Written Answers Nos. 1-30
2. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports the proposals for the return of the ghost city of Famagusta located in northern Cyprus, a demand of Security Council Resolution 550 of 1984; his views on whether such a confidence-building measure would boost reconciliation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15686/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to welcome the re-launch of talks aimed at resolving the long-standing Cyprus question. I welcome in particular the Joint Declaration of 11 February 2014 by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders which lays a solid foundation for the negotiations. I would urge those involved in the talks to engage fully in the process and to work in a spirit of good faith, under the auspices of the United Nations. Ireland would support a solution that provides for a comprehensive settlement based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
As the two leaders themselves acknowledged in their Joint Declaration, a settlement would have a positive impact on the entire region, while first and foremost benefitting Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. I note that both leaders, in their Joint Declaration, also made a commitment to efforts to implement confidence building measures that would provide a dynamic impetus to the prospect for a united Cyprus. I would encourage both sides to agree any such measures that could help build trust and confidence in the talks. At this stage, I would not wish to prejudge the outcome of the negotiations or the nature of any confidence building measures that might be agreed by the parties themselves. I would like to reiterate Ireland's support for the negotiators as they work to agree a mutually acceptable solution.
At the European Council on the 20th to 21st March, which I attended with the Taoiseach, Ireland joined in a strong statement of support for the talks. EU leaders underlined that the European Council supports any confidence building measures agreed by the two parties which could contribute decisively to creating a climate of mutual trust and give impetus to the negotiation process.
5. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports the adoption of the Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka, which called for an independent and international investigation into alleged war crimes committed during the last war on the island; and if he would be in favour of placing sanctions on Sri Lanka if it refuses to co-operate with this resolution. [15687/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 27 March 2014, Ireland, as an elected member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), voted in favour of the resolution referred to by the Deputy, entitled "Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka". Of the 47 members of the Council, 23 voted in favour, 12 voted against and 12 abstained. The resolution was tabled by the United States, the United Kingdom, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Mauritius and Montenegro. The resolution requests that the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights undertake, with assistance from relevant experts and special procedures, a comprehensive investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka during the period covered by the Government of Sri Lanka's own Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). In the course of intergovernmental negotiations on the text, Ireland was among those countries arguing for the strongest possible response by the Human Rights Council to the alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights carried out by both sides during the conflict in Sri Lanka. We believe that the final text represents a good outcome, even if we would have preferred an even more robust stand-alone investigation mechanism.
In previous resolutions adopted by the Human Rights Council, the Council called upon the Government of Sri Lanka to conduct an independent and credible investigation into allegations of violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law and to take all necessary additional steps to fulfil its relevant legal obligations and commitments to ensure justice, equity, accountability and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans. Regrettably, as reported by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, in her report of February 2014, the Government of Sri Lanka took only limited and piecemeal steps towards investigating serious allegations of violations, and none of these had the independence or credibility required.
In a statement to the Council delivered by the Permanent Representative of Ireland on 26 March, prior to the adoption of the resolution, Ireland expressed support for the conclusions drawn by the High Commissioner for Human Rights in this regard and urged the Government of Sri Lanka to listen to the concerns of the Council and to accept fully the recommendations made by the High Commissioner. Ireland called upon the Government of Sri Lanka to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner in the implementation of this latest resolution and we hope that cooperation will be forthcoming. At the same time, we note that there are precedents for similar investigations being carried out without the cooperation of the State concerned, and have every confidence in the ability of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to undertake a comprehensive investigation, as it has been mandated to do.
The High Commissioner will present an oral update to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-seventh session, in September 2014, and a comprehensive report will be presented to the twenty-eighth session, in March 2015. It is premature to discuss the question of sanctions or any other measures. Ireland has every confidence in the ability of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to undertake a comprehensive investigation, as it has been mandated to do.
10. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way in which the recently announced €3 million in aid to the Philippines will be spent; the way his Department is assisting communities that were affected by Typhoon Haiyan; and if there will be any additional aid given to the Philippines this year. [15389/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTyphoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms ever recorded, hit the Philippines on 8 November 2013. It is estimated that the Typhoon affected more than 14 million people, with almost 4 million remaining displaced, including some 1.5 million children. Over 6,000 lives are known to have been lost and almost 1800 people are still missing.
