Written Answers Nos. 431-449
431. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, together with his EU and UN colleagues, continues to focus on the activities of the Boko Haram in Nigeria with particular reference to the release of school girls taken prisoner some time ago; if efforts are being made to locate their whereabouts; if any have been released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38222/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI strongly condemn the abduction of more than 200 young girls by Boko Haram from a school in the Nigerian town of Chibok in April. I am appalled by continuing reports of other violent attacks and I remain seriously concerned by the security situation in Nigeria.
The Government has given its full support to the clear demands of the United Nations Secretary General and the High Representative of the European Union that the abducted girls be released and that those responsible be brought to justice. The Government has also urged the Nigerian authorities to take all appropriate steps to protect their citizens and to accept international assistance to locate the schoolgirls. While some of the girls escaped shortly after the kidnapping, it is difficult to confirm recent rumours that others may have escaped.
The EU as well as several individual EU Member States, the UN and the USA continue to assist the Nigerian authorities in strengthening their ability to provide security and to combat terrorism. The EU is currently funding the provision of technical assistance to the Office of the National Security Advisor of Nigeria to implement and coordinate counter-terrorism legislation and crisis management structures and to develop capacity to address the problem of increasing radicalisation and recruitment.
On 22 May, the Al Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UN added Boko Haram to its list of individuals and entities subject to targeted financial sanctions and an arms embargo. The EU has also added Boko Haram to its list of people and groups covered by the freezing of funds and economic resources with effect from 29 May.
Ireland supports the decisions reached at the Summit on Security in Nigeria held in Paris on 17 May, at which Nigeria and its neighbours committed themselves to intensifying regional and international cooperation to combat Boko Haram terrorism. A follow-up conference was held in Abuja on 3 September. This process brought together Nigeria, its neighbours, the EU and other international partners to strengthen regional security cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram. The conference also underlined the importance of creating a secure environment in which the human rights of civilians in affected areas would be promoted and protected.
Our Embassy in Abuja, working locally in cooperation with EU and other key partners, remains in close contact with the Nigerian authorities, which have primary responsibility for securing the safe release of the missing schoolgirls as well as addressing the broader security situation.
We will continue to support the Nigerian Government in its efforts to locate and free the abducted schoolgirls, to counter further radicalisation and terrorism and to promote full respect for human rights. Ireland has consistently supported the rights of women and girls, and in particular the right of girls to education.
432. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he remains satisfied that adequate efforts continue to be made to encourage Iran to embrace democratic structures incorporating full recognition of human rights standards; if sanctions commensurate with progress in this regard are being lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38223/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the general issue of human rights in Iran, I refer the Deputy to my reply to his oral Question No. 84 (37686/14) today.
In relation to sanctions, it is important to distinguish between the sanctions related to the dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme, and those related to human rights.
The sanctions related to human rights are limited and very focussed, and relate essentially to specific named human rights abusers.
The broader sanctions which cover certain economic, financial and industrial sectors in Iran are related to the nuclear issue, and may be removed if and when the nuclear issue is resolved. I hope that will be the case. They were not imposed because of human rights concerns, and will not be removed because of progress in relation to those concerns.
The Deputy will also note that in my earlier reply I stated that, while we are hopeful of a new and more positive dialogue with Iran on human rights, there has been little visible progress to date.
433. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU and UN are united in support of a peace process in the Middle East; if positive efforts continue in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38224/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra440. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the basis for continued peace talks has emerged in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38232/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 440 together.
Following the end of the recent round of direct negotiations in April, the EU, UN and others, including the US administration, have made clear their continued support for a renewal of dialogue and negotiation, which is the only way to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement. However, there is no move under way at the moment to try to achieve such a resumption, nor is such a move expected without a strong indication that the parties, and in particular the Government of Israel, are ready to negotiate seriously.
The basis for talks remains the same: to reach an agreement incorporating a two state solution based on the 1967 borders, with appropriate agreed adjustments if necessary. While some analysts now question if such a solution is still possible, no workable alternative has been put forward which would reasonably satisfy the needs and aspirations of both peoples.
434. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community remains focused on the issues in Syria, with particular reference to the need to address the ongoing violence against civilians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38225/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland remains fully committed to a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Syria. Although reaching a political resolution is a difficult challenge, it remains the best option and the only alternative to the further intensification of the military conflict.
Ireland, and its international partners, are committed to working with the new UN Special Representative Mr Staffan di Mistura in his task of pursuing a negotiated end to the conflict. The UN will continue to play a central role in efforts to chart a political resolution to the conflict in Syria, in conjunction with the members of the UN Security Council and all relevant international and regional stake-holders, including the EU.
We support Resolutions 2139 and 2165 on the humanitarian situation in Syria which were approved by the UN Security Council earlier this year and for which we had been calling for since last autumn. The latest report on the implementation of Resolution 2139 sets out very clearly that the fundamental obstacles to the provision of humanitarian assistance remain in place across Syria, and that the parties to the conflict remain in breach of international law. These resolutions make absolutely clear the obligations and duties on all parties, especially the Assad regime, to uphold humanitarian principles and international law. Full compliance without any further delay by all parties is the only acceptable response to their adoption.
The growth of extremism and the threat posed by ISIS and other jihadist groups to the people of Syria and Iraq was extensively discussed at the UN General Assembly which I attended last week. As I made clear in my address to the General Assembly, there can be no complacency within the international community about the threat which ISIS and other extremists represent or about the need for urgent international action to confront this threat to us all.
UN Security Council Resolutions 2170 and 2181 adopted in recent weeks require all UN Member States to implement comprehensive measures to address the threat of terrorism including through such measures as taking active steps to prevent travel by persons suspected of planning or intending to participate in terrorist acts; cooperation in exchanging information on actions and movement by terrorists; prevention of recruitment and radicalisation of possible members of such groups, including through community outreach initiatives, and denying financial transfers to terrorist groups; and supporting the provision of bilateral assistance to States in developing national capacities to respond to foreign terrorist fighters. The Foreign Affairs Council meeting which I attended on 15 August has also welcomed the provision of military support by individual member States to the Iraqi and Kurdish regional authorities at their request to combat terrorism, consistent with the provisions of UN Security Council resolution 2170.
Ireland has so far disbursed over €28 million in humanitarian relief since the beginning of the Syrian conflict. The denial of access for humanitarian relief to the civilian population by the parties to the conflict is unacceptable and must end. So must such barbaric practices as besieging communities and attempting to starve them into submission.
There must be full accountability for the very many horrific violations of human rights perpetrated against the Syrian people throughout this long conflict. We have consistently called on the UN Security Council to refer the many allegations of war crimes to the International Criminal Court and very much deplore the use of the veto by two Security Council members last May on a resolution calling for referral to the International Criminal Court.
435. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which aid efforts are successfully focused on Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38226/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 6.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Sudan, as a result of conflict, insecurity, environmental conditions and displacement. In 2014, some 398,000 people have been newly displaced in Darfur. As a result of the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, large numbers of people are currently crossing the border into Sudan. In addition, during 2011 fighting between the Sudanese armed forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement- North erupted in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. According to UNHCR, there are now 240,000 Sudanese refugees from these regions who have sought haven in South Sudan and in Ethiopia.
Ireland is strongly supporting the efforts of the international community to provide a comprehensive response to the humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people. Through our aid programme we have so far in 2014 provided €1 million to the UN - managed Common Humanitarian Fund for Sudan. We are also supporting a number of Irish NGOs working in the country. Over €3.3 million has been provided in 2014 to Concern, Goal, World Vision and Trocaire for projects in conflict-affected regions of Sudan. These projects include the provision of food security and livelihoods, as well as health, education, and water and sanitation services. A number of Irish missionary organisations working in Sudan have also received support from the Government for their important work.
Ireland has also been active at EU and UN level. Most recently at the 27th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, of which we are currently a member, Ireland made a national statement on the Report of the Independent Expert on the Human Rights Situation in Sudan. We share the concerns of the Independent Expert in relation to the increasingly difficult environment for civil society organisations working in Sudan. We are also concerned about humanitarian access to a number of conflict affected areas. The report notes that 160,000 children under the age of five have not received routine vaccinations in South Kordofan and Blue Nile States. Our statement to the Council strongly endorsed the call for armed movements in Sudan to facilitate humanitarian access to conflict areas.
