Written Answers Nos. 207-215
208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which his European Union and United Nations colleagues continue to monitor human rights abuses globally; the degree to which positive intervention continues to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8667/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe promotion and protection of human rights is a central objective of 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 the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, the 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.
The promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms has always been a cornerstone of Ireland’s aid programme. Ireland’s new policy on international development, ‘One World One Future’, reaffirms the centrality of human rights to Ireland’s foreign policy and aid programme, and commits to ensuring that human rights principles and standards are promoted, protected and integrated in all of our development efforts. The Government’s development cooperation programme, Irish Aid, addresses the root causes of poverty and exclusion by focussing on the most vulnerable and promoting their participation, representation, and the means to realise their rights, including through investing in the improvement and expansion of essential services, and support to organisations that promote human rights, governance, and democracy in developing countries, including civil society and the UN office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Mindful that the risk of human rights violations is greater where political, economic and administrative systems are weak, Irish Aid promotes access to justice and supports the strengthening of government institutions, parliaments, and independent media, and national human rights institutions.
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.
209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress being made toward the regularisation of the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8668/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAchieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US is a priority for the Government in our bilateral relationship with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we continue to work closely with our high level Government contacts and with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond towards achieving some relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States and improved channels for legal migration between Ireland and America.
When I travel to New York next month, I will meet and exchange views with a range of groups and organisations supporting the undocumented Irish and immigration reform. In addition, Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D. will travel to Washington for St. Patrick’s Day and will meet with President Obama, Vice President Biden and other senior US Administration figures as well as with key Congressional contacts.
These meetings will provide an important opportunity to reiterate our concerns in regard to the position of the undocumented Irish, to seek further information on the detail of President Obama’s executive action and to encourage progress on a comprehensive legislative package by Congress.
While the executive measures announced by President Obama clearly represent real progress, I’m well aware that some will not benefit from these new arrangements and the Deputy will also be aware that there are currently legal challenges underway.
During his visit to Washington from 20-21 January, the Minister for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan T.D., had a number of meetings with key Republican members of the House. It provided an opportunity to assess the intentions of the Republican majority in terms of dealing with immigration this year and for the Minister to convey the Government’s ongoing determination to achieve some relief for the undocumented and improved channels for legal migration between Ireland and America.
Our Ambassador and her team in Washington are continuing their ongoing engagement with the US administration on this priority issue for the Government. We also keep in close contact with the US Ambassador to Ireland and his team at the US Embassy.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which aid, and support, can be provided to the civilian population in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8669/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe protracted crisis in Syria and the region has resulted in immense humanitarian need. More than 200,000 people have lost their lives, and there are now over 12.2 million people in Syria in need of immediate life-saving support. Due to the violence and the lack of access to aid, 3.8 million people have left Syria for assistance in neighbouring countries. Ireland is one of the most generous contributors to the humanitarian response on a per capita basis and has already provided over €30 million in humanitarian support to Syria since 2011. Our support is delivered through UN partners and NGOs. It has been focused both on people displaced within Syria and those across the wider region.
One of the most difficult features of this crisis is that many of those who are most in need are beyond the reach of humanitarian aid, or are able to receive it only sporadically. Both the Syrian Government and rebel factions are using siege tactics and heavy weaponry in populated areas. The operating environment is extremely volatile and insecure, particularly in opposition-controlled areas. The targeting of humanitarian workers by the group Islamic State (ISIS) means that millions living in the areas which ISIS currently controls do not receive the help they so desperately need. Ireland has consistently advocated for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as for respect by all parties of International Humanitarian Law.
Ireland welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2165 in July 2014, which authorised the delivery of humanitarian aid by the UN and its partners across the border into Syria, even without the consent of the Assad regime. Ireland has been working through a variety of channels, including our established UN partners, NGO partners and the Red Cross/Red Crescent in Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan to ensure that Irish aid can be delivered across borders and conflict lines to those in most acute need.
A donor Pledging Conference will take place in Kuwait at the end of March, which will be an opportunity for donors to set out how we will assist Syrians this year. Ireland will pledge significant further assistance for 2015.
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his European Union colleagues can bring about better observation of human rights and the elimination of human rights abuses in the context of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, TTIP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8670/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary objective of the TTIP is to promote growth and jobs, greater compatibility in regulation, high standards, and common rules to facilitate trade and investment.
