Micheál Martin
Ceist:412. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the triple lock system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35641/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOverseas Missions
Ceisteanna (412)
Freagraí scríofa
The conditions under which Irish military personnel may be deployed for service outside the State as part of an International Force, referred to as the ‘triple lock’ mechanism, are set down in the Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Act of 1960 as amended by the Defence (Amendment) Act of 2006. The service must be as part of an International United Nations Force as defined by the legislation; it must be approved by the Government; and, with certain limited exceptions, it must be approved by way of a resolution of Dáil Éireann.
The ‘triple lock’ reflects the central importance which Ireland accords to the role of the United Nations in relation to maintaining international peace and security which is integral to the pursuit of our foreign policy objectives and the promotion of our values. The authorisation of the United Nations confers international legitimacy on a military operation and ensures that it is undertaken only with the consent of the international community.
The ‘triple lock’ mechanism provides the essential foundation for the participation of Irish military personnel in overseas operations. It enjoys overwhelming public support and has served the State well.
Question No. 413 answered with Question No. 401.
Question No. 414 answered with Question No. 409.
Good Friday Agreement
Ceisteanna (415)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:415. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with the progress being made on all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35608/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Good Friday Agreement, as well as the values and principles underpinning it, is at the core of the Government’s approach to peace, reconciliation and prosperity on this island. Implementing outstanding elements of the Good Friday Agreement is a priority for the Government. Among the elements yet to be implemented are the establishment of a North South Consultative Forum, a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and an Irish Language Act. The Government’s priority remains to ensure that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement function effectively to the benefit of all.
Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and in particular of the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. The Government continues to follow developments closely in relation to the proposed Act, as well as the overall enhancement and protection of the Irish Language in Northern Ireland.
The Good Friday Agreement also provided for the establishment of an independent civic Forum representative of civil society in Northern Ireland. The St Andrews Agreement provided further that the Northern Ireland Executive would support the establishment of an independent North/South Consultative Forum. In September 2008, the Irish Government submitted proposals for the role, format, membership and operation of a North South Consultative Forum to the Executive for its consideration, and facilitated three consultative conferences, the most recent of which was in January 2011. The Government awaits a response from the Executive. We have since raised the Forum at each Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council and it was on the agenda for the plenary meeting of 3 October 2014.
A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland drawn up by agreement between the main parties of the Assembly could set out precisely and formally the rights underpinning a reconciled society in Northern Ireland. Officials of my Department keep in ongoing contact with representatives of civil society on the issue of a Bill of Rights.
I will continue to press the importance of implementing outstanding elements of the Agreement in my discussions with the British Government and Northern Ireland Executive. Officials in my Department will continue to monitor these matters in their ongoing contacts with the Northern Ireland Office and with officials of the Northern Ireland Executive.
Question No. 416 answered with Question No. 404.
Military Aircraft Landings
Ceisteanna (417)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:417. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he proposes to recommend to the Irish Government with regard to US troops and war materials transiting through Shannon Airport given the High Court ruling (details supplied) by Judge Kearns on 28 April 2003 in the Horgan v. Ireland case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34546/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 provides that no foreign military aircraft shall fly over or land in the State save on the express invitation or with the express permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Arrangements under which permission is granted for US military aircraft to land at Irish airports are governed by strict conditions. These include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form any part of military exercises or operations.
Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, the carriage of weapons on commercial aircraft through Irish airspace and airports is prohibited unless an exemption has been obtained in advance from the Minister for Transport. Ireland has made overflight and landing facilities at Shannon airport available to the United States for well over 50 years. In relation to the transit of US troops through that airport, the Deputy will be aware that the majority of these personnel are carried on chartered civilian aircraft. The carriage of personal weapons by US military personnel on board chartered aircraft in transit through Shannon airport is subject to the issuance of an exemption under the 1973 Order in respect of each individual flight. The US authorities are aware of the requirement that all carriers are obliged to seek permission for the transit of these weapons through Irish airports.
