Written Answers Nos. 147-171
147. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Taoiseach if he will list any new organisations-agencies established in his Department since 9 March 2011; the role and functions and the annual operating budget for these organisations-agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7951/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo new organisations/agencies have been established in or under the aegis of my Department since 9 March 2011.
148. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach if he will clarify if all branches of the civil service within his Department are applying Department policy that staff progress on incremental salary scales on the basis of a single point per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8688/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll staff in my Department progress on incremental salary scales on the basis of a single point per annum, as set out in Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars, copies of which are available on that Department's website, www.per.gov.ie.
149. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when a decision will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if a decision is internal to his Department; if not, the process that is being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7589/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has consulted with the Civil Service Occupational Health Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this case. The request is still under consideration by my Department. A decision will be made shortly which will be communicated directly to the officer.
150. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical-career break broken down by 0 to six months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to three years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7629/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 26 officers are currently availing of the Career break scheme in my Department. Details of these officers are set out in the following table:
|
Number of staff |
Grade |
Duration of career-break |
|
0 |
- |
0- 6 months |
|
0 |
- |
6 – 12 months |
|
7 1 |
Clerical Officer Executive Officer |
1 – 2 years |
|
3 2 |
Clerical Officer Staff Officer |
2 – 3 years |
|
9 1 1 |
Clerical Officer Staff Officer Third Secretary |
4 – 5 years |
|
2 |
Clerical Officer |
5 years + |
151. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide in tabular form, the total number of uncertified sick days taken by employees in his Department and the average uncertified sick days per employee taken; the total certified sick days taken by employees; the average certified sick days per employee; the total sick days taken by employees; the average total sick days and median overall sick days per employee in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. [7645/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the sick leave recorded as taken by staff of my Department in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are set out in the following table.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
|
Year |
Uncertified sick leave days |
Average number of uncertified sick days per FTE * |
Certified Sick Days |
Average number of certified sick days per FTE * |
Total number of sick days |
Average number of sick days per FTE * |
|
2009 |
1070 |
0.85 |
8673.3 |
6.96 |
9,743.3 |
7.82 |
|
2010 |
1020.5 |
0.83 |
8512.6 |
6.98 |
9,533.1 |
7.82 |
|
2011 |
848 |
0.67 |
7984 |
6.34 |
8,832 |
7.01 |
|
2012 |
694.5 |
0.61 |
6905.15 |
6.13 |
7,599.65 |
6.75 |
* Full time equivalent
152. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to mark the centenary of the beginning of the Great War; his plans to honour the Irish war dead from that conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7769/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe centenary of the outbreak of the First World War will be marked by events across Europe in August this year. At national level, events to mark the outbreak of the First World War will take place over several days. While detailed arrangements are still to be settled, a Cross of Sacrifice monument at Glasnevin cemetery will be dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who died in the War. Services of prayer and remembrance ceremonies will take place at national and community level. Special presentations and exhibitions are being organised by the national cultural institutions. Commemorative initiatives are also being prepared by local authorities, colleges and schools, heritage and community groups and media organisations. The arrangements in Ireland will complement the commemorations taking place in Europe and the wider international community to mark this important centenary.
The Government's approach to the Decade of Commemorations is guided by several principles: full acknowledgement of the totality of the island's history; the legitimacy of all traditions; the totality of the diverse history of the period; mutual respect; and historical accuracy. These principles inform all activities undertaken in the commemoration of the First World War.
My Department's commemorative policy is delivered by working in partnership across Government, and in conjunction with our partners in Northern Ireland and overseas. Certain historical events call for joint British-Irish cooperation and attendance, in particular regarding the commemoration of the First World War. The partnership allows for the further strengthening of the British-Irish relationship, grounded in a respect for the past and reconciliation. Equally, commemorative events are an opportunity to strengthen and deepen North-South links.