Ireland was among the first to respond to this disaster, providing immediate, life-saving assistance. Our commitment to date stands at over €7.1 million and, with an additional estimated €4 million in voluntary donations by the Irish public, this makes us one of the most generous contributors to this relief effort on a per capita basis. Our commitment to respond effectively to this disaster was clearly underlined by Minister of State Costello's recent visit to the Philippines to witness at first hand the situation on the ground. Over €2.6 million of Ireland's funding was provided through our key NGO partners. It is being effectively utilised for the provision of emergency food and non-food items; water, sanitation and hygiene; emergency health care and the protection of vulnerable women and children. It is benefitting up to 50,000 households.
In the immediate aftermath of the Typhoon, we authorised four airlifts of essential relief items from our emergency pre-positioned stocks. The total amount of essential relief items provided to date is 166 tonnes, valued at €967,000. My colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, also authorised a contribution of €500,000 to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to support its work to restore the livelihoods of farmers affected by the Typhoon.
An enormous amount has been achieved over the past four months, including through Irish-funded programmes, some of which Minister of State Costello visited on the island of Leyte in the Philippines, where he saw at firsthand the devastation caused by the typhoon. However, millions of people still require urgent assistance to rebuild their lives and livelihoods and strengthen their resilience to prepare for any future natural disasters in the region. In late November of last year, the deployment of a Government technical mission was authorised in order to obtain a detailed analysis of the longer-term needs of the worst affected regions. The recommendations from this technical mission include provision of additional funding of €3 million for the recovery phase, which was announced during the Minister's recent visit to Tacloban on Leyte Island.
This additional funding will be channelled through our long-standing humanitarian partners and, in accordance with the recommendations of the technical mission, will focus on shelter, livelihoods and protection support in worst-affected communities. This additional €3 million clearly demonstrates Ireland's commitment to supporting the Philippines over the longer term, as international media attention shifts elsewhere.
11. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on reports that three air force generals in Venezuela were plotting with the opposition to overthrow the democratically elected government; if he has concerns over the violent nature of the opposition street protests in that country; and if he has held any discussion with the Venezuelan authorities on this issue. [15391/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very concerned at developments in Venezuela over the last two months. In particular, I am deeply saddened by reports of the deaths and casualties of demonstrators, law enforcement officials and bystanders. The Tánaiste and I join with the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton in calling for the immediate cessation of all violence. We urge that steps be taken to reduce tensions so as to create the conditions for constructive and inclusive dialogue.
Human rights, including to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, as well as to freedom of expression, must also be protected. I am aware of the detention recently of three air force generals on allegations that they were fomenting dissent against the government. I am aware also of reports of the detention of students and political figures, the removal from office and imprisonment of a number of elected mayors, as well as the barring from parliament of an elected public representative. All of these developments concern me greatly.
Ireland and the EU support the regional efforts under way to encourage all Venezuelan parties to engage in dialogue and to bring an immediate end to violence and unrest. We welcome last week's Ministerial mission to Venezuela by the Union of South American Nations and the readiness of that regional organisation to facilitate dialogue. This high-level engagement from Venezuela's regional neighbours can, it is hoped, support a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue aimed at restoring peaceful coexistence and the resolution of grievances through discussions.
13. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken alongside his EU counterparts regarding the deteriorating situation in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15383/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community, the EU and the UN continue to monitor events in Egypt with a view to ensuring acceptance of human rights principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15888/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 41 together.
We have made clear on a number of occasions my concerns over the current human rights situation in Egypt. These concerns are widely shared by our EU partners, as should be clear from the firmly worded Conclusions on Egypt adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 10 February. While welcoming the adoption of the new Egyptian constitution in January, the Council deplored the absence of a fully inclusive process leading up to the referendum as well as expressing concern over the deteriorating human rights situation and the continuing use of selective justice against the political opposition.
