting religious tolerance remains a key EU objective in Pakistan and we have urged the government there to make every effort to promote effectively the rights of minorities and to improve their current conditions. Regular human rights demarches are carried out by the EU at official level with the Pakistani authorities. The situation of minorities was among the issues raised at the most recent demarche, which took place in June 2007. The EU expressed its continued concerns over abuses of the blasphemy laws, which are often used to harass members of minority communities as well as Muslims. An additional current concern is the Ahmadi community's claim that they are being discriminated against in the current electoral process, as a result of the Government requirement that they register on a separate voter list, and their consequent decision to boycott the elections.
As regards the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, President McAleese, the Taoiseach and I all issued statements immediately after this tragic event on 27 December. As I noted in my statement, the killing of Benazir Bhutto was an attack on democracy, as she, her party and the country prepared for parliamentary elections. I would reiterate my call upon the Pakistani authorities, and all those with particular influence upon them, to do their utmost to ensure that Pakistan continues on its path back to democracy. Equally, as the EU Presidency made clear in its statement on 27 December, all sides should refrain from violence and civil unrest and pursue the path of national reconciliation.
As regards the forthcoming elections in Pakistan, President Musharraf has repeatedly insisted that these will be ‘free, fair, transparent and peaceful'. In order to ensure and assess that this is the case, 1,759 observers have been accredited to monitor the Elections, of which 307 are international observers. The largest international team will be the EU Election Observation Mission — to which Ireland has contributed 6 observers. Two important Pakistani civil society groups will also be playing an active role — the Free and Fair Election Network and the Pakistan Coalition of Free and Fair Elections. The EU's Election Observation Mission has been playing an active role on the ground, including providing their observations to the Pakistan government and elections Commission. The UN is not sending an observation team but has provided technical support for the preparation of the elections, primarily through UNDP.
In the overall context, the lifting on 15 December of the state of emergency has resulted in some easing of restrictions on pre-elections preparations. As a result, many aspects of the logistical preparations for the elections have been progressing well. A computerised final electoral roll was made available on the internet on 8 January, the recruitment of polling personnel has been finalised, details of the numbers of registered voters and lists of polling stations, polling booths and poling personnel for each constituency have been published, the printing of ballot papers has been completed and on schedule, and plans are underway to roll out tamper-proof, transparent perspex ballot-boxes that will be used in the elections.
Concerns remain, however, about some of the arrangements, as well as the potential for rigging the elections. There is still no official list of candidates and a number of appeals regarding the eligibility of some candidates are awaiting decision by the Supreme Court. The requirement for voters to present new computerised National Identity Cards may disenfranchise some voters, particularly the disadvantaged and those in remoter areas. The compilation and consolidation of results by returning officers will be a particular focus for election monitors. A number of media restrictions remain in place, and I would call for these to be lifted immediately. A further important step would be to end the ongoing arrests and harassment of political opponents, and to release all political prisoners, including human rights defenders.
The EU has consistently urged President Musharraf and the Pakistani Government to do all possible to ensure that these elections are indeed fully free and fair, as has been promised. Strong messages on these lines were conveyed by the EU Presidency, and other European leaders, during Musharraf‘s recent visit to Brussels and some European capitals. Ireland, with our EU partners, will continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan in the lead up to and throughout the upcoming elections.
125 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to create new diplomatic missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3802/08]
Ireland has a network of 75 resident diplomatic and consular Missions abroad, as well as the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast and the North-South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat in Armagh. While the opening of new Embassies abroad is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis, any expansion of our diplomatic network can only be undertaken having regard to clear priorities and available resources.
The White Paper on Irish Aid, published in September 2006, designated Malawi as Ireland's ninth programme country. Based on this recommendation, the Government decided to establish an Embassy in Lilongwe and Ireland's first resident Ambassador to Malawi took up duty in October of last year.
The successful trade mission, led by the Taoiseach in January 2007, to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates underlined the potential value to Ireland of having a second resident Embassy in the Gulf region. Accordingly, and in order to take advantage of this potential, the Government in March 2007 agreed to my recommendation that an Embassy be established in the United Arab Emirates. The timing of the establishment of this new Embassy in Abu Dhabi is under consideration. Apart from the United Arab Emirates, there are no plans at present to establish any other new Embassies.
126 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals within the specified time-scale in view of the most recent information from the United Nations; and the implications of failure to achieve the Goals on the continent of Africa. [3698/08]
The eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adopted in the year 2000 as part of the commitments undertaken by Heads of Government at the Millennium Summit, represent a framework for international economic and social development up to the year 2015. The latest MDG progress report, issued in July 2007, gave us a snapshot of the progress achieved at the midpoint of the 2015 MDG target date, broken down by goal and by region. Overall, there has been good progress on some targets, with more intensive effort required on others.
On the positive side, the indications are that, if current trends continue, we are on target to reach the MDG on poverty reduction for the world as a whole. Progress has also been made globally in relation to reducing child mortality and increasing school enrolment rates. However, while there has been progress towards the goals globally since 2000, largely due to advances in China and other Asian countries, Africa is lagging behind on most indicators. This is attributed to a combination of institutional weakness, civil and international conflict, and funding shortfalls.
In recognition of these problems Ireland continues to focus around 85 percent of its bilateral country assistance on sub-Saharan Africa and Irish Aid will continue to expand its assistance to the region as our aid programme grows.
Failure to reach the MDGs in Africa would be an indictment of the developed world. It is in the interests of each and every country to ensure that the Millennium Goals are reached as the instability caused by global poverty and HIV/AIDS is a threat to all humankind and not just to the countries affected.
In reaction to the geographical disparities highlighted in the latest review, the UN Secretary General convened an MDG Africa Steering Group last September. His initiative has brought together high level representatives of the African Union, European Union, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, IMF and World Bank, who will meet regularly to examine how to strengthen Africa's efforts to meet the Goals.
A further initiative aimed at measuring progress towards the MDGs has been taken by the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown who has proposed that a Heads of State/Government meeting take place at the UN in September 2008 to revitalise the pledges made in 2000 and provide the impetus for more intensive efforts in the period up to 2015. The Prime Minister wrote to the Taoiseach about his proposal and the Taoiseach has replied indicating Ireland's strong support.
Ireland participates fully in efforts to achieve the MDGs. As set out in the White Paper on Irish Aid, the Millennium Development Goals are the overarching framework for our overseas aid programme. By delivering on the commitment to reach the 0.7% UN target for development funding by 2012, Ireland is also seen as being at the forefront of their implementation internationally.
127 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present EU and Irish positions in relation to the future of Kosovo. [3673/08]
Following the failure in December of the talks led by the Contact Group Troika, there is broad acceptance within the international community that no agreement on Kosovo's status is possible between Belgrade and Pristina. The possibility of progress at the UN is also blocked, with deadlock at the Security Council over the proposal by the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, for a settlement based on internationally supervised independence for Kosovo. In these circumstances, it is widely expected that Kosovo will shortly declare its independence.
At the European Council of 14 December last, EU leaders discussed the Report from the Contact Group Troika on the conclusion and failure of the Kosovo status talks. The European Council thanked the Troika for its efforts, and regretted that the parties had not been able to make use of this opportunity to find agreement on a common way forward.
In the light of the failure of the Troika process, the European Council considered the position to be adopted by the EU. It underlined the need to move forward towards a Kosovo settlement, which is required for regional stability. There was strong emphasis on the importance of a unified EU approach, and for the EU to make clear its willingness to take the lead internationally in helping to manage and resolve this European problem, including by means of the planned ESDP rule of law mission, and a contribution to an international civilian office, as part of the future international presence in Kosovo.
We recognise that difficult choices will now need to be made which deal with the reality of the situation on the ground. The status issue presents a challenge which we and our EU partners must be prepared to meet in a unified way. We welcome the statements of the December European Council, underlining the EU's readiness to meet this challenge. Ireland will play its part.
On the basis of positive advice from the Attorney–General confirming the continuation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 until it is rescinded by the Security Council, Ireland will be able to maintain our enhanced presence in KFOR. We intend to contribute members of the Garda to the ESDP Mission and also to support the future economic development of Kosovo.
Ireland has strongly and consistently supported the Ahtisaari proposal, which provides for internationally supervised independence for Kosovo with strong guarantees for the rights of Serbs and other minorities. We believe that this proposal provides the most practical and realistic solution for the future status of Kosovo, and expect that any declaration of independence by Kosovo will be accompanied by a commitment to implement its provisions.
The Government has not yet taken a decision on the question of national recognition of Kosovo independence, and I believe that it would be not be helpful for me to speculate on this matter in advance of any declaration of independence. As indicated, strenuous efforts will be made to agree a common EU approach in response to any such declaration.
128 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to promote Irish cultural events abroad in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3803/08]
The principal responsibility for promoting Irish cultural events abroad was conferred by the Arts Act of 2003 on the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. Culture Ireland was established by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism to fulfil this responsibility.
In addition, Subhead G of the Vote for Foreign Affairs provides for 2008 a sum of €891,000 in respect of Cultural Relations with other countries. From that Subhead, the Department of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with our overseas Missions, can provide small-scale support for Irish cultural events abroad. The projects which will be supported during 2008 are proposed throughout the year so details are not available at this stage. I attach considerable importance to making the greatest use of the depth and diversity of Irish cultural life to enhance the image of our country overseas, in cooperation with Culture Ireland and other agencies.
129 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the most recent report by the EU in relation to the situation in Somalia. [3701/08]
147 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the most recent United Nations report on the deteriorating conditions in Somalia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3702/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 147 together.
I remain very concerned at the situation in Somalia. The country has been without an effective government since 1991, and despite an initial period of stability after Ethiopian troops and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces defeated the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) in December 2006, the situation has worsened in recent months. The first troops from an African Union-mandated peace support force (AMISOM) were deployed to Mogadishu in March 2007 but, as it stands, and with less than a quarter of the planned 8,000 troops on the ground, AMISOM has not been able to bring any important measure of stability.
The position has deteriorated since October 2007, when there was an upsurge in violence in Mogadishu triggered by the killings of several Ethiopian soldiers. Since then, there has been intense fighting in Mogadishu between Ethiopian and TFG forces on the one hand, and clan militias and Islamists on the other hand. The appointment of a new Prime Minister, Nur Haasan Hussein, in November 2007 has however brought some hope of a fresh political approach.
The fighting in Mogadishu since October has prompted hundreds of thousands to flee the capital, adding to the humanitarian crisis, particularly in and around Mogadishu. In total, approximately one million people have been displaced since the start of 2007, while up to one and a half million need humanitarian aid. The precarious environment in which humanitarian personnel in Somalia operate has been highlighted by the recent killing of three humanitarian workers there. I am also deeply concerned by reports of an Irish national being held hostage, along with a number of others, on a ship hijacked earlier this week by pirates off the Somali coast. Access for humanitarian personnel and supplies has also suffered as established supply routes through Kenya have been affected by the ongoing crisis in that country.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General (UNSRSG), Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, briefed the UN Security Council in December 2007 on his contacts with President Yusuf and Prime Minister Hussein in an effort to resolve the ongoing crisis by peaceful means. The UN Secretary General has made it clear to the Security Council that due to the prevailing political and security situation, the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force to Somalia is not a realistic option for the time being.
My EU colleagues and I discussed the situation in Somalia at the General Affairs and External Affairs Council in December 2007. We agreed that a political solution will be the key to ending the suffering of the Somali people. Ireland has regularly highlighted the priority which must be given to ensuring unobstructed humanitarian access and has urged that the EU use its influence in this regard. Since 2006, Irish Aid has provided over €14 million in humanitarian assistance to the Somali people, and we stand ready to provide further assistance, as required.
130 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent developments with respect to the extension of seabed sovereignty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3797/08]
Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a coastal state is entitled to a continental shelf of 200 nautical miles (approx. 370 km) in breadth regardless of whether its continental shelf physically extends that far, subject only to the similar rights of its coastal neighbours. It may also claim a broader shelf where it can show that the natural prolongation of its land territory under water actually extends beyond that limit. A claim to extended shelf must be supported by scientific and technical data and be established to the satisfaction of the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, which was created by the Convention for this purpose.
Ireland's shelf naturally extends beyond 200 nautical miles both to the west and the south of the country. For the purposes of our claims we have divided our shelf into three sectors.
The first sector is to the south-west of the country on the edge of an area known as the Porcupine Abyssal Plain. This sector (which is approximately half the size of the State's land territory) is not disputed by any other state and was therefore the subject of Ireland's first submission to the Commission, made in May 2005. The Commission issued its recommendations in April 2007 concerning the limits of this claimed area. The Government has accepted these recommendations and work is now in hand to designate in domestic law the additional seabed enclosed by these limits as continental shelf belonging to the State.
The second sector of claimed extended continental shelf is in the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay. This was the subject of a joint submission made together with the UK, France and Spain in May 2006. It covers an area of approximately 80,000 square kilometres, which is slightly larger than the State's land territory. This submission remains under consideration by the subcommission established to examine the evidence submitted in support of it. The four states most recently met with the subcommission last month and it was agreed that further discussions will take place when it resumes its work in New York in April. It is hoped that the subcommission will be in a position to formulate its draft recommendations during 2008. These recommendations must in turn be approved by the full Commission. The question of division of the area between the four states concerned will be considered after the recommendations have been made.
Ireland also claims continental shelf in the part of the North-East Atlantic Ocean known as the Hatton-Rockall Area, which extends up to 500 nautical miles from the coast. Ireland and the UK agreed a maritime boundary on the continental shelf here in 1988 but this is not accepted by Iceland or Denmark (on behalf of the Færoe Islands), which also make extensive overlapping claims. The four countries have met regularly since 2001 in an effort to resolve the issues arising from overlapping claims and these discussions are continuing.
132 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the UN Conventions he has to ratify; when these will be ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3799/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, there is a large number of international agreements within the UN framework, covering a very wide range of subjects and falling within the functional responsibility of a number of Departments.
Two international agreements within the UN framework for which my Department holds lead responsibility have been signed but not yet ratified by Ireland. These agreements are:
1.The Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes, signed 18 April 1961, and
2.The Optional Protocol to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes, signed 24 April 1963.
Ratification of these agreements is linked to the wider question of the making of a declaration by Ireland accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. The full implications of making such a declaration and the question of what, if any, conditions or reservations should attach to it, are complex matters which require careful study, including with the Attorney General.
133 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland proposes to ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption; and if so when it is proposed that such ratification will take place. [3672/08]
157 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position Ireland has taken in relation to the second United Nations Conference against Corruption in Bali; and his views on the limitations on Ireland’s participation occasioned by the failure of the Irish Government to ratify the UN Convention against Corruption. [3677/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 157 together.
I refer the Deputies to previous replies to similar questions concerning the United Nations Convention against Corruption, most recently on 27th November 2007. The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly in October 2003 and was signed on behalf of Ireland, when it opened for signature, in December 2003. The Convention entered into force on 14 December 2005.
My colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has arranged for his officials to undertake a detailed examination of the text of the Convention to ascertain what, if any, changes to the domestic criminal and civil law and to administrative practice will be required in order for Ireland to ratify this Convention.
Following extensive consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, it has been concluded that Ireland largely fulfils the criminal justice requirements of the Convention either through existing anti-corruption statutes or via legislation that is in progress such as the forthcoming Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill and the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005.
A number of other issues in the civil and administrative area will also have to be addressed in advance of Ireland's ratification of the Convention. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will be pursuing these matters with the relevant Departments and Agencies. Ireland is fully committed to ratifying this Convention and to its implementation internationally through our support for the EU common position on the Conference of States Parties (COSP) which took place in Bali last week.
Ireland is supportive of the EU policy favouring the establishment of a strong and effective review mechanism for the implementation of the Convention. Ireland also supports the EU common position on asset recovery through the identification and promotion of effective methods of facilitating the return of proceeds of corruption.
The Irish delegation in Bali made a full contribution to the Conference. Ireland was represented by officials from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Foreign Affairs. An officer from the CAB also attended the Conference.
134 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the proposed stabilisation and association agreement to be signed by the EU after it takes over control of Kosovo from the UN and Serbia and the exploratory talks that may have been held with the Serbian authorities regarding Kosovo’s future and independence; if preliminary discussions regarding Serbia joining the EU in the future have been held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3676/08]
The European Union's Stabilisation and Association Process for the countries of South-Eastern Europe aims to strengthen political and economic stability in the region. The process involves the negotiation of Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAAs) with each of the countries concerned. The principal objective of these Agreements is to bring the countries closer to EU standards and principles. The Agreements confirm the EU's readiness to integrate them into Europe's political and economic mainstream.
Where Serbia is concerned, signature of the proposed SAA remains contingent on an assessment by the EU Council of Ministers that Serbia has cooperated fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Pending such a positive assessment, the Council agreed at its meeting on 28 January to propose an interim political agreement on cooperation between the EU and Serbia. This decision reflects the importance which the EU attaches to Serbia's European future, and comes at a time when relations between the EU and Serbia are tested by our differences over the Kosovo final status process. The issues of the SAA and Kosovo were most recently discussed between the EU and Serbia at a Troika meeting with Foreign Minister Jeremic in Brussels on 28 January. I had the opportunity to hear the Serbian perspective at first hand during my visit to Belgrade last November.
It is important to note, however, that the issue of signature of the SAA with Serbia is not directly linked to the specific question of Kosovo's final status, but is in its own right an important step towards the realisation of Serbia's European perspective. A clause in the draft Agreement excludes Kosovo from the scope of the SAA, reflecting the fact that Kosovo has been under UN administration since 1999, in accordance with the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and that its final status remains to be resolved.
With regard to the question of Serbia joining the European Union at a future date, the December 2007 European Council reaffirmed that the future of the Western Balkans lies within the European Union. It considered that a stable and prosperous Serbia fully integrated into the family of European nations is important for the stability of the region. In this regard, it encouraged Serbia to meet the necessary conditions to allow its Stabilisation and Association Agreement rapidly to be signed and, in the light of Serbia's considerable institutional capacity, and recalling its conclusions of December 2006, it reiterated its confidence that progress on the road towards the EU, including candidate status, can be accelerated.
With the conclusion in failure last December of four months of talks led by the International Contact Group Troika, there is broad agreement within the international community that no agreement on Kosovo's final status is possible between Belgrade and Pristina. The possibility of progress at the UN is also blocked, with deadlock at the Security Council over the proposal by the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, for a settlement based on internationally supervised independence for Kosovo. In these circumstances, it is widely expected that Kosovo will shortly declare its independence.
The status issue presents a challenge which we and our EU partners must be prepared to meet in a unified way. We welcome the statements of the December European Council, which underlined the EU's readiness to meet this challenge. Ireland will play its part.