In November 2012, I attended the Remembrance Day commemorative services in Belfast, at the invitation of Belfast City Council. At this ceremony, I laid a wreath at Belfast City Hall to remember those who died during the First World War. On the same date, the Taoiseach attended Remembrance Day events in Enniskillen. These two events marked the first occasion on which members of the Government participated in Remembrance Day ceremonies in Northern Ireland. It served as a sign of a deeply embedded reconciliation process that is ongoing. In 2013, I again attended the commemorative services in Belfast and the Taoiseach attended the remembrance service in Enniskillen.
On 10 January 2014, at Google's European Headquarters in Dublin, I launched an online archive of Ireland’s First World War records together with Northern Ireland's First Minister, Peter Robinson, MLA, and deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, MLA. The new archive,'Ireland’s Memorial Records ', lists soldiers from the island of Ireland who died during the First World War or as a result of wounds sustained during battle. The archive and launch event reflect the reconciliatory and historical value of an all-island approach to commemorating the First World War.
My Department's Reconciliation and Anti-Sectarianism Funds are providing support for a number of projects commemorating significant centenaries, including the First World War, as part of its regular funding of community and voluntary groups. Several community and youth projects supported by the Funds have commemorations-related elements to their projects, exploring issues around identity and understanding of other traditions. A number of these projects challenge the notion of separate histories and explore the ways in which drawing upon shared experiences can impact on contemporary societal relationships. Commemorations have the potential to foster reconciliation and deepen understanding on a cross-community and cross-border basis between all traditions on the island of Ireland. For this reason, the support provided by the Funds to the community sector is significant. Several academic projects are also being funded through the Funds, facilitating research and public discourse on the First World War.
Our network of Embassies will also participate as appropriate in commemorative events relating to the First World War in their host countries.
153. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if any of his departmental or ministerial offices have been swept for electronic or any other type of surveillance or bugging equipment since coming to office in March 2011; the reasons for this check; the results of this check; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7894/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not policy to comment on or provide details concerning security matters of this nature. My Department's security arrangements are kept under regular review, including security arrangements for premises and telecommunications.
154. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will list any new organisations-agencies established in his Department since 9 March 2011; the role and functions and the annual operating budget for these organisations-agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7945/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo agencies or organisations of the type envisaged in the Deputy's question have been established by my Department since March 2011.
155. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with key players on Capitol Hill in the US since the publication of the Border Security Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernisation Act of 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7997/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is an issue to which I accord very high priority. I am conscious of the difficulties experienced by Irish citizens who are undocumented in the United States, and I have met and spoken with many of them on my working visits there, and also with the various groups who lobby on their behalf.
I have maintained contact, both directly and through our Embassy in Washington, with many key players in Congress who are influential in steering the process of US immigration reform. Over the last five months, both the Embassy and I have had direct contact with some 70 Members of the House of Representatives and their staff. These have included Republican Congressman Paul Ryan, Chair of the House Budgetary Committee and former Vice-Presidential nominee; Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and several other leading Republican members of that Committee, including Immigration Sub-Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy; Minority House Leader Nancy Pelosi; Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland, Pete King; with House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy and their staffs. I have also maintained contact with key figures in the US Administration and with Irish-American community representatives.
I have reiterated throughout all these contacts the Government's interest in all aspects of immigration reform and in particular our interest in seeing an overall agreement reached which provides relief for currently undocumented Irish migrants and a facility for future flows of legal migration between Ireland and the US.
In this context, we very much welcomed the US Senate’s approval of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Bill by a 68-32 margin on 27 June last year.
Following passage of that Bill, the issue has been under consideration in the Republican controlled House of Representatives. Public comments and private conversations which I, the Taoiseach and our Embassy in Washington DC had with leaders of the House Republican caucus, had given rise to expectations that the House would take up consideration of a series of immigration reform bills last autumn. Unfortunately that did not come to pass.
