Thursday, 16 May 2013

Written Answers Nos. 26 to 36

International Summits

Ceisteanna (26)

Michael Colreavy

Ceist:

26. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will be represented at the pre G8 Hunger Summit on the 8 June 2013 in London, and at the Tax, Trade and Transparency Summit on the 15 June; and if so, whether the representative will commit to adopting policy positions at these summits which help tackle the negative impacts of tax evasion and avoidance, land grabs, and biofuel production on developing countries. [23221/13]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Fighting global hunger is a priority for Ireland’s International Development Programme. Under-nutrition is an often silent element of hunger which has devastating consequences. Over four in ten children under the age of five in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are undernourished. Under-nutrition not only puts these children at greater risk of infection and death, but it also stops them reaching their full potential in school and ultimately achieving economic success and productivity. In the context of its G8 Presidency, the British Government, in partnership with the Government of Brazil and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), will host a ‘Day of International Action’ entitled ‘Nutrition for Growth: Beating Hunger through Business and Science’ on 8 June 2013 in London.

Ireland is a core partner on this initiative and I am pleased that the Taoiseach will attend this event at the invitation of British Prime Minister David Cameron. It will build on the Olympic Hunger Summit held at Downing Street in August 2012 in which the Taoiseach participated. Ireland will continue its strong international advocacy and action on the importance of investment to address under-nutrition and to harness support for low income countries to address this challenge.

I also welcome the opportunity to have dialogue on tax transparency in the forthcoming agenda of the G8 Summit. Efficient and fair tax systems in developing countries are essential for sustainable growth, poverty reduction and the provision of basic services. They are also vital for the promotion of good governance and for ensuring social cohesion. Tax avoidance and evasion, therefore, present a major issue for developing countries seeking to drive their own development.

Ireland is playing a strong role at national level and in global efforts to increase revenue generation and tackle tax avoidance and evasion in developing countries. The brokering by Ireland of an agreement in the EU for the revision of the EU transparency and accounting directives, which when passed into legislation will improve transparency among EU multinational companies involved in extractive and logging industries in developing countries, is one recent example of this.

Ireland’s new Policy for International Development, One World, One Future , firmly commits to supporting developing countries to raise their own domestic revenue in ways that are more efficient, fairer and better promote good governance and equitable development. In the Policy, the Government commits to advancing efforts to combat tax evasion, illicit financial flows and capital flight that are stripping developing countries of badly needed resources for the provision of basic services and the tackling of poverty.

Ireland recognises that given the integrated nature of today’s global financial and economic systems, many of the challenges in this area can only be overcome through international cooperation. Bringing together as it does some of the world’s major economic powers, the Tax, Trade and Transparency Summit on June 15 is therefore a very welcome initiative. Ireland, through the European Union’s participation in this Summit, will push for ambitious steps to be taken on these matters.

Ministerial Travel

Ceisteanna (27, 58, 65)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

27. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide further details of his recent four day trade mission to Turkey; his visit to Syrian refugee camps in Turkey; and if he discussed with the Turkish Government their dialogue with the PKK and attempts at creating a peace process. [23225/13]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

58. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, in view of the his recent visit to Turkey, he believes that the PKK’s historic ceasefire will have a positive impact on the political and security environment of that country, and create conditions for meaningful dialogue between the two sides. [23238/13]

Derek Keating

Ceist:

65. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his recent trade mission to Turkey; his views in relation to Turkey's application for membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23104/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 58, and 65 together.

First, I wish to take this opportunity to express my horror at the explosion of two bombs in Reyhanli, a town in Turkey close to the Syrian border, on Saturday 11 May, in which at least 46 people have died. On behalf of the Irish Government I have sent a message to the Turkish government via our embassy in Ankara expressing our condolences to the families of the innocent civilians killed and our sympathies to the injured. We express our solidarity with the people and government of Turkey, who have generously extended protection to hundreds of thousands of refugees from the crisis in Syria.