On the basis of positive advice from the Attorney–General confirming the continuation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 until it is rescinded by the Security Council, Ireland will be able to maintain our enhanced presence in KFOR. We also intend to contribute members of the Garda to the planned ESDP rule of law mission, which was endorsed by the European Council last December and is seen as a key element of the international civilian presence in a post-status Kosovo, and to support the future economic development of Kosovo.
The Government has not yet taken a decision on the question of national recognition of Kosovo independence, and I believe that it would be not be helpful for me to speculate on this matter in advance of any declaration of independence. As indicated, strenuous efforts will be made to agree a common EU approach to this matter.
135 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will respond to the suggestion that Ireland honour Mr. Carl Joachim Hambro in view of his contribution to Ireland’s struggle for independence and his contribution as president of the Norwegian Parliament to international peace. [3696/08]
As the Deputy will be aware, C.J. Hambro was a distinguished Norwegian political leader in the earlier part of the last century. Mr. Hambro was a defender of the rights of small nations in an era when these rights were far from being guaranteed. His belief in the rights of small nations led him to defend the cause of Irish independence and gave rise to his admiration for Éamon de Valera.
As I indicated in my reply to PQ No. 68 of 27 November 2007, I was made aware of an initiative in July 2007 regarding a proposed commemoration of Mr. Hambro in Muckross House. While I would be willing to lend my support to such a proposal in view of Mr. Hambro's distinguished background, the issue of a commemorative memorial in Muckross House is a matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In this regard, I understand that the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government was in contact with the interested party last Summer to indicate that they are not in a position to accede to such a request, but did advise of alternative possibilities for commemorating Mr. Hambro.
136 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent developments with respect to Ireland’s participation in the Antarctic Treaty 1959; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3796/08]
The Antarctic Treaty opened for signature on 1 December, 1959 in Washington DC and came into force in 1961. The stated aim of the Treaty is to ensure "in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord."
While the Treaty has been in operation since 1961, only 46 or fewer than one quarter of UN Member States, are States Parties. Many of those who have chosen not to accede have argued that the Antarctic should be declared part of the common heritage of mankind and thus be treated in a manner analogous to Outer Space or the International Sea Bed Area and therefore beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. Some have called for a UN agreement to which all Member States would subscribe as the best means to ensure full accountability for actions undertaken in, affecting and concerning Antarctica.
While Ireland has traditionally been sympathetic to this view, we are aware of the immense difficulties which would arise in seeking to negotiate a new Treaty. We have also carefully noted the UN General Assembly Resolutions of 2002 and 2005 which affirmed that the management and use of the Antarctica should be conducted in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations in the interest of maintaining international peace and security and promoting international co-operation for the benefit of mankind as a whole. The Resolutions also welcomed the practice whereby the Antarctic Treaty consultative parties regularly provide the UN Secretary General with information on their consultative meetings and their activities in Antarctica.
As I indicated in my reply to PQ No. 226 of 21 November 2007, it has been decided in all the circumstances to re-examine the issue. Officials in my Department have since then begun a study of the detailed issues involved in accession and will shortly be in a position to initiate broader interdepartmental consultation.
137 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a photographic machine was purchased for the passports office; when this was purchased; the cost of same; if it is of the required standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3801/08]
No machine has been purchased by the Passport Office.
For the convenience of citizens applying in person, photo booths were installed in the Passport Office in Dublin and Cork. A booth was first installed in Dublin in May 2005 and was replaced with a newer model in January 2007. A similar model was installed in Cork in March 2007.
The Passport Office does not pay a fee to the company concerned, "Photo-me", for the availability of these machines on the Department's premises. The Passport Office is satisfied that, if used correctly, the photo booths produce photographs to the required standard.
138 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of people in the bilateral economic relations division who deal with the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3793/08]
The Bilateral Economic Relations Division is divided into three sections which deal, respectively, with Asia and North America, the Middle East, Africa and South America, and Europe. The section which deals with Asia and North America is staffed by three officials. The Division works closely with the Embassy Washington, the Consulates in New York, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco, other Government Departments and the State Agencies to advance bilateral economic relations with the United States.
140 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals he has for reducing the democratic deficit in relation to common, foreign and security policy at national, Parliamentary and European Union level. [3674/08]
The European Union (Scrutiny) Act in 2002 improved the arrangements for scrutiny of EU business by the Dáil and the Seanad. Thanks to the work of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny, parliamentary oversight of proposed EU measures has been greatly enhanced. Under the Scrutiny Act, the following measures are subject to scrutiny: regulations or directives; joint actions and common positions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP); and a range of measures in the Justice and Home Affairs area.
As the House will be aware, a Joint Committee for European Scrutiny was established last year. Discussions are underway between the Department of Foreign Affairs and other Government Departments and the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to the preparation of new Guidelines for Departments on Oireachtas Scrutiny of EU Business.
In relation to CFSP/ESDP measures, my Department informs the Oireachtas as to the content, purpose and the national implications of such proposals.
I also arrange to brief the Joint Committee on European Affairs, in advance of each meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, on items to be discussed, the majority of which usually relate to CFSP/ESDP issues.
At the level of the European Union, Ireland has consistently supported the inter-governmental character of the CFSP, which serves to safeguard our interests. At the same time, the European Reform Treaty, following ratification by all Member States, will introduce some measures that will strengthen democratic debate in this area. A new post of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will be established. The High Representative (whose role will combine the responsibilities of the current High Representative for Common and Foreign Security Policy as well as the current Commissioner for External Relations) will consult and inform the European Parliament in relation to the CFSP and will ensure that the views of the European Parliament are duly taken into consideration. There is also provision for those Special Representatives appointed to deal with external issues to brief the European Parliament on their areas of responsibility.
Also, the National Forum on Europe plays an important role in promoting balanced and informed public debate on EU issues, including those in the CFSP area.
143 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to assist and to offer aid to those living in areas of Mozambique, thought to number some 200,000, who are in severe danger of flooding due to an advancing tropical cyclone. [3688/08]
Tropical Storm Fame developed in the Mozambique Channel on 25 January 2008 reaching Category 1 status on 27 January 2008. It then changed course eastwards away from Mozambique.
Heavy rains and storms since the beginning of December 2007 have caused severe flooding in southern Africa, including Mozambique. The most recent UN reports indicate that approximately 20,000 households or 95,000 people have moved to resettlement centres as a result of flooding in Mozambique. The National Institute for Disaster Management has requested the World Food Programme (WFP) and cooperating partners to continue food distributions to affected populations throughout the month of February. Presently the WFP has 845 metric tonnes of food stocks positioned near the flood-affected areas. Ireland is a major donor to the WFP and provided almost €26 million of funding to it in 2007.
In addition, a Revised Emergency Appeal (REA) outlining a more detailed operational plan for the region is scheduled to be launched on 8 February. In advance of the REA, US$2 million has been released from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to a number of UN agencies to provide emergency relief. Ireland is a key donor to the CERF, which was established, with Ireland's support, specifically to facilitate rapid response to emergencies such as that affecting southern Africa, including Mozambique. Ireland has contributed approximately €30 million to the CERF in the past and will provide a further €22.6 million in funding this year. Our Embassy in Maputo is continuing to monitor the situation closely and we remain ready to respond further if necessary.
144 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the relationship between the Interdepartmental Committee on Development and the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. [3684/08]
The White Paper on Irish Aid included a commitment to establish a new Inter-Departmental Committee on Development to strengthen coherence in the Government's approach to development and to make best use of the expertise and skills available across the public service. I am pleased to say that, in line with that commitment, an Inter-Departmental Committee on Development has been established. It has met three times under my chairmanship. The next meeting will take place at the end of February.
The Committee aims to strengthen coherence on development policy across Government. Development co-operation does not take place in isolation from other Government policies and the need for greater coherence in policies across sectors that affect developing countries is recognised. Examples of issues that are vital to the developing countries include trade, climate change and debt relief. Government Departments are represented on the Inter-Departmental Committee by senior level officials who are actively engaging in the work. Two Sub Groups of the Committee have been established, one to look at developing a more coherent policy in our relationships with Multilateral Organisations and the second focusing on making best use of the expertise and skills available across the public service in our development aid programme. The Committee will report annually to the Minister for Foreign Affairs outlining its activities and making recommendations as appropriate.
My colleague Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs and I are deeply conscious of the need to keep members of the Oireachtas informed of and engaged with the work of the overseas aid programme. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs has played a key role in examining and debating a wide range of development related issues. A number of visits to Programme countries have been made by the Chair and members of the Committee. I welcome the Committee's engagement with the aid programme and hope that it will increase in importance as the programme expands.
A major review of the management of the Irish Aid programme is currently underway. The aim of the review is to ensure that the systems, structures, procedures and staffing of Irish Aid can deliver a high quality aid programme as funding expands towards reaching the target of 0.7% of GNP target by 2012, as committed to by the Taoiseach. It is hoped that the review will be completed this Spring.
148 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the situation in Sri Lanka where despite a recent cease-fire having been brokered, there are continuing reports of deaths and attacks on civilians; the assistance the EU has offered in this regard in possible peace-keeping issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3679/08]
Recent months have seen a further alarming escalation of violence in Sri Lanka, including increasing military operations, suicide attacks and assassinations, with significant numbers of civilian casualties. I utterly condemn the senseless and callous series of terrorist bombings over the last few days in Sri Lanka that have killed some thirty people and injured scores of others. It is vital that both the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka recognise that a sustainable solution to the problems Sri Lanka faces cannot be achieved by military means and that they need to immediately resume meaningful negotiations for a peaceful future for the people of Sri Lanka.
In this context, and as I said in a statement on 4 January, I am deeply concerned by the decision of the Government of Sri Lanka to terminate the 2002 ceasefire agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). I believe that this withdrawal from the ceasefire agreement can have only negative repercussions for Sri Lanka and its people, including for the already serious humanitarian and human rights situation in that country. It is the responsibility of all sides of the conflict to seek to meaningfully and peacefully address the differences between them for the sake of all the people of Sri Lanka.
It is also deeply unfortunate that the Nordic Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), whose mandate ended on 16 January following the end of the ceasefire agreement, has now had to withdraw from Sri Lanka. Norway had played an important and significant role as facilitator to the Ceasefire Agreement and the peace negotiations which followed it. On the more positive side, however, Norway has indicated that it will continue its contacts with both sides, so that it might again be able to facilitate talks if the sides agree to return to the peace process.
The situation in Sri Lanka is regularly discussed with EU partners, and the EU continues to play an active role as one of the four Co-Chairs of the 2003 Tokyo Conference on Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka. The EU has called upon the Government of Sri Lanka to come forward with a substantive devolution offer around which negotiations might restart, as soon as possible.
One possible route towards negotiations might be the proposals on the devolution of power to the provinces of the All-Party Representatives Committee (APRC), submitted to President Rajapakse on 23 January. The Committee was established by President Rajapakse in 2006 to seek to forge a consensus among the political parties in Sri Lanka on a possible political solution to the conflict. I understand that a final, consensus document is being finalised by the APRC and is due to be submitted to the President in the near future. While the Government of Sri Lanka have stated that these recommendations will be implemented in full, it would be important that any final political solution be achieved in an inclusive manner, with the involvement of parties to the conflict, including the LTTE.
The EU, and Ireland nationally, remain ready to support a meaningful peace process in Sri Lanka, and to provide assistance in any manner acceptable to both sides of the conflict, and in support of the Norwegian facilitator.
149 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has received a full report regarding the attempt (details supplied) to fly children out of Chad to Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34166/07]
The so-called charity, Zoe's Ark, was originally established in the aftermath of the 2004 Asian tsunami. In April 2007 it announced, via its website, a campaign to evacuate 10,000 orphans from Darfur. Its website stated the charity wanted to place Darfuri children under five in foster care with French families.
The French Foreign Ministry issued a warning about the group in August 2007, stating there was no guarantee that the children involved were orphans without family support, and casting doubt on the project's legality. However, it is thought that up to 300 families in Europe volunteered to act as hosts, each handing over several thousand euro in exchange for the opportunity to foster a child. On 25 October, six members of the charity, along with three French journalists, seven Spanish flight crew and a Belgian national were detained in Abeché, Chad, as they attempted to put 103 children on board a charter flight to France.
All six members of the charity and the three journalists were charged with attempted child abduction and fraud, while the others were charged as accomplices. The charity claimed that all the children, aged between one and ten, were orphans from Darfur. However, investigations by UNICEF and other humanitarian organisations established that few, if any of the children were orphans, and most if not all were from the Chadian border region rather than from Darfur itself. It also emerged that some of the children were bandaged so as to appear injured. The charity insisted it was working in good faith at all times.
Authorities in France, including PM Fillon, condemned the operation. President Déby of Chad accused the group of "trafficking children under cover of humanitarian assistance." When in Chad shortly afterwards, I was informed by the Prime Minister and other interlocutors of the seriousness with which the issue was viewed.
Following discussions in November 2007 between President Sarkozy and President Déby in Chad, all of those in custody, with the exception of the six members of the charity, were released by Chadian authorities. In December 2007 the six members were sentenced to eight years hard labour after a trial in N'Djamena, and also fined $9 million. Under the terms of a 1976 judicial accord between France and Chad, the members of the charity were transferred back to France on 28 December 2007 where they will serve the remainder of their sentence, which was confirmed by a French court last week as eight years imprisonment.
150 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the task and membership of the hunger task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3807/08]
The establishment of a Hunger Task Force was one of the recommendations of the White Paper on Irish Aid published in September 2006. The aim of the Hunger Task Force is to identify the additional, appropriate and effective contributions that Ireland can make to international efforts to reduce hunger.
The first meeting of the Hunger Task Force took place in Dublin on 14 September 2007 and the second in University College Cork on 16 November 2007. The next meeting will include a field visit to Malawi and will take place from the 27 to 29 February 2008 in Lilongwe.
The Hunger Task Force will issue its report around the middle of 2008. The report will outline a number of key actions which Ireland can take to give practical leadership internationally on the attainment of the Millennium Development Goal of halving the proportion of those who suffer from hunger by 2015.
Members of the Hunger Task Force include a number of renowned national and international experts in the field of food security and development. A list of their names is set out below.
Mr Joe Walsh, Chairman
Ms Nancy Aburi
Dr Pamela K. Anderson, International Potato Centre
Mr Tom Arnold, Concern Worldwide
Bono (Paul David Hewson)
Mr Kevin Farrell, World Food Programme, Zimbabwe
Professor Michael Gibney, UCD
Professor Lawrence Haddad, UK Institute of Development Studies
Mr Justin Kilcullen, Trócaire
Professor Denis Lucey, UCC
Mr Aidan O'Driscoll, Department of Agriculture
Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, Columbia University
Ms Josette Sheeran, World Food Programme
Ms Sheila Sisulu, World Food Programme
153 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of aid granted to Uganda in 2006 and 2007; the way this was spent; the way this expenditure is verified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3806/08]
Ireland provides development assistance to Uganda directly and also through NGOs, missionaries and other international partner organisations.
In 2006 Ireland provided over €32 million in direct assistance. Additional funding of over €9.5 million was made available through other organisations including the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, UNHCR, Oxfam, World Vision and Irish NGOs such as Concern, Christian Aid, Goal, and Trócaire. A detailed breakdown of these figures is available in the Irish Aid 2006 Annual Report. I have arranged for a copy of the report to be sent to the Deputy.
In 2007, direct assistance amounted to over €34 million, and indirect assistance to some €8.7 million. The final figures are being prepared and a comprehensive breakdown of the figures for 2007 will be included in the 2007 Annual Report.
Ireland's development aid programme in Uganda is aligned with the Government of Uganda's national poverty reduction plan. It focuses on those areas which will have the greatest impact on the poorest and most vulnerable members of the community, such as education, health, HIV/AIDs and good governance. Irish Aid assistance has contributed to the considerable progress that has been made in these areas.
For instance, in education, by 2006 the net enrolment rate at primary level had reached over 91%, increasing from 85% in 2002. With Ireland's assistance the provision of Anti Retro Virals (ARVs) for the treatment of HIV/AIDS was established in over 200 accredited health facilities during 2006 and over 2000 health workers were trained in comprehensive HIV care. By 2006, the governance sector was strengthened by the introduction of accountability and anti-corruption measures such as the rollout of public expenditure reform initiatives and the enhanced capacity of the Office of the Auditor General.
Support channelled through the Poverty Action Fund facilitated the provision of services at local level in key social sectors such as water, sanitation and agriculture.
The Irish Aid programme has in place monitoring and auditing frameworks to ensure that our assistance is effective and that it is implemented for the benefit of those for whom it is intended.
The rigorous accounting and audit controls help to ensure a transparent, effective and high quality programme. Programmes are audited and evaluated by independent audit firms, by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit and by the independent Audit Committee of the Department. Programmes are also evaluated to ensure that funds are used for the purposes intended, in particular in respect of outcomes and value for money.
156 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position pertaining to ongoing debate on the reform of the United Nations. [3695/08]
The UN World Summit held in September 2005 agreed a package of UN reforms which, while not as complete as might have been hoped, represented an important advance. I was honoured to have contributed to the Summit Outcome in my role as one of the five Envoys appointed by former Secretary-General Annan to support his recommendations for change aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the UN.
Key issues addressed since the Summit have included the establishment of the Human Rights Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, both of which were priorities for Ireland. Discussions are ongoing on the important issues of management reform and reform of the Security Council. Together with its partners in the EU, Ireland has actively supported the continuing efforts to bring about improvements in the management of the UN, aimed at making the Organisation and its Secretariat more responsive and effective in fulfilling its purposes and in meeting the needs of the international community. However, despite progress in a number of areas, there remains much more to be done.
As regards reform of the Security Council, Ireland's view is that a more representative, efficient and transparent Security Council is an essential aspect of reforming the UN to meet the many global challenges which we face. We welcome and support the current efforts of the President of the General Assembly to reinvigorate the debate and we look forward to participating actively in future discussions of the issue. At the same time, the difficulty of achieving agreement is very apparent.
Discussion of the reform of the UN development architecture is centred on the recommendations of the UN High Level Panel on System-wide Coherence, a group appointed by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in February, 2006, and composed of figures such as the EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel, the then British Chancellor Gordon Brown, and the Prime Ministers of Pakistan, Mozambique and Norway.
The Panel report makes a series of recommendations designed to improve the UN's internal coherence and ability to deliver development assistance. They centre on the development of a unified UN presence at country level, with one leader, one budget, a single programme agreed with the host Government, and, where appropriate, one office. This process is described as Delivering as One. The report also recommended the upgrading of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to become the authoritative environment pillar of the UN, and the establishment of a single UN entity to address gender equality and women's empowerment.
Since the publication of the Panel report in late 2006, pilot programmes have been established in eight countries, including in three Irish Aid priority countries Vietnam, Tanzania and Mozambique. Irish Embassies in these countries actively participate in the implementation and oversight of the reform process at local level.
