Written Answers Nos. 10-22
10. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent contact with members of the US Administration or with Members of Congress following comments by some senior Members of Congress expressing doubt about the likelihood of progress on the immigration reform Bill this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8017/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra30. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of times since coming to office he has met with US officials to discuss immigration reform and in particular the plight of the undocumented Irish citizens in America; his plans to meet with US officials on this issue over the next six months; and his view on when reform on this issue will happen. [8089/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date on resolving the issue of the undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7987/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 30 and 41 together.
This 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 be 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.
11. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has noted the resumption of reunification talks in Cyprus; if he supports the resumption of these talks; and if he has discussed this issues with his Cypriot counterpart. [8111/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI very much welcome the agreement announced on 11 February 2014 by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders on the resumption of settlement talks.
I believe that the Joint Declaration agreed by the two leaders lays a solid foundation for the re-launch of negotiations for a fair and viable comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
Neither I nor the Tánaiste have had the opportunity to discuss these latest developments with our Cypriot opposite numbers, but I would like to welcome the political leadership shown by those involved in the process thus far.
I would urge those involved, having agreed the principles on which the negotiations will be based, to engage fully in the talks and to work in a spirit of good faith, under the auspices of the United Nations. I welcome the stated determination of both sides to conduct the negotiations in a results-oriented manner.
I fully support their aim to find a solution that provides for a comprehensive settlement based on a bicommuncal, bizonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Ireland remains fully supportive of the efforts underway to resolve this long-standing problem. As the leaders themselves acknowledge, a successful resolution of the Cyprus question would have a positive impact on the whole region. Most significantly, however, it would benefit both Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots.
12. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed the continued violence and displacement in South Sudan with his EU counterparts at the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; that the UN estimates that by June almost a third of the population, 3.2 million people, will need food aid and the risk of famine is high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8112/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the EU Foreign Affairs Council has discussed the proposed inquiry by the African Union into human rights abuses in South Sudan; if there is a commitment to provide much needed additional humanitarian aid for Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8019/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 37 together.
I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached last month in South Sudan and I would echo the statement on 23 January by High Representative Ashton, on behalf of the EU, calling on all parties to implement the agreement in good faith.
It is essential now that South Sudan turns away from violence and to a renewed political dialogue, without the threat of violence. The second round of peace talks focused on resolving political differences between the parties in the country opened last week in Addis Ababa. The EU, through its Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, is closely monitoring the peace efforts and strongly supports the role being played by the East African regional grouping, IGAD, in mediating the ceasefire and peace talks.
The situation in South Sudan was discussed by EU Foreign Ministers most recently at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 20 January. There was very strong concern at the reports of widespread human rights violations and abuses, including ethnic targeting. The Council welcomed the African Union’s decision to establish a Commission to investigate the human rights violations and abuses.
The African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security briefed EU Ambassadors in Addis Ababa on 7 February on the situation in South Sudan and progress on the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry into human rights abuses.
Ireland strongly shares the concerns about the violence in South Sudan and the devastating impact on the civilian population. According to current estimates, there are more than 700,000 people displaced inside South Sudan with a further 145,000 displaced in neighbouring countries. This is close to 10% of the population. The scale of the humanitarian need is placing an enormous burden on humanitarian agencies to respond to the crisis. Some aid agencies estimate that by June 2014 more than 3 million people could be at risk of food insecurity.
In the last two years, Ireland has provided €5 million in funding to the UN-managed Common Humanitarian Fund for South Sudan to help UN agencies target the most critical humanitarian needs. In addition, Ireland provided over €3 million to NGOs operating in South Sudan to improve food security across the country. In addition, in response to the recent violence, two airlifts with 45 tonnes of emergency supplies, valued at €400,000, were dispatched to South Sudan from Irish Aid pre-positioned stocks in Ghana. A further airlift will be dispatched to Uganda in the coming days to assist South Sudanese refugees displaced inside Uganda. I am currently considering how Ireland can best respond to the crisis this year though our ongoing support for the UN-managed Common Humanitarian Fund.
13. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussions with members of the Northern Ireland Executive on the potential to develop further cross-Border trade; if the potential of the Narrow Water Bridge project has been discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8020/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with Members of the Northern Ireland Executive the potential of the Narrow Water Bridge project to further North-South trade and economic development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8021/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 35 together.
I continue to avail of all opportunities for discussions with members of the Northern Ireland Executive to advocate for expanded cross-border trade and all-island economic co-operation. These have included my recent meetings in Dublin and Belfast with the First Minister and deputy First Minister, one of which was the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Institutional meeting on 10 January, 2014, and with other members of the Northern Ireland Executive at the most recent NSMC Plenary meeting on 8 November 2013. The Narrow Water Bridge project was among the issues discussed during those meetings.
I believe that there is scope for increasing the levels of intra-island trade and economic activity including in border areas. This in turn can safeguard jobs, and encourage cross-border investments. My colleague Minister Richard Bruton has responsibility for the NSMC Trade and Business Sector and meets regularly with Minister Arlene Foster to oversee the work of InterTrade Ireland, the North South Implementation Body which promotes trade and business development on the island. InterTrade Ireland has a range of programmes designed to encourage trade and business growth across the island and to create an environment where it is easier to do cross-border business, and it is doing excellent work in this area.
In addition, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation co-funds a total of 28 projects under the Enterprise Development theme of the Interreg IVA Programme (2009-2015), together with both the administration in Northern Ireland and the EU. These include projects addressing barriers to trade faced by micro-enterprises in border counties, assisting with market entry support, developing cross border linkages, business support mentoring, capacity building for SMEs, schemes for assisting specific enterprise sectors, the provision of two Enterprise Centres and the provision of a major Science Park.
There is also close engagement and cooperation between the relevant Enterprise Development bodies, Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards, with their counterparts in Northern Ireland on a range of mutually beneficial issues.
At the NSMC Plenary meeting last November it was agreed that Ministers from both administrations would consider their priorities for further North/South co-operation in their respective areas with the focus of these discussions on where they could lead to economic recovery, job creation, the best use of public funds and the most effective delivery of services.
The shortfall in the funding for the Narrow Water Bridge project arose when construction tender prices came in at nearly double the estimated cost.
As the additional funding required to deliver the project had not been secured, on 15 November 2013 the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) withdrew the letter of offer of €17.4 million in INTERREG IVA funding. The SEUPB has since been exploring options for the reallocation of the funding which had been earmarked for Narrow Water to other eligible projects capable of being delivered by December 2015 to ensure that the drawdown of funds from the European Commission is maximised and that no money is lost.
The priority for both Administrations, North and South, is to ensure that the significant amount of EU funding which has been withdrawn from the Narrow Water Bridge is secured for the benefit of the economies of the island. It is the Government’s intention to work together with colleagues in the Executive to that end and I confirmed this at my meeting with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on 10 January 2014. I appreciate that there is disappointment in the Louth/Down border area but I assure you that my colleagues in Government and I remain conscious of the potential benefits of the Narrow Water Bridge project.
While the priority was not to lose the EU funding involved, I want to stress that at the Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council Ministers remained supportive of the concept of the Narrow Water Bridge.
14. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the calls for legal action to be taken against the illegal decision of the Israeli Authorities to approve the construction of over 500 apartments in occupied east Jerusalem earlier this month; and the action he will take regarding this escalating attack on Palestinian rights. [7992/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra31. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Israel's decision to approve building plans for 558 new homes in the occupied West Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8108/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 31 together.
I have consistently made very clear the Government’s strong criticism of, and opposition to, Israeli settlements and settlement expansion, which are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace. The Israeli Government, and Israeli public opinion, are in no doubt whatever about our views on this issue. I strongly condemn the recent announcement by Israel of building permits for 558 new units in East Jerusalem, and I urge the Israeli authorities to reconsider this decision.
