Willie Penrose
Ceist:52 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has held recent meetings with the Ambassador of the United States; the discussions he has had; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41929/09]
Other Questions.
Diplomatic Representation.
I have had the opportunity to meet with ambassador Dan Rooney on several occasions since his appointment by President Obama as the United States ambassador to Ireland. As Deputies will be aware, ambassador Rooney is a long time friend of Ireland and his appointment as ambassador was widely welcomed by the Deputies of this House.
I was present when ambassador Rooney presented his credentials to President Mary McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin on http://www.president.ie/3 July 2009. He subsequently paid me a courtesy call on 28 July and we had the opportunity to discuss substantively his new role as ambassador to Ireland and the importance of our bilateral relationship. We spoke about a number of key areas of interest including ongoing support for the peace process, the importance of continued North-South co-operation, the prospects for comprehensive immigration reform, the current economic situation, taxation issues and the implementation of the recommendations contained in the US-Ireland Strategic Review.
I had the opportunity to meet again with ambassador Rooney following the appointment by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of Declan Kelly as the United States Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland. I met with Declan Kelly and ambassador Rooney in Dublin on 17 September where we discussed, in particular, the US role in developing North-South economic co-operation and the scope for real innovation and co-operation in the context of the all-island economy.
Ambassador Rooney also attended the Global Irish Economic Forum from 18 to 20 September where, on the margins of that event, we had the opportunity to discuss the opportunities which exist to further develop the links between Ireland and the US and the importance of harnessing the experience and expertise of our diaspora. My most recent meeting with ambassador Rooney was in Farmleigh on 11 October on the occasion of the visit of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Dublin.
The US Ireland relationship remains a key priority for the Government. As we continue to develop this relationship, particularly in the context of implementing the recommendations of both the US-Ireland Strategic Review and the Global Irish Economic Forum, I will continue to meet regularly with ambassador Rooney on these issues.
Did the Minister have substantive discussions on the position of the out of status Irish in the United States? With regard to the conclusions of the Farmleigh conference, which I attended, has there been a follow through on the proposals for a space at Silicon Valley for young Irish entrepreneurs? In addition, there is the issue of niche marketing and identifying the diaspora across different parts of the United States. Is it proposed to publish an update on the contacts that were made in regard to the Farmleigh conclusions?
We discussed the undocumented Irish with ambassador Rooney. I visited the United States subsequently where I had extensive consultations with senators and congressmen on the Hill on this issue. I also met with ILIR, the immigration reform movement, in New York and we had substantive and good discussions on that issue, the critical point being timing, building a consensus across party lines and how the political situation would unfold. The consensus was that it would be early spring before there would be a significant move politically on that issue. We got a positive response to our position, not just in terms of the wider issue of the undocumented but also the bilateral mechanism to be developed for the future — an E3 visa type approach — that could be combined to any solution to the overall undocumented question. It is fair to say we have pressed all the right buttons politically on the Hill.
On the Farmleigh conference, we are pursuing proactively the range of recommendations that emanated from that gathering. An interdepartmental committee has been established with the Secretary to the Government, Dermot McCarthy, chairing that to systematically go through every recommendation across the system to bring them to fruition. In terms of the Silicon Valley innovation centre, which is a proposal developed by the Irish technology leadership group, we will be pursuing that under the aegis of my Department. We have been in consultations with Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and are awaiting a further firm proposal on that.
A number of other Deputies are offering.
If I may say that a graduate placement programme——
Can I explain to the Minister that under the Standing Order the Minister has one minute to reply? He is on his fourth.
You are so tolerant.
It is true, but I would like to facilitate other Deputies to ask questions as well.
Much good work has been done on the Gateway Ireland portal. We are in the position of establishing a formal network of those who attended Farmleigh and those who did not, and also the graduate placement programme——
I will have to call another Deputy.
Thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
You are welcome, Minister.