In recognition of Ireland's pro-active role in relation to UN reform, the Irish Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Ambassador Paul Kavanagh, was recently appointed by the President of the UN General Assembly to co-chair, with his Tanzanian colleague, the process of consideration and implementation of the Panel recommendations within the General Assembly. His mandate will run until September 2008.
158 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Taoiseach the discussions that took place in South Africa with Mr. Thabo Mbeki on the issue of Zimbabwe. [3983/08]
I visited South Africa between from 13 to 15 January, 2008 accompanied by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin T.D., and the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Michael Kitt T.D. While in Pretoria, I met with President Thabo Mbeki and the Deputy President, Mrs. Mlambo-Ngucka.
President Mbeki and I noted the positive bilateral relations between our two countries and discussed a range of political and trade and development issues.
President Mbeki briefed me on the current political situation in Zimbabwe, the prospects for successful elections there and his role as SADC mediator. We both expressed the wish for a peaceful solution to the crises facing Zimbabwe and for policy change which would ensure full respect for the human rights and dignity of its people.
I emphasised that Ireland and its EU partners are gravely concerned at the ongoing deterioration of the situation in Zimbabwe. The hardships and deprivation being experienced by ordinary Zimbabweans give added urgency to the effort being made by the Southern African Development Community to mediate between the parties; particularly in relation to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections in 2008.
Ireland's policy is clear; we wish to see a change in policies in Zimbabwe to tackle the suffering of the people there and ensure full respect for their rights and dignity.
I referred to the impending deployment of some 400 members of the Irish Army with the UN mandated EU military mission in Chad, and the fact that an Irishman, Lieutenant General Pat Nash, will lead that mission. I also expressed my personal appreciation to President Mbeki and the people of South Africa for their sensitive support for the peace process in Northern Ireland.
159 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the criteria for obtaining a primary medical certificate; if he will amend the criteria for primary medical certificates; the elements of the certificate he will amend; when they will take effect; if he is satisfied that all applicants are being treated equally and fairly in terms of assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3910/08]
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and VRT (up to certain limit) on the purchase of a car adapted for the transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, to those who meet certain disability criteria.
The disability criteria for eligibility for the tax concessions under this scheme are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get the Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be severely and permanently disabled and satisfy one of the following conditions:
(a)be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both legs;
(b)be wholly without the use of one leg and almost wholly without the use of the other leg such that the applicant is severely restricted as to movement of the lower limbs;
(c)be without both hands or without both arms;
(d)be without one or both legs;
(e)be wholly or almost wholly without the use of both hands or arms and wholly or almost wholly without the use of one leg;
(f)have the medical condition of dwarfism and have serious difficulties of movement of the lower limbs.
As the Deputy will be aware, there was an interdepartmental review of the Scheme. However, given the scale and the scope of the scheme, any possible changes can only be made after careful consideration and with regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme and the available resources.
The Senior Medical Officer (SMO) for the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area makes a professional clinical determination as to whether an individual applicant satisfies the medical criteria. An unsuccessful applicant can appeal the decision of the SMO to the Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin which makes a new clinical determination in respect of the individual. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.
160 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason the new VRT rate applicable to new and used imported cars registered on or after 1 July 2008 could not have been introduced from 1 January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3978/08]
On 6 December 2006, as part of Budget 2007, I announced that it was planned to introduce changes to the VRT system to take greater account of environmental issues, and in particular Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The Programme for Government of June 2007 re-affirmed the commitment to introduce measures to further weight VRT in favour of cars with lower emissions.
A public consultation process was carried out by my Department. The consultation process evidenced broad support for a reorientation and rebalancing of VRT. I announced in my Budget Statement on 5 December 2007, my plans to introduce a revised VRT system, based on CO2 emissions from mid 2008.
Changing the VRT system to make it take greater account of CO2 emissions levels is a significant change. It is therefore desirable that members of the public be given reasonable notice of any changes being introduced. In addition, the motor industry indicated that it needed at least six months prior notice of any substantial change being made to the system, in the light of the advance ordering arrangements for new cars in the industry. Furthermore, the Revenue Commissioners' technical and administrative processes required amendment in order to facilitate the revised VRT system.
Having examined the matter, it was considered therefore, as I announced in reply to Parliamentary Questions 148 to 150 on 3 October 2007, that any proposed VRT changes should be effective from around mid-2008.
161 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the progress made in respect of the acquisition of a site for the offices of his Department in Charlestown, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4033/08]
I am informed that a number of sites in Charlestown, Co. Mayo have been assessed as potential locations for the new Headquarters of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Negotiations are now at an advanced stage. When these negotiations are completed the preferred site will be acquired.
162 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if payments in relation to dyslexia treatment or instruction qualify for tax rebate; if not the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3929/08]
There is no provision in tax law to allow relief for expenses relating specifically to dyslexia treatment or instruction. However, Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for tax relief under the heading of "health expenses" in respect of expenses representing the cost of:
(i)an educational psychological assessment carried out by an educational psychologist; or
(ii)speech and language therapy carried out by a speech and language therapist.
For the purposes of this tax relief, an "educational psychologist" means a person who is entered on a register maintained by the Minister for Education and Science, in accordance with guidelines set down by that Minister with my consent; and a "speech and language therapist" means a person approved of by the Minister for Health and Children, in accordance with guidelines set down by that Minister with my consent.
163 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the stockbroking firms engaged by his Department or by the agencies under his aegis during the years 1992, 1993 and 1994; the fees or charges paid in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3981/08]
In the time available it has not possible to search through all of the available material for the period in question. My officials are currently completing the process and as soon as this has been completed I will forward any relevant data directly to the Deputy.
164 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 30 January 2008, if he will clarify if a person is liable for inheritance tax on a family home, if the home in question was originally passed down from father to son, and thereafter passed onto another sibling; and if the total value of all inheritance and gifts received over a period of time is calculated together. [4008/08]
For the purposes of both Gift and Inheritance Tax, the relationship between the person who provided the gift or inheritance and the person who received the gift or inheritance determines the maximum tax-free threshold — known as the "Group threshold" below which gift or inheritance tax does not arise. The details of these thresholds were set out in my earlier response.
When calculating whether a beneficiary has received benefits in excess of his or her Group tax-free threshold, any other gifts and inheritances received by that beneficiary since 5 December 1991 from within the same Group are also taken into account. If the total value of all gifts and inheritances received since this date is above the relevant Group threshold, then a 20% rate of gift/inheritance tax applies on the excess over the threshold figure.
Therefore, when the family home was passed down from father to son, the son would not be liable to Inheritance Tax on the inheritance he received from his father if the market value of the family home, when added to the value of any other assets inherited from his father or gifts received from him, were below the Group A tax-free threshold for the year in question in which the son received the inheritance.
If, subsequently, the home was then passed on by the son to one of his siblings by way of inheritance or gift, the sibling would be entitled to the Group B tax-free threshold, which applies to gifts and inheritances between siblings, in respect of that separate inheritance received by the sibling.
The inheritance taken by the son from his father and the inheritance later taken by the sibling from their brother are two separate inheritances and are taxed separately, with each beneficiary being entitled to their own Group tax-free threshold depending on their relationship to the individual disponer from whom they are receiving their inheritance.
Apart from the tax-free Group thresholds available to a beneficiary, the Capital Acquisitions Tax code exempts certain gifts and inheritances completely from tax and also contains relieving provisions. As it appears that the Deputy has a specific case in mind, she may wish to contact the Revenue Commissioners who will be in a position to advise on the tax implications.
165 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans to relocate staff from the Revenue Commissioners to Roscommon Town; the number of staff to be relocated and the timetable involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4031/08]
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a decision was taken to relocate an Audit/Compliance Unit from Athlone to Roscommon town. In September 2007, nine (9) staff members were assigned to Roscommon town in addition to the three (3) Revenue staff who were already located in Roscommon town.
All twelve (12) staff are now in situ and there are no plans at present to relocate any further staff from Revenue to Roscommon town.
166 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the plans he has to amend the valuation legislation to exempt crèches from significant rates bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4032/08]
The Valuation Act, 2001 which came into effect on 2 May 2002 provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose including constructions affixed thereto are rateable. In regard to the Valuation Act, 2001, I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Act, and that I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard.
The basic premise under the Act is that all interests (including buildings) are rateable unless expressly exempted under schedule 4. Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 outlines the categories of property and the various uses that are deemed to be non rateable under the Act. Paragraphs 10 (education) and 16 (charitable purposes) are two areas in that schedule which may be relevant to the rateability of child care facilities. Accordingly, purpose-built childcare buildings designed and used to make profit are rateable as commercial buildings. Houses which have been adapted for commercial use in a dedicated area (i.e. converted garage for exclusive use as childcare) are rateable, for that specific area.
The Valuation Act, 2001 maintains the long-standing position that commercial facilities — including all private childcare facilities such as play schools, pre-schools, crèches and Montessori schools — are liable for rates. It was not intended that the Valuation Act 2001 would expand or contract the valuation base.
The rateable valuation of commercial property is based on net annual value (NAV) i.e. the rental value of the property. Any individual ratepayer who has concerns about the valuation of their property or of any part thereof, including its rateability or the method of calculation may, on payment of a statutory fee of €250, apply to the Valuation Office for a revision of the valuation. If dissatisfied with the outcome, they may appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation in the first instance and subsequently to the independent Valuation Tribunal. There is also a further right of appeal to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court on a point of law.
167 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will list the private airports here and if all such airports are fully licensed and subject to full inspection by customs; the number of customs checks that have been carried out at each airport for each of the past three years to date; if there have been discoveries of drugs or contraband such as cigarettes at any of these airports; if so, the number of same and the quantities; the number of flights at each of these airports that originated from within the EU, the number from outside the EU and their destinations over this three year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4100/08]
It is taken that the Deputy is referring to aerodromes licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there are 15 aerodromes licensed by the IAA for private use in the State. There are 11 other aerodromes licensed by the IAA for public use excluding Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports. In general, a licence for private use is required if flying tuition is undertaken and a licence for public use is required for public transport operations. In the context of the question it is assumed that the Deputy is also enquiring about these 11 public aerodromes.
The following table lists these aerodromes. All are subject to inspection by Customs. The number of visits carried out by Customs to each of these aerodromes in each of the last three years and the number, description and quantities of drugs seized are shown in the table. All drug seizures were small "own use" quantities. There were no supply quantities seized. Details of the quantities of cigarettes and other goods seized are also included in the table.
|
Aerodrome |
Licensed by IAA |
Subject to Customs Inspection |
Customs visits |
Drug Seizures (No./quantity/type) |
Cigarette Seizures (No. & quantity) |
Seizures Other |
|||||||||
|
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
||||
|
Public |
Knock |
Yes |
Yes |
67 |
78 |
102 |
1 (17 Ecstasy tab.) |
8 (0.05 Kg Cannabis) |
8 (0.028 Kg Cannabis) |
10 (64,380 Cig. 2.45 Kg Tobacco) |
20 (200,680 Cig) |
69 (147,380 Cig, 1.9 Kg Tobacco) |
0 |
18 Lts. Alcohol |
30.45 Lts. Alcohol. 7 Firearms. 4 Offensive Weapons |
|
Public |
Galway |
Yes |
Yes |
10 |
12 |
43 |
0 |
0 |
1 (0.003 Kg Cannabis) |
1 (800 Cig, 0.25 Kg Tobacco) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
Farranfore |
Yes |
Yes |
59 |
79 |
96 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7 (13,670 Cig) |
1 (1,760 Cig) |
6 (23,200 Cig) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
Waterford |
Yes |
Yes |
35 |
20 |
112 |
2 (0.005 Kg Cannabis. 0.0015 Kg Amph-etamine) |
2 (0.07 Kg Cannabis) |
2 (0.022 Kg Cannabis. 0.001 Kg Cocaine) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
Weston |
Yes |
Yes |
16 |
17 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
Donegal |
Yes |
Yes |
9 |
8 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
Sligo |
Yes |
Yes |
8 |
10 |
19 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
Connemara |
Yes |
Yes |
2 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
Aran Islands (3) * |
Yes |
Yes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Abbeyshrule |
Yes |
Yes |
3 |
3 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Bantry |
Yes |
Yes |
10 |
10 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Belmullet |
Yes |
Yes |
1 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Birr |
Yes |
Yes |
2 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Clonbullogue |
Yes |
Yes |
2 |
2 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Coonagh |
Yes |
Yes |
4 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Erinagh (Co Tipperary) |
Yes |
Yes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Hacketstown |
Yes |
Yes |
2 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Kilkenny |
Yes |
Yes |
2 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Kilrush (Co. Kildare) |
Yes |
Yes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Moyne |
Yes |
Yes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Newcastle (Co. Wicklow) |
Yes |
Yes |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Rathcoole (Co. Cork) |
Yes |
Yes |
4 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Trim |
Yes |
Yes |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Private |
Trevet, Co. Meath |
Yes |
Yes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
*Aran Islands comprise 3 Aerodromes and deal with internal flights only
Customs have initiated a confidential reporting regime under the Drugswatch programme whereby aerodrome operators and other relevant parties can report suspicious activity. Under this programme Customs also offer advice regarding minimising the risk of the facilities being used by persons for the purpose of smuggling.
In relation to the number of flights arriving from EU and non-EU destinations, while the Customs control regime involves the monitoring all such arrivals, the definitive source of this information is the licensing authority, the IAA.
In relation to the Customs control regime in place at such aerodromes, the Revenue Commissioners advise me that this is risk-based and is carried out by mobile Customs Enforcement Officers. Attendance by these Officers is selective, targeted and predominantly unannounced and is based on analysis and evaluation of national and international seizure trends, traffic frequency, routes and other risk indicators. Attendance can also be as a result of specific intelligence. Flights with origins and destinations with a high risk rating would attract particular interest. These attendances cover the full range of flight times and are kept under constant review in particular to take account of emerging smuggling trends and any traffic increases at these aerodromes/airports.
It is important to note by way of context that the operating environment for Customs has been shaped to a significant degree by the introduction of the Internal Market and the related principles of freedom of movement within the EU. Of specific relevance are the abolition of routine and systematic Customs checks on goods and passengers moving within any part of the EU and the elimination of Customs controls on the baggage of intra-Community passengers other than for anti-smuggling checks. In fact some of the smaller aerodromes have no international flights. Revenue's approach has of necessity been to balance the freedom of movement principle in regard to people and goods with the need to control smuggling and enforce prohibitions and restrictions.
Revenue is satisfied that having regard to the context set out above, the risk based approach at these airports remains valid and their operations are on par with, and may even exceed, those of many other EU Member States.
168 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with the Health Service Executive to stop them from introducing changes to the contract for payment to pharmacists in advance of the development of a new contract by her Department in consultation through an independent body; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4348/08]
175 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she and the chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive are taking to ensure that a resolution of the dispute between the HSE and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union, is brought forward without further delay; her views in this context, on the appointment of an arbitrator in order that all the issues can be ventilated within an independent framework; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3967/08]
182 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 182 of 31 October 2007, the position regarding the pharmacists dispute with the Health Service Executive; if progress has been made on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4011/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168, 175 and 182 together.
At a meeting between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) under Mr Bill Shipsey SC on 5 December 2007, a process was proposed to the IPU to (i) address their immediate concerns regarding the alleged impact of the proposed revised wholesaler arrangements on GMS-dependent pharmacies and (ii) to provide a basis upon which discussions on a new substantive contract could commence. The IPU was not prepared to accept this proposal from the HSE and, accordingly, no further discussions have taken place under Mr Shipsey's auspices since then. Notwithstanding the failure to reach agreement, the HSE has offered a draft interim contract to pharmacists to address their main concerns regarding the alleged impact of the proposed revised wholesaler arrangements on GMS-dependent pharmacies. I am informed that the HSE intends to implement the deferred revised wholesaler arrangements from 1st March 2008. The Executive also recently commenced discussions with the IPU and other parties on the development of a new substantive pharmacy contract. The details of the draft interim contract, and the HSE's other intentions in this regard, were set out in a letter to individual community pharmacists on 2nd January 2008.
In the light of the legal position previously outlined in the House, and after further consultation with the Attorney General, the other relevant Departments and the HSE on the best way of progressing the development of a new contract with pharmacists in compliance with competition law, my Department is working to develop appropriate arrangements for the development of contracts and for the setting of the fees payable in respect of contracts with private sector undertakings for the provision of health services on behalf of the HSE. These arrangements may include the establishment of an independent body which would consider the nature of the service to be provided and all other relevant factors in each case and make recommendations to the Government in relation to the fees it considers appropriate. The composition of such a body, its terms of reference and the timescale for its work are amongst the matters to be considered in this regard. In line with the legal advice received, the HSE may enter into discussions with community pharmacists on the non-fee aspects of their contract, with a view to developing a new substantive pharmacy contract.
169 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if routine testing for vitamin B deficiency is carried out as a diagnostic procedure in psychiatric hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3914/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
170 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of clinical staff who have been recruited during 2006 and 2007 to develop the primary care teams for County Clare; when she envisages the service having the full complement of clinical staff as presented in the programme of transformation towards primary care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3915/08]
The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others.
It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.
The HSE received additional funding of €32m in 2006 and 2007 for the establishment of some 200 primary care teams involving 600 front line professionals (300 per year). A further €8m is being provided in 2008 to cover the full year costs of the 2007 phase.
The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care Teams by 2008; 400 by 2009 and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets is due to be undertaken in 2008.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
171 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will approve the necessary funding required to allow Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, to expand their existing new renal dialysis facility to furnish four extra stations and revenue costs to staff it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3936/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
172 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore including porters, cleaners, catering staff, nurses, doctors, care attendants, laboratory staff, and any other staff in the hospital excluding administrative staff. [3939/08]
173 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise including porters, cleaners, catering staff, nurses, doctors, care attendants, laboratory staff, and any other staff in the hospital excluding administrative staff. [3940/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
174 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the training in place for foster care parents here and for foster parents caring for children with difficulties or special needs. [3951/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
176 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 3 will be assisted. [3973/08]
The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care. These recoverable health charges are charges which were imposed on persons with full eligibility under the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 1976 as amended in 1987 or charges for in-patient services only, raised under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 as amended in 1965. No charges other than those outlined above are repayable under the scheme.
The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 also provides for an independent appeals process to allow applicants to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator. Any applicant who wishes to appeal should do so in the specified format.
177 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of acute beds available and in use in each Dublin hospital in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3974/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
178 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioners based in each of the Dublin postcode areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3975/08]
General Practitioners (GPs) are self employed and my Department does not collect official statistics on the number of such doctors in practice. Many GPs hold a General Medical Services (GMS) contract with the Health Service Executive (HSE). Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to examine this matter and to provide the information which it has available directly to the Deputy.