Concern over human rights within Egypt have only intensified following last week's mass sentencing of 529 supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood to death by a provincial court. Ireland shares the widespread deep concern which has been expressed by many in the international community regarding this verdict and the clear failure to observe basic international standards governing the right to a fair trial. High Representative Ashton also issued a statement on 25 March expressing her utmost concern and reiterating the EU's complete opposition to capital punishment under all circumstances. She reiterated these concerns when she met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Fahmy on 31 March.
The human rights situation in Egypt was also considered at the just concluded session of the UN Human Rights Council. Ireland was one of eighteen EU MSs who associated with a strong cross-regional statement delivered during the session outlining concerns about the human rights situation and urging the Egyptian government to fully comply with its international obligations as well as fully implement the human rights provisions contained in the new Constitution. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights has also visited Egypt on a number of occasions in recent months in order to discuss and encourage stronger efforts on the part of Egypt's interim government in upholding and safeguarding human rights.
Presidential elections have now been called for late May, with parliamentary elections to follow later in the year. The EU is planning to deploy a full-scale election observation mission to monitor these crucial presidential elections. The EU will continue to provide all practical support it can to assist Egypt as it continues its difficult transition and, in particular, will continue to urge the need for the Egyptian authorities to actively pursue reconciliation, promote greater respect for human rights and clearly govern in the interests of all Egyptians.
16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned at the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in Guinea; if Irish Aid has any plans to support a response to this outbreak; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15250/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe are deeply concerned at the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in Guinea and the potential that this could become a regional epidemic. Since the official declaration last week by the Government of Guinea of the outbreak of haemorrhagic fever, better known as the Ebola virus, 122 people have been infected including 78 who have died. Four health care workers are among the victims. While the epidemic was initially limited to the south-eastern part of the country, Guinea's Ministry of Health has recently reported four confirmed cases in the capital, Conakry. Two confirmed deaths from the virus have been reported in Liberia and a further six cases are currently under investigation (including four deaths). There are six suspected cases (five reported deaths) in Sierra Leone.
Guinea's Ministry of Health, together with the World Health Organization and other partners, have initiated measures to control the outbreak and prevent a further spread. The Ministry of Health has activated the national and district emergency management committees to coordinate the response. Multidisciplinary teams have been deployed to the field to actively search and manage cases, trace and follow-up contacts and sensitise communities on prevention and control. Since 2008, Ireland through the Irish Aid programme has provided €2.5 million in funding to UN agencies and NGOs working in Guinea. This funding includes €600,000 for disaster risk reduction projects with the aim of increasing community resilience to disease. In addition, longer term funding of €1.4 million has been provided for education and health related programmes.
Irish Aid is monitoring the situation closely, particularly given the threat of the regional spread of the virus including to Liberia and Ireland's key partner country, Sierra Leone. In this regard, we are receiving reports from our Mission in Freetown and are in close contact with our UN and NGO partners on the ground. To date, no request for financial assistance has been received.
17. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which, arising from any appraisal of developments within the EU of a political, economic, social or structural nature, measures have been taken or are ongoing with a view to addressing the nationalistic trends currently emerging in some European countries which may result in permanent damage to the European project and divergence from the concept and vision of Europe's founding fathers, with particular reference to the growth of euroscepticism as a replacement for the European project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15401/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra44. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union remains committed to the principle of unity of purpose in respect of economic, monetary, political and social institutions, notwithstanding the emergence of extreme political viewpoints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15891/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 44 together.
The widely perceived rise in support for parties at the edges of the political spectrum is a matter of some concern. But I do not believe that it is divorced from other major preoccupations across Europe as we emerge from the severe and very long economic crisis. This may well have contributed to a sense of detachment from the EU, which people appear to believe not to have delivered for them. This democratic deficit also impacts on support for domestic governments.
The subject is particularly topical ahead of elections to the European Parliament. I am sure we have a shared hope to see some improvement in the trend of voter turnout for European elections come the end of May. This Government will certainly work to ensure that the values and benefits of Europe are part of the electoral debate. The key to addressing these citizens' concerns, of course, is to start with the biggest challenge which is the enormous numbers unemployed across Europe and particularly in Ireland.