We are working with other EU members states to re examine the EU’s engagement with Sudan from a political perspective, but also in terms of how the EU can best support the fight against poverty and hunger in Sudan. I expect that the matter will be on the agenda for the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 October.
436. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which progress continues to encourage EU membership throughout the western Balkans; the countries that have so far achieved progress in the acquis communautaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38228/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra437. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which progress continues towards EU enlargement with particular reference to the countries currently in the process and proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38229/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 437 together.
Ireland has long been a strong supporter of the Enlargement process. Enlargement is generally seen as one of the most successful foreign policy initiatives of the European Union.
In this context, we welcome the nomination of Johannes Hahn as Commissioner Designate for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations and wish him well in his new role. He has made clear that there will be “no standstill in our activities – quite the contrary”.
Accordingly, we hope to see active progress on the Enlargement portfolio during the tenure of the next Commission.
For Ireland, it is important to work intensively to advance the accession process with the current candidates and potential candidates, particularly with a view to overcoming the legacy of recent conflicts in the Western Balkans.
The EU enlargement process is founded on the Copenhagen criteria, which reflect the EU’s founding values: peace, democracy, the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights, and a functioning market economy. Enlargement is a conditional process: prospective member states must achieve progress on reforms in order to move forward on their EU paths.
The European Commission actively supports the reform process by preparing annual country progress reports, which outline the extent to which the candidate and potential candidate countries have advanced to reach the necessary standard to join the EU. This year’s reports are due to be published on 8 October. They will be examined in detail by all Member States, including Ireland, at official level, prior to consideration at the General Affairs Council in December.
As regards individual countries, following Croatia’s accession on 1 July 2013, there are six candidate countries: Turkey, Iceland, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Albania. In addition, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.
Turkey was granted Candidate status by the European Council in December 1999 and the European Council agreed to begin accession negotiations in December 2004. Fourteen out of thirty-five Chapters have been opened and are now under negotiation.
Montenegro began accession negotiations in June 2012 and twelve negotiating Chapters are now open, of which two have been provisionally closed.
The European Union began accession negotiations with Serbia on 21 January 2014, and since then, the screening process has been on-going. This process is designed to determine the extent of Serbian alignment with the acquis communautaire. A major focus of negotiations ahead will be on the normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo.
Association negotiations with Iceland remain suspended following a decision of the Icelandic Government in early 2013.
Macedonia was granted Candidate Status in 2005 but it has yet to open accession negotiations, pending a resolution of the name dispute with Greece.
Albania was granted Candidate Status in June 2014. Ireland supported this step as a signal of positive encouragement to the Albanian Government, and the region as a whole, to maintain reform momentum.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet formally applied for EU membership and thus remains a potential candidate country. In recent years, Bosnia has been working to develop an EU coordination mechanism and to revise its complex power-sharing structures to facilitate the participation of minorities in political life.
Kosovo has continued negotiations with the European Commission on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA), the first step on the EU accession path. The SAA was initialled in July and future steps will be further discussed this autumn.
Ireland looks forward to working with each country in support of their respective paths to EU membership.
438. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the various Irish embassies or consulates throughout the EU and worldwide continue to be used as a means of promoting this country and establishing new trade contacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38230/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraEconomic diplomacy is a central part of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and of Ireland’s network of Embassies and Consulates abroad. The promotion of Ireland’s economic interests overseas is vital to the recovery and development of the domestic economy. The Department is committed to using its full resources, at headquarters and through the Embassy network, to promote Ireland’s economic and trading interests, cultural profile and reputation internationally.
The work of the Embassy network is essential to efforts to enhance Ireland’s international reputation and to drive economic recovery through the promotion of trade, tourism and investment. The Embassy network is uniquely placed to influence key decision-makers and opinion formers around the world. In the wake of the economic and financial crisis, the Embassy network has played a particularly important role in repairing and enhancing our reputation and promoting economic recovery. In addition, our Embassies in the EU have played a key role in mitigating the impact of the crisis, through sustained engagement with EU institutions and member states, supporting the restructuring of the promissory note, the clean exit from the EU/IMF programme and the recent agreement on early repayment of IMF loans.
