Wednesday, 14 Nov 2012

Written Answers Nos. 16-26

Passport Data

Ceisteanna (16)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

16. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of persons who currently have an Irish passport. [50107/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Some 4,600,399 people currently hold Irish passports.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (17)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

17. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he has taken with his EU colleagues to highlight at the UN the ongoing conflict in the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50166/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government and our EU partners are closely monitoring the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since the end of the all-out civil war in 2003, progress has been made in establishing a democratic system of government in the DRC. However, while much of the country has achieved a degree of stability, several localised conflicts have continued, in particular in the east of the country. These conflicts have in many cases been characterised by an appalling degree of brutality, with large-scale attacks on the civilian population and widespread sexual violence. A large number of armed groups have based themselves in eastern DRC since the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, including Hutu extremists (FDLR) who fled Rwanda after taking part in the genocide, and Tutsi rebels (CNDP). The situation is also further complicated and destabilised by the presence of followers of Joseph Kony and his so-called Lord’s Resistance Army who have moved across the borders form northern Uganda.

The latest upsurge in violence has been triggered by a rebellion earlier this year by a group known as M23, which had previously been integrated into the DRC army. The group are now attempting to establish control by armed force of a part of the territory of the eastern DRC which they are occupying.

Ireland has constantly and fully supported the actions of the United Nations to bring about peace in the DRC, including through its deployment of peacekeeping forces and the implementation of Security Council Resolutions and the work of Special Envoys and Rapporteurs, as well as through its aid programmes on the ground. In recent times, a UN Expert Panel has been working to investigate the truth of allegations that some neighbouring countries have been supporting the M23. It is important that any such support is exposed and brought to an end.

I and my EU Foreign Ministerial colleagues have discussed the situation in the DRC on a number of occasions and we will focus on it again at the forthcoming Foreign Affairs Council on 19 November.

We remain gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation in the eastern part of the DRC where well over 300,000 people have been displaced since April, and we are calling on all sides to fulfil their obligations in relation to access for the humanitarian agencies responding to the needs of the affected civilian population.

We are also supporting the efforts of regional bodies such as the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to help find lasting solutions to the root causes of the conflicts in the DRC.

Overseas Development Aid Oversight

Ceisteanna (18)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

18. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details on his recent trip to assess the impact of Irish Aid in Vietnam; if there will be a change of focus in Irish Aid's work in Vietnam; and the outcomes of trade talks with the Vietnamese Government. [50099/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Joe Costello)

Vietnam is a priority country for Ireland’s aid programme, where we have a commitment to long term strategic assistance. I visited Vietnam from 28 to 31 October to see the impact of the aid programme, to promote trade between our two countries, and to support a number of key Irish companies working in Vietnam.

I met with senior Ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Hai, the Minister for Planning and Investment, the Minister for Social Affairs, the Minister for Justice, and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. I held wide-ranging and very positive discussions focussing on our bilateral relations and the potential for improved trade between our two countries. I also raised our candidature for the Human Rights Council. All of the Ministers confirmed the very good bilateral relations between Ireland and Vietnam, and their desire, which I share, to further strengthen these.

As well as completing a full schedule of meetings in Hanoi, I travelled to the province of Quang Tri in the centre of the country, to see the work of Irish Aid at first hand. I visited a number of projects, including a school and clinic in a remote area where the population belong mainly to an ethnic minority. A major focus of our work in Vietnam is with some of the poorest and most vulnerable ethnic minorities in the country, many of whom live in remote mountainous regions. The work we support in Quang Tri province provides schooling, health care and basic rural infrastructure for these communities.

I also saw the work of the Mines Advisory Group, which, with the support of Irish Aid, is helping clear the legacy of war in the province. This area still contains a large amount of unexploded ordinance, particularly from undetonated cluster munitions. To date nearly 500 dangerous areas have been identified and over 400 emergency ordinance disposal response tasks have been carried out. In view of the continuing need, I announced that Irish Aid will make a further €600,000 available over three years to support the Mines Advisory Group’s work in removing unexploded bombs from villages and farmland in Quang Tri and other heavily affected provinces.

Vietnam is a country in transition, and, in addition to focusing on the needs of the poorest communities, Ireland is playing its part by providing economic expertise, and working to build stronger bilateral economic links. A major focus of our trade promotion efforts is on the education sector. I attended a prize giving ceremony in Hanoi for a major national competition, co-sponsored by the Embassy and Enterprise Ireland, which helped raise awareness of Ireland as a destination for some of the many Vietnamese students studying overseas every year.

