Written Answers Nos. 218-228
218. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if employee protections are in place for persons working in the foreign missions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39040/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, it is the duty of all persons enjoying diplomatic privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the host State. Consistent with its obligations under the Vienna Convention, my Department works to ensure that the law is upheld and my Department will assist, as appropriate, in any investigation being undertaken by the relevant Irish authorities.
On 12 September, I introduced new guidelines for diplomatic staff who intend to employ private domestic workers. This is a specific category of worker, who is employed by an individual member of a mission rather than by the sending State. While I believe that the majority of diplomatic staff in Ireland already follows good practice, it is best practice internationally to provide clear employment guidelines and a framework for their implementation.
These new guidelines were developed following a consultative process involving other Departments and State agencies, including the Departments of Justice and Equality and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) and An Garda Síochána. I welcome also the contribution of Migrant Rights Centre Ireland to the process. I believe that the adoption of these guidelines is consistent with Ireland’s ratification in July of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, of 2011.
219. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to provide full diplomatic recognition to Palestine following Sweden's decision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38848/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra223. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will follow the example of the Government of Sweden and offer full recognition to Palestine as a sovereign and equal nation state; his response to the change in policy by Sweden with regard to the impact it will have on efforts towards a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38867/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra224. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the full recognition of the state of Palestine; and the steps he will take on this matter following the recognition of the state of Palestine by the Kingdom of Sweden. [38881/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra225. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on giving formal recognition to Palestine as a state. [39011/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 223 to 225, inclusive, together.
Ireland supports the full achievement of a Palestinian state. We believe this should happen soon. Our policies are designed to be supportive of the negotiated comprehensive peace agreement which we believe is fundamental to the achievement of this objective.
I believe substantive political talks on a peace settlement must take place as a matter of urgency and I reiterated that view recently at the Gaza Reconstruction Conference hosted by the Governments of Norway and Egypt on 12 October in Cairo.
I am conscious of Sweden’s new approach and Ireland’s position will continue to be evaluated in light of our own assessment and that of all our EU Partners.
220. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the ongoing slaughter of innocent journalists and aid workers by Islamic State, IS; the steps he will take in conjunction with our international partners to tackle the rise of IS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38861/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been appalled by the atrocities perpetrated by ISIS, including the murders of journalists and aid workers. As I have stated previously, there needs to be accountability for all such actions, including through referral to the International Criminal Court. The international community is responding to the very considerable threat which ISIS poses, not just to the Middle East but to us all. In Ireland’s case, we are working closely with our partners in the EU and through the United Nations to coordinate our efforts and to strengthen the tools at our disposal. A special meeting of the European Council on 30 August 2014 called for accelerated implementation of a package of measures agreed in June 2013 concerning four priority areas: prevention of radicalisation, detection of suspicious travel, investigation and prosecution and cooperation with third countries. The European Council will review this issue in December 2014.
The approach being taken by the European Council is consistent with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014) on foreign terrorist fighters which was adopted unanimously on 24 September 2014. Ireland co-sponsored the Resolution along with 103 other States, including all other EU member states.
The Resolution takes a comprehensive, human rights compliant approach to tackling the foreign fighters problem in accordance with international law. It highlights the need to tackle the underlying causes of radicalisation through community outreach initiatives, while at the same time focusing on strengthening legal and security measures. This comprehensive strategy in the Resolution is very much in line with Ireland’s approach to the issue.
Our approach nationally combines preventive measures and capacity to prosecute terrorist-related behaviour. In terms of preventive measures, An Garda Síochána monitors the movements of those suspected of involvement in extremist behaviour. In tandem with that the Gardaí operate a progressive community relations programme through the Racial Inter-Cultural and Diversity Office.
As regards capacity to prosecute, existing 2005 legislation already provides for the offences of terrorist bombing and terrorist financing. My colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, has published new legislation; the Criminal (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2014, which when enacted will create three new offences: public provocation to commit a terrorist offence, recruitment for terrorism and training for terrorism.