179 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the contacts her Department has in the past or are in at present in relation to parent based support groups against drug or illicit substance misuse; if her Department has provided funding to such groups; the total funding provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3994/08]
The question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the specific matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
180 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children when the adult cystic fibrosis consultant will be appointed to Limerick Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3995/08]
181 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the development of adult cystic fibrosis facilities at Limerick Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3996/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
There are approximately 1,100 people with cystic fibrosis living in the Republic of Ireland. Approximately 45% are adults and 55% are children. The Minister identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority. Development funding of €4.78m was provided in 2006 and a further €2m was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to facilitate the recruitment of additional medical, nursing and allied health professional staff to improve services.
My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the position regarding the issues raised investigated and to have a detailed reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 168.
183 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intercede with the Health Service Executive on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; if she will have this file reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4027/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
184 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients who were readmitted to hospital within one week of discharge in 2007. [4037/08]
185 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients who were readmitted to hospital within one week of discharge in 2006. [4038/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
186 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when agreement will be reached between the Heath Service Executive and chiropodists to ensure that chiropodists and podiatrists can continue to provide a service to public patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4084/08]
209 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a situation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4121/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 209 together.
There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide chiropody services to GMS patients; however in practice arrangements have been made in several regions to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of any arrangements for community chiropody services and the level of service provided were a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. I understand that priority is usually given to certain groups of people, including people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE.
My Department is currently preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services. The Bill will define specific health and personal services more clearly; define who should be eligible for what services; set out clear criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework.
I consider that it is inappropriate for private chiropodists who are providing services on behalf of the HSE to charge patients a top-up fee, and I have conveyed this view formally to the HSE. My Department requested the HSE to review the fee arrangements in place for the provision of chiropody services, with a view to ensuring that such additional fees will no longer be levied on persons in receipt of this service. While considerable work has taken place to develop arrangements which would ensure that no top-up charges are applied, it is necessary to ensure that any such arrangements and the process by which they are arrived at comply with the terms of the Competition Act 2002.
As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the specific matters raised by the Deputies. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have replies issued directly to the Deputies.
187 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason employees working the sleep-over system in the Health Service Executive and voluntary organisations in the intellectual disability sector are paid an allowance of €42.42 for the hours determined as sleep-over which falls well below the national minimum wage and the hourly rate agreed for care staff in the HSE and voluntary organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4085/08]
188 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons employed by the Health Service Executive and voluntary organisations in the intellectual disability sector who work the system known as sleep-over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4086/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 188 together.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
189 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of babies born en route to Dublin hospitals in 2007 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4087/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
190 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will continue to fund a group (details supplied) in order that they can continue their counselling and lobbying work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4088/08]
Under the Health Act 2004, it is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) to determine whether to fund a voluntary organisation. The HSE is also responsible for setting the terms and conditions which apply to such funding.
Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy regarding funding for the group in question.
191 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the hardship caused by the lack of free dental care for medical card patients between the ages of 12 and 16; when she expects such care to be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4089/08]
The statutory position governing the eligibility of children to dental treatment is Section 66 of the Health Act, 1970, the Health (Amendment) Act 1994 and the Health (Dental Services for Children) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 248 of 2000). Responsibility for delivery of health services is a matter for the HSE.
Children in specific classes in national school, usually second, fourth and sixth class, are targeted for preventive measures under the school based approach; the children in these classes are screened and referred for treatment as necessary. The programme has been specifically designed to ensure that children are dentally fit before they leave national school. The screening provided in second, fourth and sixth classes ensures that follow up appointments for examination, treatment or orthodontic review are made, as necessary, with the Dental Surgeon in the clinic designated for the particular school(s). Children who have attended national school retain eligibility to dental treatment up to their 16th birthday.
Since the 1st May, 2007, the Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2006, (Commencement) Order 2007 (S.I. No. 194 of 2007) has extended the provision of dental services to children attending any primary school.
192 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the category of staff to be recruited with regard to the 34.5 WTE infection control staff that have to be recruited out of the 52 infection control staff announced in 2006; when this recruitment process will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4096/08]
During the latter half of 2006, 52 posts were approved by the Health Service Executive to enhance infection control in the country's hospitals. These posts included Senior Pharmacists, Senior Infection Control Nurses and Surveillance Scientists. The recruitment process was initiated in September 2006 and to date a total of 34.5 WTE (whole-time equivalent) positions have been filled.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the HSE under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the HSE has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
193 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the engagement that has taken place with relevant stakeholders to date with regard to the fair deal scheme; the further engagement she plans to have with stakeholders following the publication of the Bill; the mechanism that will be in place to address stakeholders’ concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4097/08]
Since the announcement of the new nursing home support scheme, A Fair Deal, the Department has met with the National Federation of Pensioners' Associations, the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and the Social Partners. The Department also attended the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament AGM at its request and participated in a workshop on the new scheme. In addition, the Department dealt with queries and representations from interest groups, public representatives and members of the public. All of the issues raised, both during formal consultation and otherwise, were given careful consideration in drafting the Bill.
The Bill providing for the scheme is at a very advanced stage and is currently being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General. The Minister hopes to publish the Bill as soon as possible following Government approval. On publication of the Bill, further engagement will take place with stakeholders on the details of the new scheme. This will take place under the auspices of Towards 2016. The subsequent presentation and passage of the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas will be a matter of priority for me and my colleague, the Minister of Health and Children, Mary Harney, T.D.
194 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the fourteen additional fast-tracked single-room beds for people with cystic fibrosis will be ring-fenced for cystic fibrosis patients only; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4098/08]
205 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the risk of cross-infection arising from shared bathroom facilities, the new rooms for cystic fibrosis patients in St. Vincent’s Hospital which she has committed to having in place by the summer of 2008 will have ensuite bathroom facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4117/08]
206 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the risk of cross-infection arising from shared bathroom facilities, the rooms for cystic fibrosis patients in the proposed 120 bed unit for St. Vincent’s Hospital will have ensuite bathroom facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4118/08]
207 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of rooms in the proposed new 120 bed unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital that will be allocated to patients with cystic fibrosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4119/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 205 to 207, inclusive, together.
The need to improve facilities for persons with cystic fibrosis has been acknowledged. In order to alleviate the immediate service difficulties at the National Adult Tertiary Referral Centre at St. Vincent's University Hospital, the Health Service Executive has been working intensively with the hospital management in identifying and progressing options for interim improvements.
The HSE advise that it is fast-tracking the re-development of a ward which is adjacent to the main cystic fibrosis treatment area. The project is to commence within the next few weeks and will provide six single rooms. On completion, additional work will begin to provide a further eight single rooms. The HSE has advised that this will result in a total of fourteen single rooms for cystic fibrosis patients by the end of the summer.
In the longer term, a new ward block is to be built and will include 120 replacement beds in single en-suite accommodation. The new facility will accommodate cystic fibrosis patients and will include appropriate isolation facilities. Planning permission has been obtained, financial provision has been included in the HSE Capital Plan and the contract is to be awarded by the end of this year. It will be a condition of the contract that the design build period is to be not more than 24 months from the date of contract award.
My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on the specific operational issues raised in the Deputies' questions.
195 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to receive the Health Service Executive report on the Irish Psychiatric Association, Lie of the Land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4099/08]
I have sought the views of the Health Service Executive on the Lie of the Land report as a matter of urgency, and in particular the disposal of assets since January 2006, when "A Vision for Change" was published.
196 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take action to deal with the crisis in the speech and language service in Dublin south west; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the long waiting lists are unacceptable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4103/08]
As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.
The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.
The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
197 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the location of each of the sites that is planned to be made available to enable private hospitals to be built on public land as part of the co-location policy; the amount of land to be made available in each case; the market value of each of these sites; if the land in each case is to remain in the State’s ownership; if not, the way the land will be transferred; if it is her intention to make the land available without charge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4104/08]
The co-location initiative aims to make available approximately 1,000 public acute hospital beds for public patients, beds that are currently being used by private patients. In accordance with the competitive dialogue procurement process which is being used, the Board of the HSE approved in July last successful bidder status for the development of co-located hospitals at the following six hospital sites:
Waterford Regional Hospital
Cork University Hospital
Limerick Regional Hospital
Sligo Regional Hospital
Beaumont Hospital
St James's Hospital
Since then the hospitals and the bidders have been working towards finalising the Project Agreements. It is expected that the Project Agreements for Beaumont, Cork and Limerick Hospitals will be signed very soon. It is also anticipated that the signing of the Project Agreements for the other three sites will be concluded shortly thereafter.
Connolly Hospital and Tallaght Hospital, which are also participating in the co location initiative, are at an earlier stage of the procurement process. A tender in relation to Connolly Hospital is under consideration and it is expected that the invitation to tender (ITT) for Tallaght Hospital will issue in the near future.
Under the Project Agreements agreed with the HSE, the land on which the Hospitals will be built by the successful bidders will be under a 65-year lease from the State at full market value. The intention is that no land will be sold to the successful bidders. This efficient utilization of public resources means that the State will receive an income for land over the 65 year period. The commercial value of each site has been determined by independent assessors. The provision of 1,000 beds will result in no direct capital costs to the Exchequer. Capital costs will be met by the successful bidders.
198 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether in view of the long waiting list, there is a need for extra resources for the endoscopy unit at Kerry General Hospital. [4106/08]
199 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that nursing staff are made available for the high dependency unit at Kerry General Hospital. [4107/08]
200 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children when the necessary staff will be made available for the out-patient day surgery at Kerry General Hospital. [4108/08]
201 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will commit to making available the required staff in accident and emergency in Kerry General Hospital. [4109/08]
202 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the Kerry General Hospital assessment unit is understaffed in comparison to other hospitals and that this needs to be rectified. [4110/08]
203 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether Kerry General Hospital requires a dedicated orthopaedic unit. [4111/08]
204 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether in view of the 70% increase in births at Kerry General Hospital since 2000, the hospital should have a dedicated obstetrics unit. [4112/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 to 204, inclusive, together.
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
208 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the home support hours of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary are being reduced. [4120/08]
Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
210 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who suffered a stroke and an acquired brain injury in 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively; the number who did not survive as a result of their injuries each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4237/08]
The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
211 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Transport the efforts he has made to re-introduce the Cork Swansea Ferry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3959/08]
The Cork Swansea Ferry service was suspended in 2007. I can appreciate the concerns that have been expressed in the region in response to this development.
I understand that a number of interested parties and stakeholders have been in discussions with the Port of Cork Company about the possibility of commencing a new passenger and freight service out of the port.
I am informed that a commercial examination of the route has been carried out. This indicates that, subject to procuring a suitable vessel, the service could be feasible on a year round basis.
The Port of Cork Company will certainly do what it can to facilitate the resumption of the service.
As Minister for Transport, I feel it is important that the market offers a diverse range of maritime links in and out of the State. This is vital to facilitate trade and tourism. I certainly hope that the current efforts show that the service is commercially viable and that it can be resumed as soon as possible.
212 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport when the independent study of the Broadstone line into its use for either heavy or light rail use will be completed and be made available for publication; if the local community and stakeholders will be allowed to make an input into this study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3968/08]
I refer the Deputy to my reply yesterday to Deputy Flanagan's Question No. 113.
213 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the bus service from Dublin to Tullow, County Carlow through Baltinglass (details supplied); if approval will be given to increase this service, Dublin to Baltinglass and Baltinglass to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3985/08]
In response to previous Dáil Questions by the Deputy on 15 November 2007, No. 102 and 30 January 2008, No. 538, I indicated that Bus Éireann had notified my Department of a proposed bus service connecting Tullow and Dublin operating via Baltinglass. Following an initial examination of the Bus Eireann submission, it was concluded that the service would be in competition with an existing licensed service that operates between Hacketstown and Carlow via Baltinglass and Tullow. The area where the potential competition arises is between Tullow and Baltinglass.
Accordingly my Department informed Bus Éireann on 30th April 2007, that should they wish to pursue the introduction of this proposed service, the Company would be required to submit an application under Section 25 of the Road Transport Act, 1958, under which the consent of the Minister for Transport is required before the Company can introduce a new or amend an existing service that competes with a licensed service. To date no such application has been lodged with my Department.
My Department has no record of the receipt of a proposal from Bus Éireann in respect of a service with terminal points at Baltinglass and Dublin.
214 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to a suggestion (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3986/08]
Motor insurance companies in Ireland insure vehicle drivers rather than vehicles. This enables them to calculate the risks associated with a specific driver and thereby price the insurance premium accordingly.
The factors taken into account when calculating the risk include the age, gender and driving experience of the driver, the engine size of the vehicle and its usage together with the address at which the vehicle is based. Using this system, drivers with apparent higher risks pay a higher premium than other drivers. This also enables a specific driver to establish a no-claims status over a number of years.
There would be a possibility of increased premiums for most drivers if the system were changed to allow open driving for any vehicle. Under the present system, there has been a decline of 40% in motor insurance premiums since April 2003.
215 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport if the National Roads Authority has submitted its report on the southern port access route to his Department; when he will bring proposals to Government to implement the findings of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4041/08]
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21.
Two reports were commissioned by the NRA in 2000 and 2002 on the feasibility of constructing the Eastern Bypass. In the context of the launch of Transport 21 in November 2005, the NRA engaged consulting engineers to update these studies by undertaking a further engineering and feasibility study of the Bypass. This study examines possible route options, forecasts traffic demand and examines scheme costs for the various options examined. It has recently been completed. The report is currently being examined by my Department.
216 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport the number of licences that have been issued to private bus companies to operate bus services in the greater Dublin area; the number of these services that are operational; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that licences being held for extended periods without the provision of a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4042/08]
The Road Transport Act, 1932, as amended, provides the statutory basis for regulating the provision of public bus services by private bus operators. In accordance with the legislation, private bus operators apply to my Department for licences to operate scheduled bus passenger services within the State.
There are currently 54 licences issued to private bus operators authorising bus passenger services within the Dublin area. These include commuter type services, Airport services, LUAS feeder services, tours, night link, and school services. The details of all current licences issued to private operators are available to view on my Department's website.
All licences issued in accordance with the Road Transport Act, 1932 have standard conditions associated with them and compliance with those conditions is the responsibility of the service operator in each instance. A condition of all licences includes the requirement whereby the service must be in operation in its entirety within 4 months from the date of issue of the licence. In exceptional cases, the four month deadline may be extended subject to the prior written approval of my Department. It is also a condition of all licences that the licensee adheres to the approved timetable as listed on the licence.
My Department is not aware of any licences being held by private operators that are not being operated save in circumstances where the period of introduction has not yet expired or where the operator has applied to my Department and has been granted an extension to that period in accordance with the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended.
All licences with the exception of Occasional licences that are issued for a particular event must be renewed each year. In order for the Department to renew a licence, the licensee must provide evidence to the effect that the service in being operated in accordance with the conditions attached to the licence including the authorised timetable. Evidence to support this must be in the form of a current published timetable, website timetable or letter from An Garda Síochána confirming that the service being operated is in accordance with the licence. Where evidence of operation is not available, the Department informs the operator that the application for renewal cannot be processed and the licence is considered lapsed. In addition to checks made at renewal stage, Departmental officers carry out periodic monitoring spot checks throughout the year to ensure compliance by operators to their licensed services.
217 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied), a former Irish resident, who was arrested under repressive legislation on International Human Rights Day, 9 December 2007 in Kuala Lumpur at a protest calling for the right to freedom of assembly; and if he will make representations to his counterparts in Malaysia urging the Malaysian Government to drop the charges and in relation to the abuse of human rights there more generally. [4296/08]
I would refer the Deputy to my written answer of 5 February 2008, regarding this case, in which I stated:
I am aware of the arrest of 8 people, including 5 lawyers and the Malaysian citizen under reference, on 9 December 2007 during a protest to mark International Human Rights Day. I understand these individuals were charged under Malaysia's Police Act, and were released shortly thereafter. A date has not yet been set for their trial. I have asked that the Embassy in Kuala Lumpur continue to monitor these cases closely.
I am also aware of recent arrests under the Internal Security Act. Ireland and its EU partners have previously expressed serious concerns to the Government of Malaysia about the use and scope of the Act. While fully respecting the duty of the Government of Malaysia to ensure security and the rule of law within its borders, I believe more could and needs to be done to facilitate peaceful protests on human rights issues. Ireland, together with our EU partners will continue to monitor the situation closely on human rights in Malaysia.
218 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the state of human rights in Iran; if the new year was ushered in with 13 public hangings on New Year’s Day 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4310/08]
219 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to allegations by Iranians living here that some of their members have been targeted by Iranian Embassy staff because of their protests against human rights abuses in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3931/08]
220 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that have been taken on a State basis and with EU partners to express the Government’s opposition to the continuing human rights abuses in Iran; and if consideration has been given to ending trade with the country until those abuses are addressed. [3933/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 to 220, inclusive, together.
In view of the current international focus on the Iranian nuclear issue, and on developments in Iraq, I believe it is important that we do not lose sight of the human rights situation in Iran, on which we have very serious concerns.
After a period in which gradual progress was evident in the overall human rights situation, the past few years have witnessed a serious and sustained erosion of human rights protections in Iran. Moderate and reformist political voices have been suppressed, and freedom of expression has been severely curtailed by actions against media outlets and individual journalists.
Against this background of reassertion of State control, a wide range of other human rights issues has also shown a marked deterioration. These include the increased use of the death penalty, including executions of minors and, in some isolated cases, recourse to the barbaric practice of execution by stoning. Iran executed some three hundred people in 2007, and has reportedly already executed twenty-eight in 2008, including thirteen people on 2 January.
There has been a notable increase in intolerance of expression of identity by national minorities, and active harassment of minority communities, including the Baha'i community. Trade unions and women's groups have been suppressed and there has been a sustained campaign against NGOs and human rights defenders. Indeed groups and individuals in Iran are now being targeted by the authorities because they have been in contact with western Embassies.
I have been seriously concerned by these developments, and I raised them in my meeting with Foreign Minister Mottaki in New York in October 2007. The Government and our EU partners make frequent representations to the Iranian authorities about specific cases and issues, and about the broader principles of human rights. On the specific issue of executions, we have raised the principle of the death penalty, its increasing use, the cruel methods employed, and the execution of child offenders. Ireland participates actively in discussions within the EU on how best to advance these issues. In recent years we have co-sponsored a Resolution at the UN General Assembly on the human rights situation in Iran, along with Canada and others. We did so again in November.
Regrettably, Iran has shown little interest in tackling these issues. A formal Human Rights Dialogue between the EU and Iran is now effectively in abeyance. The last meeting was held under the Irish EU Presidency in 2004, and it seems clear that Iran is not now willing to engage in the dialogue.
There is little to suggest that ending trade with Iran would be likely to influence this situation. Iran has already learned to live with almost thirty years of US sanctions and relative isolation. Much of its economy is now offshore or in the black market, and the domestic economy is dominated by oil and gas exports, for which global demand continues to increase.
The Government and our EU partners will continue to use every opportunity to draw attention to, and where possible to uphold, the fundamental rights of the Iranian people.