In 2013, the Embassy network supported a total of 136 high-level visits with a significant economic or promotional dimension across 52 countries. The Embassy network also undertook more than 730 engagements to facilitate trade and investment supporting jobs in Ireland, as well as more than 660 specific engagements to promote Ireland’s economic position to office-holders worldwide. Ambassadors and Embassy staff engaged with over 1,150 representatives of the international media to promote Ireland’s profile and global reputation, and key messages on Ireland’s economic recovery and its strengths as a location for foreign investment were promoted in opinion articles and interviews in the international media reaching more than 53 million people. Speeches and public presentations by Embassy staff promoted Ireland’s interests directly to audiences of over 778,000 around the world.
The Embassy network has continued this work throughout 2014. In particular, the unique promotional opportunity presented by St. Patrick’s Day has been used to full effect to advance Ireland’s economic interests. This year, our Embassies and Consulates, 60 percent of which are staffed by just one or two diplomats, helped to deliver an average of 17 promotional events and engagements each during the St. Patrick’s Day period, across 133 cities in 68 countries, and supported 30 trade-focused high-level visits. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers and the Embassy network promoted key messages on trade, tourism and investment in opinion articles and interviews in the international media reaching more than 23.5 million people. When overseas media coverage of events that were part of the high-level visits or supported by the Embassy network is added, wider audiences of at least 80 million people were reached.
Our Embassy network plays an important role in the implementation of the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy. In priority markets, our Ambassadors chair Local Market Teams, which consist of representatives of the Embassy and State agencies that are present in the market and are responsible for the development of annual Local Market Plans. The implementation of these plans is reviewed by the Export Trade Council, which I chair, and which works to strengthen cooperation and coordination across all Government Departments and State agencies involved in the promotion and development of trade, tourism and investment.
Recognising the important contribution that our Embassies and Consulates make to the promotion of Ireland’s economic interests overseas, the Government decided in January of this year to open eight new diplomatic Missions – five new Embassies and three Consulates-General. These new Missions include newly-established Embassies in Bangkok (Thailand), Jakarta (Indonesia), Nairobi (Kenya) and Zagreb (Croatia), along with the reopening of the Embassy to the Holy See, and Consulates in Hong Kong (China), São Paulo (Brazil) and Austin (Texas, US). The opening of these new Missions will expand the global reach of our economic diplomacy efforts and strengthen our capacity to advance key national interests in trade, tourism and investment promotion, as well as building our broader diplomatic relationship with the countries concerned.
439. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union continues to monitor the situation in the Ukraine with particular reference to the need to ensure the protection of democracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38231/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in Ukraine remains a major priority for the EU and we continue to closely monitor developments there. Member States are resolved to do all they can to help facilitate an inclusive and negotiated settlement of the current conflict, and have actively engaged in efforts to promote dialogue between all sides, including the Russian Federation, since the outset of the crisis
Ireland has previously welcomed the fact that the EU’s relationship with Ukraine has been strengthened by the signature of the Association Agreement with Ukraine. I further welcome the simultaneous approval of this agreement by the Ukrainian Parliament and the European Parliament on 16 September. The Association Agreement is a blueprint for a closer relationship between the Ukraine and the EU based on common values, in particular full respect for democratic principles, rule of law, good governance, human rights and fundamental freedoms. The implementation of the Agreement will ensure progress towards not only peace and economic stability in Ukraine but ongoing reforms and the strengthening of democracy.
Presidential elections were held in Ukraine on 25 May this year. According to the assessment of the OSCE/ODHIR, the election was characterised by a high turnout and the clear resolve of the Ukrainian authorities to hold a genuine democratic exercise in line with international commitments. The EU welcomed the outcome and encouraged the Ukrainian authorities to build on the legitimacy of the newly elected President.