Recovery in the real economy is critical: we need to see firms expanding their activities and creating new jobs, including new firms in new growth areas. Managing the economic crisis and supporting the recovery has been and remains the key focus of the European Council and the EU institutions more widely. That includes agreeing to the multi-annual budget, front loading funds for youth employment, increasing the EIB's lending capacity and redirecting its focus to play a greater role in relation to SMEs where most jobs will come from. Stabilising the banking system so that the economy can start to function effectively again is also a priority. And it is worth noting that economic conditions across Europe are improving, albeit much slower than we would like. Last year saw GDP in both the EU and euro area back in positive territory for the first time since late 2011. And net job creation has now resumed in most Member States. In Ireland, we have seen very welcome progress for a sustained period on the jobs front.
In terms of what Europe can do to create the environment which will see employment growth, I think the focus has to be on the pragmatic: completing the single market, including in services and the digital single market, and improving the opportunities for trade – something which particularly benefits open economies such as our own. The Government will be working with our partners to ensure that is where Europe and the incoming leadership of Europe concentrate their efforts in the coming years.
19. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason US military aircraft at Shannon have not been routinely searched to ensure our neutrality is not being breached. [15404/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland. In this context, permission for foreign military aircraft to land at Irish airports is given only on condition that the aircraft are unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and do not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question do not form any part of military exercises or operations. These conditions apply fully to US aircraft and are fully compatible with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality. In accordance with international practice, foreign military aircraft passing through Ireland with the permission of the Government are not subject to routine searches or inspections. As the Tánaiste outlined in a response to the Deputy in this House on 19 November 2013, the principle of sovereign immunity applies automatically to foreign State or military aircraft.
20. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made on the possibility of immigration reform legislation being passed by the United States Congress following the St. Patrick's week discussions between the Irish Government and the US Administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15251/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Taoiseach discussed immigration reform and the plight of our undocumented in many of the meetings and public engagements during the recent St. Patrick’s Day visit to Washington DC. In addition to substantive discussion of the issues with President Obama and Vice President Biden, the Taoiseach also discussed the prospects for progress with a range of other members of Congress including Speaker John Boehner; Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee which has responsibility for immigration legislation in the House; Congressman Paul Ryan; the Congressional Friends of Ireland; and Senator Patrick Leahy, the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee that oversaw the passage of the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill last June.
In addition, the Taoiseach highlighted the need for progress on immigration reform in his speeches to influential audiences including the US Chamber of Commerce, the American-Ireland Fund Gala, the White House St. Patrick’s Day reception, the Ambassador’s St. Patrick’s Day reception and most importantly at the Speaker’s Lunch on Capitol Hill. There were a large number of members of Congress in attendance at the Speaker’s Lunch, in addition to the President, Vice President and Speaker Boehner, and the Taoiseach called in the strongest possible terms for Congress to show leadership and deal with the immigration issue now.
Without in any way under-estimating the political complexities that persist around the immigration reform discussion in the United States, we were encouraged to hear views from both Democrats and Republicans that there is now a growing consensus in favour of reform. The Government has instructed Ambassador Anderson and her team, working with the Irish American lobby groups who have already put in such a great effort, to continue their efforts to persuade members of Congress to seize every opportunity to make immigration reform a reality.
21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total staff complement in the embassy to the Holy See; the projected cost of the embassy this year; the number of embassies and their names with a similar staff complement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15171/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen the Embassy to the Holy See is re-opened later this year, it is intended that it will be staffed by one diplomatic officer. I regret that it is not possible to give a definitive figure for the projected establishment and other costs for the Vatican Embassy in 2014 because this will depend on a number of factors which have yet to be determined in consultation with the host authorities. However, it is anticipated that the annual costs for the re-opened embassy will be significantly reduced compared with the annual cost of running the embassy in previous years. This is due to the relocation of our Embassy to the Italian Republic to the accommodation formerly occupied by the Embassy to the Holy See, which will deliver ongoing savings in the combined overall cost of Ireland’s representation to the Holy See and the Italian Republic.