I visited Turkey from 7 to 10 April 2013. This visit had a number of aspects, including a bilateral trade mission, political discussions on our bilateral relations with Turkey and Turkey’s EU accession process, given Ireland’s role as current Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the European Union. I led the trade mission of 24 Enterprise Ireland companies, held discussions with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmet Davotolu and Minister for EU Affairs, Mr. Egemen Bagi. I also met President Gül, the Minister for the Economy, the Minister for Science and Technology and the Minister for Energy. In addition, I visited Syrian refugee camps hosted by the Turkish Government in Gaziantep in south eastern Turkey.

Dealing first with the trade mission, contracts of over €30 million for Enterprise Ireland client companies were announced. Enterprise Ireland’s market strategy in Turkey is focused in particular on energy and environmental services, pharmaceuticals, ICT, financial services, education and engineering sectors. Companies from all these sectors were represented on the mission. I also undertook a range of meetings with prominent business people and business organisations in Ankara and Istanbul, including TIM (the Turkish Exporters Assembly) which signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Irish Exporters Association. Trade between Turkey and Ireland has grown by 20% over the past three years and exports by EI client companies to Turkey grew by 9% in 2012. In all it was a very productive visit and laid the groundwork for even greater trade engagement between Ireland and Turkey in the future.

I discussed Turkey’s EU accession process with Ministers Davotolu and Bai and with President Gül. Ireland has long been supportive of Turkish EU membership and one of our priorities is to reinvigorate the accession process during our Presidency. Work is progressing in this area and we hope to be in a position to open a negotiating Chapter (Chapter 22 – Regional policy and co-ordination of structural instruments) in June. Appreciation was expressed by my interlocutors for the Irish Presidency’s efforts in this regard but so too was some frustration at the slow pace of Turkey’s accession progress. I urged that implementation by Turkey of the Ankara Protocol would create new momentum for the accession process and provide the opportunity to unblock a number of areas currently stalled.

Foreign Minister Davotolu also briefed me on the Kurdish issue and talks with the PKK. The government is optimistic, but cautious. The announcement on 21 March that PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan has called a ceasefire is most welcome and represents an opportunity to build on the ongoing talks towards a durable and democratic settlement. These are very welcome developments and I took the opportunity to wish the Government well in its efforts.

On 8 April I visited refugee camps for Syrians at Nizet near Gaziantep. Turkey was the first neighbour of Syria to formally respond to the influx of Syrian refugees. It maintains an open border policy for those fleeing the conflict and it has been praised for the level of humanitarian assistance it has provided. I commended my interlocutors for the efforts of the Turkish people and on the occasion of my visit announced a further Irish contribution of €1 million in humanitarian assistance for Syrians, specifically targeted for Turkey. This comprises €500,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and €500,000 to the UNHCR and it brings Irish assistance for the humanitarian crisis in Syria to €8,150,000 to date.

Passport Applications

Ceisteanna (28)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

28. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to review the passport application process for dual citizenship holders in order that his Department will keep statistics on the number of applications for passports by citizens who also hold a non-Irish passport and the number of non-Irish passports held by Irish citizens; if this issue has been raised at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23101/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Passport Service does not require that an applicant for an Irish passport, as part of the regular application process, provide details of any foreign passports held. Therefore, information on the number of Irish passport holders that hold passports of other states is not available. There is no prohibition under Irish law on Irish citizens holding the passport of another State. There are currently no plans to request such information.

International Conferences

Ceisteanna (29)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Ceist:

29. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide more details of what was discussed at the Somalia Conference which was held in London and attended by Minister for Development and Trade Joe Costello; and if there are any immediate plans for Ireland to increase our support to Somalia. [23217/13]

Freagraí scríofa

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

I represented Ireland at the Somalia Conference in London on 7 May which was attended by representatives of more than 50 countries and international organisations. The conference discussed a wide range of issues relating to ongoing efforts to consolidate lasting peace and stability in Somalia after twenty years of conflict and lawlessness.