President Poroshenko has set 26 October 2014 as the date for fresh parliamentary elections in Ukraine. The OSCE has confirmed that it will send an Election Observation Mission, comprising 80 long-term and 600 short-term observers, to oversee the election. The EU has agreed to cover the cost of 105 short-term observers, three from each of the 28 Member States as well as from EU candidate and potential candidate countries. Ireland is sending nine election observers as part of these monitoring missions. We welcome this election, which offers the people of Ukraine an important opportunity to express their views clearly on their preferred future path.
The EU stands by Ukraine in pursuing the process of reform ahead, and has reaffirmed the need for the Ukrainian authorities to ensure inclusiveness at all levels of government. This involves reaching out to all Ukrainian regions and population groups and ensuring the protection of national minorities in accordance with Ukraine’s international commitments. In this regard, we encourage Ukraine to draw on the expertise of the Council of Europe and the OSCE.
441. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to monitor aid distribution throughout Africa and other locations with a view to ensuring high standards in respect of distribution and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38233/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland’s Official Development Assistance, I am acutely aware of the need to ensure that our development assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries and makes a real difference in the lives of the world’s poorest people. Ireland’s aid programme has always had a strong poverty focus and the new development policy “One World One Future” will strengthen that focus and adjust it to the changing context in developing countries. Our aid programme is recognised internationally as one of the most effective in reaching the poorest.
Ireland directs the greater part of its assistance to some of the neediest countries in the world. Approximately 80% of our bilateral assistance goes to Least Developed and Low Income countries and to Africa. Programmes funded with this aid are designed and monitored to ensure that our support reaches the intended beneficiaries. They are appraised by Irish Aid staff using clear criteria, including quality of intended impact, sustainability and cost effectiveness. The programmes are subject to regular internal and external monitoring and are evaluated and audited by independent experts, as well as by my Department’s Evaluation and Audit Unit. Qualified Irish and local staff manage in-country aid programmes and ensure that both financial and results reporting by partners is satisfactory. Having a presence on the ground in our partner countries ensures that the management of partners and the dialogue with partner governments are effective. Programme monitoring visits are carried out regularly to assess that funds are appropriately used and programme objectives met.
Robust accountability systems in Partner Countries are essential to ensuring that development assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries. Ireland strongly supports the strengthening of these systems. We provide assistance to national Government oversight institutions, such as the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committees of national Parliaments, to ensure Governments are held to account for the effective expenditure of public funds, including overseas development assistance. Our own management and oversight systems are continually under review to ensure that Irish development funding goes to those most in need, and that we meet the highest standards of accountability.
We will continue to encourage and work with all our partner governments, NGOs, multilateral organisations and others to ensure that they adhere to the high standards of accountability and transparency promoted by the Irish Government.
442. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the top ten locations worldwide wherein serious human rights abuses continue; the extent to which efforts are ongoing by the international community in terms of a positive influence at such locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38235/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither Ireland nor, as far as I am aware, the European Union or the United Nations maintains a list of locations in regard to the greatest human rights violations as requested by the Deputy.
Human rights concerns remain central to our foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland closely monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world. We do this on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official channels and non-governmental/civil society organisations. Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this bilaterally, through the EU or via the positions we take at the UN General Assembly and in the UN Human Rights Council, of which we are a member for the period 2013 to 2015.
We support the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses. This includes support for the role of UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedure Mandate Holders and for the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. The EU regularly makes statements at these bodies on the human rights situations in individual countries and Ireland is fully associated with these statements. The EU also introduces or supports resolutions dealing with specific countries.
Since March 2006, when the UN Human Rights Council was formed, Ireland has engaged proactively with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism initiated by the Council. The UPR mechanism allows for the review of the domestic human rights records of all 193 UN Member States approximately every four and a half years, based on human rights obligations under UN human rights and other instruments. Any UN Member State can take part in the interactive dialogue (i.e. the actual examination of the State under review) and submit written questions in advance. Ireland was itself examined under the UPR process on 6 October 2011. The process enables UN Member States to raise issues, some of which would have been identified by members of the public and civil society, and to make recommendations about the protection and promotion of human rights in the State concerned. Ireland has engaged fully with the UPR process and welcomes the open and constructive dialogue associated with it. We have also made numerous interventions during the UPR examination of other states, raising issues of concern such as gender-based violence, freedom of expression, religious freedom, freedom of assembly and the protection of human rights defenders within the State under review.