There are currently nine missions with one diplomatic officer assigned – Atlanta, Bratislava, Edinburgh, Luxembourg, Nicosia, Riga, Tallinn, Valletta and Vilnius. The expansion of the Irish diplomatic network abroad this year will include, in addition to the Holy See, a further two missions which will be staffed by one diplomatic officer – Austin and Zagreb.
22. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views, in relation to rendition flights, on whether relying on diplomatic assurances from the United States is sufficient to comply with the State's obligations to prevent torture or prohibit ill-treatment taking place in its territory or airspace and to ensure its territory is not being used to facilitate extraordinary rendition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15398/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Tánaiste has clearly stated on numerous occasions, the use of Irish airspace and airports for extraordinary rendition operations has not, and will not, be permitted under any circumstances. The current Programme for Government states clearly that this Government "will enforce the prohibition of the use of Irish airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with the dictates of international law". Ireland does not tolerate, and will not tolerate, the use of our territory or airspace for any illegal purpose, including torture and extraordinary rendition. Specific assurances have been received from the US authorities that prisoners have not been transferred through Irish territory for the purposes of extraordinary rendition, nor would they be, without our permission which, of course, would not be granted. The assurances are of a clear and categoric nature, relating to facts and circumstances within the full control of the US Government, and have been confirmed at the highest level.
The Government is entitled, both in international law and in the context of the relationship between Ireland and the United States, to rely on the assurances repeatedly given by the US Government.
24. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make known the full costs of sending Ministers and Ministers of State to foreign lands to mark St. Patrick's Day; if he will point to any other nation that does similar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10352/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSt. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country. Ministerial visits around this period are organised to ensure that we use this exposure to maximise the promotion of Ireland’s trade, tourism and investment interests and to spread a positive message about Ireland’s economic recovery. Each Minister and Department is responsible for their own costs and, where Embassies incur costs on behalf of Ministers, these are agreed with the Ministers’ offices in advance.
Before travelling, all Ministers are reminded that the programme of Ministerial visits for St. Patrick’s Day should be undertaken in the most cost efficient way possible. Ministers are also reminded that they should not travel with large delegations; first-class flights, hotel suites and hired limousines should not be used and that, where possible, Ministers should be accommodated in Ambassadors’ residences. While the full costs for 2014 are not yet known, with these guidelines on travel in place, the total cost of Saint Patrick’s Day travel in 2013 was just over €233,000, including accommodation, other transport, official gifts and incidental costs. Approximately 80% of this total related to flight costs.
In 2013 Ministers took part in 88 high-level political meetings arranged by the Embassy network as well as 70 focussed company engagements with potential to support new export opportunities or win new investments. As well as these individual meetings, the St. Patrick’s Day period is also used to promote trade, tourism and investment at larger business events and to promote Ireland in the international media. In 2013 for example, the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers and Embassy network, together with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and other state agencies promoted trade and investment in Ireland to 101 business events, attended by over 8,500 Irish and international company representatives leading to new leads for Irish exporters and for inward investment to Ireland.
They also promoted trade, tourism and investment with Ireland in op-eds and interviews in the international media – reaching, at a very conservative estimate, over 16.3 million people.
25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has conducted an audit of Irish exporting companies that could be affected as a result of possible sanctions being placed by Russia on EU goods and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15249/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Council decided at its meeting on 20-21 March to widen a visa ban and asset freeze against named individuals in Russia and to cancel the next EU-Russia summit. It took these targeted measures in view of the absence of any steps towards de-escalation by Moscow in Ukraine. While remaining open for dialogue, the European Council recalled that any further steps by the Russian Federation to destabilise the situation in Ukraine would lead to additional and far reaching consequences for relations in a broad range of economic areas between the European Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and the Russian Federation, on the other hand. In this respect, the European Council asked the Commission and the Member States to prepare possible targeted measures.
Ireland is engaged in these ongoing discussions with our partners in Brussels. While we do not know how Russia might choose to retaliate should the Union indeed decide that a move to trade and economic sanctions is warranted, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has, in cooperation with other Departments and the state agencies, begun the task of identifying possible vulnerabilities. It would not be appropriate to say more than this at this time. Russia is a significant trading partner and is one of Ireland’s 27 priority markets. In 2012 total bilateral merchandise trade with Russia was valued at €702m. Exports were worth €602m and imports €100m. There are over 200 Irish companies exporting to Russia and 24 have a permanent presence there.