Dr. Horgan’s 2003 High Court action failed because Mr. Justice Kearns found that, under the Constitution, generally recognised principles of international law do not create individual rights that can be enforced in the Irish courts. Accordingly, while Judge Kearns made observations on the customary international law of neutrality, these were not relevant to the outcome of the case.
The Government remains fully committed to the policy of military neutrality followed by successive Irish Governments, the central feature of which has been our non-membership of military alliances. Ireland is not, and has never been, politically or ideologically neutral, as successive Governments have been of the view that proactive engagement is required to address challenges to global peace and stability. Ireland is firmly committed to playing a positive and constructive role in the prevention and management of conflict.
I am satisfied that the arrangements relating to the transit of US military personnel and landing of US military aircraft at Shannon airport does not challenge or undermine this policy in any way.
Middle East Issues
Ceisteanna (418)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:418. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities here and at UN level about the land grab taking place in the West Bank in the form of Israeli settlements being continually built in violation of the UN green line of 1948, a land grab which is causing restrictions on travel for Palestinians as well as huge disruption to daily life, such as agricultural land being cut off from town lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37804/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In recent years Ireland has increasingly worked to focus attention on the issue of Israeli settlements. The Government has consistently stressed, in public statements and in discussions at EU level and elsewhere, that settlements and the relentless programme of settlement expansion are major drivers of the continuing conflict, and deeply damaging to the prospects of achieving peace.
On 1 September I issued a statement condemning the appropriation by Israel of a large bloc of Palestinian land for the purpose of settlement construction, and I have also condemned the approval last week of a new parcel of settlement construction in a highly sensitive area between Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
These concerns form a continuous and critical element of exchanges with the Israeli authorities, at both political and diplomatic level. I specifically wrote to the Israeli Ambassador on 1 September, asking him to relay those concerns to the Israeli Government.
I also discussed the issue with my Palestinian counterpart at a bilateral meeting in the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York last week.
I will continue to focus on this critical issue.
Overseas Development Aid
Ceisteanna (419)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:419. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of Malawi being one of Irish Aid's key partner countries in receipt of Irish aid, if he will support debt relief for Malawi, use Ireland's experience in Irish revenue, and influence in the OECD and EU to support the designing and strengthening of its domestic tax system; if he will negotiate a tax treaty with Malawi using the UN model rather than the OECD model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37805/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has long been to the forefront of the global initiative to support debt cancellation for the least developed countries, including Malawi.
Since 1996 we have provided over €116 million for international debt cancellation initiatives, despite the fact our development aid has always been untied and provided on grant terms, and never as loans. We can be proud that Ireland has contributed our full financial share to both of the main elements of the debt relief framework, namely the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI).
Malawi became a partner country for Ireland in 2007 and our aid budget in 2013 amounted to some €19.5 million. Our current country strategy for Malawi links the crucial issues of food, nutrition and good governance with a focus on those communities most vulnerable to the interwoven challenges of poverty, hunger and climate change.
As highlighted in the Department’s Africa Strategy, Ireland supports a number of important initiatives to encourage more effective and equitable tax raising models in Africa. Following previous collaboration between the Revenue Commissioners and the Rwanda Revenue Authority, my Department is discussing a broader framework of cooperation between the Revenue Commissioners and our partner countries. This currently includes the possibility of bilateral collaboration with the Malawian Revenue Authorities based on their specific needs.
Overseas Development Aid Provision
Ceisteanna (420)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:420. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide the extent of Irish funding to the Palestinian Authority; the amount of this earmarked for cultural and educational activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37806/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has funded programmes of assistance to Palestine for more than two decades, reflecting a long-standing commitment to justice for the Palestinian people and to the peaceful development of a viable, sovereign Palestinian State. This funding, which currently amounts to over €10 million annually, addresses immediate humanitarian needs, as well as development priorities and the promotion of human rights.