My Department has received no representations from Iranians living here about activities by the Embassy of Iran.
229 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which the world community can address or is addressing the issues of starvation, war, ethnic cleansing and genocide on the continent of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4181/08]
The reduction of poverty, hunger and conflict in Africa is one of the most important tasks of the international community in the 21st century. Conflict has many causes and many manifestations, but poverty, inequality and exclusion have proved to be the most fertile breeding grounds for violence and ethnic hatred. Most wars occur in poor countries, and the causes and effect of conflict are exacerbated by poverty.
Through our membership of the European Union and the United Nations, Ireland is a strong advocate for the developing world and for international peace and security. Addressing Africa's needs, especially the interests of the poorest and most vulnerable, necessitates comprehensive action by the international community and by African governments. In order to measure development progress and to set benchmarks, the UN set the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were endorsed by world leaders in 2000. While the MDGs are undoubtedly ambitious, they can be reached if the affected countries themselves, the donor community, the UN and EU work together to ensure that peace and security, poverty reduction, good governance and sustainable development are the cornerstones of all our efforts in Africa.
African leadership and responsibility are crucial, and the African Union represents an important strategic partner for the European Union and the international community generally. Since 2004, the EU has supported the development of African-led peacekeeping in Darfur and elsewhere through its African Peace Facility. Peace and security, governance and developments were among the themes which European leaders discussed with their African counterparts at the EU-Africa Summit in December 2007.
Africa is at the heart of Ireland's programme of official development assistance. Irish Aid provides emergency humanitarian aid, funding for recovery, and long-term development assistance to many African countries either directly, or through our partnerships with the United Nations, the Red Cross family and Non-Governmental Organisations. In the context of an increasing aid budget as we approach the UN target of 0.7% of GNP by 2012, these interventions are being further strengthened through enhanced support at the global and country levels. The launch of the Hunger Task Force and the establishment of a Conflict Resolution Unit in my Department are clear and practical manifestations of our resolve to do more in these areas which directly affect the lives of millions throughout the developing world.
Ireland's contribution to promoting security and stability in Africa includes our contribution to UN and EU peace-support missions, including UNMEE in Ethiopia and Eritrea from 2001-2003, UNMIL in Liberia from 2003-2007, and the current EUFOR mission in Chad and the Central African Republic. In addition, we have provided support to the UN's Peace Building Fund and have been strongly supportive of the establishment of the Peace Building Commission.
The challenges facing Africa are enormous. But there is some encouraging news. Many African economies are growing. The work of the International Criminal Court marks a real effort to end impunity for war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, though full co-operation with the ICC remains essential on the part of all who have signed the Rome Statute. While there are exceptions such as Somalia, Zimbabwe and others, many African countries now have less violence and civil strife than for many years. There is relative peace in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Angola, Uganda and southern Sudan.
I believe that Ireland's comprehensive and inclusive approach to the challenges of poverty, conflict and food insecurity stands the best chance of facilitating real and positive change in the lives of millions of people living in Africa.
230 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing situation in the Congo with particular reference to full democracy and human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4182/08]
The generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the 2006 Presidential and Parliamentary elections — the first democratic elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in more than forty years — was a tribute to the strong desire of the Congolese people for an end to conflict and a return to democracy. Since then, noticeable progress had been made in many parts of the country. The new political institutions, including the parliament, are now beginning to take root, although major challenges remain — not least of which will be the holding of successful and peaceful local elections later this year — if the transition process is to be successfully completed.
However, the renewed conflict in eastern DRC during 2007, and the major humanitarian emergency which has resulted, continue to pose a serious threat to the transition process. The continued existence of armed militias preying on the population and ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions have been elements in the heightened tensions. The EU has expressed particular concern over the systematic sexual violence which has become routine in this conflict, and which is spreading to the civilian population.
As regards the deeply worrying situation in the Kivu provinces , I warmly welcome the agreement reached at the Goma Peace Conference last month. The agreement includes a ceasefire, an agreement to release child captives and a commitment to continue the process of re-training ex-combatants and integrating them into the national army. This agreement provides an opportunity, if the will is there, to end the conflict in these provinces and build lasting peace and democracy.
The DRC is one of four country situations where the International Criminal Court (ICC) has currently decided to act, and two individuals from DRC have been arrested and will stand trial in The Hague. The work of the ICC represents a step towards ending impunity for the many appalling crimes which have been committed in DRC in recent years.
Ultimately, an end to the conflict throughout the DRC will require the creation of stability and the establishment of the rule of law throughout the country. I fully support the work of the United Nations in the DRC, especially the contribution that the UN's peace-keeping mission, MONUC, has made to increased stability. Security sector reform, demobilisation and disarmament, ending impunity, and establishing an effective, fair and transparent system of justice are also urgently required.
The European Union, including Ireland, is fully committed to helping the Congolese government to tackle these problems. On the ground, two European missions are assisting, respectively, in police reform and with guidance on army integration and other security issues. Establishing stability and justice will be a slow process, but Ireland and the EU are committed to providing assistance in the long term.
231 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the clearing of rain forests in Nigeria at a time of major concern about global warming and carbon emissions; his plans to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4183/08]
Global warming is a serious concern to everyone. We are all increasingly aware of the threat this now poses to humanity. The Government is strongly committed to fulfilling its international obligations to reduce the level of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide.
However, global warming cannot be solved by one country alone — it requires the commitment of all nations in the world. Rain forests play a very important role in preventing global warming. They help to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. They also release oxygen into the environment. In doing so, they provide benefits not just to the countries where they are located, but to all nations and peoples.
Most of the world's rain forest is located in the developing countries, including Nigeria. There are reports of significant industrial logging taking place in Cross River State, the location of the last remaining rain forests in Nigeria. Rain forests once covered about 30% of the earth's land surface but this figure has now fallen to about 6%. Preserving the remaining rain forest presents a serious challenge, but it cannot be left to individual countries alone. It requires a concerted international effort. One way to encourage poorer countries to avoid further deforestation is to reward those that protect rain forests through the provision of economic incentives.
Ireland will continue to play its part in supporting international efforts to preserve the rain forests and the rights of those who live there. The Irish Aid Environmental Policy commits Ireland to addressing global environment problems through our engagement with bodies such as the United Nations and the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD. It also commits Ireland to supporting the efforts of partner governments and civil society at country level and to work closely with other donors in ensuring a coordinated response to environmental challenges.
Ireland, through Irish Aid, supports a number of organisations involved in climate change. This includes the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) which has launched a strategic initiative on climate change. The CGIAR is a network of 15 institutions dedicated to pro poor agricultural research and the transfer of the results as rapidly as possible to those working on the ground. This initiative, which Ireland supports, assigns climate change a central place in their work.
Irish Aid also supports, in cooperation with the Department of the Environment, the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change which manages two funds, the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund. Both of these are assisting countries to adapt to the impact of climate change. Irish Aid also supports a number of key international institutions including the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) all of which are active in policy and advocacy on climate change including the issue of reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation.
232 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU and the Ukraine have developed or propose to develop economic or other links; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4184/08]
The European Union's extensive relations with Ukraine are conducted within the framework of a number of agreements, the most significant of which are the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the EU-Ukraine Action Plan.
The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement entered into force in 1998. It highlights respect for fundamental values as an essential element of the EU-Ukraine relationship, and provides a framework for cooperation across a wide range of areas including political dialogue, trade and investment, economic and legislative cooperation and cultural and scientific cooperation.
EU-Ukraine relations developed further with the adoption in 2005 of the EU-Ukraine Action Plan, within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy. The on-going implementation of this Action Plan helps to fulfil the provisions of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
Sectoral agreements are also in force between the EU and Ukraine, including in the fields of trade in textile products, aviation, energy, trade in certain steel products and scientific and technical cooperation. An EU Border Assistance Mission ( EUBAM), launched in November 2005 at the joint request of the Presidents of Ukraine and Moldova, works with both countries to enhance the management of their shared border. The Mission has been a success and was recently extended until November 2009. Since April 2005, Ukraine has also been eligible to align itself with EU statements under the Common Foreign and Security Policy and has chosen to do so in the great majority of cases.
Negotiations are ongoing between the EU and Ukraine on a new Enhanced Agreement to replace the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. It is intended that the new Agreement will provide for strengthened political dialogue and cooperation in the fields of foreign and security policy, economic cooperation, energy, transport, and justice, freedom and security. Once Ukraine completes its accession to the World Trade Organisation, it is expected that negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, which is intended to be a cornerstone of the new Enhanced Agreement, will get underway.
233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the top ten locations about which he and his EU colleagues are most concerned in respect of human rights abuses; the action taken or intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4185/08]
As has been made clear on previous occasions, it is not the policy of the Government to draw up a ‘league table' of countries deemed guilty of the worst human rights abuses.
Human rights remain central to our foreign policy. Active participation in the EU, UN and the Council of Europe provides an opportunity for Ireland to voice its concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for the violation of human rights.
Together with our EU partners, the Government monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world, on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official and non-governmental organisations. Where the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question, either bilaterally, through the EU, or through action at the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council. At these bodies, the EU regularly makes statements on the human rights situations in a number of countries from all regions. Ireland is fully associated with these statements. The EU also introduces or supports resolutions dealing with specific countries.
The Government will continue to use these mechanisms as a means of highlighting violations of human rights and furthering their protection.
234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the further initiatives he proposes to take at EU or UN level to address HIV/AIDS and other health issues on the African continent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4186/08]
As outlined in the White Paper on Irish Aid, the Government's commitment to tackling HIV and AIDS and other diseases of poverty will remain a top priority for our aid programme. We are committed to developing programmes that address the key causes of illness and ill health among the poorest and most vulnerable people, and to strengthening health systems in the poorest countries.
Following the commitment made by the Taoiseach in his speech to the United Nations in 2005, funding for HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases is now reaching over €100 million per year. This is an enormous achievement. Ireland now leads the way within the European Union in terms of the proportion of its overseas development assistance allocated to HIV and other diseases of poverty.
Our assistance is directed at programmes at country, regional and international levels and is ensuring that increasing numbers of people are accessing quality HIV and AIDS and other health services. The target countries for most of Ireland's bilateral assistance — Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia and Malawi — continue to bear the highest disease burden in the world. Our approach is saving lives.
The United Nations and the European Union play a critical role in addressing the main diseases of poverty, including HIV and AIDS through setting global policy, guidance on best practice, providing specialist technical assistance and funding specific interventions aimed at tackling these diseases. We will continue to fund and work closely with a range of UN Funds and Programmes as well as the European Commission and Member States to advocate for a sustained and resourced global response to health and HIV and AIDS and strengthened leadership at all levels.
This year Ireland assumes a leadership role in steering UN reform. The theme ‘Delivering as One' provides the opportunity to build a more effective inter-UN agency response to HIV and AIDS. Ireland will work closely with the Joint UN Programme on AIDS, UNAIDS, in this regard. Sitting on the board of UNAIDS this year provides Ireland with the opportunity not only to advocate for increased effectiveness and efficiency within the UN system, but also to advance some of its key priorities including the need for a stronger focus on children and women, and ensuring that health and HIV and AIDS are addressed in the context of humanitarian and emergency situations.
In June of this year the United Nations General Assembly will debate progress being made to achieve Universal Access to comprehensive HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. Ireland has already submitted its report on how it is addressing this global pandemic and will send a high level delegation to advocate for increased political commitment, additional resources and consensus on addressing key obstacles to better health for those most vulnerable and marginalised.
Ireland has prioritised the needs of children in its work on HIV and AIDS. It is the only country to target 20% of its increased funding to interventions that will benefit children. In recognition of Ireland's leadership in this area, it has been requested to host the fourth Global Partners Forum on Children affected by HIV and AIDS. Working in cooperation with UNICEF and scheduled for October, this forum will bring together high level decision makers from both developed and developing countries to debate the best approaches to ensuring the protection of children living in a world with HIV and AIDS.
Ireland's leadership on HIV and AIDS was recognised last year during the visit of the Executive Director of UNAIDS to Dublin. He said that Ireland has taken on the kind of leadership role that will help bring us closer to a world without AIDS. This year Ireland will continue to work with the international community and its programme countries in advocating for a sustained and resourced global response to HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases, strengthened leadership at all levels, and improved coordination of resources for effective disease prevention and control.
236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the ongoing situation in Burma; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4188/08]
In previous statements and in responses to Parliamentary Questions, I have made clear my own, and the Government's very deep concern about the situation in Burma. Following the horrific events that occurred in that country in September, I undertook a number of initiatives to highlight the extent of the repression taking place and the importance of the mission of the UN and the Secretary General's Special Envoy, Dr Ibrahim Gambari. These included direct bilateral approaches to leaders of neighbouring countries of Burma, seeking their support to end the bloodshed and encourage the initiation of dialogue; pressing for, and securing, European Council Conclusions on the issue and political agreement to step up sanctions against the Burmese regime; a meeting with Burma's ‘Prime Minister in exile, who is also a first cousin of Aung Sang Suu Kyi; and support for the work of Burma Action Ireland.
More than four months have passed since the crackdown against monks and peaceful protestors took place and I remain deeply concerned by the situation in Burma, and the lack of progress in creating a meaningful political dialogue process. I have noted with disappointment the comments by Aung San Suu Kyi on 29 January that the talks she has had with the government's liaison minister have offered very little of substance, but are intended rather to give the appearance of serious negotiations. Ms Suu Kyi has also made clear her concerns that the dialogue process does not include representatives of the various ethnic minorities and that there is no fixed deadline for an outcome.
It is only through an inclusive and time-bound process that a sustainable and peaceful future for Burma will be achieved. It is imperative that the regime now engage meaningfully in dialogue that produces substantive results. The international community must take more concrete steps to seek to encourage this. The dialogue process cannot be replaced by the work of the government's Constitutional Drafting Committee, from which the opposition has been excluded, and which is expected to produce a draft in the near future.
The Burmese government continues to arrest political opponents and to prosecute those involved in organising the protests last year. I am deeply concerned by the decision to charge U Gambira, the leader of the All-Burmese Monks Alliance who is currently being held in Insein prison, for his role in the protests in September last year.
I am also deeply concerned by and condemn the Burmese government's decision to charge Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi and eight other activists who were organisers from the major student protests in Burma in 1988, and who have been detained without charge since August 2007, for their involvement in last year's demonstrations over commodity prices.
I deeply regret the fact that the Burmese government has refused to facilitate an early further visit by the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Burma/Myanmar, Dr Ibrahim Gambari. He should be able to visit whenever he wishes, and without conditions.
Dr Gambari was in India last week, and will travel to China later this month, to explore how they can further support the Secretary-General's good offices mission. Both Dr Gambari and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon have stressed the importance of tangible action by the Burmese regime, and have rightly made clear that the patience of the international community is running out. Dr Gambari briefed the UN Security Council prior to his departure for India, following which the Council expressed its regret at the slow rate of progress towards the objectives it set out last October.
Dr Gambari met with EU High Representative Javier Solana in Brussels on 25 January, as well as with senior Commission officials. These talks included discussion of contacts with countries in the region, the Commission's funding for Gambari's Office and other aspects of its activities in relation to Burma, including humanitarian assistance, and the development of civil society and the media. EU Special Envoy for Burma/Myanmar Piero Fassino has also recently visited countries in the region, calling on governments to unite in putting pressure on Burma.
It is expected that EU Foreign Ministers will again review the situation in Burma at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on 18 February, ahead of the renewal of the EU's restrictive measures on Burma in April. The EU continues to look at the possibility of further measures should the Burmese régime continue blatantly to ignore the will of the international community.
Ireland, with our EU partners, will also continue to push for the Burmese régime to cooperate fully with the UN Special Rapporteur on Burma/Myanmar, Sergio Pinheiro, in implementing the recommendations in his report presented to the UN Human Rights Council on 11 December, and in line with the Council's resolution asking Special Rapporteur Pinheiro to undertake a follow-up mission to examine in greater detail the human rights violations occurring in Burma.
237 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the various poorer countries have received aid through debt write off or direct aid in the context of the World Trade Organisation or otherwise; when it is expected that the entire proposals will be achieved in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4189/08]
There are two main international instruments which address the problem of the debt burden in the developing world, the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI).
The HIPC Initiative, which was launched in 1996 and strengthened and enhanced in 1999, seeks to reduce the debt burden of qualifying countries to sustainable levels but does not entail cancellation. Progress on the implementation of HIPC is slow but positive and to date debt reduction packages have been approved for 32 countries, 26 of them in Africa, providing US$46 billion in debt-service relief. Nine additional countries are eligible for relief under HIPC but have not yet reached their decision points. Ireland has contributed €30m towards the cost of implementing HIPC.
The Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI), agreed by the G8 Countries at Gleneagles in July 2005 and which came into effect on 1 July 2006, provides for 100% relief on eligible debt from the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund to many of the poorest and most indebted countries in the World. Most of these countries are in Africa. The initiative is intended to help them advance toward the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which are focused on halving poverty by 2015 by freeing up resources that would otherwise have been used to service their debt burden.
All countries that reach the completion point under HIPC, and those with per capita income below US$380 and outstanding debt to the three institutions at end-2004, are eligible for the MDRI. The total cost of implementing MDRI is estimated at US$47.9 billion and to date 25 countries have benefited from relief at a cost of approximately $37.6 billion.
Ireland's share of the total cost of the MDRI debt relief to be provided by the World Bank is €58.6m. As a gesture of support and to underline our strong commitment to 100% debt relief for the poorest countries, this amount has already been paid over in full.
238 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Industrial Development Authority supported companies that closed in County Kerry from January 2002 to December 2007; the number of jobs that were lost in these closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3998/08]
Details regarding IDA Ireland supported companies and jobs in County Kerry from January 2002 to December 2007 are outlined in the following table. The number of client companies has declined from 21 in 2002 to 16 in 2007. The total number of closures was 8. This table also outlines the number of jobs lost in the County broken down by year.
The recognition under the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020 of the importance of Killarney and Tralee as linked Hubs will assist IDA Ireland in promoting the region for inward investment. It will also assist in the development of the necessary critical mass needed in terms of population, skills and infrastructure. Kerry has traditionally been a centre of manufacturing for foreign direct investment. However, over recent years it has proved challenging to maintain and attract overseas manufacturing companies into the County as much of this investment globally is going to low cost destinations such as Eastern and Central Europe and China. As a result of this locational shift in global manufacturing, Kerry has seen a number of closures within the multinational sector.