Significant progress has been made on consolidating peace and stability in Somalia, but continuing and immense challenges are faced by the new Government.

In London last week, the Somali President, Ahmed Sheikh Mohamoud, and his Ministers presented to the international community their ‘Six Pillar Policy’ – a plan which outlines immediate national priorities. These were discussed and generally endorsed, and many participants at the Conference indicated ways in which they will provide support to Somalia in helping to deliver on these plans and targets.

A significant focus of attention was on the security situation. This is appropriate given the continuing threat from Al Shabaab terrorists which has been all too graphically illustrated by recent deadly and cowardly attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere. Ireland is making an important contribution to efforts to improve the security situation in the country through providing the Commander and a significant contingent of personnel for the EU Training Mission in Somalia, which is building the capacity of the Somali National Security Forces to enable them to take over responsibility for security and law and order.

There was also emphasis on the need for help in areas such as justice, policing, financial management and prevention of sexual violence.

A Communiqué was issued at the conclusion of the meeting which covers the issues discussed in detail. I have arranged for a copy to be sent by my Department to the Deputy.

In my intervention at the London conference, I stressed the need for continued attention to be paid to the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict, including internally displaced persons and refugees in neighbouring countries, notably Kenya. Ireland has contributed more than €41 million to efforts to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia and the region, and we are committed to continuing to provide support and help in this area.

We have also indicated, in the context of our new Policy on International Development, One World, One Future which we launched earlier this month, and which has a strengthened focus on fragile states, that Ireland will examine other opportunities for assisting Somalia’s recovery in the period ahead.

A further important international conference on Somalia, with particular focus on ways of supporting its economic and social development in the context of the Busan New Deal on Fragile States, will be hosted by the European Union in Brussels later this year.

International Relations

Ceisteanna (30)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

30. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has sent a message of congratulations to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on his recent election victory; and if he is concerned over the recent statements and actions of the Venezuelan opposition, which threaten to undermine Venezuela’s democracy. [23237/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have been following events in Venezuela since the closely contested presidential elections of 14 April last. I regret heightened tensions as manifested by trenchant comments from across the political spectrum as well as incidents of violence which have resulted in loss of life and injuries. In this regard, I welcome the statement issued by the South American region’s leaders at their Summit in Peru on 19 April last in which they called for dialogue and a climate of tolerance, as well as noting Nicolas Maduro’s election as President. I share the concern of EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton at the growing polarisation of Venezuelan society. I join with EU High Representative in calling upon all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue and to reject violence. I encourage all parties to engage constructively in the promotion of good governance and transparency.

On the occasion of the inauguration of Nicolas Maduro as President, the President of Ireland conveyed a message of congratulations and best wishes to him and to the people of Venezuela and expressed the hope that relations between our two countries will deepen in the period ahead.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (31, 45)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

31. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent statements from the Russia and American Governments in which they agreed to work together to end the Syrian conflict and host an international conference on the issue in search of peace; and his views on whether this is a positive step. [23226/13]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent of any progress made through the aegis of the EU or UN towards achieving some consensus on the situation in Syria with particular reference to achieving a common approach with the objective of a cessation of hostilities and some provision to alleviate the appalling hardship and human rights abuses arising from the war; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23346/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 45 together.

More than two years after it first erupted, the conflict in Syria continues to be one of the greatest challenges confronting the international community. The dimensions of the crisis are truly daunting. An estimated 80,000 people have lost their lives; one-third of Syrians have either fled the country, are internally displaced or are otherwise in need of assistance; and there is an ever increasing threat to regional stability, as exemplified by the bomb explosion in Reyanhli in south Turkey on 12 May, which killed 46 people and injured hundreds.

Despite the level of destruction and violence, Ireland and its EU partners remain fully convinced that a political solution alone can bring about an end to the hostilities and lead the way towards a peaceful transition to democracy.