While we are on the subject of timing, the Minister said the earliest legislation would be initiated in Congress is early spring. The Minister said he was pressing all the right buttons politically. He has been pressing those buttons for the past five years when it comes to the undocumented in the US. It is clear to me, as we continually get repeat responses, that effectively this Government has abandoned stand-alone legislation with regard to dealing with the issue of the undocumented in the US. That is effectively——
A question, Deputy.
I will ask it. Effectively, is that not the Minister's response?
That is crass. It is without substance.
They are the Minister's words.
It is unfortunate that the Deputy would take that tack knowing that it is not the truth.
Deputy Breen.
Is it the case that the Minister is pursuing stand alone legislation with regard to the undocumented?
Deputy Deasy will not ignore the Chair. I have called Deputy Breen.
The Minister said it is crass.
The Deputy will resume his seat.
He should explain himself in regard to that.
No. Deputy Deasy is not in charge of the House.
What I said is true, and he knows it.
The Deputy will resume his seat or leave the House.
In regard to the full pre-custom clearance facility in Shannon which ambassador Rooney opened in July, did the Minister have discussions with the ambassador on how that facility is proceeding? I understand some problems have arisen with having the full facilities in place, particularly in regard to general aviation. The Minister might clarify that because it is the first facility outside of Europe. Has he had some discussions with the ambassador on that?
Not specifically on the issues the Deputy has just raised. We had broader discussions on the facilitation of the agreement and the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey, would have taken the lead role in the negotiation of that. I was in Shannon recently and local people there seemed to be happy with what was put in place. I will now take up the fact that there are teething issues with it but the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, has taken the lead on that one. We have had a consultative role in it.
The Minister might come back to me on that. I understand it is not operating to its potential, particularly in one area.
I will come back to the Deputy on that and discuss it with him.
Foreign Conflicts.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:53 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the situation in Afghanistan will be discussed at the next EU Council of Ministers meeting; his views on the deployment of extra troops; his further views on whether this is the way to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41873/09]
At the moment, it is not known if the situation in Afghanistan will be discussed at the next EU Council of Ministers meeting in December. The issue was discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council, GAERC, and the European Council last month and there was also a further discussion on aspects of EU support to Afghanistan at the GAERC earlier this week. There are currently two international military operations in Afghanistan: the UN-mandated, NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, ISAF, and the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom.
Decisions in relation to troop numbers in Afghanistan are primarily a matter for NATO and the members of the coalition in consultation with the Afghan authorities. Furthermore, the Afghan security forces, in particular the army, are playing an increasing role in operations and the aim is that they should eventually take over full responsibility for the security of their country. While decisions on troop numbers will be for the large troop-contributing countries to take, it is clear that an international military presence in Afghanistan will continue to be necessary for some time, both to undertake operations and to train the Afghan security services so that they can take the lead in the protection of their country and people.
It is vital to remember that the situation will not be resolved by military means alone. For Afghanistan to achieve stability, security and progress, it is essential that the Government of Afghanistan begins to play a much stronger and more effective role in the leadership and governance of its country and that it sets about without delay to tackle the many challenges that face the country, not least national reconciliation.
It is vital also that the people of Afghanistan start seeing some real improvements in their lives in the form of increased basic security, improved opportunities to enhance their agricultural productivity and incomes, job opportunities, improved access to education at all levels for their children, improved governance of the country and the eradication of the corruption which diverts precious resources away from the people who most need them. Until the people of Afghanistan are convinced that their central, provincial and local governments represent better alternatives to the Taliban, the militants will remain a pole of opposition.
The international community has pledged to support the people of Afghanistan to fulfil their hopes for a stable and secure environment in which to live, work and raise their families and for increased livelihood security and prosperity. There are plans to hold another international conference — perhaps in London this time — to launch a new compact between the international community and President Karzai's new Government. The international community will take the opportunity to make clear its expectations for improved governance and the "Afghanisation" of security, administration and the reconstruction effort over the coming years.