Early last month, further public comments from Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Chief Whip Kevin McCarthy again raised hopes that the Republican leadership in the House saw the need to proceed with immigration reform. To that end, the leadership prepared a set of draft principles that would guide their action on immigration in the House and presented them to the members of their caucus for consideration at a meeting on 30 January 2014.
Informed by that discussion, Speaker Boehner gave a press conference on 6 February in which he expressed doubts that the House would pass immigration reform legislation this year. He did reassert that immigration reform is something that needs to get done and that he would continue to consult his members.
Given that expectations had again been raised, these and other comments are disappointing. However, it is important that we keep our focus on the endgame. The Government through our Ambassador in Washington DC and her team are continuing an extensive outreach and engagement with members of Congress and with the Irish groups and organisations who are lobbying for immigration reform. We are monitoring the ongoing discussions within the Republican Party and continuing to press the case for addressing the concerns of our undocumented and to provide for a future legal flow for Irish immigrants to the United States. The forthcoming St Patrick's Day visits to the United States will provide a further important opportunity to engage with US leaders in support of our immigration objectives and to assess the prospects for the weeks and months ahead. We remain fully committed to the effort to achieve an outcome that addresses the needs of our undocumented and creates a legal path for the future.
156. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his Department's actions on the Irish diaspora; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2219/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraEngagement with the Diaspora has long been a feature of my Department's work, promoting Ireland overseas and, very importantly, in the context of efforts, over many years, to bring a lasting peace to this island.
The Irish Abroad Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was established, in 2004, to meet the objectives set out in the Task Force Report: to 'protect and support' the Irish Abroad. The Irish Abroad Unit (IAU) manages a range of engagement between the Irish Government and the Diaspora; including support and recognition for Irish overseas in the form of the Emigrant Support Programme, the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad, and structured engagement with the Diaspora geared towards economic development, through the Global Irish Network and the Global Irish Economic Forum. The Unit also manages the Centenarians Bounty for Irish citizens not resident in the State, on behalf of Áras an Uachtaráin, and has responsibility for the Certificate of Irish Heritage, which is administered by an outside company.
Emigrant Support Programme
The Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) provides funding to not-for-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish. The key objectives of the ESP are to support projects and initiatives that address the needs of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Irish emigrants; enhance access for Irish emigrants and Irish community organisations to local statutory and voluntary services; foster a more vibrant sense of community and Irish identity amongst the Irish abroad; and encourage closer links between Irish communities abroad and Ireland, to the benefit of both. Since 2009, the Programme also supports projects aimed at creating practical results orientated links between Ireland and the global Irish, and projects that emerged as a consequence of the Global Irish Economic Forum and its follow up. The Emigrant Support Programme allocation for 2014 stands at €11.595m.
Organisations in Britain and the United States receive the largest amounts of funding but recent years have seen a new wave of emigration from Ireland. Many are heading to traditional centres of emigration but others are heading to new locations, building new communities, for example, in Western Australia, Western Canada and the UAE. The Emigrant Support Programme supports organizations in these new locations to assist these new emigrants with the challenges they face on arrival in these countries
Global Irish Network/Global Irish Economic Forum
In early 2010 the Global Irish Network was launched and currently comprises more than 350 senior Irish and Irish connected business people based in some 40 countries. Network members come from a diversity of disciplines. They have demonstrated a strong connection to Ireland and have a record of high achievement in international business or in assisting in the promotion of Ireland. They provide Ireland with an invaluable resource of international expertise from which we can draw as we work towards continued economic recovery.
To date, there have been three meetings of the Global Irish Economic Forum, in 2009, 2011 and, most recently in 2013. Over these successive meetings, there have been changes in how they are conducted. For example, in 2013, mentoring sessions were held to bring Enterprise Ireland clients together with Network members. In addition, meetings were held outside Dublin for the first time, with meetings in Cork, Galway and Belfast.
Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad was established in 2012. The Award provides recognition by the Irish State for persons living abroad, primarily Irish citizens, those entitled to Irish citizenship and those of Irish descent, who have given sustained and distinguished service to Ireland and/or Irish communities abroad. A High Level Panel based in Ireland considers all nominations received from abroad and makes recommendations to the Government and the Irish Abroad Unit administers the awards process.
Certificate of Irish Heritage
The Certificate of Irish Heritage was introduced in 2011 to recognise descendents of previous generations of Irish citizens in an official way and give greater practical expression to the sense of Irish identity felt by many around the world. The Certificate is administered on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by FEXCO, based in Killorglin, Co. Kerry.
Review of Diaspora Policy
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will this year carry out a comprehensive review of our Diaspora Policy to examine all elements of our engagement with the Irish abroad. The review will build upon the success of the Global Irish Network and the Emigrant Support Programme, and examine the needs and potential of both long-standing and new emigrants.
Consultations as part of the review will be wide-ranging, and will include Irish community organizations overseas, members of the Global Irish Network and other business figures, academia, as well as other Government Departments and bodies.
The consultation process will begin shortly and conclusions of the review will be finalized this year.
157. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he took to mark the 20th anniversary of the Downing Street Declaration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2177/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt my invitation, former British Prime Minister John Major delivered a lecture at Iveagh House on 11 December last, commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the Downing Street Declaration on 15 December 1993. The event was hosted and organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This was the third in a series of commemorative lectures forming the Iveagh House Lecture series. Each address has recalled a significant event in our history; the first, by Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson in 2012, on the centenary of the Ulster Covenant, reflected on the life of Edward Carson, Irish unionism and its place in our political life today. Last year, Governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley, recalled the visit to Ireland fifty years ago of US President John F. Kennedy and reflected on Irish American relations.
The Government is committed to the commemoration of historical events in an inclusive manner based on the principles of historical accuracy and in cooperation with key partners at home and abroad. In line with this approach, the lecture was attended by guests from Ireland and Britain, members of both traditions in Northern Ireland, historians, leaders from civil society and elected representatives past and present.
Several of the guests had been involved in the negotiation of the Declaration and in later phases of the Peace Process. I was pleased in particular to welcome Kathleen Reynolds, representing her husband, former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, and members of her family, as well as former Tánaiste Dick Spring.
My opening address reflected on the significance of the Declaration in paving the way for an eventual IRA ceasefire. I noted the long, intensive and difficult work undertaken by the governments led by John Major and Albert Reynolds. This work was continued and developed by John Bruton as Taoiseach. I also acknowledged the immense contribution by US Senator George Mitchell, who was also in attendance, and who spoke about his personal experience of the peace process.
John Major spoke of his work in building Anglo-Irish relations, his approach to negotiating peace and of how setbacks were overcome. He spoke also of the deepening of the relationship between Ireland and Britain in the twenty years following the Declaration. His comments were broadcast by RTÉ. I appreciated in particular his positive encouraging remarks on the future of Northern Ireland.
158. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position regarding the proposals on the Parades Commission made by Dr. Haass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2202/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet the Ulster Unionist Party to discuss the Haass report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2210/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
I have previously outlined to the House the main provisions of the final Haass/O'Sullivan proposals.
On Parades, the proposals recognise parading as an important cultural and historical tradition for many in Northern Ireland which enjoys protection under European and international human rights law. They note the wide variety of other rights potentially affected by parades and other events and call for a new consensus based on rights, responsibilities, and relationships.
The proposals provide for devolution of responsibility for Parades to the Northern Ireland Executive, which would require legislation at Westminster and in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Such legislation would establish two new bodies which would take over responsibilities currently held by the Parades Commission.