I also hosted a networking lunch for key contacts in the education sector, which was attended by an Irish company which is helping to develop the secondary school system in Vietnam. I was Guest of Honour at a dinner hosted by ESB International to celebrate 25 years of its work in Vietnam. This provided an opportunity to showcase Ireland’s achievements in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, and brought together key contacts in the rapidly growing power generation and energy sector.

I was very satisfied that our programme in Vietnam is delivering assistance where it is most needed. The current Country Strategy runs until 2015, and while subject to ongoing review and evaluation, I am satisfied that its overall focus remains appropriate. I also believe that we are making real progress in building stronger economic links with Vietnam, which has made huge progress over the past 25 years, with the potential to become a key economic partner for Ireland. I invited the Vietnamese Minister for Planning and Investment to visit Ireland and I look forward to discussions with him early in 2013 when we can further develop relations between the two countries.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (19, 25)

John Browne

Ceist:

19. Deputy John Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the recent North South Ministerial Council; the issues discussed; the future actions to be taken [50164/12]

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

25. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific discussions, he has had with Members of the Northern Ireland Executive or with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the potential to deepen and broaden North/South cooperation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50194/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 25 together.

The fifteenth Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) was held in Armagh on 2 November 2012. At the outset, Ministers extended their sympathies to the family of prison officer David Black who was brutally murdered on his way to work on 1 November and condemned those who carried out this atrocity. Along with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive, we reaffirmed our determination that actions such as this will not be allowed to derail progress and our commitment to peace.

At the meeting, discussions covered a wide range of issues including the economic challenges faced in both jurisdictions, the work being undertaken to address the global economic crisis, challenges in the banking sector, NAMA, Corporation Tax and the opportunities for cooperation in developing trade opportunities in, and building business links, with economies such as China and India.

The benefits from maximising the potential of major tourism events including ‘The Gathering’ and Derry UK City of Culture 2013 were noted and we welcomed the major promotional campaigns for both events currently being rolled out by Tourism Ireland.

We also discussed the priorities for the upcoming Irish EU Presidency in 2013, and noted that arrangements have been put in place to enable Irish Ministers to brief their Executive Counterparts on Presidency related issues at NSMC meetings. Consideration was also given to cooperative actions during the Presidency, including possible participation by Northern Ireland Executive Ministers at Presidency-related events.

The meeting reviewed progress across a range of areas of North-South co-operation, including the work of the North-South bodies. In particular, we welcomed a number of other developments including the agreement of a timetable of milestones targeted at the facilitation of the mutual recognition of penalty points across the island and agreements reached in relation to protecting the island of Ireland from exotic animal disease incursion. We also acknowledged InterTradeIreland’s contribution to job creation.

The topic of farm safety was also raised and we expressed our sympathies to everyone who has lost loved ones in farm related accidents.

We welcomed continued progress on business planning for the establishment of the Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin in Derry which will benefit patients on both sides of the border. Construction of this important facility is planned to commence in 2013 with the expectation that the Unit should be operational in 2016.

We also welcomed the establishment of the North South Inter-Parliamentary Association which held its inaugural meeting in Dublin on 12 October 2012.

We reiterated our commitment to the North West Region and noted that further discussions at official level would take place on the North West Gateway Initiative.

The potential for further developing North South cooperation has been specifically discussed with the First and Deputy First Minister. This is an area on which the Government wishes to see early progress.

Following discussion on the matter at the NSMC Plenary, we agreed that senior officials would meet and bring forward proposals on Terms of Reference Two and Three of the St Andrews Agreement Review before the end of the year.

We will continue to work with our Northern colleagues to identify additional opportunities where there is scope for further North South economic cooperation.

Dissident Republican Activity

Ceisteanna (20)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

20. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with members of the Northern Ireland Executive and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to the threat of violence by persons or groups commonly referred to as dissidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50182/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The peace process and the Good Friday Agreement have resulted in a transformation of society in Northern Ireland, perhaps most visibly in the normalisation of daily life and the dramatic decrease in terrorist-related incidents and violence. There remains, however, a threat from paramilitary groups who continue to assert their determination to impose a return to conflict on the people of Ireland. My Government colleagues and I discuss cross-border security issues and the threat posed by so-called dissident groups on a continuous basis with our partners in Northern Ireland. As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement we are keenly aware of our responsibilities in this regard. Any discussion of this issue is of course overshadowed by the murder on Thursday 1 November of Prison Officer David Black. The universal condemnation from across the political spectrum in Northern Ireland and the unified reactions from the two Governments underlined the solidity of the peace process. Public statements made by the Taoiseach, Minister Shatter and by myself reinforced the message of the two Governments standing together in solidarity with Prison Officer Black’s family and his colleagues in the Northern Ireland Prison Service. My colleague Minister Shatter attended Mr. Black’s funeral.