Does the Minister detect an increasing frustration on the part of his EU partners at the slow pace of the improvement in governance in Afghanistan? The recently leaked report contained correspondence from an official at the American Embassy stating that America should not provide any more troops. The British position is that the cudgel should be taken up by the Afghan army. Are we seeing a slow disengagement by NATO, the EU and the multinational force from Afghanistan due to the lack of improvement in governance?
Does the Minister agree that if foreign forces on the ground cannot interact with the local community, which they cannot in Afghanistan, it gives rise to the concept of an occupying force instead of a force that is there to assist?
Do I detect frustration? Yes. This has been discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on many occasions and there is frustration at how governance has evolved in Afghanistan. The view of my colleagues is that there is a pressing need for enhanced governance capacity not just at the centre, but throughout the provinces and the country. Regional governance is as critical to progress as an effective national government. Many of the weaknesses in the inputs to date have related to that issue and to corruption, a problem that must be eradicated if the policies the international community are pursuing are to be given a fair wind.
Are there not lessons to be learned from the situation in Afghanistan about the non-applicability of concepts like governance that are defined in a totally western way? There is a curious resonance in these answers to the reaction to the invasion of Iraq, which was justified by the invading administration as the establishment of an island of democracy in a sea of non-democratic structures.
Is it not really the case that a strategy for withdrawal is being prepared now? I will not get involved in a semantic discussion of when an occupying force is not an occupying force. The truth of the matter is that the lessons for the European Union are that concepts like governance and accountable administration must be defined in terms of cultural, local and historically defined realities.
I would not disagree fundamentally with that. Key to any conflict area is a proper understanding of how society has evolved over time, the cultural context and how to develop structures to accommodate those and respond to them while making progress. There has been a significant review in the EU and also in the USA of the objectives of the mission. That is fundamental because one must understand what one's objectives are and the outcomes one is seeking. In that context, what has won ground in recent times is an acceptance of the need for reconciliation in terms of what is loosely termed "the Taliban community". As we know, in life there is a continuum of views and it is not possible to label everyone with a simplistic title and state that a particular group of people is beyond reach.
That would be as bad as the Ba'ath Party.
What role do the Irish troops in Afghanistan have? They are few in number but while the rights or wrongs of the current situation are debatable, and, like Deputy Higgins, I had reservations at the time, as I did about the invasion of Iraq, we must deal with the situation and it would be irresponsible to fail to respond to the demands of officers in the field in Afghanistan regarding additional troops. While I do not advocate sending more troops to Afghanistan, we should have a clear position on this in the European context. We have something to offer in terms of the roles we have played in Chad, Lebanon and other countries. We have a distinct role to play and Irish troops have always been successful in that area.
Will the Minister give an indication of the reconstruction fund the European Union has for Afghanistan, the amount of money in it and what it is used for? There does not seem to be too much reconstruction going on at the moment.
Does the Minister have the figures referred to by Deputy Creighton for the number of civilian and other personnel involved there?
Is there any monitoring of the impact of the conflict in Pakistan and whether there is political instability being created as a result of the increase in Taliban activity in Pakistan?
We have seven troops currently participating in the United Nations-mandated, NATO-led mission, ISAF. They are based in Kabul in a non-combatant role. There are no plans to increase the level of our contribution at present. Our presence in Chad is our major input, with more than 400 troops deployed, a significant deployment that means we do not have the capacity to send any more troops to Afghanistan.
Increasingly we have been looking at ways of giving support through Irish Aid or in partnership with other donors to see if we can help on the agricultural and food sides, where we have some expertise. We are examining this area to see if the aid we already give can be better targeted at providing alternative forms of agriculture in Afghanistan and helping rural development.
We recently received a delegation of Afghan parliamentarians who came to Ireland to have a look at our peace process and model of conflict resolution.
Deputy Creighton's point is valid, Afghanistan is critical on a global basis. It is important that we work to see can we help the country to emerge as a stable entity for a range of reasons, not least the regional instability that it can and does create. There is clearly an impact on Pakistan and the wider region. That is why the European Union, of late, has begun to look at the issue from a regional and not just a country by country perspective. There has been renewed focus on Pakistan in tandem with the consideration of Afghanistan.
