Bernard Durkan
Ceist:304. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which prescription costs have fallen or have stabilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37140/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrescriptions Charges
Ceisteanna (304)
Freagraí scríofa
Between 2009 and 2014, the HSE's expenditure on reimbursed medicines remained stable at under €2 billion.
Aggregate spending on the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) and the Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme has reduced since 2009, despite an increase in numbers eligible for the schemes and the introduction of more expensive new medicines. The average price of an item dispensed on the GMS scheme has reduced to below the price paid in 2002, while the average item price dispensed under the DPS and LTI schemes is now below the price paid in 2000.
However, expenditure on high tech medicines increased from €315 million to €485 million between 2009 and 2014. This increase is due to the introduction of highly expensive new medicines and the increased use of existing medicines.
The reductions achieved to date are due to a sustained and ongoing programme of initiatives, which includes the implementation of price reduction Agreements with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers in Ireland (now the Irish Generics Medicines Association). Cumulative savings and cost avoidance generated between 2006 and 2014 amount to approximately €1.5 billion.
The introduction of generic substitution and reference pricing, as provided for by the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, has also contributed to the reductions in the cost of medicines. The prices of reference priced products are generally of the order of 70-80% lower than the prices paid when medicines were on patent. On the date of introduction of the 2013 Act, the HSE was reimbursing in excess of €22 million per month on medicines reference priced in 2014. By December 2014, this had reduced to €10.3 million due to the combination of reference pricing, increases in generic utilisation and generic price reductions prior to reference prices. Reference pricing delivered savings of over €47 million in 2014, and is expected to generate in excess of €25 million in additional savings in 2015.
Human Rights Issues
Ceisteanna (305)
Finian McGrath
Ceist:305. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36826/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Our objectives in this case are twofold: firstly to see this citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland, and secondly to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention. The considered approach and sustained action that has been taken by the Government has been to further these objectives, and most importantly to avoid any action that could be counterproductive or detrimental to his best interests.
Since this citizen was detained in August 2013, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has provided substantial consular assistance to both him and his family. Embassy officials in Cairo have conducted 46 consular visits to date, and have attended all hearings of the case, including the most recent adjournment on 4 October. Embassy officials will also attend the next hearing on 15 December. The Irish Government have formally supported applications by the citizen’s Egyptian lawyers for release under the Egyptian Presidential Decree law, and requests for release on bail.
It is important to bear in mind the role of the Irish Government where citizens are imprisoned abroad. Irrespective of any views regarding the fairness or appropriateness of any arrest abroad, the reality is that where an Irish citizen is charged with an offence under the law of a foreign country, it is the foreign law that applies and it is the relevant foreign court which decides matters such as bail and release. The decision to release this individual either on bail or on any other basis, will be a decision that is made by the Egyptian authorities.
Given that the trial has now commenced and a formal petition for his release on bail is currently being considered by the Egyptian courts, the Government must be measured in its public comment. The Taoiseach met the Egyptian President in New York last month and this case was amongst a number of issues they discussed. It was clear from this discussion that it is highly unlikely that there will be any decision by the Egyptian authorities regarding his unconditional release until the judicial process is concluded. This corresponds with what I have previously reported following my own political contacts with the Egyptian foreign Minister on this case.
The Government continues to review our approach and actions in this case, but we are guided at all times by what we firmly believe to be in this citizen’s best interests and to be most likely to contribute to a positive outcome for him.
Overseas Development Aid Expenditure
Ceisteanna (306, 308)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:306. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a breakdown of how the €40 million increase in Ireland’s official development assistance will be spent; and if he will set out how and when Ireland will reach the target of spending 0.7% of gross national income on such assistance. [36905/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Brendan Smith
Ceist:308. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the percentage amount of Irish Aid in 2016 that will be directed towards Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36955/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 308 together.
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is at the heart of our foreign policy. One World, One Future, our policy for international development, clearly articulates the Government’s commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA). We have consistently stated we would make progress towards the 0.7% target once economic conditions allow. As our economic recovery now gains momentum and becomes more widely established, we can begin to deliver on that commitment.