As the Taoiseach has stated, it is clear that there will be consequences for Ireland and its partners, as well as for Russia, if sanctions are imposed by both sides. I therefore very much hope that this can be avoided. The Russian Federation must engage without further delay in serious negotiations with the government in Kiev – either bilaterally or through some appropriate multilateral mechanism – and take urgent steps to de-escalate the situation. However, the Union needs to be ready to take appropriate measures if this does not happen and the situation deteriorates further.
26. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which it has been found possible, together with the international community, to convince the authorities in Syria to allow the various aid agencies to provide the urgently required assistance to the civilian population, who have been major victims in the conflicts there; if any progress has been made towards enforcement of no-fly corridors or safe havens whereby international relief organisations might be facilitated in their efforts to assist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15402/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe protracted and tragic crisis in Syria has resulted in unprecedented levels of humanitarian need, requiring a sustained response from the international community. The number of fatalities is now estimated to exceed 140,000 people. There are now over 9.3 million people within Syria who are in need of immediate life-saving support, with a further 2.5 million Syrian refugees requiring assistance in neighbouring countries.
Ireland has been doing all it can to help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and is one of the most generous contributors to the humanitarian response on a per capita basis, having provided over €20 million in assistance since the crisis began and committed a total of €26 million. As the humanitarian situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, Ireland is acutely aware of the high numbers of people inside Syria who have not received any assistance in a long period of time. We have been consistent in our efforts to ensure that the necessary attention is given by the international community to this crisis, in particular on the issue of humanitarian access.
While United Nations Security Council Resolution 2139 of February 22nd was a very welcome and necessary step in attempting to address humanitarian access and ease civilian suffering, full political weight now needs to be brought to bear through the UN Security Council to ensure its implementation. Ireland is disappointed with the limited impact of this resolution on the ground to date as reported by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on March 24th. One month after the passing of this resolution, humanitarian access in Syria remains extremely challenging for humanitarian organisations, with access to many areas still being denied.
Ireland welcomes confirmation by the United Nations that a major cross-border convoy carrying vital humanitarian aid for Syrian civilians who are desperately in need, crossed from Turkey into North-Eastern Syria on March 21st. However, the fact remains that humanitarian access across many parts of Syria is still exceptionally difficult as a result of the continued disregard by armed groups on both sides of the conflict of their obligations under International Humanitarian Law.
The question of establishing no-fly corridors and safe havens within Syria is a complex one, in that to do so would necessitate the provision of foreign military protection and sanction by the UN Security Council which has not, as yet, provided such legal authorisation. We share the caution of the United Nations’ humanitarian agencies, the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement and many of our other partners in respect of potential military intervention in support of humanitarian action, which could have the unwelcome and unintended result of placing already vulnerable civilians and aid workers at further risk. We believe that in most circumstances, negotiated access remains the most effective approach. We support UN Under Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Baroness Amos, in her call for other measures such as humanitarian pauses to ensure safe and unhindered passage of humanitarian conveys into hard-to-reach areas and besieged communities.
The Government has consistently matched our material humanitarian contribution with concrete support to international efforts to find a sustainable political solution to the crisis, and to advocate for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access. We have called for all parties to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian law and to refrain from the targeting of civilians. Ireland will continue to advocate at all relevant international fora for increased support to the humanitarian relief effort, as well as for the full and immediate implementation by all parties to the conflict of UN Security Council Resolution 2139 on humanitarian access.
27. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has taken any action at European Union level in relation to the release of Palestinian prisoner, Marwan Barghouti; if he has raised this issue with the Israeli Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15397/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been no discussion at EU level in relation to bringing about the release of Marwan Barghouti, nor has the Tánaiste raised the issue with the Israeli Government.
Marwan Barghouti was sentenced in 2004 to five life sentences for murder, having been convicted of involvement in a number of attacks, including a suicide attack on Israeli civilians. He is nonetheless often reported as now being opposed to the use of violence in actions such as those he was convicted of. Other reports, however, dispute this. The Israeli authorities have steadily refused to include him in any of the prisoner release deals that have taken place from time to time, including those provided for as part of the current US-led talks process. As we know ourselves, such issues can be very sensitive and difficult in any country.