On 5 February, High Representative Ashton released a statement on behalf of the European Union expressing deep concern at the announcement and stating that these plans could put at risk the prospects of Jerusalem becoming the capital of two states and, in particular, the territorial contiguity between East Jerusalem and the southern West Bank. In December 2013, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions which strongly warned against actions that undermine the current negotiations and, in that regard, deplored Israel’s continuous expansion of settlements.
Settlement announcements such as these during the current peace talks have clearly been damaging to confidence in the process. Israel has announced some 5,500 new settlement units since the talks began, a higher rate than before the talks. Although actual construction does not seem to be moving any quicker, demolitions, land seizures and evictions are still continuing.
I made clear my concerns in a statement I issued on 1 November 2013 relating to plans for a further 1,500 settlement units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Ireland also provides funding to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs which challenge the legality of settlement construction activities through the courts.
I believe however that the international community should be more forceful in its response to continued settlement expansion.
15. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the Swiss referendum result on limiting the free movement of citizens from the EU; the position Ireland will adopt at European Council level and proposals at EU level in response to the Swiss decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7999/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra42. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent Swiss referendum on immigration; that it was passed and new quotas will be placed on immigration flows; his views on the effect it will have on Switzerland’s relationship with the EU; and if he discussed it with his EU counterparts. [8113/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 42 together.
In a referendum held on 9 February, Swiss citizens voted by a very narrow margin to accept a proposal to introduce quotas and restrictions on migrants, the vast majority of whom are EU nationals.
The limits will apply to all work and residency permits issued to foreign nationals, including cross-border commuters and asylum seekers. The referendum text did not specify what levels the quotas on migrants should be set at. These details will be set down in draft legislation which the Swiss Federal Council (Government) is required to bring forward to give effect to the new constitutional provisions on immigration. The Federal Council has said that it intends to present a draft law to the Swiss Parliament by the end of this year.
The referendum outcome is a worrying development, with far reaching implications for EU- Switzerland relations, not least because any new Swiss legislation introducing quotas on immigration by EU citizens would be incompatible with the existing EU-Switzerland Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons which has been in place since 2002. The free movement of people is a cornerstone of the construction of the European Union. It is integral to many of the 100 plus bilateral agreements between the EU and Switzerland and is a key basis on which Switzerland is able to access the EU single market.
At a meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels last week, Ireland echoed the views of many Member States who underlined the centrality of the free movement of persons to the operation of the EU single market. Ministers also made it clear that the onus was firmly on Switzerland to explain how it proposes to address the serious situation that has now arisen.
The Federal Council has acknowledged that it has a responsibility to clarify its intentions regarding Switzerland’s existing agreements with the EU and to keep the EU fully informed of its future plans. To this end, a meeting has been arranged with senior EU officials in Brussels later this month to begin exploratory talks on the way forward.
16. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the Syrian Government recording the names of persons being evacuated from Homs under the UN-brokered evacuation of civilians from Homs and fears from the international community that evacuees are being arrested and used as leverage against rebels and civilians who remain in the city; the protection being afforded to those who are evacuated from the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8047/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the answer I delivered earlier to Priority Question No 2. [8272/14.]
17. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the current situation in Ukraine was discussed at the most recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting; the issues he highlighted; and if there will be any change in the EU’s approach to the volatile political situation in Ukraine. [8109/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra19. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of the most recent discussions at the EU Foreign Affairs Council regarding the ongoing difficulties in the Ukraine; the strategy that has been adopted by the European Union in relation to the need to assist in the restoration of stability in that country; if he is satisfied that the EU's Eastern Partnership is a successful endeavour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8015/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra33. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his discussions at the recent meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels regarding the continuing unrest in Ukraine; the decisions made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8116/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 19 and 33 together.
We had an extensive and wide-ranging discussion on the situation in Ukraine at the Foreign Affairs Council on 10 February, with High Representative Ashton reporting to Ministers on her latest round of meetings with President Yanukovych and the opposition in Kiev.
