Written Answers Nos 38-48
38. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to establish a greater diplomatic presence in Asia and Africa, particularly due to the trade remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50193/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s diplomatic network includes 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral Missions and 10 Consulates General and other offices overseas. In addition to their country of primary accreditation, many Ambassadors are also accredited to additional countries on a non-resident basis which enhances the cost-effectiveness of our external representation. Our missions abroad perform a wide range of functions in pursuit of Ireland’s foreign policy interests. These include representing and advancing government policies with other States and in international organisations, in particular the EU and the UN; economic and cultural promotion; frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; engaging with Irish communities and harnessing the resource they offer in assisting economic recovery; and programme management, particularly in Irish Aid priority countries.
Our Embassy network works very closely with the State Agencies which have a remit for the promotion of Irish trade, tourism and inward investment - Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland and IDA Ireland - and other relevant Departments in assisting Irish producers to find and access new markets, including in Asia and in Africa, where the Government is pursuing a new long-term strategy involving a more mature partnership based on shared political, developmental, economic and trade objectives.
The scale and deployment of our diplomatic network is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. Any decision to adjust the State’s external representation by closing, opening or relocating missions, will have regard to national priorities and available resources.
40. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of the discussion he had with the EU Humanitarian Commissioner and the EU Development Commissioner regarding Ireland's proposed programme of work during our Presidency of the EU Council. [50100/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key factor in running a successful Presidency in the area of development cooperation is the building of strong relationships with the EU institutions - the European External Action Service, the European Parliament and the Commission. Over the past six months, I have held extensive discussions with the institutions, and especially with Development Commissioner Piebalgs and Humanitarian Commissioner Georgieva.
I met with Commissioner Piebalgs when I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels in May and our discussions focused on early planning for Ireland’s EU Presidency. I emphasised that we were working to ensure that the fight against hunger, which is a cornerstone of Ireland’s aid programme, featured strongly in our Presidency programme.
The main development cooperation priority of Ireland’s Presidency will be to ensure that the EU engages actively and coherently in the September 2013 Special Event on the Millennium Development Goals, to be held at the UN in New York. The UN Special Event will consider the progress to date on the Millennium Development Goals and will be an opportunity for world leaders debate for the first time the shape of the post-2015 global development framework. Commissioner Piebalgs and I agreed on the importance of a substantive discussion on the issues involved at the informal meeting of EU Development Ministers which will be held in Dublin on 11/12 February 2013.
When I attended the development segment of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 15 October, I met both Commissioner Piebalgs and Commissioner Georgieva, and updated them on Ireland’s Presidency work programme. I also informed the Commissioners that Ireland will host an International Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Climate Justice in Dublin on 15/16 April 2013.
Ireland’s Presidency will also seek to promote efforts to link relief, recovery and development by forging stronger links between the development and humanitarian agendas of the European Union. This was the main focus of my discussions with Humanitarian Commissioner Georgieva. We have recognised for some time that building the resilience of vulnerable people to natural and man-made disasters and creating greater links between our humanitarian and development activities is a vital component of development work. I welcomed the Commission’s recent Communication on Resilience, issued jointly by both Commissioners, and stressed that I looked forward to building on it during Ireland’s Presidency.
Commissioner Georgieva and I also discussed how legislation to establish a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps can be progressed in the first half of 2013 and the Commissioner expressed her support for the volunteering initiative which we are working on in Ireland, including our focus on the contribution which recently retired public servants can make in developing countries.
Both Commissioners have expressed strong support for our approach to the EU Presidency. I have arranged a further meeting with Commissioner Piebalgs later this month to review our preparations and I look forward to welcoming both Commissioners to the informal Development Ministers’ meeting in Dublin in February.
41. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has reviewed the proposals from the Irish Exporters Association to reallocate Irish embassy resources from Europe to parts of Africa, Asia and South America in order to help increase exports to those regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49973/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am, of course, aware of the proposals referred to by the Deputy. The size, scale and distribution of Ireland’s diplomatic network is kept under review by my Department and considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. Any decision to adjust the State’s external representation by closing, opening or relocating missions must be made having regard to clear national priorities and available resources and on the basis of an anticipated and ongoing significant return for the State. Our diplomatic and consular missions abroad perform a wide range of functions in pursuit of Ireland’s foreign policy interests, such as: representing and advancing government policies with other States and in international organisations, in particular the EU and the UN; trade, economic and cultural promotion; frontline consular and passport services to Irish citizens overseas; engaging with Irish communities and harnessing the resource they offer in assisting economic recovery; and programme management, particularly in Irish Aid priority countries. While these functions do not apply equally to all missions - missions to international organisations, for example, have no direct trade promotion functions – and the priority assigned to each function in specific countries is not constant, Ireland’s economic and political interests abroad are best advanced by optimal allocation to all these functions of the overall resources available. This allocation must, as I have said, reflect national priorities, available resources and anticipated and ongoing return to the State.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government’s Trade Strategy covers both established Irish markets in North America and in the European Union and emerging and high growth markets on other continents where our economic engagement is at a lower level but has strong growth potential. My Department, including its overseas missions, works very closely with the State Agencies charged with promoting Irish trade, tourism and inward investment and with other relevant Departments in assisting Irish companies to find and access new markets abroad.