A comprehensive solution to the challenge posed by ISIS must also embrace efforts to promote a political settlement in Syria, based on the Geneva principles, as well as international support for the new unity Government in Iraq, encouraging it to pursue inclusivity and reconciliation.
We recognise also the immense humanitarian impact of the current conflict and to date we have disbursed over €28 million to humanitarian relief since the beginning of the Syrian conflict.
221. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to review Ireland's role in an expanding European Union; if he will set out the strategic foreign policy goals of Ireland's relationship with our EU partners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38862/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s engagement with the European Union is reviewed regularly to take account of evolving priorities and policy challenges, as well as the wider EU and international context. The Cabinet Committee on European Affairs, of which I am a member, plays a key role in overseeing our strategic approach and agreeing priorities for the period ahead. The Review of Ireland’s Foreign Policy and External Relations which I am currently undertaking is giving specific consideration to our foreign policy, and to how the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade across Government, can best contribute both to promoting Ireland’s interests within the European Union, and to ensuring that Europe’s voice is stronger at a global level. Ireland’s Permanent Representation in Brussels and our diplomatic missions in EU capitals play a key role in representing Ireland’s position in Europe, as well as understanding the perspectives of other Member States on issues of importance to us. Ireland recently opened an Embassy in Croatia, the newest member of the Union.
Among the issues which are of immediate strategic priority to Ireland in the EU context are measures to address unemployment, particularly youth unemployment; access to financing, including for small and medium enterprises (SMEs); securing progress on EU trade agreements; negotiations on the 2030 climate and energy framework and the digital agenda. Ireland’s foreign policy goals are also clearly advanced through our EU membership, including on issues such as international development, human rights and the Middle East Peace Process.
In relation to any future enlargement of the EU, we will continue to work intensively, in cooperation with our EU partners, to advance the accession process with the current candidates and potential candidates, and to overcome the legacy of recent conflicts in the Western Balkans.
222. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the material changes that have occurred in his Department since responsibility for trade shifted from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to his Department; the nature of his responsibility for the relevant trade agencies, Enterprise Ireland and Industrial Development Agency Ireland; his trade objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38863/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraEconomic diplomacy, including trade promotion, 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. My 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, thereby contributing to the continued recovery and development of the domestic economy. The transfer of certain trade promotion functions from the then Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation to the then Department of Foreign Affairs in June 2011 gave my Department an enhanced role in trade promotion. The responsibilities transferred included chairmanship and management of the Export Trade Council (ETC), the handling of Joint Economic Commissions (JECs) and coordination with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (DJEI) and Enterprise Ireland (EI) on the annual programme of EI ministerial led trade missions.
The ETC has met twice annually since it was established in late 2011 and I will be chairing the 7 meeting on 4 November 2014. Overall, the ETC aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination across all Government Departments and State agencies involved in the promotion and development of trade, tourism, investment and education, as well as overseeing the implementation of the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy. A Review of the Strategy was published by my Department in February of this year.
My Department coordinates Ireland’s participation in JECs with China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Libya (currently in abeyance). As a formal bilateral intergovernmental body, dealing with trade development in all its aspects, the JEC format provides a forum for discussing issues that relate to trade development between the two countries involved, serving to further the development of economic and business relations, as well as scientific and technological cooperation. So far this year, Ireland has held JECs with Saudi Arabia (February) and Russia (April). My Department is currently preparing for the forthcoming JEC with South Korea on 4 December 2014.
The transfer of certain trade promotion functions has resulted in an even closer working relationship with the State agencies. At the beginning of each year, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade coordinate the annual EI programme of ministerial-led trade missions. Trade missions to Mexico and Australia will take place in this quarter and I will also address the EI-arranged Financial Services and BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) dinner in London on 13 November.
DJEI retains lead responsibility for trade policy, which includes representing Ireland’s trade interests in the context of the EU Common Commercial Policy and at the World Trade Organisation. In addition, DJEI is the parent Department for Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Industrial Development Agency (IDA).
The work of the Embassy network, being uniquely placed to influence key decision makers and opinion formers around the world, is essential to efforts to enhance Ireland’s international reputation and to drive economic recovery through the promotion of trade, tourism, investment and education. 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.