I also had the opportunity to speak with Minister Ford at the North South Ministerial Council on 2 November and to convey through him my sympathies and those of the Government to his widow Yvonne and to his children Kyra and Kyle. I also discussed the matter with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when we met last Tuesday, 6 November.

In addition to discussions at political level, strong and deep cooperation exists between An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland to counter such individuals and groups. The number of arrests in connection with paramilitary activity made in both jurisdictions continues to be significant. The Gardaí and the PSNI will continue to cooperate very closely to combat such activity on both sides of the border.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (21, 48)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

21. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the further escalation of violence against protesters in Bahrain, increased sectarian attacks and the Bahraini Government’s decision to revoke the nationality of 31 dissidents; and if he has raised the issue directly with the Bahraini authorities. [50109/12]

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

48. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent actions of the Government in Bahrain who have banned all protest gatherings, threatened to take legal action against opposition groups that organise anti-Government demonstrations and revoked the nationality of 31 opposition activists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50125/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 48 together.

I remain very concerned about the overall situation in Bahrain and the increasing divisions in Bahraini society. This includes the recent indiscriminate bomb attack in Manama city which resulted in the deaths of two foreign workers.

I have noted the recent decision by the Bahraini Government to ban protests, which I fear is likely only to further increase tensions. The way to address the concerns of those who engage in peaceful protest and demonstrations is through dialogue and consultation. National dialogue is urgently needed in Bahrain. In all our contacts with the Bahraini authorities, including those which have taken place in the period since the ban on protests was announced, we have emphasised the need to launch a process of reconciliation. I believe this would be very much in the interests of Bahraini society as a whole.

The Bahraini authorities have committed themselves to implementing the recommendations of the Bahraini Independent Commission of Inquiry report. While I acknowledge that Bahrain has implemented some of the reforms recommended by the Commission, I believe that renewed impetus in implementing the BICI recommendations is necessary. This would help create an environment conducive to reconciliation and dialogue and enable reform and change to take place as a result of a consultative process.

I am greatly concerned by the decision of the Bahraini Government to revoke the citizenship of 31 activists, including former members of parliament. This renders some of those concerned stateless and deprives them of their most basic rights. I believe that this decision will serve only to deepen divisions and tensions in Bahraini society. I understand that the decision can be appealed through the judicial system and I hope that the individuals concerned will avail of this option and seek to have this decision reviewed and hopefully overturned. I strongly encourage the Bahraini authorities to pursue reconciliation through a genuine process of dialogue and reform.

Diplomatic Representation

Ceisteanna (22)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

22. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to review the Diplomatic Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50192/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I keep the operation of the Diplomatic Service under constant review in order to ensure that the service my Department provides to Irish citizens, the Oireachtas and other stakeholders continues to meet the high standards they have come to expect. In that context last year, and taking into account reduced resources, significant changes were made to the structures of the Department which involved moving to a more geographic focussed structure at HQ, linking HQ and overseas missions more closely, and our Embassies taking on greater responsibility for their countries of accreditation. My Department has been implementing these changes over the past year and will continue to review the effectiveness of this new structure.

The scale and presence of the Irish diplomatic network is a matter that is kept under ongoing review in the light of changing circumstances and needs. Given the current budgetary situation, and recognising the role that our diplomatic network is playing in Ireland’s economic recovery, any further adjustments to our diplomatic network will continue to be strategically focused.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (23)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

23. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will issue a public statement calling for the release of Marian Price in view of the fact that she has been imprisoned for 18 months without any trial date and medical reports indicate that she is not fit to attend trial. [50058/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The individual referred to has been detained since 13 May 2011, following the revocation of her life licence by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Genuine concerns have repeatedly been raised about several aspects of this case in the House on many occasions, and I have raised them very frankly with the British Government.

As the record of the House will show, I raised this case with former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Owen Paterson on several occasions, and more recently have raised the matter with the new Secretary of State of Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers. I know that the Taoiseach also took the opportunity to raise the matter with the Secretary of State Villiers when he met her on 2 October.

Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 10.

Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 19.

Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 9.