Local market teams chaired by the local Ambassador and comprising representatives of the locally based State Agencies have been established in all the priority markets, both established and emerging or high growth markets, identified under the Trade Strategy. These teams’ detailed market plans, as well as their mid year and end year progress reports, are submitted to the Export Trade Council, which I set up last year to monitor implementation of the Trade Strategy and which has met on three occasions under my Chairmanship. I am familiar with the competing claims on resources of established versus emerging markets. The Chief Executive Office of the Irish Exporters Association is a member of the Export Trade Council. In this context and more generally, my Department engages actively with the IEA. My view at this time is that Ireland has to do more with less across both established as well as emerging markets and I will ensure that my Department’s external resources are deployed to the best advantage of the full range of Ireland’s interests.
42. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which, in the course of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU, he expects to be in a position to influence the thinking among his EU colleagues and their colleagues in their respective national parliaments towards a rediscovery of the original European ideals and visions of solidarity, collegiality, unity of purpose and commitment to a common goal; if in the course of Ireland’s Presidency, it might be possible to focus on such issues with a view to bringing about a situation whereby each nation within the Union takes ownership of the projects and commits itself to the fundamental principles; if it might be possible to establish a forum made up of all the stakeholders with the objective of identifying weaknesses in the existing structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50154/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his Department respond to the sometimes negative criticism directed at this country by a minority of EU national parliaments with a view to ensuring collegiality, support and solidarity in the context of the European project and that members of national parliaments recognise the need to take ownership of the European project as opposed to generating negativity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50459/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he sees it as a priority during Ireland's Presidency of the EU to initiate a programme of information for the membership of national parliaments with the objective of generating a unified approach to issues currently affecting the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50460/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 58 and 59 together.
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the European Union for the seventh time during the first half of 2013. This Presidency will also coincide with the 40th anniversary of Ireland’s accession to the European Union.
As in the past, our overriding objective will be to demonstrate that Ireland is a strong supporter of the European project and a committed member that is capable of contributing to progress on the EU’s wide agenda. Next year we will follow the guiding principle that governed our six previous Presidencies by seeking to deliver an efficient, impartial and results-driven Presidency. My ministerial colleagues and I look forward to working closely with our counterparts in Council and the European institutions to deliver concrete initiatives and real added value for all the citizens of the Union. We will adopt a constructive and pragmatic approach to these engagements during our Presidency. I know that this House will follow a similar example in its relations with other national parliaments.
The Lisbon Treaty recognises the contribution of national parliaments to the good functioning of the EU through their scrutiny of draft legislative acts, including checking for compliance with the principle of subsidiarity, and through their participation in inter-parliamentary co-operation between national parliaments and the European Parliament. This is facilitated by all member state national parliaments having at least one representative based in Brussels.
There is an established trend, particularly since the Lisbon Treaty, for national parliaments of the country holding the Presidency to host a number of interparliamentary conferences as part of the “parliamentary dimension” of the Presidency. For example, the Houses of the Oireachtas will host eight such meetings from January to June 2013, including the Conference of Speakers of EU National Parliaments, Conference of EU Affairs Committees of National Parliaments, Interparliamentary Conference on CFSP/CSDP and the Interparliamentary Conferences of Sectoral Committee Chairs.
2013 will also mark the European Year of citizens. During our Presidency we will work across all Council formations to make progress on a range of policy and legislation that better serves the needs of citizens across the EU.
The Government also sees the need to raise awareness of the wide range of rights we enjoy as EU citizens and to encourage greater engagement by citizens in the EU decision-making process, particularly as the Union takes further steps towards closer integration. Coinciding as it does with the 40th anniversary of our accession to the EEC, the European Year of Citizens also provides the opportunity for public reflection here in Ireland on four decades of EU membership.