Ireland, like other EU Members States, is committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority as part of our overall programme of support for the Palestinian people. This support which enables the Palestinian Authority to build its institutions and provide essential public services to its people is critical to laying the foundations for a future Palestinian State. Ireland is providing a total of €3 million in funding to the Palestinian Authority in 2014 in support of education and social development programmes.
Ireland’s funding to the Palestinian people has traditionally had a strong focus on the education sector which is crucial to Palestine’s long-term economic viability. Of the €3 million total funding, we are providing €1.5 million in support to the Palestinian Authority’s Education Development Strategic Plan through a Joint Financing Arrangement along with a number of other donors. We are also providing €1.5 million to the Palestinian Authority through a mechanism overseen by the European Commission, known as PEGASE, mainly for the social development sector, enabling continued service delivery in the vital areas of health, education and social services. This contribution helps to strengthen the Authority’s ability to meet the needs of the most vulnerable Palestinian households.
Overseas Development Aid
Ceisteanna (421)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:421. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding the Government’s strategy for Ireland's involvement in international development co-operation as laid out in One World, One Future and the recent publication of an implementation plan on same by Irish Aid, the reason the framework for action makes no reference to disability; the work being supported by Irish Aid in this area; the way in which persons with disabilities will now feature in the country programmes that Irish Aid has agreed with the Governments of its partner countries and NGOs; if he believes that the inclusion of persons with disabilities is a key strategy for achieving the millennium development goals by their 2015 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37835/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government’s Policy for International Development, One World, One Future, highlights Ireland's clear commitment to addressing the rights and needs of vulnerable people, including those with disabilities. Human rights and accountability form one of six priority areas for action. The aim is to ensure that principles including non-discrimination, equality, empowerment and participation are integrated across all our development efforts. In this way, we aim to contribute to the fulfilment of our international human rights commitments, including in the area of disability.
The recently released Framework for Action for One World, One Future aims to ensure effectiveness and accountability in achieving these policy commitments. To better address the rights of those with disabilities, the Framework identifies the need for the Government’s overseas development programme – Irish Aid – to address the needs of the most vulnerable and consistently address inequalities in policy and programming. It also identifies the need for a sustained focus on access to services, with a sharpened focus on reaching the most marginalised.
Through the Irish Aid programme there has and will continue to be a strong focus on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. We have provided support to a wide range of Irish-based NGOs, including Plan, Sightsavers, Christian Blind Mission, Children in Crossfire, to undertake work that specifically benefits people with disabilities.
Throughout our Partner Country programming there is also a strong focus on disability. In Mozambique, Irish Aid is supporting NGOs to implement a project entitled “Living without Limits”. In Vietnam, disability is one of the focus areas for Irish Aid’s ‘Civil Society Facility’. Under our Partnership Programme with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), a priority area of focus is on assisting people with disabilities and advocating on disability legislation in Africa. Irish Aid support has facilitated access for women entrepreneurs with disabilities into mainstream women’s entrepreneurship activities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
At the 68th Session of the UN General Assembly, Ireland called for an ambitious Post 2015 framework that can drive efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development, reflecting the rights and priorities of the almost 1 billion people currently living with disabilities. Ireland has successfully advocated for better and more disaggregated data, including for disability, to ensure that the Post 2015 agenda 'leaves no one behind'. Such data can facilitate a clearer understanding of the relationship between disability and poverty and the barriers that disabled people face in fully participating in economic life.
These represent just some examples of the Government’s commitment to addressing the needs of people with disabilities. Through the implementation of One World, One Future and the associated Framework, the Irish Aid programme will continue to be strongly focused on supporting policies and programmes that eliminate exclusion, thus ensuring that the most vulnerable have access to essential services and opportunities throughout the developing world.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (422)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:422. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the pro-democracy protests taking place in Hong Kong; his views on whether Hong Kong's democratic structures are now under threat; and his discussions at EU level regarding these development. [37858/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is monitoring the situation in Hong Kong closely and is in regular contact with our Consulate General in Hong Kong and with our Embassy in Beijing.