On Budget day the Government announced the first substantial increase in the aid budget in over seven years. For 2016, we have provided a total of over €640 million in ODA, an increase of €40 million, or almost 7%, on the 2015 level. We estimate that this will entail a small increase in our ODA/GNP percentage, from a projected 0.35% in 2015 to a projected 0.36% in 2016.
Detailed financial allocations will now be reviewed and planned across the aid programme to respond to current needs. It is clear that in 2016, we will need to increase our direct funding for the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and Africa through the UN system and trusted Irish and International NGOs. We will use our humanitarian and development assistance in a more coordinated way to respond to the immediate humanitarian crisis and build the resilience of endangered communities against future crisis.
Sub-Saharan Africa will remain the priority region for the aid programme. We will continue to focus on the poorest communities in Africa, particularly in our key partner countries. While some of these countries have made remarkable economic progress, they still remain amongst the world’s least developed and unequal. We estimate that approximately 80% of our aid programme is directed towards Africa, delivering real and sustainable improvements to the lives of some of the world poorest and most vulnerable people.
Our challenge now is to ensure Ireland continues to play a leading role in the comprehensive response to the unprecedented levels of humanitarian crisis, while ensuring our aid programme remains effective in addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger.
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (307)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:307. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding recruitment for Irish embassies overseas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36918/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The process of recruiting locally-employed staff for Irish Embassies is managed locally by each Mission. These positions are generally advertised, including on the relevant Embassy’s website. A link to these websites can be found at https://www.dfa.ie/embassies/irish-embassies-abroad/.
Diplomatic staff are recruited in Ireland through a competitive process administered by the Public Appointments Service. These vacancies are also widely advertised in national media, as well as on the websites of my Department (www.dfa.ie) and the Public Appointments Service (www.publicjobs.ie).
Question No. 308 answered with Question No. 306.
Northern Ireland Issues
Ceisteanna (309, 319, 320, 321, 322)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:309. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the up-to-date position on the all-party talks in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37018/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:319. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts his Department is making to stabilise the current instability in the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31712/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Micheál Martin
Ceist:320. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's plans to rebuild trust between the five political parties in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32849/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Gerry Adams
Ceist:321. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the establishment of a timeframed inclusive process of negotiations to resolve the outstanding elements of the Good Friday Agreement and other agreements, and the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32902/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraGerry Adams
Ceist:322. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has agreed an approach with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, for renewed negotiations to resolve outstanding issues arising from the Stormont House Agreement, the Good Friday Agreement and other agreements, and current difficulties in the political and peace process in the North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32906/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 319 to 322, inclusive, together.
Following the request by the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Cameron, I and my colleague Minister of State Sherlock, together with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, facilitated a return of all the five main parties in Northern Ireland to round table talks. These talks resumed in round table format on 21 September and are continuing in a constructive atmosphere. I believe that there remains a willingness on all sides to solve the issues around the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement and dealing with the legacy and impact of paramilitarism.
In an effort to facilitate inclusive talks, the Secretary of State announced a British Government assessment of the current profile of paramilitarism in Northern Ireland. That assessment, published earlier this week, makes for sobering reading. While acknowledging that these paramilitary organisations no longer represent a terrorist threat, it nonetheless presents a complex and challenging profile of unacceptable residual activities by various groups in Northern Ireland which are damaging to communities and which must be addressed. It underscores the critical importance of the political Talks process currently underway in Northern Ireland and I hope that a shared determination to address the legacy of paramilitarism will result in increased momentum in the negotiations.
Of equal importance in the talks is the need to fully implement the Stormont House Agreement. This agreement, concluded in December 2014, offers a blueprint for overcoming current difficulties in the Executive, especially around financing, welfare reform and dealing with the legacy of the past. While financing and welfare reform is primarily an issue for the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, I have continually encouraged the parties to resolve their difference for the sake of Northern Ireland’s economic stability and the sustainability of public services.