In terms of the EU costings Deputy Costello looked for, since 2002 the European Commission has contributed more than €1.4 billion to Afghanistan. EC aid is being used for humanitarian purposes as well as to support priority reconstruction and development efforts included in key policy documents with the Afghan Government, such as a national development framework, the interim Afghan national development strategy and, more recently, the Afghan national development strategy. At the 2006 London conference, the EC together with other development partners committed themselves to the Afghanistan Compact. This was a political agreement between development partners and the government to work together towards achieving results and impact on clear targets set for the next five years. That is a very substantial commitment to Afghanistan by the European Union.
Overseas Development Aid.
Noel Coonan
Ceist:54 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of the overseas aid budget that was allocated to each of the top ten non-governmental organisation partners here each year in 2007 and 2008; the reduction of such funding to each of these NGOs in 2009; the areas affected by these reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41879/09]
Deirdre Clune
Ceist:82 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans for overseas aid funding for each of the top ten non-governmental organisation partners in 2010; if he will guarantee that there will be no further cuts in the overseas development aid budget allocated to these organisations in the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41880/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 82 together.
The Government's partnership with development non-governmental organisations, NGOs, and missionaries represents a very important element of the development co-operation programme administered by Irish Aid. The OECD has confirmed that the proportion of funding channelled by Irish Aid through NGOs is higher than for any other international donor. This year alone, we will provide €135 million in assistance through NGOs and missionaries. I am making available in tabular form to Deputy Deasy the full information he has requested in relation to the past three years, but in this reply I am focusing on the most significant elements of the information requested.
In 2007, the top ten NGOs received total funding from Irish Aid of just over €105 million. The largest amounts were provided, in descending order, to Concern Worldwide, Trócaire, Goal, Misean Cara, Self Help International, World Vision, Oxfam, Christian Aid Ireland, Concern Universal and the Niall Mellon Township Trust. Funding amounts ranged from €29.5 million for Concern to €2.5 million for the Niall Mellon Township Trust.
In 2008, the top ten funding amounts were provided to 11 NGOs, which received total funding from Irish Aid of almost €120 million. Funding ranged from €33.1 million provided to Concern to €2.5 million each for Self Help International and the Niall Mellon Township Trust. The largest amounts were provided, in descending order, to Concern Worldwide, Trócaire, GOAL, Misean Cara, Christian Aid Ireland, Oxfam, Concern Universal, World Vision, Irish Fair Trade Network, the Niall Mellon Township Trust and Self Help International.
These figures represent the total amounts received by each NGO from all budget lines administered by Irish Aid under Vote 29 of the Department of Foreign Affairs. They include funding for long-term development programmes, for development education and, crucially, for emergency and relief operations. Comprehensive figures for 2009 are not yet available, as some disbursements are inevitably dependent on emergency and humanitarian situations which may develop. Based on grants provided to date, the top ten NGOs have received a total of €89.7 million in funding from Irish Aid. The amounts involved range from €23.8 million provided to Concern to €2.8 million for Self Help Africa.
The overall funding involves a total reduction of some €30 million on last year because of the difficult adjustments which were required to the aid budget. Irish Aid provides funding to the NGOs in a manner which allows them maximum autonomy in the management of funds against agreed objectives and audit reports. We are working with the NGOs to identify ways in which assistance can be delivered more efficiently in an environment of decreasing resources.
As Deputy Deasy will appreciate, I cannot give an undertaking in relation to the exact allocations in 2010 for each of the top ten NGOs in advance of the 2010 budget.
I thank the Minister of State for his response. Turning specifically to one allocation to one NGO, unfortunately, this has been the subject of some public disagreement in the last week. The Minister of State mentioned the Niall Mellon Township Trust and perhaps he could clarify the situation. The director of the charity's operations has denied that it failed to supply a detailed report to Irish Aid on how it has spent the moneys allocated to it. We all appreciate the amazing work this charity has performed and how many thousands of volunteers have gone to South Africa to build houses there for the poor. It is unfortunate that this has occurred, so perhaps the Minister of State could respond specifically to the case in hand.