Ireland supports Hong Kong’s Basic Law protections of internationally recognised fundamental freedoms, including freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. We encourage all parties to refrain from any actions that may escalate tensions, and to express views on the SAR’s political future in a peaceful manner. We further encourage all parties to work for a constructive solution within the framework of the Basic Law.
The situation in Hong Kong is under ongoing review at official level in the EU. The Spokesperson for the EU High Representative also issued a statement on the situation on Friday 3 October.
We will continue to follow events in Hong Kong closely.
Overseas Development Aid Expenditure
Ceisteanna (423, 425)
Dominic Hannigan
Ceist:423. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to invest in Ireland's overseas aid budget in his budget proposal for budget 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37979/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:425. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland is fulfilling its commitment to overseas aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38038/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 423 and 425 together.
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy on International Development, “One World, One Future” clearly articulates our vision for a sustainable and just world, and sets out our goals and areas of focus for the coming years. The policy restates our commitment to achieving the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA), when economic circumstances permit.
Since coming to office, the Government has successfully managed to stabilise the budget for development assistance. This is a significant achievement, particularly in light of the difficult budgetary circumstances we faced. It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the aid programme. Since 2011 we have allocated in excess of €2.5 billion to ODA, providing €657 million in 2011, €629 million in 2012, and €637 million last year. For 2014 we expect to provide in excess of €600 million for ODA. These are substantial allocations of public funds and represent a genuine investment on behalf of the Irish people to assist those less fortunate than ourselves.
The estimates process for Budget 2015 is now in its final stages. As with allocations to all Government Departments, the 2015 budget for Ireland’s aid programme will be framed in the context of our policy commitments and the overall budgetary circumstances we face. The final allocation to ODA is ultimately a decision for Government, and will be announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on Budget Day next week.
As the Deputy can appreciate I am not in position to announce next year’s allocation but, as I have repeatedly stated publicly, and in response to previous Questions, I and the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade have made, and will continue to make, the strongest case possible for the allocation to the development assistance programme.
I am determined to ensure that Ireland’s aid programme continues to be recognised as a world leader, focusing relentlessly on delivering real and sustainable results that provide lasting improvements to the lives of some the world’s poorest people.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (424)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:424. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the scheduled reductions in spending in 2015 in his Department, or in agencies under his aegis, and the areas of spending in which these reductions are scheduled to take place to show the amount of reductions by theme. [38025/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The estimates process for Budget 2015 is now in its finals stages. As with allocations to all Government Departments, Budget 2015 allocations for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Group will be framed in the context of our policy commitments and the overall budgetary circumstances we face.
The final 2015 Budget allocation, which is ultimately a decision for Government, will be announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 14 October next. I am currently not in a position to comment in advance of this.
Question No. 425 answered with Question No. 423.
Military Aircraft Landings
Ceisteanna (426)
Clare Daly
Ceist:426. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a Hercules C130, registration number 16/8073 being in Shannon Airport on 1 October 2014 at 9 a.m.; his further views on whether it was not involved in any military operations or exercises, in view of the fact that the aircraft was operated by a Reserve Marine Corps squadron called the Rangers which has been involved in many operations in Libya and Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38084/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Shannon Airport Authority has confirmed that no aircraft matching this description landed at Shannon airport on 1 October 2014.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (427)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:427. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when a decision will be made on an application (details supplied) for reconciliation anti-sectarianism funds, in view of the exceptional work being done by the applicants and the need for further funding to allow this work continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38145/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Reconciliation Fund awards support to projects that contribute to reconciliation through education, dialogue, culture and commemoration; promote tolerance and respect; challenge stereotypes of one’s own and other communities/identities, and develop and strengthen meaningful cross-border links. All projects are assessed in terms of their potential to meet the objectives of the Reconciliation Fund Strategy.
The application referred to by the Deputy has been received and as part of the current funding round is being assessed. I will announce my decisions on funding in November.