Following our discussion, the Council adopted comprehensive Conclusions in which we expressed alarm over the human rights situation, including violence, cases of missing persons, torture and intimidation and deplored the deaths and injuries sustained on all sides. The Council called on all actors to refrain from violence and dissociate themselves from radical actions. We recalled that demonstrations should be pursued by peaceful means.
The Council made clear that the authorities should take all necessary measures to respect and protect the fundamental rights of Ukrainian citizens and that the continuous targeting of organisers and participants of peaceful protesters as well as of journalists must be stopped immediately. We have urged the authorities to investigate all acts of violence in a transparent and impartial manner and bring the perpetrators to justice. The current atmosphere of impunity which allows for such acts to take place must be addressed.
While the Council welcomed recent steps, in particular the decision on 28 January by the Ukrainian Parliament to revoke the laws which unduly restricted the exercise of fundamental freedoms, we also indicated that further efforts are necessary to find a durable solution to the current political crisis. We have urged all sides to seek, though an inclusive dialogue, a democratic solution that would meet the aspirations of the Ukrainian people.
As the Conclusions state, the Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s reform course. While the details have yet to be worked out and agreed, the EU is ready to further pursue its efforts with the international community and international financial institutions to assist Ukraine, in line with well-established conditions, to find a sustainable way out of its difficult economic situation.
More generally, the EU has an important role to play in encouraging all sides to end the violence, engage in serious and inclusive dialogue and show willingness to compromise. As High Representative Ashton has already stressed, the EU will act as facilitator and not as a mediator. I want to take this opportunity to commend the High Representative for her tireless efforts on behalf of the EU and indeed the Ukrainian people.
I believe that the OSCE and Council of Europe also have potentially important roles to play in facilitating a negotiated way out of the crisis. Following his visit to Kiev, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights has found that excessive force was used against protesters by law enforcement officers and others working with them in recent months. I have put on record my own shock at the loss of life in Ukraine and that I have been appalled at reports of torture and other severe human rights abuses perpetrated by the security services. I strongly agree with the Commissioner that it is important to prevent any further violence and to ensure accountability for the serious human rights violations which have already occurred. The Foreign Affairs Council encouraged the Government of Ukraine to appoint without delay its member to the Council of Europe’s Advisory Panel which will investigate the violent incidents during the protests and which could be an effective mechanism in helping to defuse tensions.
Regarding the particular point raised by the Deputy regarding the Eastern Partnership, I would recall that its purpose is to support reforms in the countries of the EU’s Eastern neighbourhood and promote closer political association and economic integration with the EU. This is a long term project and in spite of many challenges, it is important to acknowledge the progress that has already been made in developing the Eastern Partnership. Both Georgia and Moldova will sign Association agreements with the EU later this year. The benefits of the Eastern Partnership are for all the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood, however, including those which have not chosen, or do not fulfil the conditions, to conclude Association Agreements. The EU will be considering over the next few months how some of the benefits of the Eastern Partnership can be extended to these countries.
18. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress arising from the Geneva two conference on Syria; if he will outline the most recent discussions at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council concerning these talks; if there has been any recent progress in providing much needed additional humanitarian aid for Syria and neighbouring countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8016/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the European Union and the international community in general continue to use their influence to protect the civilian population in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8577/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total indicated death toll arising from the ongoing conflict in Syria; if sufficient efforts continue to be made to bring about a cessation of violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8580/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated loss of life in respect of the civilian population in the course of the ongoing strikes in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8581/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 61, 64 and 65 together.
The second round of discussions in the Geneva II Conference began on 10 February. Regrettably, there has been little progress to date though both sides have stated their willingness to discuss the original terms of the Geneva communiqué and see how it may begin to be implemented. To this end, the Syrian opposition led by the Syrian National Coalition has circulated a set of principles for a political settlement but the Syrian regime has to date been unwilling to engage on this or any discussion of a transitional authority as provided for in the Geneva communiqué.