I agree with Deputy Deasy's comments about the very good work that has been carried out, but I repeat what I said last week at the Joint Committee on European Affairs to the effect that I cannot accept the suggestion that Irish Aid officials have been slow or not exemplary in the carrying out of their duties. Irish Aid has been described by the OECD as one of the most efficient and effective programmes in the entire world. Its programme has been described as "cutting edge" by the OECD and been praised for its flexibility. It is not slow or inflexible, but rather it is efficient and effective. It is not just us who are saying this, but rather the OECD, which has often been critical of this country.
The factual position in relation to the exact point Deputy Deasy raised is that Irish Aid has not received any funding application from the Niall Mellon Township Trust. Indeed, we are not in a position to receive such an application because we still await audited accounts, together with supporting financial statements setting out how €5 million of Irish Aid money has been accounted for.
Deputy Deasy will be aware from his experience of travelling to numerous countries and looking at our NGO projects that every funding agreement between Irish Aid and any organisation contains a very specific requirement on those who receive taxpayers' money to provide each year fully audited accounts together with supporting financial statements identifying exactly how the money has been spent. The financial reports should give a very clear and transparent picture of how taxpayers' money has been spent and Irish Aid is still awaiting these audited accounts and supporting financial statements before any application can be considered.
I thank the Minister of State. Mr. Mellon, the head of the charity in question, has been before our sub-committee and he has a different take on matters regarding the aid budget, which is fair enough. As far as this matter is concerned, I can only hope that it will be dealt with expeditiously.
I share Deputy Deasy's view that this should be dealt with expeditiously. As I mentioned in my formal reply, we disburse well over €100 million to non-governmental organisations, which carry out excellent work on the ground. However, the bottom line is that the Minister and the Secretary General of the Department are accountable for every single euro of Irish taxpayers' money that is spent. The obligations on all NGOs are very clear: if they are corporate entities, they must provide audited accounts and supporting financial statements tracing out exactly where every euro of taxpayers' money is spent. That is a requirement on all such organisations.
As regards what has just been aired, I agree entirely with both Deputy Deasy and the Minister of State that the quicker this is brought to a conclusion, the better. This is in nobody's interest, and neither is it in anybody's interest that any particular organisation should be allowed to present its case in preference to others. Each will have developed its own level of expertise over time.
Since the Minister of State has given allocation figures of the order of €120 million, if having secured the year for the achievement of the 0.7% of GNP and ensured no further cuts, is there not a net advantage to the Cabinet in general in using the NGO sector as a graduate placement operation? The social welfare costs are between €20,000 and €30,000 per year for every unemployed graduate. At present, right across all disciplines, a vast number of graduates are on the dole. If the NGO sector, including those bodies mentioned here, was given the capacity to place graduates, this would be an invaluable help to the graduates, the receiving countries and the Irish economy in the future.
I fully agree with Deputy Higgins. Despite the real challenges we faced to our budget last year, I still insisted on pursuing an important initiative, namely, the junior professional internship initiative, whereby young professional people who are highly qualified with a real interest in this area are placed in the Irish Aid programme. The reason to do so is the need to instil and inculcate in young people the importance of development aid because they will be the leaders of tomorrow. As for NGOs and civil society, on foot of this example I would absolutely agree. In fact, Irish Aid hosted two volunteering fairs this year whereby the NGOs and civil society groups came to the Irish Aid volunteering centre in O'Connell Street and literally set out their stalls to encourage young people to be involved in this regard. A final point underscored by recent experiences is that one should never underestimate the extremely difficult and challenging environments in which NGOs work.