UN Resolutions
Ceisteanna (428)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:428. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of occasions Ireland has supported a no action motion on any UN council resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38146/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is not Ireland’s practice to support motions of the kind referred to by the Deputy as we see them as a form of censorship of discussion and debate which are essential to the functioning of the bodies of the United Nations and other international organisations. Ireland has frequently condemned the use of such motions by other States and in the case of the Human Rights Council we would particularly oppose it as it precludes the discussion of situations of legitimate concern to the entire international community.
As the no action motion is an established procedural device Ireland does not rule out its use in all circumstances and might, for example, consider supporting a no action motion in the case of a draft resolution denying the right of a Member State of the United Nations to exist.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (429)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:429. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community is focused on addressing issues such as the intimidation of relatives of victims of the air crash in the Ukraine by masked, hooded and armed personnel who impeded the victims’ relatives in their attempts to recover the bodies of their loved ones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38220/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH 17 over eastern Ukraine on 17 July, which resulted in the tragic loss of 298 innocent lives, was met with universal shock and condemnation.
The terrible incident was uppermost in our minds when Ministers met at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 22 July. We expressed our deep sadness at the tragic event and conveyed our condolences to the people and governments of the many countries affected and in particular to the families of the victims.
Together with my EU partners, I called on the separatist groups to ensure full, immediate and secure access to the crash site and surrounding area. We emphasised the need for a viable security corridor to enable the process of victim identification to begin without delay and to permit the recovery of the possessions of the victims and the professional and dignified repatriation of their remains. We also made it clear that the EU expected all those in the area to preserve the crash site intact, including by refraining from destroying, moving, or disturbing remains, wreckage, equipment, debris or personal belongings.
The Council endorsed UN Security Council Resolution 2166, which Ireland co-sponsored, calling for a full, transparent and independent investigation into the crash in accordance with international civil aviation guidelines.
We also underlined the need for those directly and indirectly responsible for bringing down the plane to be held accountable and brought to justice.
The Dutch Safety Board, which is leading the investigation into the crash, presented its Preliminary Report to the International Civil Aviation Organisation on 9 September. A Final Report is expected to be published in 2015.
Disease Management
Ceisteanna (430)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:430. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps taken or proposed by the international community to contain the spread of Ebola; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38221/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is now recognised as an international public health emergency. I have just returned from a visit to Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, where I saw for myself the devastating effects of the epidemic on people already coping with the impact of conflict and poverty.
The epidemic shows no signs of abating and the UN has stated that, in addition to the devastating effect it has already had on economic development in the most-affected countries, it is also a threat to security, governance and political stability in the region. As of 23 September, the World Health Organisation has estimated the total number of cases in West Africa at over 6,500, with more than 3,000 deaths.
Ireland was one of the co-sponsors of a UN Security Council resolution on Ebola adopted on 18 September, which led to the establishment of a new UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response - UNMEER. The Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Ebola, David Nabarro, issued a call on 24 September for funding of €1 billion. On 25 September, a High Level Meeting was held at the UN in New York to focus world attention on the crisis.
The European Council considered the crisis at its special meeting on 30 August and called for increased response co-ordination across the Member States. A comprehensive EU response framework is now in place and the EU has so far pledged €180 million for the fight against Ebola, in addition to individual Member State contributions. Foreign Ministers will focus on the crisis at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council which will be held on 20 October.
Ireland is also playing its part. Liberia and Sierra Leone are the two countries most severely affected. They are partner countries for Ireland’s development aid programme, where we are providing a total of €10 million in aid annually, much of it focused on supporting the health systems. We are also providing very significant funding for the long term development work of our NGO partners in both countries.
We have provided humanitarian funding of €350,000 directly to NGOs working on the Ebola response, and I recently announced additional funding of €660,000 to UNICEF. As a result of my visit to Sierra Leone, I have announced further funding of €1.1 million for the management of two Ebola Treatment Centres in West Africa, one in Sierra Leone and one in Liberia. We will continue to monitor developments very closely, and will examine what further assistance Ireland can provide, and how the effectiveness of the global response can be strengthened further.