Joint Special Representative Brahimi made a statement to the press last weekend indicating that progress remains blocked as the Assad regime is refusing to negotiate on a key principle of the Geneva communiqué, the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers. He will make a full report to the Security Council this week. I have repeatedly stated that I see no prospect for any military solution to this conflict and that the Geneva principles remain the best basis for a negotiated end to this conflict. If the present opportunity is missed, the future viability of the Syrian state may be at risk.
The ongoing crisis in Syria and the Geneva II negotiations were discussed at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council which I attended on 10 February. Issues raised included the humanitarian crisis in Syria and across the region and the prospects for a humanitarian resolution at the UN Security Council which I have consistently called for and which now has full EU support; the regional impact of the Syrian conflict; the renewal of the Geneva II negotiations and the chemical weapons destruction programme. All Member States expressed concerns about the appalling impact of this crisis and a shared determination to support the Geneva II process and Joint Special Representative Brahimi in his efforts.
At the 15 January Syria donor conference in Kuwait, Minister of State Costello met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valarie Amos, to discuss impediments to the humanitarian efforts on the ground in Syria. The conflict is Syria is intensifying, with the latest reports indicating a total death toll estimated at 136,000 and over 9.3 million in need of humanitarian assistance. They agreed that, while reaching populations under siege is an urgent priority, the fact remains that humanitarian access across Syria is exceptionally difficult as a result of increasing disregard by armed groups on both sides of the conflict of their obligations under International Humanitarian Law.
Minister of State Costello pledged a further €12 million in Kuwait. This additional pledge brings Ireland’s overall commitment over the period 2011 to 2014 to €26.011 million. International donors pledged US$2.3 billion of the US$6.5 billion UN Agencies are appealing for to cover lifesaving humanitarian needs of 9.3 million people in Syria and neighbouring countries. I welcome the recent announcement that €5.3 million of the €12 million pledged in Kuwait is now being disbursed by Irish Aid to provide emergency food, water, health and protection to victims of the conflict.
20. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps being taken to promote transparency, accountability and fair use and allocation of proceeds from natural resource exploitation in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7988/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe discovery of substantial new natural resources in Africa in recent years, especially oil and gas, brings both opportunities and risks. These resources, if used well, can help to reduce poverty significantly on the continent. Because of the development challenges many of the resource-rich African countries still face, it is vital to ensure that these non-renewable resources are extracted in a way that protects the environment and that revenues generated from them are used to improve the lives of the poor, with full transparency.
We know that the so-called ‘natural resource curse’ can be avoided when the right institutions and policies, that support transparency and accountability at national and international level, are in place.
The Government strongly supports the efforts being made to improve transparency among EU multinational companies involved in extractive and logging industries in developing countries. During Ireland’s EU Presidency last year, revisions to the EU Transparency and Accounting Directives were approved by the European Parliament. Ireland played a central role in the final negotiations of these Directives.
Under this new legislation, multinational companies based in the EU are now required to disclose full details of their payments to developing country Governments for every project that they operate in the oil, gas, mineral and logging sectors. These revised Directives complement the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) initiative, which has been developed under the EU-Africa Governance Partnership.
Capital flight remains a major obstacle to developing countries’ efforts to raise more of their own revenue. Ireland’s new policy for international development ‘One World One Future’ commits us to working at global level to combat illicit financial flows and capital flight and to helping developing countries raise their own domestic revenue in ways that better promote good governance and equitable and inclusive development. It also commits to strengthening our procedures to help developing countries recover the proceeds of corruption and to combat bribery in line with our obligations under international agreements.
Ireland’s International Tax Strategy which was launched in October 2013 also includes commitments to counter aggressive tax planning through our work with the OECD, the EU, through domestic legislation and through our engagement with developing countries.