The EU Commission’s mandate to negotiate with the United States on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership on behalf of the EU states that the Agreement will exclusively contain provisions on trade and trade–related areas applicable between the parties.
The mandate also states that the Agreement should confirm that the transatlantic trade and investment partnership is based on common values, including the protection and promotion of human rights and international security.
212. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the plan, and form of education, being put in place for children with autism, and other mental health issues, when they reach 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8475/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy of my Department is that children with special educational needs, including children with autism should be included where possible and appropriate in mainstream placements with additional supports provided. In circumstances where children with special educational needs require more specialised interventions, special school or special class places are also available.
Special schools are classified as primary schools and are intended to cater for children with special educational needs until they reach the age of 18. The Health Service Executive then assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special needs who are over 18.
Where special schools apply to my Department to retain pupils who, prior to reaching age 18, had embarked on courses leading to accreditation at FETAC Level 3 or above, and who require an extra year to complete such a course, my Department will provide sanction for this.
My Department may also provide sanction to special schools, subject to application, to retain a pupil for an additional year to facilitate the transition of a pupil to adult services.
Students who transfer to adult service settings can continue to participate in educational programmes through further adult educational programmes or in adult settings which are allocated resources towards educational provision.
Students can continue to participate in educational programmes through further adult educational programmes or in adult settings.
While the Department of Health and Children/Health Service Executive assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special educational needs who are over 18 years, my Department may allocate funding towards an educational component of such provision.
This is generally transacted through the co-operation hours scheme operated by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) where the local service provider makes application to the relevant ETB for tuition hours. Funding is also provided to the National Learning Network for this purpose.
Young adults with disabilities are eligible to access SOLAS mainstream services. SOLAS also contracts Specialist Training Providers, in locations country-wide, to deliver training courses to people with disabilities who require more intensive support than would be available in non-specialist training provision. Specialist training offers additional supports to learners which include individualised training and progression plans, literacy and numeracy support, longer training duration, adapted equipment, transport arrangements, enhanced programme content and enhanced trainer/learner ratio.
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) scheme also provides a third level admissions scheme for school leavers who have a disability or specific learning difficulty. Students who are considered to be DARE eligible may secure a college place on a reduced points basis.
The Deputy may be aware that the NCSE is currently preparing policy advice on the education of children with autism. Their report will identify the nature and extent of educational intervention/s, teaching practices and other supports which should be provided to enable children with autism to achieve educational outcomes appropriate to their needs and abilities and will inform future policy development.
213. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of expenditure on rented accommodation in the further education and training sector by education and training board area during each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8486/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter is under examination in my Department with a view to compiling the information requested by the Deputy.
214. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of issuing hard copy payslips to all employees paid by her; the number of staff issued with such payslips; the steps being taken to only issue payslips by electronic means; the time frame involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8512/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that payslips are issued to an average of 98,000 school employees/pensioners, every fortnight. In 2014, the cost of postage for these payslips was approx. €1.3m.
While it had been planned to implement online payslips for school employees/pensioners by end 2014, it has not been possible to progress same, due to other priorities that arose. These priorities included the implementation of
- section 30 of the Teaching Council Act 2001, with effect from January 2014;
- new sick leave arrangements for school employees, with effect from September 2014;
- measures provided for by the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) Act 2013 and the Haddington Road Agreement;
- Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) European Union Regulation, in mid-2014 etc.
Due to other priorities that have emerged, it is not possible to set a time-frame for the implementation of online payslips for school employees/pensioners. These priorities include
- the implementation of payments to further groups of home tutors, through the payroll;
- changes to the recently implemented sick leave scheme;
- the implementation of rolled-up holiday pay for casual and non-casual employees etc.
I can confirm that staff in my Department currently have access to on-line payslips and will continue to have access to on-line payslips, following the migration of the staff payroll to the Payroll Shared Services Centre in Tullamore, next month.
215. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the proposed location for the new Educate Together school in Castlebar, County Mayo; if the proposed venue is currently been used by any group, either statutory or voluntary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8541/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Catholic Archdiocese has been able to offer an actual school building for use by an alternative Patron in Castlebar under the patronage divesting process. The building in question is located in the Burren area.
I understand that an arrangement may have been in place with a local group for some use of the building in question. My Department will be fully exploring this matter on a local basis shortly.