Further recent examples of the contribution the Embassy network makes overseas in support of Irish trade, in cooperation with the relevant Departments and State agencies, include the lifting of a ban on Irish beef exports to Japan, opening up a market potentially worth €15 million annually; the lifting of a longstanding region-wide ban on imports of Irish beef and sheep meat to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain; and the securing of full market access to China for salmon exports.
226. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the murder of the youngest MP (details supplied) in Venezuela; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the reports emerging suggest that they were tortured and assassinated in a premeditated attack; his views on the increase in violent attacks on left-wing politicians and Government officials in Venezuela; and his further views that they are part of violent and orchestrated attacks to destabilise the Venezuelan Government. [39121/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the tragic deaths in question. I extend my deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and, indeed, to the families of all the victims of the violence that is, sadly, so widespread in Venezuela. I am deeply concerned at the ongoing situation; in particular with regard to the deaths, casualties and detentions arising from the continued unrest and at the apparently high level of impunity in the case of serious crimes. I urge the full, impartial investigation of all incidents in accordance with due legal process. I support the statements by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton welcoming the meetings that took place earlier this year between the government and the opposition. I urge all sides to resume these talks and I continue to hope that all parties, including government, opposition, students and civil society can work together to find a consensus for overcoming the current situation.
Together with our EU partners, we support the regional efforts underway to encourage dialogue and an immediate end to violence and unrest.
227. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 426 of 7 October 2014, if he will answer the question with regard to the Hercules C130 registration number 16/8074 which landed at Shannon Airport on 30 September 2014, but was at Shannon on 1 October 2014, in relation to his views that it was not involved in any military operations or exercise, in view of the fact that it was operated by a reserve marine corps squadron called the Rangers who have been involved in many operations in Libya and Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39184/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Shannon Airport Authority has confirmed that no aircraft with the registration number 168074 was at the Airport on the dates in question. 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 part of military exercises or operations. Requests to permit the landing of military aircraft are considered by my Department on the basis of the conditions outlined above.
228. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will instruct Ireland's ambassador to Pakistan to raise the concerns of the Irish Government about sexual abuse of boys as reported in a documentary (details supplied); if he will request the Government of Pakistan to take action to end this abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39196/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s diplomatic relations with Pakistan are maintained by secondary accreditation via our Embassy in Ankara and I have requested the Embassy in Ankara to contact colleagues from the EU in Islamabad for further information regarding this report. I would further add that we continue to work through the mechanisms of the EU and the UN to ensure that human rights are respected in Pakistan and elsewhere. The EU adopted a 5 year engagement plan with Pakistan in 2012. This plan aims to build a strategic EU-Pakistan relationship by forging a partnership for peace and development rooted in shared values, principles and commitments. The EU engages in regular dialogue with Pakistan on human rights and democratic principles, and has called on the Pakistani authorities, at the highest level, to adopt measures to protect individual and minority rights in line with its Constitution and with international human rights standards and conventions.
At the UN level, Ireland was elected to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) for the period 2013-2015 in late 2012. During our term at the HRC, Ireland is working with partners on a range of issues, including Pakistan, which has also been elected to the HRC for the term 2013-2015. The issue of the sexual exploitation of children arose during the Universal Periodic Review of Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council in 2012. One of the recommendations arising from the Review was that Pakistan should develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent sexual exploitation of children and their cruel treatment, and that Pakistan should increase criminal liability for these crimes.
Ireland attaches great importance to the fundamental human rights of the child, which was reaffirmed last month by our ratification of the 3rd Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. At the 27th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva last month, Ireland called on all States to ensure that children are protected and are not subjected to violence or abuse.
I was delighted that the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded last week to Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan and Kailash Satyarthi of India. Both have been exceptional global campaigners for children’s rights and have shown great courage and commitment in working to ensure that no child should be left behind.
I will continue to work with my international colleagues through the mechanisms of the EU and the UN to ensure that these rights are protected. In addition, officials in my Department and the Embassy in Ankara will continue to monitor and report on the ongoing situation in Pakistan.