To this end, the Government is planning a range of events for next year under the broad rubric of Communicating Europe. We intend to hold a public event in early January, a Citizens’ Dialogue, to mark the launch of the European Year of Citizens. This will provide a forum for a representative cross-section of citizens to voice their views, with participation by senior political figures both at national and European level. A number of similar meetings are planned in other Member States. We also intend to hold a series of regional Town Hall meetings as well as a conference in Dublin during Europe Week in May 2013 on the broad theme of the EU and the citizen. The overall aim will be to encourage grassroots citizen engagement in EU affairs.
43. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the upcoming UN resolution on observer state status for Palestine, which is likely to occur this month; and if he has discussed this resolution with other EU States. [50106/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is expected that the UN General Assembly may be asked to vote, perhaps as early as this month, on a resolution to admit Palestine as an ‘Observer State’ at the UN. This would be less than full membership but an advance on Palestine’s current status, that of an observer organisation. This move has long been anticipated. A draft resolution to that effect has just been circulated among Missions at the UN, although this may yet be subject to amendment. While consultations are ongoing among EU Member States on how to respond to the draft Resolution, I have already indicated that we would be willing to support a resolution which was reasonable and balanced, and which recognised clearly the need to restart political negotiations aimed at a final and comprehensive peace agreement.
46. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the situation of the town of Bani Walid in Libya where the conditions for the civilian population are grave and where many believe there is a pending humanitarian disaster; if he will call for international pressure on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50198/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recent violence which engulfed the city of Bani Walid and claimed up to thirty lives was gravely worrying. The fighting broke out when the authorities attempted to arrest militants alleged to have captured and tortured Omran Shaaban, the rebel fighter credited with Gaddafi’s capture. Given the large number of people killed -- many of them civilians -- during the fighting and the widespread damage to the city, it is very important that there be a thorough investigation by the Libyan authorities into the events that took place and that, where clear evidence of criminal activity or serious human rights offences is discovered, those responsible are held to account. A degree of stability has now been restored and the residents have begun to return to their homes. Basic services are returning to close to normal levels, and schools are beginning to re-open after the fighting. The UN has provided teams to help assess the humanitarian needs in Bani Walid and to assist the Libyan authorities in clearing munitions. The Libyan authorities have also pledged to provide financial support to residents to re-build their homes damaged during the fighting.
The violence in Bani Walid was indicative of the serious security challenges facing the Libyan Government. The new Libyan government led by Prime Minister Zidan, which took office last week, faces a momentous challenge in imposing its authority on the myriad of militias vying for power. Militants seized control of the parliament building only days after the new Cabinet was approved in protest at the inclusion of some Ministers with links to Gaddafi. The first priority for the new government should be to restore the rule of law and to improve the security situation.
I met with the then Libyan Foreign Minister during the UN General Assembly. He briefed me on the steps being taken to disarm the militias and to integrate the militias into a national army. There is no doubt that Libya faces a long and what will no doubt often prove a difficult road towards building democratic and legitimate state institutions. I believe, however, that it will overcome these challenges. Ireland, along with its EU partners, stands ready to provide assistance to the Libyan authorities in all relevant spheres, including security sector reform, capacity-building and public administration and the promotion of human rights. The EU is also continuing to consult with the Libyan authorities about the possibility of launching a civilian CSDP mission to help the Libyan authorities improve border security.
47. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with EU action regarding the implementation of measures to stop illegal Israeli settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50190/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have stated previously in the House that I believe that Israel’s policy of relentless settlement expansion is now the major obstacle to achieving peace in the Middle East. It is, accordingly, inimical to the real interests of Israelis and Palestinians alike. Many injustices and humiliations, furthermore, are visited upon Palestinians as a consequence of this policy. I am satisfied, however, that the EU is taking important steps both to achieve a halt to the settlement expansion and to tackle the range of settlement-related issues which have become sources of conflict in their own right. In the Conclusions of the May 2012 Foreign Affairs Council, which Ireland played an active role in achieving, the Council focussed attention specifically on these issues on the ground, which include expropriations, demolitions, movement restrictions, settler violence, water and planning issues and economic development. The Council underlined the damage caused by these issues and called urgently for changes of Israeli policy in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
I will be seeking a further Council discussion in the near future to follow up on these Conclusions and to examine in particular whether there has been any improvement in Israeli policies relating to these issues. If there has not been, and I have to say I am unaware of any such improvement, I hope that the Council will consider adopting stronger measures.