Since his appointment in August 2012 and in extremely challenging circumstances, the UN/League of Arab States Special Envoy, Ladkhar Brahimi, has shown great resolve in working to achieve these objectives. Ireland and its EU partners have expressed full support for his efforts, notably his search for a formula for transition based on last year’s Geneva Communiqué and providing for a transitional Government leading to free elections in Syria.

The role of the international community in seeking a political settlement to the crisis, in particularly through the UN Security Council, is crucial. I therefore warmly welcome the agreement reached by the US and Russia, following bilateral discussions in Moscow last week involving Secretary of State Kerry, President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov, to work together on an International Conference on Syria which would be held before the end of the month. UN Secretary General Ban and Special Envoy Brahimi have also welcomed this development. I urge the Syrian opposition to seize the opportunity offered by the US-Russia proposal and to engage fully in a process of dialogue aimed at ending the violence and starting a transition towards a genuine democratic dispensation in Syria.

It also remains necessary to ensure that the many crimes and human rights abuses committed throughout the conflict do not go unpunished. Ireland has been very much to the fore, both at the EU and international levels, in calling for all perpetrators to be held accountable for the war crimes and serious human rights violations they have committed, including through referral to the International Criminal Court. Ireland has now agreed, along with 18 other EU member states, to co-sponsor a UN General Assembly resolution on Syria, due for adoption on 15 May, which addresses the current appalling situation in Syria and urges the need to ensure accountability.

Ireland and the EU will remain fully occupied at all levels of our international engagement in securing the earliest cessation of violence in Syria and in providing the Syrian population with the aid and care they need and the hope that their nightmare will soon end.

Good Friday Agreement

Ceisteanna (32)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

32. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the implementation of outstanding provisions in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23187/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Government remains committed to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and associated agreements and this is a regular subject for discussion in my meetings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the First and Deputy First Minister. I discussed these issues most recently on the 29th April 2013 when I visited Belfast for discussions with Secretary of State Villiers and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. During these meetings we also discussed the urgent need to make progress on building a shared and reconciled society in Northern Ireland. I am pleased to note that there has been some progress on this matter since our discussions, with the announcement by First and Deputy First Minister last week that they will be publishing a strategy on building a reconciled and united community in Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.

During my most recent visit I also co-hosted an event to mark the 15th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in the Metropolitan Arts Centre in Belfast. The event featured around 60 teenagers born at the time of the Good Friday Agreement along with representatives of civil society and was an opportunity to underline the importance to their future of full implementation of the Agreement.

International Relations

Ceisteanna (33)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

33. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Commissioner Ashton reported to the EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to negotiations concerning Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23213/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

At the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 April, High Representative Ashton reported briefly to Ministers on the conduct of the latest round of talks between the E3+3 group and Iran, which took place in Almaty on 5-6 April. Further information was conveyed separately at official level by the EAS and by E3 representatives. Prior to that meeting, I had underlined the pressing need for Iran to respond seriously to the proposals put earlier by the E3+3. Regrettably, the reports from Almaty all indicate that once again the Iranian side talked around the issues, engaging with some specifics but failing to address the key issues. It would appear that once again the Iranian delegation was not authorised to engage in serious discussion or to work towards a compromise understanding and agreement. If this continues to be the case, there will be no basis on which to sustain a credible political process. This will no doubt be exploited by those who argue for a military solution to this issue, a position to which Ireland is strongly opposed. I call on the Iranian authorities to reconsider their course of action and to show as a matter of urgency that they are willing to work towards a compromise diplomatic solution to this issue.