There have been suggestions from various commentators, including some in Israel, that if released he could potentially play a positive part in bringing about a political settlement of the conflict, and could be an eventual moderate successor to President Abbas. If he was able and willing to play such a role, I would of course hope that he would do so, and encourage the authorities to respond creatively to such an opportunity. But at this time I have no basis on which to form a judgement on such a difficult question.
28. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the current financial provision of the State to the overseas aid programmes; the number of recipient countries and recipient organisations in 2013; the planned number of each in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15384/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme and to its place at the heart of Irish foreign policy. The aid programme is regarded internationally as one of the most effective in delivering results in the fight against poverty and hunger. Our commitment to development cooperation is clear in the Programme for Government and has been strongly reiterated in our new policy for international development - One World One Future. The policy sets out our vision for a sustainable and just world in which people are empowered to overcome poverty and hunger and to fully realise their rights and potential.
Despite the very severe economic and budgetary situation we have faced, the Government has clearly demonstrated its determination since coming into office to maintain and stabilise the budget for Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the maximum possible extent. In the three years 2011 through 2013 a total of over €1.9 billion has been provided for ODA. This is an enormous achievement in the circumstances. For 2014, the Government has again managed to allocate almost €600 million to ODA, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to helping the poor of the world.
Comprehensive details of Ireland’s ODA spend across, inter alia, aid sectors, recipient countries and multilateral and civil society organisations, are published in statistical annexes to Irish Aid annual reports and are readily accessible for the years 2002-2012 on the Irish Aid web site at http://www.irishaid.gov.ie/news-publications/tags/annualreport/. The 2013 annual report is currently being compiled and is expected to be published before the summer break.
29. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of ministerial travel to his Department last year; his views on whether this travel represented value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15172/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTotal expenditure on overseas ministerial travel at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the calendar year 2013, including airfares, accommodation and travel and subsistence and other costs, amounted to just over €228,500. This included the cost of travel of Ministers and staff attached to Ministerial offices. Of this total, the travel costs of the Tánaiste and the costs of the staff attached to his office, amounted to €102,412. The overseas travel undertaken by the Tánaiste, the Minister for Trade and Development and myself, is fully in the national interest and represents good value for money.
The core functions of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are predominantly concerned with international political and security policy, advancing reconciliation and cooperation on the island of Ireland, EU enlargement and external relations, and promoting Ireland’s economic and trade interests in Europe and internationally. The overseas travel undertaken by the Tánaiste, the Minister for Trade and Development and I is in pursuit of these goals. For example, the Tánaiste travelled to the UN General Assembly in September 2013 to meet with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to discuss issues of critical importance including the ongoing conflict in Syria and the Middle East peace process, as well as co-chairing a major event on the Millennium Development Goals.
Trade promotion and economic messaging are key elements in all visits abroad undertaken by the Tánaiste and Ministers from the Department. In 2013, the Tánaiste undertook a political and trade mission to China (Beijing and Shanghai) at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen the high-level political engagement necessary to deliver on the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Ireland and China. He also had a series of engagements focused on supporting Irish companies doing business in China, promoting Ireland as a tourist destination, and promoting Ireland as the best investment location for Chinese businesses looking to expand in Europe. In addition, he led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Turkey. Deals secured during the visit are expected to reach well over €30m in value.
Whenever Ministers travel on official business overseas, every effort is made to ensure that appropriate opportunities are taken for a substantive economic and promotional dimension to the visit. In this regard, St. Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to promote Ireland’s economic and political interests overseas, with levels of publicity and media attention unmatched by the national day of any other country. In March 2013, the Tánaiste travelled to the United States, Ireland’s most important source of Foreign Direct Investment, our largest market for exports of merchandise and a vital tourism market.