The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts human rights dialogues with a number of countries and also raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings. In June 2012 the EU adopted a Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy.
Ireland and its EU partners have been strong and consistent supporters of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court’s Prosecutor has opened investigations into a number of country situations and we will continue to monitor this work closely.
Ireland has also consistently taken the lead in negotiating resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly and in the Human Rights Council, of which we are a member for the period 2013 to 2015, on the promotion and protection of human rights defenders, as well as on the implementation of EU Guidelines in relation to human rights defenders in third countries, the aim being to ensure that the latter can operate in an environment free from hindrance and insecurity.
Mindful that the risk of human rights violations is greater where political, economic and administrative systems are weak, the Government’s development cooperation programme, Irish Aid, supports concrete actions designed to promote human rights, including strengthening government systems and in-country human rights institutions (in particular through legal training). Legal aid programmes targeted at victims of human rights abuses are also supported. Irish Aid, the aid programme operated by my Department, has a specific focus on governance in several programme countries.
The Government will continue to avail of all the above-mentioned mechanisms and instruments with a view to highlighting violations of human rights and furthering their protection.
443. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and-or with members of the Northern Ireland Executive the proposals by the PSNI to end the Historical Enquiries Team and also substantial cuts to the police ombudsman's office; if he has made any specific proposals on the need to establish on a statutory basis a robust and comprehensive investigation process that will gain the confidence of the families of victims and their representative groups, as those families have been denied, in some instances, for many decades the basic truth about the death of loved ones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38278/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously indicated to this House, the Government firmly believes that addressing the legacy of the past is central to allowing Northern Ireland to make progress towards reconciliation and a cohesive society. Given the current political impasse, the British and Irish Governments have confirmed their intention to convene talks involving all of Northern Ireland’s political parties and both Governments.
The Government believes that the issue of dealing with the past should be addressed in the talks process, regarding which I am in close contact with Secretary of State Villiers, as well as on a wide range of issues relating to Northern Ireland.
The Government continues to support the work of the PSNI in investigating the past and the work of the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, Dr. Michael Maguire. The PSNI’s proposal to effectively close the Historical Enquiries Team and the reduction in funding to the Police Ombudsman’s Office arises in the context of a difficult financial and political situation in Northern Ireland. However I am concerned about the potential impact of this decision on families who have already suffered so much as a result of the conflict. The Government has consistently advocated that the rights of those affected by the conflict must be upheld and we will continue to do so.
The Government remains fully committed, as co-guarantors of the Agreements, to supporting further progress towards reconciliation. Achieving a fair and balanced solution to dealing with the past is not easy, touching as it does so many of the unresolved issues in the conflict.
Notwithstanding these challenges, I am confident that a fair and balanced solution can be achieved. I will remain in close contact with Secretary of State Villiers, with Minister of Justice Ford, and with the Northern Ireland Parties on this matter.
444. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a school transport ticket; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37789/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
I have asked Bus Éireann to verify the factual position in relation to the child in question. I will then contact the Deputy directly to outline the position on this matter.
445. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the grants that have been provided under the action plan on bullying by organisation, amount and year that they were provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37673/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Action Plan on Bullying was launched in January 2013. Funding has been made available to support the implementation of actions recommended in the Plan. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to grants provided is set out in the table.
|
Organisation |
Grant in 2013 |
Grant in 2014 |
|
National Parents Council (primary and post primary) |
€60,000 |
€115,000 |
|
BeLonG To Youth Services |
€108,385 |
€53,000 |
|
Professional Development Services for Teachers (PDST) |
€70,661.75 |
€21,468 |
|
Graduate.ie |
€10,000 |
N/A |
|
Gay and Lesbian Equality Network |
€40,000 |
N/A |
|
Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children |
N/A |
€20,000 |
446. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding fair funding for schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37689/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that I have been in discussions with all the education partners, which included Pre-Budget matters.