International Trade

Ceisteanna (34)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

34. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the plans he has to increase trade between Ireland and Mongolia following the recent visit of Minister of State, Costello; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23189/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Minister of State with responsibility for trade and development Joe Costello, TD, visited Mongolia from 28 to29 April, becoming the first Irish Minister to visit the country. During the visit, Minister Costello represented Ireland at the seventh Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies. He also had a series of bilateral engagements, including meeting the Foreign Minister of Mongolia, Luvsanvandan Bold, Irish business people resident in Ulaanbaatar, representatives of a number of Mongolian Government Ministries and a leading mobile internet and telephony company which utilises the services of an Irish technology company. During his meetings, the Minister of State outlined the Irish Government’s work to restore fiscal sustainability, return the country to economic growth and provide employment and training opportunities. He pointed to the key role of exports in driving Ireland’s growth and prosperity and said the Government was working hard to facilitate and encourage trade and investment links with countries such as Mongolia.

Both sides stressed the importance of developing trade links and said they were particularly keen to work in areas such as agriculture and agri-services, pharmaceuticals, education and financial services. The Minister of State said he would welcome a trade visit from Mongolia and added that the Irish embassy in Beijing and the Enterprise Ireland office there would engage in further follow-up work on areas of interest.

Deputy Costello also visited a project in Ulaanbaatar run by the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, which provides accommodation and support for vulnerable children and noted that Mongolia still faces many developmental challenges.

Diplomatic Service

Ceisteanna (35)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

35. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals, if any, he has to review the Diplomatic Service; if there are proposals to open new consulates/embassies in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23204/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland’s diplomatic network includes 56 embassies, seven multilateral missions and ten 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.

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.

Trade Missions

Ceisteanna (36, 62)

Michael P. Kitt

Ceist:

36. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the trade missions he has planned for the remainder of 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23191/13]

Derek Keating

Ceist:

62. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent trade missions that he has undertaken on behalf of the State; the benefits of these and the outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23103/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 62 together.

Trade missions are an important element of the Government’s Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, which recognises the valuable role they play in developing and creating new trade, tourism and investment opportunities for Ireland. Ultimately, the contracts won and contacts made during trade missions lead to job creation and long-term economic benefits for Ireland.

In 2012, Enterprise Ireland Ministerial trade missions, organised with the active support of my Department’s Embassy network and involving EI client companies, secured over €200 million in new and additional contracts for Irish businesses. Ultimately, the contracts won and contacts made during trade missions lead to job creation and long-term economic benefits for Ireland. In 2012, Enterprise Ireland Ministerial trade missions, organised with the active support of my Department’s Embassy network and involving EI client companies, secured over €200 million in new and additional contracts for Irish businesses.

Trade promotion and economic messaging are, of course, key elements in many other Ministerial visits abroad and this was particularly so during the recent St. Patrick’s Day period. I travelled to Atlanta, New Orleans and Washington DC to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests in the US. The centrepiece of my programme in Atlanta was an ‘Invest in Ireland’ Business Leaders Forum organised by the IDA in conjunction with our Consulate General. This event targeted both existing IDA clients and potential new investors. I also held separate meetings with a number of major US and Irish companies operating in the Atlanta area. The programme for New Orleans included further business networking, political and cultural events. My programme for Washington DC included meetings with President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry, and a number of high level political meetings during which the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and Ireland’s economic recovery were among the items discussed.

Most recently, I undertook a four-day Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Turkey from 7 to 10 April, which was organised in close co-operation with my Department and the Embassy of Ireland in Ankara, during which contracts of over €30 million were agreed. During the mission, I held a range of meetings with prominent business people and business organisations in Ankara and Istanbul, including the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) which signed a memorandum of understanding with the Irish Exporters Association. In addition, I met with the President of Turkey, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for European Affairs, the Minister for the Economy, the Minister for Science and Technology and the Minister for Energy. Government to Government contacts are highly valued in Turkey when doing business and such meetings provided vital support to Irish companies, in terms of establishing their credibility and gaining access to the business community at the appropriate levels.

Looking forward to the second half of the year, I will continue to actively promote Ireland’s economic interests overseas wherever possible, whether at targeted events and trade missions organised by Enterprise Ireland with the support of the Embassy network or in the course of broader bilateral visits.