An Office for Parades, Select Commemorations, and Related Protests would have responsibility for receiving event notifications and promoting dialogue and mediation among event organisers and local communities. An Authority for Public Events Adjudication would in some cases set conditions on the relatively small number of events which prove contentious. Determinations would be made by a seven-member panel led by a legally-qualified person. Affected parties could pursue an internal review and judicial review. A new Code of Conduct would be enshrined in legislation by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Throughout the Talks, I have made clear the Government's view to all participants and stakeholders that there is now a unique opportunity to make further progress towards advancing reconciliation and the creation of a truly reconciled and prosperous society in Northern Ireland. That remains the Government's view and we will continue our engagement with the Northern Ireland Political Parties and the British Government to that end.
The Political Parties in the Northern Ireland Executive are currently discussing the Proposals, including those on Parades. I and my officials are in regular contact with all of them, including with the Ulster Unionist Party. I have invited Mike Nesbitt MLA, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, to a meeting in Dublin at a mutually convenient time. I have also indicated my availability to meet with him in Belfast.
160. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department is reviewing the number of Irish embassies across the eurozone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3533/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, Ireland’s diplomatic network includes 56 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions and 10 Consulates General and other offices. This includes Embassies in all Eurozone and other EU Member States, with the exception of Croatia. Following the recent Government Decision to expand the diplomatic network abroad, it is our intention that the new Embassy to Croatia will be fully operational in 2014 or as soon as practicable thereafter.
My Department has recently undertaken a Value-for-Money and Policy Review of our Bilateral Diplomatic Missions in the European Union Member States. The final report has been submitted to me and presented to Government, and is now available on my Department's website. The Review was directed by a Steering Committee comprised of an independent Chairperson and representatives from four Government Departments.
This Value for Money and Policy Review was undertaken in the context of the Government’s wider Value-for-Money and Policy Review (VFM) initiative. As outlined in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s Public Spending Code, the VFM initiative aims to secure improved value for money from public expenditure by analysing exchequer spending in a systematic manner.
This Review concluded that Ireland's EU bilateral missions with their networking capacities have been, and will continue to be, a very relevant resource for a whole-of-Government approach to how Ireland maintains relations with its EU partners and to how Ireland can present a cohesive image of its values and foreign policy in the EU member states, both to Governments and to civil society.
The Deputy will be aware of the recent Government Decision to expand the diplomatic network abroad. This will include five new Embassies, including one in Croatia, and three new Consulates, which will be established in locations across South East Asia, Africa and the Americas.
This expansion of the network is specifically designed to support Ireland's foreign trade and inward investment, and takes account of the soon-to-be published Review of the Government's Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, as well as the Value-for-Money and Policy Review referred to above.
The expansion is also very much in accord with the recent report published by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on the Contribution of the Department of Foreign affairs and Trade to Economic recovery.
The scale and presence of our diplomatic network is considered by the Government on an ongoing basis. Any decision to adjust the state’s external representation will have regard to national priorities and available resources.
161. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Irish neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4835/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI strongly support Irish neutrality, which forms a central element of our foreign policy.
Irish neutrality, which is characterised by non-participation in military alliances, complements our active commitment to international engagement. Over the years, Ireland has sought to make a direct and constructive contribution to global peace and security, through the UN, the EU, as well as though our bilateral efforts. Our approach emphasises such values as the promotion of human rights, development, and disarmament.
Central to our approach has been our long-standing commitment to the primacy of the UN in the maintenance of international peace and security. Ireland has a strong tradition of participation in peacekeeping operations authorised by the UN, whether they are undertaken by that organisation, or led by the EU or NATO. I am of the view that our neutral status, alongside the recognised quality and dedication of the Defence Forces, enables us to make an important and effective contribution to international peacekeeping.
The Government remains fully committed to our policy of neutrality, and to our ongoing efforts to play a proactive role in preventing and managing conflicts around the world.
162. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the United States ambassador to Ireland will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2176/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAmbassador Daniel M. Rooney completed his Mission as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland on 14 December 2012.
Pending the nomination of his successor, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the United States of America is acting in the capacity of Chargé d'Affaires, ad interim.
While the appointment of a new Ambassador is a matter for the sending state to initiate, I am keen to see that process concluded as soon as possible and to welcoming a new Ambassador to Ireland at the earliest opportunity.
163. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has written to or spoken with Secretary of State Villiers regarding an inquiry into the Ballymurphy murders in 1971; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6190/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 30 January 2014, the Taoiseach met with representatives of the Ballymurphy families in Dublin and told the families that, having considered the particular circumstances of their case, the Government supports their call for the appointment of an Independent Panel to examine all documents relating to the context, circumstances and aftermath of the deaths. He undertook to raise the matter directly with PM Cameron.
Prior to this my officials have engaged intensively on this issue and kept me continuously informed. They have met with representatives of the 11 people killed in Ballymurphy over a three day period in August 1971 on a number of occasions. They discussed the families' campaign for the establishment of an Independent Panel to examine all documents relating to the context, circumstances and aftermath of the deaths on a number of occasions with officials from the Northern Ireland Office, most recently on 29 and 30 January 2014. They also met with representatives of the families in Brussels on 28 January 2014, as part of a wider meeting with a number of victims' representatives from Ireland, North and South. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials attended a remembrance procession for those who died in Ballymurphy on 5 December 2013.
164. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues he raised with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State during their recent meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8369/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with the Secretary of State most recently on 6 February 2014 to discuss the current political talks and how to take forward the compromise proposals on contentious issues facing Northern Ireland.
We agreed that we wish to see the Northern Ireland Parties reach agreement as soon as possible and without further delay. I spoke with the Secretary of State by telephone on 12 February and we further agreed that we would speak again this week to review the situation. In the meantime our officials have been working together to consider how the two governments can best continue to support the talks process.
I briefed the Secretary of State on North South economic cooperation and in that context we welcomed the recent joint British/Northern Ireland/Ireland trade mission to Singapore, agreeing that it could set a positive precedent for further joint trade missions.
We discussed the recent statements on Northern Ireland in Dáil Éireann and I drew attention to the need for full implementation of the Agreements, as set out in my own statement.
We also discussed security issues including, North South security cooperation.
165. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will clarify if all branches of the civil service within his Department are applying Department policy that staff progress or incremental salary scales on the basis of a single point per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8683/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy in my Department for staff to progress on incremental salary scales on the basis of a single point per annum, subject to having received a performance evaluation of "fully achieved expectations" and a satisfactory sick leave record.
166. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade as far as he is aware if any official bodies under the aegis of his Department subscribes to the daily inflation data for Ireland collected by a company (details supplied); if so, the cost of this service; if the data will be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8699/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no State Agencies or Bodies under the aegis of my Department.
167. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if he will clarify a situation regarding the local property tax (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8059/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation governing the administration of Local Property Tax (LPT) provides for a number of exemptions from LPT, two of which are particularly relevant to those who purchase a residential property.
Firstly, section 8 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides an exemption from LPT for a property, either new or second hand, purchased between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013 which is occupied by the purchaser as his or her sole or main residence. The exemption will apply up to the end of 2016, provided the purchaser does not sell or otherwise transfer ownership of the property and continues to live in it as his or her sole or main residence.
The second exemption, which is the one referred to by the Deputy, relates to section 9 of the 2012 Act (as amended) and provides for an exemption from LPT to the end of 2016 for newly constructed residential properties, provided the conditions as referred to in Section 6 of the Act are met.
These conditions are that the property:
- has been completed but not sold by the person who has constructed the property or who has had the property constructed,
- has not been occupied as a dwelling,
- has not produced an income, and,
- where the property has been built by a developer, has been part of the trading stock of the developer.
Where a purchaser buys a property that meets these conditions between 1 January 2013 and 31 October 2016, the exemption will apply up to the end of 2016. It is not relevant whether the purchaser owns other properties at the same time.
168. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his plans to alleviate the burden of the universal social charge on employees in view of its initial introduction as a temporary measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7512/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Universal Social Charge (USC) was introduced in Budget 2011 to replace the Income Levy and the Health Levy. It was a necessary measure to widen the tax base, remove poverty traps and raise revenue to reduce the budget deficit. It is a more sustainable charge than those it replaced. It is applied at a low rate on a wide base. I should point out that it was never intended that the USC would be a temporary measure. It was designed and incorporated in to the Irish taxation system as part of its permanent structure and the revenues collected play a vital part in meeting the many expenditure demands placed on the Exchequer.
As you may be aware, delivering on a commitment in the Programme for Government, the USC was reviewed by the Department of Finance in the lead up to Budget 2012. The report is available at;
www.finance.gov.ie
As a result of the review, the Government decided in Budget 2012 to increase the entry point to the Universal Social Charge from €4,004 to €10,036 per annum. It is estimated that this removed almost 330,000 individuals from the charge.
169. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance when the sale of loan books to unregulated third parties Bill will be published; the aim of the Bill; and the number of mortgage holders that are likely to be affected. [7552/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the category "Bills in respect of which heads have yet to be approved by Government", the Government Legislation Programme, published last month, includes a Bill to deal with the Sale of Loan Books to Unregulated Third Parties Bill. The aim of the Bill is to provide for the application of the protections provided to mortgage holders under the Central Bank Code of conduct to loan books which have been sold by regulated financial institutions to unregulated financial institutions. The matter is legally complex as it could affect contracts already entered into. My officials are currently examining the issue with their colleagues in the Central Bank and the Attorney General's office. In the meantime, I understand that a number of the purchasers of mortgage loan books are abiding by the code on a voluntary basis.
170. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Finance the position in regards to a person who cannot get flood insurance for their home to have a lower household property tax valuation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7609/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) sets out how Local Property Tax (LPT) is to be administered and how a residential property is to be valued for LPT purposes. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that LPT is a self-assessment tax so in the first instance it is a matter for the property owner to calculate the tax due based on his or her assessment of the market value of the property. The impact of serious and regular flooding on a property, including the issue of flood insurance, would be factors that a property owner would take into account in valuing the property.
In addition, one of the advantages of the banding system of values provided for in the legislation is to remove the need for precision in relation to the market value, except for properties worth over €1million. The Revenue Commissioners have provided guidance to assist liable persons in assessing the value of their property. Specific guidance dealing with the issue of valuation and flooding is provided in the frequently asked questions on valuation on the Revenue website at http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/faqs/valuation.html.
Where these guidelines are used honestly, together with a liable person's own knowledge of their property, the property valuation will not be challenged by Revenue in accordance with their normal Customer Service Charter.
171. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular form, the number of staff in his Department currently on a sabbatical-career break broken down by 0 to six months, six to 12 months, one year to two years, two to three years, four to five years and five years plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7628/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table outlines the current sabbatical/career break position in my Department.
|
Duration |
People on Sabbatical/Career Break |
|
0-6 Months |
1 |
|
6-12 Months |
1 |
|
1-2 Years |
2 |
|
2-3 Years |
3 |
|
3-4 Years |
1 |
|
4-5 Years |
0 |
|
5+ Years |
0 |
The staff of my Department are at the centre of our HR Strategy which aims to support the Department in achieving our strategy and goals. Employee Engagement is one of the elements of that strategy. Integral to that are centrally agreed family friendly policy initiatives such as flexible working arrangements, career break schemes etc. that are to the mutual benefit of the Department and staff.
Staff can avail of career breaks and other forms of special leave for domestic, personal, educational, travel, and other self-development reasons, based on the demands and business of the Department. The experience gained during such time out of the Department is often of great benefit to the individual, and also to the Department when they return to their civil service post.
Such schemes are now more proactively managed through our Workforce Planning process. By maintaining regular contact with staff on special forms of leave in relation to their intention to return to the Department, we have also been better able to plan for the future and identify those staff with no intention of returning so as to remove them from this valuable scheme.
