Written Answers Nos. 132 - 146
132. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of the advertisements placed in a publication (details supplied) on 2 July after the end of the Irish Presidency; and the total cost of advertisements placed in media, broadcast, print and online that were printed/broadcast/published after 30 June, the date of the end of the Presidency. [33031/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to inform the Irish public on the outcome of Ireland's EU Presidency, space was reserved in the Metro Herald and Irish Independent newspapers on 2 July and 5 July respectively. The costs for these information features were €14,000 in the case of the Metro Herald and €14,000 in the case of the Irish Independent, both exclusive of VAT. No broadcast or online information features were placed, while no further information features in print are planned. The Presidency website www.eu2013.ie and the Presidency's Twitter account remain as an information resource on the results of the Presidency.
These costs will be covered from within the Presidency budget in the Department of the Taoiseach. As the Deputy may be aware, the overall budget for the 2013 Presidency was set at €60 million, excluding security costs. This amounted to an overall figure in excess of 40% less than the cost of the 2004 Presidency. With some costs still to be determined, it is now clear at this stage that projected Presidency spending will come under the original Presidency budget of €60m. The revised projected Presidency spend is now €51m, a saving of at least €9m. As the Presidency concludes and as final payments are made, a full financial report will be published later this year setting out the final cost of the Presidency.
133. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will, on the back of the revelations of the extensive spying by the American National Security Agency, which has also been revealed to be used by the British GCHQ, raise the issue of the second Boston College subpoena with his counterparts in the United States and United Kingdom; and if his attention has been drawn to any instances, including any relating to the Boston College subpoena case, where Irish citizens and/or their legal representatives have been compromised. [33045/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe allegations of surveillance of EU premises, if true, are of concern to all EU member states, including Ireland. The EU’s External Action Service has sought clarification of the situation in both Washington and Brussels. High Representative Ashton has also spoken directly about this matter to Secretary of State Kerry and at a press conference, President Obama emphasised the importance of the US relationship with Europe and gave a firm undertaking to examine these allegations and to provide “all the information that our allies want”. I welcome this clear statement and undertaking.
While Ireland is not one of the member states identified in the media reports to date, the Government has already expressed its concerns to the US Embassy in Dublin at a senior official level and looks forward to clarification being provided in response to the EU’s request. Any further steps will be considered in light of the clarification received. Data protection issues are the primary responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, and he has previously told the House of his discussions with the US Attorney General Eric Holder during the EU-US Ministerial meeting and in a bilateral meeting on the issue. It was agreed to set up a working group between the EU side and the US security services to continue dialogue in relation to this matter.
134. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to fill the recent vacancy of the Consul General of Ireland in Boston; if he will fill the vacancy in the near future to demonstrate Ireland's commitment to the New England area in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33183/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe standard four-year assignment of the current Consul General in Boston will end on 21 August 2013 when he takes up his new post at my Department’s headquarters in Dublin. A replacement has been nominated and will take up duty on 22 August.
136. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to a news report from the Bahrain News Agency published on 1 July 2013, which stated that a delegation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade met members of the Bahraini Government on the sidelines of the 23rd Gulf Cooperation Council-EU joint meeting and that the Irish delegation commended the Bahraini Government’s efforts to promote human rights; and if this report is accurate. [33375/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that I have on numerous occasions made clear my serious concerns regarding the overall human rights record in Bahrain and the need for positive actions on the part of the Bahraini government to improve the situation. I am aware of the news report in question regarding a meeting which took place on 30 June between the Secretary General of my Department and senior officials in the Bahraini Ministry of Human Rights. The Secretary General was in Bahrain as Head of the Irish Delegation attending the annual EU-GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) ministerial meeting and availed of the opportunity to request this meeting in order to discuss human rights issues.
The news report in question was incomplete and did not convey a full record of the discussions which took place. The Secretary General, drawing on the lessons of our own peace process for the situation in Bahrain, emphasised that respect for human rights was an essential element in conflict resolution. In this regard, he welcomed the intention of the Bahraini authorities to undertake a joint initiative on human rights training with another EU member state and made clear Ireland’s willingness to extend any practical co-operation we could which might be considered of assistance. The Secretary General pointed to the damage caused to the image of Bahrain by the recent troubles and made clear that the release of certain prisoners, including the Irish-trained medical professionals, would have a positive impact on international opinion.
137. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will investigate the military response to the peaceful protest of small farmers in north-eastern Colombia, where four persons have died, and further support the peace process in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33376/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the Colombian authorities and raise the matter at the UN Human Rights Council in relation to the military response to the peaceful protest of small farmers in north-eastern Colombia which has resulted in the deaths of four persons to date and hundreds wounded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33428/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra139. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will intervene and condemn the Colombian authorities for vicious oppression of the peasant protest movement in Catatumbo and demand the establishment of a negotiating forum to solve the crisis and to implement what is a legal and constitutional right of the peasant population and to ensure reparation for the families affected by the violent response of the state. [33450/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 139, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the tragic loss of four lives as a consequence of clashes between Colombia’s security forces and protestors in the north-eastern region of Catatumbo. At my request, officials are raising these events with the Colombian authorities and are also in touch with the European External Action Service. I welcome that representatives of an association of farmers from Catatumbo have accepted an invitation from Colombia’s President Santos to discuss issues of concern. In my view, it is important that all citizens who engage peacefully in the political and social developments of their society can do so without fear of risks to their personal security. I urge all parties in Colombia to address issues of insecurity so as to foster conditions for peace and sustainable development.
The promotion and protection of human rights is a core principle of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland engages with Colombia on human rights issues both in our contacts with Government and with civil society. When I met with President Santos earlier this year, I discussed with him concerns regarding the situation of human rights in Colombia, and Ireland’s concerns were also raised at the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Colombia last April. Together with our partners in the EU, Ireland will continue to support activities in Colombia that promote peace, truth, justice, reparation and reconciliation.
140. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the President of the United States of America agreeing to hold high-level bilateral talks with Germany over US surveillance and security monitoring of EU offices in both Washington and New York, if he will confirm whether or not a similar offer has been made to Ireland to discuss the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33460/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe allegations of surveillance of EU premises, if true, are of concern to all EU member states, including Ireland. The EU’s External Action Service has sought clarification of the situation in both Washington and Brussels. High Representative Ashton has also spoken directly about this matter to Secretary of State Kerry and at a press conference, President Obama emphasised the importance of the US relationship with Europe and gave a firm undertaking to examine these allegations and to provide “all the information that our allies want”. I welcome this clear statement and undertaking. While Ireland is not one of the member states identified in the media reports to date, the Government has already expressed its concerns to the US Embassy in Dublin at a senior official level and looks forward to clarification being provided in response to the EU’s request.
141. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reciprocal arrangements that exist between Ireland and Australia for persons wishing to apply for citizenship in either jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33463/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not the practice for Ireland to enter into reciprocal arrangements with other countries relating to the granting of citizenship and no such arrangement exists with Australia. The conditions for obtaining Irish citizenship are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. Irish citizens may obtain Australian citizenship through meeting the requirements outlined under Australian law.
142. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to extend the 9% VAT rate for the tourism industry into 2014 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33067/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny proposals to maintain the 9% rate into 2014 will be considered in the context of Budget 2014.
143. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Finance the reason a national car testing centre (details supplied) in Dublin 12 cannot process vintage cars for the €200 VRT charge. [33152/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as a Foreign Registration Certificate, which is a requirement for registration of used vehicles, was not presented with the vehicle in question at the time of the NCTS appointment, the registration of the vehicle could not be completed. This document gives the technical information for the vehicle, including the date of first registration, which is required for the vehicle registration record.
In this particular case, I understand that the customer was asked to provide alternative documentation from a recognised ‘vehicle enthusiast’ organisation outlining the required vehicle details. I am advised that if it is more convenient, documentation from the manufacturer of the vehicle verifying the vehicle details would be acceptable. Once this documentation is provided, the registration of the vehicle can be completed. I have also been informed by the Commissioners that it has always been their practice to seek foreign registration certificates for the registration of “vintage” vehicles and where these are not available to accept the alternative documentation outlined above.
144. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Finance the reason the State's contribution to the EU budget in the first six months of the year, at €931 million, was up from €810 million in 2011; the reason this figure is €67 million higher than expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33395/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU budget is mainly financed by contributions from each member state. These comprise ‘traditional own resources’ - principally customs duties collected on behalf of the EU, a VAT related payment under which an agreed percentage is levied on a harmonised VAT base for each member State and finally a balancing component paid according to each member state's share of EU Gross National Income (GNI)*.
The 2013 EU budget is larger than the 2012 EU budget and this partly accounts for higher year-on-year payments made during the first six months of 2013. However, the primary reason for this increase is that the Commission, for cash flow reasons, has adjusted the monthly pattern according to which it seeks funds from member states, compared to previous years. This change to the monthly profile of contributions also explains why Ireland’s EU budget contribution to end June 2013 is €67 million higher than the forecast in the monthly profiles of expenditure and revenue published in February. These adjustments to the monthly profile of a member state's contribution do not affect the annual payment total.
*GNI is equal to GNP adjusted for EU subsidies and taxes.
145. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 2 July 2013, regarding anti-money laundering requirements for prize bonds, if officials in his Department have engaged with the National Treasury Management Agency regarding whether exemptions will be made available under European directives applied to small value purchases of prize bonds facilitated on behalf of the State by An Post and the Prize Bond Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33416/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials of my Department are exploring with the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) whether or not exemptions available under the Third Money Laundering Directive (2005/60/EC) and its Implementing Directive (2006/70/EC) may be applied to small value purchases of prize bonds facilitated on behalf of the State by An Post and the Prize Bond Company.
146. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of many Irish businesses regarding the non-mandatory status of the single euro payment area B2B which, despite the benefits to business and hence employment, has not been granted a timetable for implementation by Irish banks with the result that the SEPA core framework, intended for persons, will apply to Irish businesses. [33484/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance if he has set a deadline for Irish banks to implement the SEPA B2B scheme, if his attention has been drawn to the potential danger to credit supply here if this scheme is not implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33452/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 178 together.
The aim of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) project is to create a single market for euro-denominated retail payments. SEPA is an EU initiative that will change the way that these payments are processed across Europe. SEPA will allow payment systems users to make euro-denominated retail electronic payments to payees located in any of the participating countries, using a single payment account and a single set of payment instruments (the participating countries are the EU member states, together with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Monaco). SEPA comes into full effect on 1 February 2014 and businesses will need to ensure that payroll, direct debit and accounting systems are SEPA-ready. SEPA will introduce new business rules in relation to retail electronic payments and implement common standards in all participating countries for issuing and executing the underlying payment instructions. SEPA will deliver tangible benefits to businesses, for example by allowing faster settlement and simplified processing will improve cash flow and reduce costs.
The implementation of SEPA within Ireland is overseen by the National Payments Plan (NPP) Steering Committee, which was established in 2012 to modernise the way payments are made in Ireland. In this regard, an NPP-SEPA sub-group has been formed, consisting of representatives of consumers, businesses, Government and banks. This sub group provides an avenue for the discussion of any issues that arise in the process of migrating to SEPA.
The SEPA Direct Debit Scheme exists in two forms – the ‘core’ scheme and the ‘B2B’ (Business to Business) scheme. Both scheme forms allow creditors to collect funds directly from a debtor’s bank account, provided that a valid mandate has been given by the debtor to the creditor. The key difference is that in the B2B Scheme the payer is not entitled to obtain a refund in respect of an authorised transaction (in contrast with the rights afforded to the payer in the in the core SDD scheme). Adherence to the core scheme by banks is mandatory, but provision of the B2B scheme is optional; thus far only two Irish banks are in a position to offer the SDD ‘B2B’ service. The remaining banks are currently focussed on the migration of their business customers to the SEPA ‘core’ scheme in advance of the 1 February 2014 end-date. Once this objective has been achieved, the possibility of offering the ‘B2B’ scheme will be examined by these banks; this issue is currently the subject of ongoing discussion between the banks concerned and the Central Bank of Ireland.