IDA Ireland's strategy for Kerry has been to promote the county as part of an integrated region with access to the county population base of 139,616 as well as the expanded population of both the Mid West and South West Regions with a combined population of 935,039. Based on the strengths of the region IDA is particularly targeting the ICT (including software), International Financial Services and Globally Traded Business sectors. IDA Ireland will continue to promote the region and the advantages of locating in Kerry, which include a young skilled population, the presence of the Institute of Technology in Tralee and the availability of first class business parks and a regional airport. In addition to attracting new foreign direct investment, IDA continues to work closely with its existing clients in Kerry to encourage them to expand their operations in the county.
|
Years |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Total No. of companies |
21 |
22 |
20 |
17 |
16 |
16 |
|
No of company closures |
1 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
|
Permanent Employment |
2,417 |
2,180 |
1,995 |
1,867 |
1,767 |
1,838 |
|
Gross Gains |
151 |
84 |
99 |
104 |
73 |
120 |
|
Job Losses |
-666 |
-321 |
-284 |
-232 |
-173 |
-49 |
239 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Industrial Development Authority supported companies that closed in County Cork from January 2002 to December 2007; the number of jobs that were lost in these closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3999/08]
Details regarding IDA Ireland supported companies and jobs in County Cork from January 2002 to December 2007 are outlined in the following table. The number of client companies has declined from 137 in 2002 to 134 in 2007. The total number of closures was 36. This table also outlines the number of jobs lost in the county broken down by year. The recognition under the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020 of the importance of Cork as a major gateway location and Mallow as a hub, will assist IDA Ireland in promoting the region for inward investment. It will also assist in the development of the necessary critical mass needed in terms of population, skills and infrastructure. IDA Ireland will continue to actively promote Cork and the advantages of locating in Cork, which include a young skilled population, the presence of both a University and an Institute of Technology, the availability of first class business parks, good infrastructure and an international airport.
Over the past 10 years, direct employment in IDA supported companies in Cork City and County has grown from 12,449 in 1997 to 20,114 in 2007. There are currently 134 IDA supported enterprises in Cork City and County. Recent announcements in Cork include Blizzard, SolarWinds and Apex. These projects will significantly add to the value and depth of the overseas industry in Cork. In addition to attracting new foreign direct investment, IDA continues to work closely with its existing clients in Cork to encourage the expansion of their operations.
|
Years |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
No of companies |
137 |
137 |
140 |
141 |
139 |
134 |
|
No of company closures |
7 |
6 |
4 |
3 |
8 |
8 |
|
Permanent Employment |
18,363 |
18,301 |
18,870 |
19,339 |
20,263 |
20,114 |
|
Gross Gains (New Jobs) |
1,688 |
1,234 |
1,354 |
1,265 |
2,057 |
1,522 |
|
Jobs Losses |
-2,027 |
-1,296 |
-785 |
-796 |
-1,133 |
-1,671 |
240 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts he is making to respond to the recent substantial increases in the cost of food and reports that food prices for basic items look set to rise further. [4007/08]
I am aware of the recent increase in the price of a range of foods in the last number of months. Whilst the December 2007 Consumer Price Index as published by the Central Statistics Office shows that although the annual rate of inflation fell to 4.7% in December down from 5.0% in November, the price of food and non alcoholic beverages increased by 6.3% in the year.
Rising food prices are being experienced across the world due mainly to a number of factors including climatic, economic and demand reasons. A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation has identified that the rapid expansion of the global biofuel industry is causing fundamental changes to agricultural markets and is likely to keep the prices of agricultural commodities high over the next decade. A rise in input and transportation costs consequent on increased fuel and energy prices has also contributed to the increase in biofuel production. Adverse weather conditions which have seen a two-year drought over large parts of Australia and an unusually wet summer over much of Western Europe in 2007 together with a drought in South-Eastern Europe has had consequent effects on food yields. This has coincided with an increased demand for meat and dairy products in significant developing markets such as China and India. Notwithstanding the global rise in food prices, Government policy in relation to the food prices, remains focused on ensuring that there is a competitive market in groceries as ultimately it is competitive markets that will benefit consumers and the economy as a whole.
241 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a work permit was refused to a person (details supplied). [4014/08]
The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that this application was refused as the immigration status of the applicant precludes him from entering full-time employment. In addition, it would be necessary to show evidence of efforts to recruit an EEA national for the position concerned. An appeal was lodged and the decision was upheld.
242 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a work permit will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4174/08]
The employment permits section of my Department informs me that no valid application has been received in respect of the above named. However, his immigration status as a student would preclude him from entering full-time employment.
243 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2 has to attend Gardiner Street social welfare office twice weekly, and has to sign in the asylum unit, despite being an Italian citizen. [3930/08]
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. SWA provides a safety net against poverty in that it gives a statutory entitlement to a minimum weekly income, based on criteria set out in legislation. The person concerned is currently in receipt of SWA pending the hearing of an appeal on a claim for Disability Allowance. He presented himself to the Homeless Unit of the Health Service Executive (HSE) in order to obtain payment of SWA. The Homeless Unit is located in the Gardiner Street office of the HSE. As a rule, individuals who present to the Homeless Unit of the HSE and who do not have a permanent address, are required to make weekly visits to the HSE office in Gardiner Street with a view to confirmation of current address.
244 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an mbíonn ar bhaill de Bhord Fhoras na Gaeilge cruinnithe a fhágaint nuair atá cinntí faoi dheontais a bhaineann leis an eagras nó gnó a bhfuil siad féin bainteach leis á ndéanamh, nó nuair atá polasaí straitéiseach i leith na hearnála a bhfuil siad gníomhach inti á phlé; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [3928/08]
Tuigim ó Fhoras na Gaeilge go bhfuil polasaí coimhlint leasa acu atá ag teacht leis na caighdeáin idirnáisiúnta is fearr. Bíonn ar chomhaltaí boird cruinniú a fhágáil nuair atá sé soiléir go bhfuil coimhlint ann, mar shampla, nuair atá baint acu le tionscadal nó earnáil atá faoi chaibidil; nuair atá baint acu le ceann de na grúpaí bunmhaoinithe agus an buiséad do na grúpaí sin á phlé; nó nuair atá baint ag duine gaolta le comhalta boird le tionscadal atá a phlé. Tuigim go raibh cur i láthair ar an gceist seo don Bhord nua ag a gcéad cruinniú ar 25 Eanáir 2008.
245 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has granted funding to rural hall or community centre organisations that have made representations to his Department for funding or grants under any of the schemes of funding attached to his Department; the position of such applications; if all of the applications for funding have been agreed to; if not, the percentage that have been refused or did not qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3988/08]
My Department provides funding for a wide range of projects through a number of schemes and programmes. In relation to rural halls and community centre organisations, funding may be available under the Community & Voluntary Grants Scheme, the LEADER and CLÁR Programmes and Gaeltacht Schemes operated by my Department. Funding my also be available for projects, such as the one that the Deputy refers to, through the Dormant Accounts Fund. It should be noted that each of the schemes and grant programmes operated by my Department are governed by rules and eligibility criteria which projects have to meet in order to qualify for funding. All applications, regardless of representations, must meet the rules and eligibility criteria governing the relevant schemes. If the Deputy has a specific query in relation to any application for funding that my Department has received, I will be pleased to provide you with the relevant information.
246 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position of the programme proposed to provide accessible footpaths and cycle paths adjacent to the Grand Canal and all other canals for recreational purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3989/08]
I understand that Waterways Ireland is a member of the Irish Trails Strategy Committee, under the Irish Sports Council, which includes activities such as canoeing, walking and cycling for the purposes of developing appropriate standards. Waterways Ireland also works closely with the National Trails Office within the Irish Sports Council in relation to the continued development and improvement of National Waymarked Ways as approved walking routes.
Waterways Ireland has a close working relationship with local authorities along the canal network. For example, Waterways Ireland has worked jointly with Dublin City Council to upgrade towpaths in Dublin City. They are also working with South Dublin County Council to install parallel walkways and cycle ways along the Grand Canal.
247 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if Waterways Ireland or any of the agencies that maintain or control the River Barrow have made applications for the upgrading of the harbours on the river (details supplied); the agency that must make such an application or fund such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3990/08]
The Deputy will be aware that the Barrow Navigation runs from the confluence of the Barrow Line of the Grand Canal with the Barrow River at Horse Bridge in Athy, Co Kildare, to St Mullins in Co Carlow. However, the actual harbour to which the Deputy refers is on the River Barrow upstream of Horse Bridge and therefore is not within Waterways Ireland's navigational remit.
I have no statutory responsibility in relation to any other agency that may have a role in the matter.
248 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if an application for funding from Waterways Ireland has been made to his Department in relation to the upgrading of the Grand Canal especially the upgrading of harbours on the canal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3991/08]
I wish to inform the Deputy that Waterways Ireland has invested significant capital funding since 2000 on upgrading the Grand Canal as part of the National Development Plan. Further investments in improved facilities will be made under the National Development Plan 2007-13.
249 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the parent based support groups against drug or illicit substances uses that his Department funds or has contact with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3992/08]
Family support has been identified as a priority under the National Drugs Strategy and many drugs projects that are funded by my Department include such support as part of the wider range of services that they offer. Approximately 56 projects in Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas focus particularly (but not exclusively in some cases) on family support issues, with an estimated annual allocation of over €4.5m. The tables below list those projects by Drugs Task Force area.
Furthermore, an allocation of €150,000 was approved for the Family Support Network in 2007. This allocation has allowed the existing Family Support Network to be established on a more firm and organised footing, thus facilitating the co-ordinated development of local family support groups around the country. The funding will also facilitate improved links and partnerships between the families of problem drug users and others involved in the National Drugs Strategy.
Finally, the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation, which was published last year, recognised that families of problem drug users have the potential to be a key element to the rehabilitative effort. The recommendations of that Report will be implemented as part of the Programme for Government.
|
Task Force Area |
Project |
2008 Allocation |
|
€ |
||
|
Cork LDTF |
Family Support Worker |
65,000 |
|
Family Therapy |
110,979 |
|
|
Canal Communities LDTF |
Drop-In Worker |
52,391 |
|
Clondalkin LDTF |
CASP Family Support Worker |
56,964 |
|
Bawnogue Youth & Family Support Group |
57,406 |
|
|
CASP Late night Drop-In |
7,172 |
|
|
Aftercare Project |
13,796 |
|
|
Outreach Drop-In Service |
92,708 |
|
|
Dublin 12 LDTF |
Family Support Lower Crumlin |
72,980 |
|
Walkinstown Greenhills Community Resource Centre |
294,587 |
|
|
Finglas Cabra LDTF |
FAST Drop-In Service |
269,809 |
|
Let’s Start Project |
27,977 |
|
|
Promote & set up Family Support Groups |
6,961 |
|
|
North East LDTF |
Edenmore Youth & Family Support |
79,500 |
|
North Inner City LDTF |
Snug Counselling Service |
161,839 |
|
Chrysallis Community Drug Project |
245,381 |
|
|
South Inner City LDTF |
Mercy Family Centre, Support Worker |
54,000 |
|
Family Support Project |
54,961 |
|
|
Whitefriar Street Family Support Worker |
48,554 |
|
|
CAP: Family Support Project |
64,271 |
|
|
Casadh: Family Support Worker |
39,568 |
|
|
Blanchardstown LDTF |
Blanchardstown LDTF Family Support |
84,776 |
|
Huntstown/Hartstown CDT |
50,084 |
|
|
Mountview/Blakestown Youth Initiative Family Support Worker |
70,226 |
|
|
Expansion of WEB project |
71,665 |
|
|
Ballymun LDTF |
DCC Family Support Workers |
72,547 |
|
Lifestart |
158,332 |
|
|
Childcare Worker & Outreach Programme |
13,435 |
|
|
Outfit Programme |
27,145 |
|
|
Total |
2,425,014 |
|
Task Force Area |
County / Area covered by Project |
Project |
Approved Annual Allocation |
|
€ |
|||
|
East Coast RDTF |
Wicklow |
Co. Wicklow Community Addiction Team |
459,110 |
|
Wicklow |
Wicklow Town Child & Family Support Project |
21,000 |
|
|
Wicklow |
ISPCC, Training and Awareness Officer Service |
113,737 |
|
|
Wicklow |
Living Life Counselling |
10,000 |
|
|
Wicklow |
Counselling Service for Rural Wicklow |
50,000 |
|
|
Northern Area RDTF |
Dublin |
Greater Blanchardstown Response to Drugs |
60,000 |
|
Dublin |
Drug Awareness Programme Parents’ Support Manual |
76,312 |
|
|
Dublin |
Campaign strategy for targeting C.I.C. workers |
19,000 |
|
|
Dublin |
RDTF Information Campaign |
40,000 |
|
|
South West RDTF |
South West Region |
Drug Education Co-ordinator |
105,106 |
|
North East RDTF |
North East Region |
North East Family Support Network |
5,000 |
|
Meath |
South Meath Response |
78,700 |
|
|
Cavan |
Cavan Drug Awareness |
150,000 |
|
|
Louth |
Way of the Cross Crossroads Project |
125,000 |
|
|
Louth |
Make Change Project |
65,010 |
|
|
North West RDTF |
Donegal |
White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre |
65,000 |
|
North West Region |
Peer Education Programmes |
30,000 |
|
|
South East RDTF |
Kilkenny |
Croí Nua, Aislinn Centre |
65,000 |
|
Waterford |
Inner City Ferrybank Community Drugs Awareness |
50,333 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
Family Support Worker |
23,405 |
|
|
South East Region |
Family Support Development Worker |
65,290 |
|
|
Southern RDTF |
Cork |
Matt Talbot Adolescent Services Aftercare Programme |
40,000 |
|
Cork |
Fellowship House for Men Aftercare |
50,000 |
|
|
Southern Region |
Strengthening Families Programme |
30,000 |
|
|
Western RDTF |
Mayo |
Hope House Family Support |
50,000 |
|
Mid-West RDTF |
Mid-West Region |
Family Support Project |
50,000 |
|
Midlands RDTF |
Midlands Region |
Midlands Family Support & Community Harm Reduction Programme |
291,255 |
|
Total |
2,188,258 |
250 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to relocating his Department to a location (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the time-scale involved for the relocation. [4013/08]
Negotiations for the purchase of a site by the Office of Public Works for the Department's headquarters at the location referred to by the Deputy are at an advanced stage. It is not possible at this juncture, however, to say precisely when the new headquarters will be ready. In the meantime, 76 of the 140 staff of my Department originally due to relocate to Co Mayo have transferred to an interim location in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo. It is planned to increase the number at the interim location to just over 100 from March 2008.
251 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the sale of the drug BZP in certain shops (details supplied); if it is the case that this drug is banned from sale in all European countries except Ireland; if his further attention has been drawn to the widespread concern that this drug causes serious psychological disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4028/08]
I am aware that Benzylpiperazine (BZP), a synthetic psychotropic substance, is for sale in certain shops and I have serious concerns over its safety. I understand that some users of such substances have reported a range of adverse reactions such as vomiting, headache, palpitations, poor appetite, stomach pains/nausea, anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, confusion, irritability and tremors.
The issue of BZP has been discussed on a number of occasions at meetings of the Inter Departmental Group on Drugs (IDG), which I chair. These discussions were in the context of EU consideration of the substance. In this context, it should be noted that Ireland was among the countries that, in March last year, requested the European Council to conduct a risk assessment procedure on the substance, which is not banned at present in most European counties.
The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction completed its investigation in June 2007 and reported back to the Commission recommending tighter controls. Arising from this, the Commission decided to ask the Council to place BZP under control, in accordance with the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The Council will decide over the coming months if BZP is to be placed under such control. If the decision is to place the substance under control, Member States would then be required to introduce controls in line with national laws no later than one year after the Council's decision.
The Deputy will appreciate that the implementation of any such decision rests with the Department of Health & Children, which has responsibility for keeping the list of scheduled substances under review.
252 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grant assistance paid in respect of a company (details supplied); the year in which that assistance was paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4230/08]
In 2000, responsibility for funding the provision of air services to the Aran Islands was transferred from Údarás na Gaeltachta to my Department. Subsequent to this, in 2002, a Public Service Obligation was introduced on the Aran Islands-Galway/Na Mine air route in line with EU rules and, since then, the company to which the Deputy refers has succeeded in winning the publicly tendered contract to provide the service on two occasions.
A breakdown of assistance provided by my Department to the said company in respect of the provision of these services for the period 2000-07 is given in the table below:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
€ |
|
|
2000 |
285,373 |
|
2001 |
279,765 |
|
2002 |
517,131 |
|
2003 |
725,584 |
|
2004 |
847,476 |
|
2005 |
792,716 |
|
2006 |
1,061,895 |
|
2007 |
999,154 |
Information in regard to assistance provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts which, under sections 18 and 19 of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979, are laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
253 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proposals for the commencement of the planned harbour development of the North Harbour at Cape Clear vis-a-vis dredging and the provision of a break water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3952/08]
My Department is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the harbour at Cape Clear in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested piers, lights and Beacons Act.
A survey using gauge equipment and wave buoys to investigate wave conditions in the harbour commenced in 2007. €100,000 was spent on the survey in 2007 and a further €100,000 will be spent to complete the study in 2008.
The results of the study will be used to determine the best development option for Cape Clear Harbour, including an assessment of the need for a breakwater to be constructed or dredging to be carried out.
254 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 804 of 30 January 2008, if her attention has been drawn to the coastal erosion problems at Quilty, County Clare; the steps she proposes to take to protect the beach and property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4010/08]
The Beach at Quilty, Co. Clare is owned by Clare County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development is a matter for the local authority in the first instance.
It should be noted that in line with a recent Government decision, responsibility for Coastal Protection and Coastal Flooding will become the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and arrangements are currently in train to effect the transfer.
Pending the transfer my Department is currently inviting proposals from Local Authorities for inclusion in the 2008 Coastal Protection Programme.
Any application received from Clare County Council for funding under the 2008 Coastal Protection Programme will be considered based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward.
255 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [3923/08]
The position is that an application under the Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 2 May 2007.
As part of the control procedures under EU legislation governing the Single Payment Scheme, the application was randomly selected for and was the subject of satellite eligibility and an on the spot cross compliance inspection.
During the course of the cross compliance inspection, irregularities were discovered with regard to the requirements of the nitrates directive that resulted in a 3% cross compliance penalty being recorded.
A request to review the findings of the cross compliance inspection was received on the 22nd January 2008. This review is currently being considered and the person named will be informed of the outcome shortly. If the person concerned is not happy with the outcome of the review he has the right to appeal the outcome of the review to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.
256 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans to compensate the 200 farmers in the Owenduff-Nephin complex protection area when they become REP scheme four; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3934/08]
REPS farmers in this area received payment, under an agreement with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, for undertaking a new grazing regime which was necessary to deal with serious environmental problems caused by overgrazing. The agreement was confined to farmers in REPS 2 and REPS 3 on the grounds that the specification for REPS 4 would contain a requirement for a grazing regime to include a sustainable stocking requirement to protect against both undergrazing and overgrazing. Such a provision is included in the current REPS 4 specification. Consequently there are no grounds on which an additional payment under REPS 4 could be justified.
In addition, payment rates in REPS 4 are 17% higher than those in REPS 3, in accordance with the partnership agreement with the farming organisations.