We continue to support efforts at the country level through the strong partnerships we have built with Governments, civil society and the private sector in Africa. In this way we are promoting improvements in governance and accountability, the protection and promotion of human rights, and the efficient and effective use of domestic revenues derived from natural resources.
21. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, notwithstanding the important links between Ireland and the US, particularly among American citizens who cherish their Irish heritage, he will be raising the policy pursued by the organisers of the Saint Patrick's Day parade in New York City of preventing any LGBT groups from participating especially as this is at odds with the inclusiveness which Irishness now rightly represents. [8105/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra40. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide assurances to those campaigning for equal rights that no member of Government will represent Ireland at the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8114/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra46. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a ministerial boycott on attending the St. Patrick's parade in New York. [7737/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 40 and 46 together.
The New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade is organised by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Incorporated, a private, not for profit organization.
Since the early 1990s, the Parade Committee has clearly asserted its view that the Irish, and Irish-American, LGBT community are welcome to continue participating in the parade under all the traditional banners of schools, universities, military units, police precincts, fire stations, Irish counties, Irish patriotic organisations etc. – but not under a banner which defines them by sexual preference. While this stance has been legally challenged, the New York Supreme Court has ruled that the organisers are permitted to do so as the Parade is a private one.
Since 2000, a second large parade has taken place in Queens, New York, called that St. Pat’s For All Parade. This inclusive event was set up as a response to the exclusion of LGBT groups from the Fifth Avenue Parade and takes place on the first Sunday in March. The event is attended by most political and civil leaders in New York City. The Irish Government has been represented at this event in previous years and that will remain the case this year.
When I became Tánaiste in 2011, I represented the Government in New York at all the events associated with St. Patrick’s Day, including the Fifth Avenue parade. As the St. Pat’s For All Event had already taken place at that point, I instead held a meeting with representatives of the Irish LGBT community. I discussed, at length, the Government’s commitment to LGBT rights and my own commitment to see reform in this area. Ireland works to consistently support the promotion and protection of the human rights of all persons, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity and is strongly committed to combatting all human rights violations committed against individuals on such a basis.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth Avenue is a major event in the Irish American calendar and is a high point of a whole series of events which take place in New York marking the extraordinary depth of the relationship between the Irish and American peoples. It is estimated that the parade has over 180,000 participants and between two and three million spectators. Millions more watch the comprehensive coverage on American television. In this context, and given the importance of the event for our two nations, the Taoiseach, as last year, will participate in this year’s parade. In keeping with our policy of inclusiveness, the Government will also be represented at the St. Pat’s For All Event on 2 March.
22. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations at EU level to oblige the EU to exert more vigorous pressure on Bosnia's politicians to ensure the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina is respected and insisting that politicians work together to overcome current obstacles to EU integration and obliging them to protect all citizens and their human rights. [8048/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Union has made clear its unequivocal support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a sovereign and united country enjoying full territorial integrity. The EU has set out what is required in order for the country to take the next steps to advance on its path towards EU membership.
The Minister for European Affairs, Pascal Donohoe, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina at the end of January to express Ireland’s strong support for the country and for its efforts to become a member of the Union. During his visit, the Minister encouraged the leaders there to work together to reach agreement on key issues in the interests of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Minister made clear that the solutions to these issues must come from within Bosnia and Herzegovina itself. The EU cannot impose remedies from outside. This is a position that the Minister found to be well understood by his interlocutors in Sarajevo. They look, however, to the EU and international community for support. The Minister assured them that Ireland and the EU would continue to provide this support and will continue to follow developments closely.
Indeed, at the last EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 10 February, we discussed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in light of the significant public demonstrations there in the days leading up to the Council. The EU’s High Representative, Cathy Ashton, and Commissioner for Enlargement, Stefan Fule, are travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina this week to further encourage the country’s leaders to work together to address the public’s concerns about the future of the country and to take steps to meet the aspirations of the people.
I expect that we will return to the issue of Bosnia and Herzegovina at a future Foreign Affairs Council.