This matter must be co-ordinated with the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
European Union Appointments.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:55 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has had discussions with his colleagues in the EU regarding the matter of key appointments to the EU institutions including the EU Commission with a view to ensuring that persons of the highest possible calibre and political experience are appointed and that all appointees are fully aware of their duties and responsibilities to all member states and not just those from which they were nominated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41883/09]
Catherine Byrne
Ceist:57 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the negotiations on the appointment of a High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41976/09]
Seán Barrett
Ceist:59 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the negotiations to fill the post of President of the European Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41969/09]
Joe Costello
Ceist:70 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has taken a position on the appointment to the new position of EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41922/09]
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:72 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the negotiations for Ireland to secure a commissionership in an area of national importance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41962/09]
Joe Costello
Ceist:93 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the priorities of the next newly appointed EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy from Ireland’s point of view; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41923/09]
Jack Wall
Ceist:107 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had indications whether it may be possible to secure the position of EU Ambassador to the United States for an Irish national following John Bruton’s successful tenure in that position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41921/09]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the degree to which he will ensure that the most competent and capable persons are appointed to all the new EU positions post Lisbon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42338/09]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55, 57, 59, 70, 72, 93, 107 and 220 together.
The Lisbon treaty provides for the creation of two major new posts, namely, the President of the European Council and the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy. These posts will bring greater coherence and continuity to the work of the EU, particularly in its external dimensions. As regards the situation concerning the post of President of the European Council and the appointment of both the President of the European Council and the High Representative, I refer Deputies to my earlier answer to the third Priority Question, which dealt with that subject at some length.
The new High Representative will be tasked with conducting the Union's common foreign and security policy. An important innovation is that the High Representative will also be vice-president of the Commission with responsibility for external relations. The primary role of the High Representative will be to conduct the common foreign and security policy and to ensure consistency and coherence across all dimensions of the Union's external action. The High Representative will carry out that policy as mandated by the Council. It will be an important and demanding post, which will have the support of the European external action service, a significant innovation under the Lisbon treaty.
As the Taoiseach announced yesterday, the Government has nominated Máire Geoghegan-Quinn as the next Irish Commissioner. President Barroso has stated that final decisions on the portfolios of the new Commissioners must await the appointment of the High Representative who will also be a vice president of the Commission. Our objective is that the Irish nominee should secure a good portfolio. The procedure is that the Council will adopt a list of Commission nominees by common accord with the Commission President. This list will be subject as a body to a vote of consent by the European Parliament and, on the basis of this consent, the new Commission will then be appointed by the European Council. The timetable for this may now stretch into January 2010. The independence of the Commission and of its members is a treaty-based obligation which I am sure President Barroso will be underlining.
No decision has been made on who will replace John Bruton as European Union Ambassador to the United States. That decision will be a matter for the High Representative. I am sure that Irish nationals could be among those considered for this post in light of John Bruton's success, as well as of the understanding, based on long and close ties, the Irish have of the United States.
I congratulate Ms Geoghegan-Quinn on her appointment as the new Commissioner. Can the Minister confirm whether Ireland has someone in mind to support for the position of High Representative?
We do not have a nominee for that post.
It probably will be someone with Fianna Fáil connections.
There are many who would be more than willing.
Card-carrying members.
Irish language speakers.
Now that a Commissioner has been nominated, can Members expect that the Commissioner will come before this House to address them on the many new matters that relate both to this House and the European Union arising from the Lisbon treaty? Is this a role for the Minister for Foreign Affairs?
Could the Deputy repeat that?
My point was that as Ireland has nominated a Commissioner and given the considerable new relationships that will exist between the Commission and this House arising from the Lisbon treaty, would it be appropriate for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to ensure that our new Commissioner will be given an invitation from the House to come before it to discuss such matters?
Bheadh sé oiriúnach don Aire é sin a chur i bhfeidhm. Tá súil agam go mbeidh an Coimisinéir nua sásta teacht ar ais chuig an Oireachtas chun labhairt leis na Teachtaí Dála agus Seanadóirí go léir le chéíle. Mar a dúirt an Teachta Michael D. Higgins, tá Gaeilge líofa aici. Is iontach an scéal é go mbeidh Coimisinéir againn a bheidh sásta an teanga náisiúnta a úsáid. Níl aon amhras orm ach go mbeidh sí rí-shásta teacht os ár gcomhair.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.