257 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on fur farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3970/08]
Under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink) Order 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence, obtained from my Department. Licences are issued under this legislation only if the applicant, following an inspection, is found to be compliant with a number of key conditions. I, as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, may withdraw or amend any of these conditions and may add further conditions where necessary.
Licensed fur farms are also inspected to assess compliance with the Council of Europe recommendations concerning fur animals and Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. These inspections have to date found that the licensed fur farms have been operating in compliance with current legislation. Inspections have also found that the slaughter methods employed by the licensed fur farms are permitted under the Sixth Schedule of the European Communities (Protection of Animals at Time of Slaughter) Regulations, 1995. The licensed fur farms operating in this country meet current national and EU requirements.
Fur Farming is considered to be a legitimate farming activity throughout the greater majority of Member States of the European Union, the exceptions being the UK where fur farming was banned from January 2003 and Austria and Luxembourg where fur farming is not permitted.
258 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a reply was not given to a parliamentary question (details supplied) that was raised with her. [4012/08]
As indicated in my previous reply, applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.
Applications for grant-aid under the Farm Improvement Scheme were received from the person concerned on 26 and 31 October 2007 and are, therefore, eligible for consideration subject to funding still being available at the time these applications are processed.
259 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be awarded moneys due under the REP scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4029/08]
The person named is a participant in REPS 3. In the course of the ongoing discussions on the payment arrangements for REPS, the European Commission have very recently raised questions about the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 farmers at the beginning of each contract year. My officials have argued strongly with the Commission that the practice of paying at the start of the contract year is well established and one of which the Commission is well aware. I made the same points directly to Commissioner Fischer Boel when I met her in Dublin last week. My officials and I are pressing for a quick resolution to the issue, but until the matter is clarified my Department is not in a position to release payments under REPS 2 and REPS 3.
260 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on Chinese as a junior and leaving certificate subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3912/08]
I am aware of the rising number of foreign national students in our school system, and also that there are over one hundred languages, other than Irish or English, spoken in Ireland. The facilities we currently provide for our newcomer students in the examination system are expanding each year and are kept under regular review by my Department. In addition, the number of language support teachers has increased dramatically in recent years.
Apart from the eleven curricular languages studied and examined in the Leaving Certificate examination, the State Examinations Commission provides examinations in a range of non-curricular languages. These are languages which do not appear as part of the normal school curriculum but which students may opt to be examined in under certain conditions, chief among which are the requirements that:
the candidates for these examinations be from a member state of the EU;
they speak the language in which they opt to be examined as a mother tongue;
they are following a programme of study leading to the Leaving Certificate; and
they are taking the Leaving Certificate examination in English.
In 2007 there were candidates in fifteen such languages, facilitating EU students who might be described as ‘non-anglophone' in sitting an examination in their own language. This number has increased from nine in 2005.
My Department has no plans to extend further the number of languages available as part of the curriculum in first and second level schools at this time.
261 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has reorganised the spending proposals for national school capital works in schools outside of the Dublin area; if she is proposing to delay the allocation of capital funds to schools outside of Dublin for 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3918/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced on 1 February the first tranche of projects to proceed to construction in 2008. My announcement included details of the 18 large scale building projects approved for construction and a further 30 new primary schools in rapidly developing areas, being planned to be in place by next September. In all, 21 counties outside of Dublin have been included in the list.
This is the first tranche of projects that will commence construction during 2008 and 2009. It is my intention to make a further announcement after Easter to allow a further batch of schools to commence construction and to update progress on the new schools planned for September 2008 delivery on developing areas.
262 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding status of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick, including dates for which the new building program is expected to be sanctioned by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3919/08]
I announced recently a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities over the next number of days to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable on each project.
The school to which the Deputy refers is not included in that announcement. However, I intend to make further announcements regarding projects that will be proceeding to construction during the course of the year as the school building programme is rolled out. The next announcement will occur after Easter.
263 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools that have been allocated funding for 2008 capital works; the time-frame for the allocation of those funds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3920/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced on the 1st February the first tranche of projects to proceed to construction in 2008. My announcement included details of the 18 large scale building projects approved for construction and a further 30 new primary schools in rapidly developing areas, being planned to be in place by next September. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities of the 18 large scale projects over the next number of days to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable on each project.
This is the first tranche of projects that will commence construction during 2008 and 2009. The immediate task is to ensure that the projects in this first phase are advanced to construction immediately to ensure delivery of the maximum number of school places in order to meet the increased school population. With almost €600 million to be spent this year on school building projects we need to manage the projects on a rolling basis throughout the year in order to deliver the best outcome for our investment. It is my intention to make a further announcement after Easter to allow a further batch of schools to commence construction and to update progress on the new schools planned for September 2008 delivery in developing areas.
264 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in order to assist a reunion committee, the State Examinations Commission will provide a list of the students in a school (details supplied) in County Wexford who sat their leaving certificate in 1975; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3921/08]
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. However, it would not be appropriate under Data Protection legislation to provide information of the type requested. Personal information must be stored securely, not supplied to a third party, and used only for the purpose for which it was gathered. Use of local newspapers, radio and internet might enable the parties concerned to get in touch.
265 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the closing date for the receipt of applications for the small school scheme 2007 and the closing date for same for 2008. [3943/08]
The closing date for the Small School Scheme 2007 was in October 2006 and successful applicants were announced in March 2007. There is no decision on the 2008 Small School Scheme.
266 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school in County Dublin is open for five hours and twenty minutes which violates her Department’s Primary Circular 11/95 to the boards of management and principals of nationals schools which stipulates that a full school day comprises a period of not less than five hours and forty minutes; the action she will take to ensure that this school adheres to the primary circular; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3953/08]
Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998, the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. In general, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that the school operates efficiently and effectively.
Boards of Management are required to comply with the relevant provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Rules for National Schools and the terms of Circulars issued by my Department. Circular 11/95 states that a typical school day for Junior classes is 4 hours 40 minutes and Senior classes 5 hours and 40 minutes with appropriate recreation.
My Department supports the principle that concerns in relation to national schools should be raised in the first instance at school level. My Department will only become involved in an investigation of specific complaints after every effort has been made to resolve the matter at local level. Therefore, the issue raised should be brought to the attention of the Board of Management of the school concerned in the first instance.
In the event that the deliberations of the Board of Management result in the issue remaining unresolved, it may then be referred to my Department, where a decision will be taken on an appropriate course of action.
267 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the building of a new coeducational school which would see the amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Kerry, is in the new starts programme for 2008; the possible start date for the new school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3960/08]
Delivery of all building projects, including the project in question, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.
I announced recently a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities over the next number of days to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable on each project. I intend to make further announcements regarding projects that will be proceeding to construction during the course of the year as the school building programme is rolled out. The next announcement will occur after Easter.
268 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will authorise a primary school (details supplied) in County Westmeath to proceed to construction without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3961/08]
I announced recently a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities over the next number of days to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable on each project.
The school to which the Deputy refers is not included in that announcement. However, I intend to make further announcements regarding projects that will be proceeding to construction during the course of the year as the school building programme is rolled out. The next announcement will occur after Easter.
269 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will give unequivocal approval to a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath to enable it to proceed to construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3962/08]
I am pleased to advise that the school to which the Deputy refers has been included in my recent announcement of building projects that will progress to construction in 2008. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities over the next number of days to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable on this project.
270 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to provide necessary additional accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if same will be given the necessary approval for this vital accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3963/08]
On 5 March 2007, I announced details of the schools to receive funding under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. The application from the school to which the Deputy refers was successful and officials from School Building Section have been in contact with the school authority advising them of the steps to be taken to progress the project. This is a devolved project and as such the school management authority is the driver of the project. They applied for planning permission last October.
271 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal for prefab accommodation for resource teaching; when the application was received in her Department; if it is being considered at present; if the application will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3971/08]
The application in question has been received in the Department and is currently under consideration. A decision on the outcome of the application will be communicated to the school authorities soon.
272 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will be able to move into the Grangegorman Dublin Institute of Technology site in the first wave of new buildings on this site. [3976/08]
The Grangegorman Development Agency has been informed by my Department that a site for a sixteen classroom school is required for the school in question and that provision should be made for this in the overall strategic plan for the development of the Grangegorman site.
The proposed phasing for the delivery of the various aspects of the development will be identified by the Grangegorman Development Agency as part of the strategic plan as outlined in Section 12 of the Grangegorman Development Act 2005. Work on the preparation of the strategic plan is under way at the moment.
273 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans that exist to provide alternative school premises for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 in view of their pending eviction from their current premises by summer 2008; if her Department will liaise with the school to agree a plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3977/08]
The Department acknowledges the need for a solution to the accommodation difficulties at the school to which the Deputy refers and it is committed to working to achieve a satisfactory solution as soon as possible. The Department has not been notified by the school authorities of a pending eviction from their site and the school authorities should liaise with Department officials regarding this immediately.
With regard to a permanent solution for the school, the task of locating suitable accommodation in an area where a school wants to be permanently located is not always an easy one and cannot be underestimated particularly where an area is built up, as is the case with the school in question.
The Department is actively pursuing a number of options. One of these options is the building of a permanent structure on the school's current site. A number of issues have arisen in relation to this proposal for which clarification is being sought. When progress has been made, the school authorities will be notified immediately.
274 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1050 of 30 January 2008, the name and address of every school which received retrospective funding for capital projects in each of the years 2002 to 2007; the amount of funding that was allocated in each case and the purpose for which it was allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3984/08]
As previously advised to the Deputy, is not the policy of my Department generally to sanction retrospective funding for projects which were progressed without prior approval. In limited and very exceptional cases, it has been necessary to provide retrospective funding for certain projects.
My Department does not keep an inventory of projects where retrospective funding may have been sanctioned. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind he should provide the details to the School Building Section of my Department for examination.
275 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of parent support groups against the use of drugs or illicit substances that her Department has funded or met with; the amount of funds allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3993/08]
My Department contributes fully to the overall aim of the Government's policy in relation to drugs, which is to provide an effective, integrated response to the problems posed by drug misuse. As part of this process, my Department is represented at senior level on the National Drugs Strategy Team and on the Interdepartmental Group which in turn reports to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. In addition, my Department is represented on all Drugs Task Forces, both Local and Regional. Through representation on these groups officials in my Department have built up contacts with a wide range of community and voluntary groups.
With regard to funding, €3.7m has been allocated by this Department to fund 36 mainstreamed Local Drugs Task Force projects in 2008. These include community, outreach, youth, traveller and school based programmes operated mainly through the Dublin City, Co Dublin and Dun Laoghaire VECs.
276 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools currently using prefabs as classrooms; and if she will provide a breakdown of same by county. [4006/08]
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However the Deputy can be assured that every effort is made by my Department to keep expenditure on prefabricated accommodation as low as possible. Where accommodation is needed at very short notice, however, a temporary solution can be the only option. Such accommodation may also be used where the need is short-term, such as when a school requires a temporary building while it is awaiting the completion of construction of permanent facilities.
During the period of the last National Development Plan 2000-2006, record levels of investment and the streamlining of delivery systems allowed a major acceleration of the school building programme with over €2.6 billion was invested in upgrading existing school infrastructure and providing new school accommodation at both first and second-level. This delivered over 7,800 building projects involving tens of thousands of extra permanent school places. This investment has helped to increase capacity and transform the standard of accommodation in many schools throughout the country.
The new NDP 2007-2013 will involve an investment of over €4.5 billion in school buildings. This funding will enable my Department to continue to take a proactive approach to the provision of modern school accommodation particularly in developing areas. Projects undertaken in 2007 alone will deliver over 1,500 projects which will ultimately deliver over 700 classrooms to provide permanent accommodation for over 17,500 pupils, mainly in developing areas. My Department will target funding, as appropriate, in order to ensure that additional school accommodation is provided in developing areas within the earliest possible timeframes.
Innovations in the delivery of school buildings such as Generic Repeat Designs and the use of the Design and Build model have been introduced to ensure that new school buildings are delivered in the fastest time-frame possible. Much greater authority has also been devolved to local school management boards to manage and deliver smaller building projects, thereby freeing the Department to concentrate on the larger scale projects.
277 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be allowed to proceed with the development of the new school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4009/08]
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school in question has been included in my recent announcement of school projects that are progressing to construction.
My Department will be in contact with the school authorities over the next number of days to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable to this project.
278 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4019/08]
A schedule of overall accommodation for a projected long-term enrolment of 800 has been drawn up and agreed with the School Authorities for the school to which the Deputy refers. A green field site for the new proposed school has been identified by Limerick VEC and is at acquisition stage. Once the site issues are finalised, the project will be progressed in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.
279 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science if she would be specific in respect of the date of the announcement of the first tranche of projects that will proceed to construction in 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4034/08]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced on 1 February the first tranche of projects to proceed to construction in 2008. My announcement included details of the 18 large scale building projects approved for construction and a further 30 new primary schools in rapidly developing areas, being planned to be in place by next September. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities of the 18 large scale projects over the next number of days to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable on each project. This is the first tranche of projects that will commence construction during 2008 and 2009. The immediate task is to ensure that the projects in this first phase are advanced to construction immediately to ensure delivery of the maximum number of school places in order to meet the increased school population. With almost €600million to be spent this year on school building projects we need to manage the projects on a rolling basis throughout the year in order to deliver the best outcome for our investment. It is my intention to make a further announcement after Easter to allow a further batch of schools to commence construction and to update progress on the new schools planned for September 2008 delivery in developing areas.
280 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that her Department has received an application for a new gaelscoil from the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; if she will advance the project to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4039/08]
An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school building has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of the projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and the housing developments in the area will be required to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. The school building project will be considered in the context of the school building programme.
281 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the application for additional buildings by a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4095/08]
The Deputy will be aware of the significantly increased activity in the area of provision of additional school accommodation as a result of the recent demographic changes. In this context, the Department's technical unit have carried out a large number of technical inspections in order to progress new school building/extension projects to Design Team Appointment stage. A technical inspection has been carried out in the school to which the Deputy refers and a report has been completed. A Conservation Architect is now recommended to examine the existing school building. The Department will be in contact with the school's management authority when appointing the required consultant.
282 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if an applicant who is out of the education system for five years or more and subject to meeting means test criteria, can receive a higher education grant for an approved course at the same level as a course that the applicant has already passed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4102/08]
Under the terms of the maintenance grants schemes grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those which relate to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority- i.e. the Local Authority or VEC. Grant aid shall not be paid to a candidate who already holds a qualification and wishes to pursue a further qualification at the same level irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. An assessing authority has discretion to waive this provision in exceptional circumstances such as certified serious illness. Grants shall not be paid to candidates who already hold a Level 8 (Honours Bachelor Degree qualification or equivalent qualification) and are pursuing a second such qualification. However, notwithstanding this condition the following candidates may be deemed eligible for grant aid: (i) candidates who already hold a Level 6 qualification (Higher Certificate or National Certificate) or Level 7 (Ordinary Bachelor Degree or National Diploma) and are progressing to a Level 8 (Honours Bachelor Degree) course, without necessarily having received an exemption from the normal duration of the course; and (ii) candidates who have satisfactorily completed two years of a Level 7 (Ordinary Bachelor Degree or National Diploma) course, and gain admission through exemption, to year two of a Level 8 (Honours Bachelor Degree) course. In all instances candidates are advised to contact their local assessing authority to ensure all relevant information is provided to determine eligibility.
283 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No 1079 of 30 January 2008 the projected enrolment trends for the primary schools (details supplied) in east Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4234/08]
284 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No 549 of 26 June 2007, the projected enrolment trends for second level schools (details supplied) in east Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4235/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested is not readily available. However, if the Deputy has a query to a specific school officials from the Department's Planning and Building Unit will be in a position to advise.
285 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department funds or organises speech therapy for children with disabilities, including those with Down’s syndrome, in primary and second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4236/08]
My Department does not fund or organise speech therapy for children with disabilities within the school system. As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of therapy services, including speech therapy for people with disabilities, is a matter for the Health Services Executive (HSE) and funding is provided to the HSE for such purposes.
286 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Defence the position with regard to the provision of a soccer pitch for a club (details supplied) in County Clare at the lands owned by his Department at Knocklasheen, Meelkick, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3916/08]
A request has been received in my Department from the club in question for the use of an area of Department of Defence lands at Knockalisheen as a site for a soccer pitch. The matter is currently under consideration in my Department. In this regard, I expect that a decision will be taken shortly on the matter.
287 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the contracts entered into or proposed in relation to facilities (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number and type of facility that such a contract covers; the number of tenders received in relation to this contract; if the contract is a new one or if in previous years such a contract was offered by his Department; if so, the cost in each year of such a contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3979/08]
The contract referred to by the Deputy is for the Supply of Kitchen Cleaning Services at the Curragh Camp, Co.Kildare. There are four locations in the Camp covered by the contract; The Officers Mess and Dining Centre in Ceannt Barracks and the Officers Mess and Dining Centre in the Military College.
The current contract will expire on 31 August, 2008. A contract notice containing details of the tender competition for a new contract for the same facilities was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 30 January, 2008. The closing date for submission of tenders is 29 July, 2008.
Kitchen cleaning services at these locations in the Curragh Camp have been contracted out on a continuous basis since 1999. The current contract is held by Eurest, 43a Yates Way Business Park, Dublin 12. The company was awarded a 3-year contract (renewable annually) in 2005 following a tender competition which was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union and for which 3 tenders were received. The contract covers the period 1 September 2005 to 31 August 2008. A total of just under €2 million has been spent on the contract up to 31 January 2008.
288 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3922/08]
The person concerned was granted business permission for an initial period of 12 months, valid until 12 March 2008. This permission is subject to review at the end of this 12 month period. The person in question must apply for renewal of business permission four weeks prior to the expiry of the period of permission granted. Renewal will be subject inter alia to evidence of business activity and viability.
289 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to alleviate the problem facing Longford Town, which has been allocated a grant of €184,000 for the installation of closed circuit television but are unable to advance this project due to a requirement that it is approved by a joint policing committee which Longford does not have. [4005/08]
Under the Community-based CCTV scheme run by my Department I announced the award of grant funding to Longford Town Council to assist the town council with the capital costs associated with the development of a local CCTV system. The overarching aim of the scheme is to empower local groups, in partnership with the local authorities and An Garda Síochána, to develop their own CCTV systems.
In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, applications for authorisation for community CCTV must be approved by the Joint Policing Committee for the relevant local authority area. The 29 Joint Policing Committees currently established on a pilot phase operate under guidelines issued by my predecessor in May 2007. The purpose of the pilot phase is to gain experience from the operation of a number of committees in a variety of local authority areas before rolling them out to all local authority areas in the State. In general, the outcome to date has been positive and the committees are meeting definite local needs.