I met with the Joint Managerial Body which represents all voluntary secondary schools, including fee charging schools.
I received their Pre-Budget 2015 submissions, which covered the matters raised by the Deputy.
The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot at this stage anticipate any specific decisions the Government may take in the next Budget.
447. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans for new laws that will monitor teacher performance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37690/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI intend to amend the Teaching Council Act to strengthen the legislative architecture for the Council's fitness to teach function and Garda vetting.
Once the relevant sections are commenced, the Council will investigate complaints against teachers through a number of phases, up to and including holding a hearing. The staged process ensures that the investigation is robust and that the rights of all parties, including teachers, to a fair hearing and due process is respected.
This process will also allow for measures to be put in place to support those teachers who need help to bring their professional practice up to the high standards expected as well as for sanctions such as suspension or deregistration should the situation require it.
I intend to commence these provisions later this year, once the necessary changes have been made.
However, it is important to note that the Council's fitness to teach processes will not replace the procedures that are already in place in schools to deal with issues of professional conduct and competence. Underperformance or misconduct should be dealt with first at school level and these procedures exhausted before any inquiry by the Teaching Council would take place. It would be expected that most cases should conclude at the level of the school.
448. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of reports of various forms of school bullying reported or identified in 2013; the degree to which any new initiatives have been taken to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37692/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no requirement on schools to report bullying incidents to my Department.
The School Principal under the anti-bullying procedures for all schools is required to report regularly to the Board of Management on the overall number of bullying cases and provide confirmation that these are being dealt with in accordance with the procedures.
The Board is required to undertake an annual review and publish the schools anti-bullying policy on their website.
Arising from commitments made in the Action Plan on Bullying, my Department's Inspectorate is placing a stronger focus on the actions schools take to create a positive school culture and to prevent and tackle bullying. For example, parent and student questionnaires issued as part of whole school evaluations, include, since January 2014, additional questions to get a clearer picture of how the school deals with bullying. Furthermore, the Inspectorate's plan for the current school year provides for a focussed evaluation to be conducted in a sample of schools to examine the school's work to create and sustain safe and healthy environments.
This work will give a better overview on how well the procedures are being implemented at school level.
This is also an issue that will need to be considered in the context of developing a Parent and Students Charter that each will be obliged to have. An important aspect of the Charter will be how parents receive information and feedback on the operation of school policies and how parents concerns are addressed.
449. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a trade certificate has not issued in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37715/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to qualify as a craftsperson, an apprentice must be employed by a SOLAS approved employer and complete all seven alternating on-the-job and off-the-job training phases of their apprenticeship as well as achieving the qualifying standard throughout their apprenticeship. The minimum duration of four years (208 weeks) is from the date of registration and must include a minimum of 12 weeks on Phase 7.
An examination of the person in question's apprenticeship records indicates he has only completed 104 weeks of the 208 weeks allocated to his apprenticeship. Furthermore, his apprenticeship records demonstrate he needs to successfully complete Phase 5 and Phase 7 on-the-job training phases of his apprenticeship and ensure the respective on-the-job competency assessment results are submitted to his relevant Education and Training Board Apprenticeship Services Office.
Therefore, in order for the person in question to successfully complete his apprenticeship he will need to: a) secure employment with an approved SOLAS employer; b) successfully complete Phase 5 and Phase 7 of his apprenticeship; c) ensure the necessary results of his Phase 5 and Phase 7 competencies assessments are submitted by his employer to the relevant Education and Training Board Apprenticeship Services Office; and d) provide evidence of having completed 208 weeks in employment as apprentice with a FÁS or SOLAS approved employer.
However, if he secures employment with a SOLAS approved employer and he successfully completes Phase 5 and Phase 7 of his apprenticeship but remains short of the 208 week requirement, he may apply to SOLAS for a 'Recognition of Prior Learning' exemption. In such an instance he would make a Recognition of Prior Learning application, through his assigned Education and Training Board Senior Training Adviser, to the SOLAS Redundant Apprentice Accreditation Committee for consideration.
The person in question is advised to contact his Senior Training Advisor based in the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board if he requires any further clarification on any of the above.