The purpose of his travel there was to return maximum economic benefit to Ireland as well as availing of the political access available to advance issues such as maintaining vital US support for the Northern Ireland peace process, and on bilateral issues including US immigration reform. Such Ministerial visits are also important to Irish communities abroad, and an occasion to engage with those of Irish descent, whose friendship and support is such an asset to us. Much of the travel undertaken in 2013 by the Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello T.D. also included a substantial trade focus. He led Enterprise Ireland trade missions to Canada, Belgium and South Africa/Nigeria.
The contracts won and the contacts made during trade missions lead to job creation and long-term economic benefits for Ireland. In October, Minister Costello accompanied An tUachtarán na hÉireann during state visits to Mexico, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. This visit reinforced Ireland’s strong relations with these countries and served to emphasise Ireland’s interest in developing and expanding political and trade relations with the Latin American and Caribbean region. Other overseas travel undertaken by him included travel related to international humanitarian and development issues, including travel to Irish Aid programme countries. His total travel costs in 2013 were €43,277.
The travel costs for the Department in 2013 included exceptional once-off costs associated with Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first six months of 2013. The travel costs for former Minister of State for EU Affairs Lucinda Creighton T.D. amounted to €70,894 in 2013. In her capacity as then Minister for European Affairs during the Presidency, she travelled almost 200,000km and visited 44 countries. In succeeding Deputy Creighton in this role, I have built upon the excellent work conducted during the Presidency. As part of my role as Minister for European Affairs, I attended the monthly meetings of the General Affairs Council and the European Council with the Taoiseach as well deputising for Minister Noonan at the meeting of the ECOFIN Council and Eurogroup.
It is the firm belief of the Government that our relationship with the Member States of the European Union is an essential element of our foreign policy agenda, both in the realm of bilateral relations and in the context of the European Union. To this end, I undertook eleven bilateral trips from the date of taking office to the end of last year. These visits included engagements with business communities, the Diaspora, the local media as well as with my counterparts and key political figures with the sole objective of repairing our reputation with our partners, advancing our interests and strengthening our relations across the full range of the Department’s objectives. In addition to these bilateral visits, I also represented the Government at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius. Not only was this Summit significant, given that Ireland was in the OSCE Chairmanship in Office Trio, but it was also the Forum at which negotiations on an EU Association Agreement with Ukraine collapsed. Events have since demonstrated how pivotal that moment has been. I also represented the Government at the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in New Delhi, during which, in addition to advancing our positions at the Plenary, I held a number of bilateral discussions with our partners in Asia.
Furthermore, the Government clearly recognises the importance of the European Parliament in EU decision making and has committed to Ministerial attendance at as many Plenary Sessions as is practical. In this regard, I attended a Plenary Session in the second half of last year. These overseas travel costs came to €11, 919 in 2013.
During the EU Presidency, it was necessary for the Tánaiste to travel to Brussels and Luxembourg on a regular basis. The programme for the visits to Brussels and Luxembourg usually involved back-to-back monthly meetings of the General Affairs Council, which he chaired for the duration of the Presidency, and the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC). He also represented the Council at key political level meetings with the European Parliament and the European Commission in relation to the EU Budget for the period 2014-2020. After intensive negotiations, agreement on the EU budget was reached in the final days of June, and was widely regarded as a major achievement of the Irish Presidency.
During this period, the Tánaiste also substituted for High Representative Catherine Ashton on seven occasions in which he either chaired or participated in meetings. This included four engagements at the European Parliament - three debriefs to the Foreign Affairs Committee on the outcome of the FAC and one address to the European Parliament - as well as an address to the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
30. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has examined the policy implications for Ireland of a "Yes" vote in the Scottish independence referendum; if he will support Scotland's application for membership of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15253/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe people of Scotland will vote in a referendum on 18 September 2014 on the question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?". That question is one which the people of Scotland, and they alone, should decide. I do not believe it would be appropriate for the Government to comment, therefore, on issues which at this stage are hypothetical, especially where comment might be perceived as an intervention in the debate.
A decision in favour of independence would of course have both political and policy implications for Ireland, reshaping our relations with Scotland as well as relations within the United Kingdom and the European Union. Our Embassy in London and Consulate General in Edinburgh are monitoring the debate very closely and my Department is assessing the issues arising and the policy implications for Ireland on an ongoing basis.