Following completion of the evaluation of the operation of the committees in the pilot phase revised guidelines will be drafted, taking into account the outcome of the evaluation and the experience of the pilot committees. Following consultations with my colleagues the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs I intend to issue, as soon as possible, revised guidelines to enable roll-out of the committees to all local authority areas in the State including Longford. The guidelines will provide inter alia a timetable for the roll-out.
290 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether Iran is not, in view of its human rights record, a safe country to deport failed asylum applicants from that region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3924/08]
In determining whether to make a deportation order or grant temporary leave to remain in the State, I must have regard to the eleven factors set out in Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 (Prohibition of Refoulement) of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended.
The Deputy might wish to note that, in addition to the eleven factors contained in Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), I must, as stated earlier, also have regard for Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement before making a deportation order. This essentially means that the safety of returning a person, or refoulement as it is commonly referred to, is fully considered in every case when deciding whether or not to make a deportation order i.e. that a person shall not be expelled from the State or returned in any manner whatsoever to a State where, in my opinion, the life or freedom of that person would be threatened on account of his or her race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. My Department uses extensive country of origin information drawn from different independent sources in evaluating the safety of making returns to third countries.
Each asylum application received from a citizen of Iran is considered on the basis of the facts, individual circumstances and merits of the case presented and a final decision is reached following a comprehensive examination and investigation of these facts, merits and circumstances taking full account of the political and human rights conditions prevailing in Iran and the latest reports of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
291 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applicants from Iran who have asylum applications pending; the number who have been granted asylum and leave to remain in the past ten years; the number who have been refused; and the position of those who have been refused asylum, but are still here. [3925/08]
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to Iranian asylum and leave to remain applications is set out below.
As at the 31st of December 2007 there were 39 applications for refugee status pending in the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and 75 asylum appeals pending in the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
The total number of decisions/recommendations to grant refugee status at first instance and appeal stage from 1998 to 2007 was 152. The total number of decisions / recommendations to refuse refugee status at first instance and appeal stage from 1998 to 2007 was 574.
In relation to leave to remain, statistics are not available prior to the commencement of the Immigration Act 1999, which was commenced on 20 November 1999. From that time to the end of 2007 the total number of Iranian nationals granted leave to remain was 8 and the total number of Iranian nationals refused leave to remain was 17.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the position of persons refused asylum is set out below.
In the event of a final negative recommendation from the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner or the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, a notice of intent to deport under section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act, 1999 is served on the person concerned. A person served with such a notice of intent to deport is, since the 10th October 2006, afforded four options, viz. to leave the State voluntarily; to consent to the making of a deportation order; to apply for subsidiary protection or to make representations in writing within 15 working days setting out reasons as to why a deportation order should not be made and why temporary leave to remain in the state be granted instead.
In determining whether to make a deportation order or grant temporary leave to remain in the State, I must have regard to the eleven factors set out in Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 (Prohibition of Refoulement) of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended. Temporary leave to remain is considered in every case regardless of whether representations are made by, or on behalf of, the persons concerned. In the event that temporary leave to remain in the State is refused, a deportation order is made.
292 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the fact that a person (details supplied) has been refused asylum, they have other legal avenues to prevent them being deported to Iran; and if they have the right to remain here until Iran has been removed from the list of unsafe countries due to their human rights record, wars or other humanitarian crisis. [3926/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 25 August 2006 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 6 November 2007, 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 leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified that he was eligible to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with regulations known as the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, S.I. No. 518 of 2006, which came into force on 10 October 2006. The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application will be considered in due course. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.
In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned will be passed to me for decision.
The Deputy can be assured that all applications for Subsidiary Protection and for permission to remain in the State are considered on their individual merits. Among the issues to be considered, as I have referred to earlier, is that of refoulement. This is essence means that before the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform signs a Deportation Order, he must satisfy himself that the person who is the subject of that Order would not, in the opinion of the Minister, have their life or liberty put at risk by their being returned to their country of origin for reasons of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
293 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [3927/08]
The Deputy may wish to note that in the details supplied, the reference number and name do not correspond with each other. I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the person whose name he supplied. Notwithstanding this, it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.
As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.
A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
294 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to allegations by Iranians living here that some of their members have been targeted by Iranian Embassy staff because of their protests against human rights abuses in Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3932/08]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Síochána has no information to suggest that any Iranian nationals have been or are being ‘targeted' by any person or organisation.
If any Iranian national has any concerns about their personal safety, I would appeal to that person to immediately report their concerns to the Garda Síochána.
295 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a report of the number of reported incidents of stolen mobile satellite navigation units from vehicles in 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3941/08]
Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006.
I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.
296 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí stationed in each of the Dublin postcode areas in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3942/08]
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 31 December 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the information requested by the Deputy is as set out in the following table.
The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc.
It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking all relevant factors into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Dublin Region will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.
|
Division |
Station |
31/12/07 |
Dublin Postcode |
|
DMR South Central |
Kevin Street |
139 |
8 |
|
Kilmainham |
87 |
8 |
|
|
Pearse St |
268 |
2 |
|
|
Harcourt Tce |
87 |
2 |
|
|
Donnybrook |
136 |
4 |
|
|
Irishtown |
56 |
4 |
|
|
DMR North Central |
Store St. |
296 |
1 |
|
Bridewell |
180 |
7 |
|
|
Fitzgibbon St |
117 |
1 |
|
|
Mountjoy |
99 |
7 |
|
|
DMR South |
Crumlin |
108 |
12 |
|
Sundrive Rd |
78 |
12 |
|
|
Rathfarnham |
80 |
14 |
|
|
Tallaght |
181 |
24 |
|
|
Rathmines |
75 |
6 |
|
|
Terenure |
101 |
6w |
|
|
DMR North |
Santry |
121 |
9 |
|
Whitehall |
48 |
9 |
|
|
Ballymun |
75 |
11 |
|
|
Dublin Airport |
21 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Coolock |
117 |
5 |
|
|
Malahide |
46 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Swords |
79 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Raheny |
68 |
5 |
|
|
Clontarf |
71 |
3 |
|
|
Howth |
42 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Balbriggan |
50 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Skerries |
11 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Lusk |
3 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Rush |
6 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Garristown |
3 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
DMR West |
Blanchardstown |
180 |
15 |
|
Cabra |
71 |
7 |
|
|
Finglas |
97 |
11 |
|
|
Lucan |
84 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Ronanstown |
87 |
22 |
|
|
Ballyfermot |
87 |
10 |
|
|
Clondalkin |
104 |
22 |
|
|
Rathcoole |
24 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
DMR East |
Dun Laoghaire |
109 |
Co. Dublin |
|
Dalkey |
32 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Kill-O-Grange |
33 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Cabinteely |
36 |
18 |
|
|
Shankill |
62 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Blackrock |
83 |
Co. Dublin |
|
|
Dundrum |
79 |
14 |
|
|
Stepaside |
32 |
18 |
297 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if gardaí on the beat have a dedicated system for contact and co-ordination with their command centres; the official policy on the use of mobile phones when on patrol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3954/08]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that dedicated radio systems are operated to provide beat and mobile patrols with communications to their district, division or area control centres as appropriate. I am also advised that official mobile phones are made available to all Garda managers and other nominated personnel as operational needs demand. In addition, specially configured mobile phones are available to all Garda personnel for contact with the Garda Information Service Centre for the creation and updating of incidents on PULSE. This obviates the need for Gardaí to return to their stations to report incidents thereby freeing up more Gardaí for operational duties. These phones can also be used to contact the members station, district and divisional headquarters and the 999 system.
There is specific exemption for members of An Garda Síochána under the Road Traffic Act 2006 on the use of a mobile phone while driving in respect of Gardaí who are acting in the course of their official duties.
A major project is currently under way to replace the existing radio systems with a single national digital radio system which will deliver high quality secure communications capability to An Garda Síochána.
298 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of anti-social behaviour orders that have been issued in the Dublin area to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3956/08]
299 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of anti-social behaviour orders that have been issued to date nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3957/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 299 together.
Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act relating to anti-social behaviour by children was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and to the making of a behaviour order by the Children's Court.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 2007 443 behaviour warnings were issued to adults and 132 to children. Four good behaviour contracts were issued to children.
I am further informed these figures include the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) Garda Divisions, in which 283 behaviour warnings were issued to adults and 61 to children. Two good behaviour contracts were issued to children in the DMR.
300 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied); if they can work here after their stamp three runs out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4003/08]
I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned has permission to remain on self sufficiency/dependancy conditions until the 30th July 2008. The conditions of her permission to remain do not entitle the person in question to take up employment in the State. Prior to the expiry of this permission to remain she should seek to renew her permission to remain with her local Immigration Officer.
Should the person referred to by the Deputy wish to take up employment in the State it will be necessary for a prospective employer to apply for a Work Permit on her behalf.
The issuing of Work Permits is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Davitt House, Adelaide Rd, Dublin 2.
301 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; if they are eligible to work for any employer here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4004/08]
The person referred to by the Deputy has permission to remain in the State until 5th February 2009. The particular conditions of her permission to remain entitles her to take up employment with any employer in the State within her skills category.
302 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist a person (details supplied). [4030/08]
I would like to refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 1261 of 30 January 2008. The position remains unchanged.
303 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the process of selecting the preferred bidder for the provision and operation of safety cameras has been completed; if he has submitted proposals to appoint the successful bidder to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4040/08]
An Garda Síochána continue to focus their enforcement activities on the main causes of deaths and serious injury on the roads — drunk driving, speeding and the non-wearing of safety belts. The Garda Policing Plan for 2008 aims to increase in the course of the year by 10% detections for driving while intoxicated, speeding and also road transport offences. The continuing increase in the strength of the Garda Traffic Corps, which will reach its planned level of 1,200 by the end of this year, is enabling a continuing increase in enforcement activity to take place. Along with the increase in its strength, a corresponding allocation of vehicles and other resources is being made to the Traffic Corps.
With regard to combating speeding, detailed analysis by An Garda Síochána of collision data is under way to identify locations and times where the greatest tendency for speed related collisions occur. Speed enforcement will be prioritised on a risk assessment basis on such locations and at such times. The public will continue to be made aware of roads which have been identified as having a propensity for speed related collisions, including through the Garda website.
The Gardaí are planning to replace their existing vehicle-based mobile speed detection systems this year. They are also developing proposals to introduce in a range of Garda vehicles an automatic number plate recognition capability, which in addition to assisting in detecting suspect and untaxed vehicles will have a speed detection capability.
With regard to outsourcing the provision and operation of safety cameras to a service provider, following the issue of a Request for Tender, tenders were received and evaluated. Issues have arisen because costs involved would now be substantially higher than had been estimated for the Government previously.
I intend to bring proposals before my colleagues in Government shortly taking into account issues of value for money and the commitment, as is evidenced by the enhanced activity by An Garda Síochána which I have outlined, to reduce speeding on our roads.
304 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action that can be taken by Gardaí to deal with motor vehicles parked on public roads but not displaying valid motor tax and insurance discs; if these motor vehicles can be towed away and impounded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4043/08]
Under sections 73 and 76 of the Finance Act, 1976 (as amended by section 63 of the Finance Act, 1993), it is an offence to use, park or otherwise keep a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place while there is not fixed to and exhibited on the vehicle a tax disc which is issued in respect of the said vehicle.
Under the Road Traffic (Insurance Disc) Regulations,1984 as substituted by article 4 of the Road Traffic (Insurance Disc) (Amendment) Regulations 1986, it is an offence to use a vehicle in a public place, after ten days from the authentication of the certificate of insurance, unless an insurance disc is displayed in the proper position. The owner, if not the user, is also liable, but the owner may defend such a charge if he shows the use of the vehicle on the occasion in question was unauthorised.
Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act, 1994 as amended, provides for the making of regulations authorising the detention, removal and storage of vehicles (and their subsequent release) when used in a public place. An Garda Síochána is authorised to detain such a vehicle when a garda is of the opinion that the vehicle is being used without insurance or road tax.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all members of An Garda Síochána fully enforce the legislation in relation to the seizure, storage cost, release and disposal of these vehicles when they are observed in use in a public place.
305 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take action to speed up the process of securing Garda vetting clearance for prospective staff for the intellectual disability sector as it takes in excess of three months for clearance causing serious problems for service providers and the families for whom they cater; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4092/08]
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 637, 641 and 642 of 5 February, 2008.
306 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency position in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4191/08]
The person concerned arrived in the State on 4 July 2003 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.
Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), she was informed, by letter dated 27 September 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.
307 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in respect of a residency application of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4231/08]
Officials in the long term residency section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for long term residency received from the person referred to in the Deputy's question.
An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in January 2007. On examination of the application it was determined that the person concerned did not meet the statutory residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. A letter informing her of this was issued on 11 April 2007.
It is open to the individual in question to lodge a new application if and when she is in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.
308 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans to upgrade, extend or provide sewerage facilities in Falcarragh, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3909/08]
The Falcarragh Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008. My Department is awaiting submission of Donegal County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme.
309 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will meet a delegation comprising of Houses of the Oireachtas Members, the Mayor of Clare, councillors and council officials to discuss the general purpose grants allocations to Clare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3913/08]
I am providing some €999.2 million in general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund to local authorities for 2008. These grants are my contribution to local authorities to meet the difference between the cost to them of providing an acceptable level of day to day services and the income available to them from local sources and from specific grants. The amount being made available for general purpose grants this year represents an increase of some €51.5 million, or 5.4%, over the amount provided for 2007 and continues the trend of providing additional general purpose funding to local authorities.
Clare County Council's general purpose allocation for 2008 is €16,476,569, an increase of 5.13% over the 2007 allocation. General purpose grants to Clare County Council have increased by some 460% since 1997 which is more than twice the average increase to local authorities over that period.
In addition, Local Government Funding of €23.4 million has been made available this year to assist local authorities with the operational costs of newer water and waste water treatment infrastructure. Relevant expenditure by Clare County Council will be taken into account in the determination of the 2008 allocations.
In summary, and recognising that the Council has recently agreed its budget for 2008, I am satisfied that the funding available to it from all sources, including general purpose grants, will enable it to provide an acceptable level of services to all its customers. In the circumstances, while no useful purpose would be served by meeting the proposed delegation in the context of the 2008 general purpose grant allocations, I will take an opportunity to meet with the Council as part of a programme of visits to local authorities during the year.
310 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of prosecutions taken against landlords in 2007 for not meeting the minimum standard for private rental accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3937/08]
311 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a report detailing the figures from each city and county council in relation to the number of prosecutions taken against landlords in the relevant local authority area for failing to meet the minimum standard for private rental accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3938/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.
Minimum standards for private rented accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Failure to do so is an offence, subject, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000, or a term of six months in prison or both and €250 for each day of a continuing offence. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority.
The number of legal actions initiated on a county/city basis for breaches of the regulations, as reported by local authorities, is published in the Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie. Data for 2007 are not yet available.
A report published by the Centre for Housing Research in November 2007 points out that landlords' responsiveness to notices of non-compliance issued by local authorities has ensured that the need to prosecute is relatively low. The report also concludes that the low volume of cases taken each year suggests that most examples of non-compliance are on a relatively minor scale.
312 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a letter by a company (details supplied) dated 25 January 2007; if a reply was issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4000/08]
314 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views and actions he proposes to take in relation to a submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4035/08]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 314 together.
A reply to the letter dated 25 January 2007 issued from the Office of my predecessor on 22 February 2007. The reply set out the position in regard to wastewater treatment systems under the national Building Regulations.
Part H of the Building Regulations (Drainage and Waste Water Disposal) sets out the requirements for the treatment of effluent from wastewater systems. The relevant Technical Guidance Document H (TGD-H) provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part H and calls up, inter alia, Irish Standard Recommendation SR:6 of 1991 — Recommendations for Domestic Effluent Treatment and Disposal from a Single Dwelling House, issued by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).
TGD-H also acknowledges that wastewater treatment systems other than septic tanks may be used. Such systems are accepted as satisfactory provided it can be shown that they are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are used. Part D of the Building Regulations (Materials and Workmanship) specifies alternative ways of proving compliance, including compliance with appropriate product standards or being subject to certification by an appropriate national certification body.
The Irish Agreement Board (IAB) is the national and European recognised body for certifying new building products or systems for which national standards do not exist. The IAB is an independent body which operates under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
A new European Standard (EN 12566-3) for small wastewater treatments plants has been introduced and is now in the transitional phase of implementation. The need for new systems to comply with this standard has been brought to the attention of Local Authorities by Departmental Circular Letters BC16/2006 and BC 2/2008, dated 8 November 2006 and 28 January 2008 respectively.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently finalising a revised edition of their Manual on Wastewater Treatment Systems serving Single Houses, in consultation with all interested parties. It is understood that the EPA Manual will refer to relevant European Standards and that the NSAI propose to withdraw SR6: 1991, in favour of the proposed new edition of the EPA Manual, when available. My Department plans to amend TGD-H to call up the EPA Manual and to consider any related issues at that time.
313 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a final inspection will be carried out for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4001/08]
Additional information/documentation, which is necessary to enable this application to be further processed, was requested from the applicant in March 2005 and is still awaited.
315 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being endured by tenants and former tenants of a complex (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and when his Department will approve the refurbishment of same. [4101/08]
An application by Dublin City Council for the approval of funding to demolish the existing 67-unit Fr. Scully House scheme, and to replace it with 90 one-bedroom and 9 two-bedroom apartments, was received in my Department in December, 2007. The proposal, costing an estimated €34 million, is under active consideration at present and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
316 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has a role or has had discussions with the management of An Post regarding the type of service they provide in both rural and urban Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3955/08]
I do not have a direct role in the provision of services by An Post. Statutory requirements on the company are principally set out in the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, and the European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations 2002. Under this legislation, An Post is required to provide a nationwide postal service including a delivery to every address in the country on every working day, irrespective of location. Section 12 of the 1983 Act sets out the requirements with regard to the provision of counter services. The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is responsible for regulating the postal service.
317 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 408 of 19 December 2007, if he will define what is meant by a reasonable request under the national broadband scheme; the criteria that will be used to assess the reasonable nature of the request; the person who will make these requests to the national broadband scheme for this service; if it will be local authorities, public representatives, community associations, local enterprise boards or individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4229/08]
The procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is under way. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas are met.
The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. The four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.
Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced ‘Competitive Dialogue' with the Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet the Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country.
The determination as to what constitutes a reasonable request is currently being considered in the context of the overall requirements, which form part of the procurement process for the supply of broadband services under the NBS. The three candidates are considering a requirement to meet all requests for broadband coverage and the cost of meeting such a requirement. My officials will continue the competitive dialogue process on this and other requirements over the coming months. It is expected that all requirements will be finalised in advance of the issuing of the Invitation to Tender in April 2008.
Any individual or body, whether public or private, in a NBS covered area will be able to request a product from the winning service provider. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder for the scheme will be selected and appointed in June 2008.