It is also crucial that the work started by the Stormont House Agreement on establishing institutions to deal with the legacy of the past is completed so that justice and truth can bring what healing is possible to victims and survivors of the troubles and their families. My officials and I are working intensively with the Secretary of State, the Northern Ireland Office, and the Northern Ireland political parties to ensure the rapid establishment of these institutions, including the Independent Commission for Information Retrieval, the Historical Investigations Unit and the Implementation and Reconciliation Group.
A successful outcome to the talks, which will respect and protect the Good Friday Agreement and its power sharing institutions, is a crucial priority for the Government. We work constantly in support of its full implementation and look to the parties in the Executive to do the same, especially in those areas where responsibility is fully devolved.
In the immediate term, it is essential that all of the five main parties in Northern Ireland, with the support of the two Governments, urgently advance the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement and address the impact and legacy of continuing paramilitary activity. I remain hopeful that, with committed collective engagement, we can make real progress on both of these critical issues. An agreed outcome would be an important step forward - not just for politics but for the further normalisation of society in Northern Ireland.
Overseas Development Aid
Ceisteanna (310)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:310. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures that have been taken to monitor the spending of agencies in receipt of Irish Aid to ensure there is a strong record of accountability and transparency in the way the funds are spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37035/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland’s Official Development Assistance, I am keenly aware of the need for a high level of assurance that our development assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries, and makes a real difference in the lives of the poorest people. Ireland’s Policy for International Development, One World, One Future, makes clear our commitment to maximising the impact and accountability of the aid programme. The One World, One Future Framework for Action which was published in 2014, operationalises this commitment. The Framework is now the basis for measuring performance and demonstrating accountability of the Irish Aid programme, and it is being used to ensure that the structures and systems are in place to provide for the effective delivery of planned results.
To ensure that our assistance is delivering results for those most in need in developing countries, Irish Aid works in close partnership with national and local Governments, local communities, NGOs, and key multilateral partners such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Accountability and transparency is at the core of all we do. All programmes being considered for funding assistance are rigorously appraised by Irish Aid staff against clear criteria, including efficiency in the use of resources, and the capacity of the implementing organisations to deliver results and account for resources received. Programmes in receipt of funding are subject to regular internal and external monitoring to ensure that the intended results are being achieved and resources have been used appropriately. This monitoring is undertaken by a combination of specialist staff, Embassy-based internal auditors, independent experts, and the Evaluation and Audit Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. That Unit’s work is regularly reviewed by the independent Audit Committee of my Department. In addition, the Comptroller and Auditor General provides independent assurance that Official Development Assistance is being provided in accordance with the law, is managed to good effect, and is properly accounted for. Peer reviews by the OECD have clearly stated that Ireland’s aid programme is of the highest quality, characterised by its focus on poverty reduction and building the capacities of poor communities and national institutions in some of the poorest countries in the world.
Strengthening institutions is a key element in maximising the impact of the aid programme and ensuring results and accountability. In our key partner countries, we provide assistance to national Government oversight institutions, such as the Auditor General’s Offices and the Public Accounts Committees of National Parliaments, to ensure Governments are held to account for the effective expenditure of public funds.
The Irish Aid annual report functions as a core accountability document and provides a comprehensive overview of expenditure under the aid programme. It demonstrates the results that have been achieved. The latest annual report, for 2014, and detailed information on the aid programme are accessible on the Irish Aid website, www.irishaid.ie.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (311)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:311. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider the introduction of a system within the Passport Office whereby elderly persons can avail of a more economical short-term 90-day passport, as the cost of a long-term passport represents an unnecessary expense for pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37060/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is the norm internationally to provide passports of a ten year standard period of validity to all adults. A reduced term of validity for children’s passports is necessary as their appearance can change significantly within a short period of years, which can lead to uncertainty as to the identity of the passport holder. However this is not generally the case for adults of any age. For these reasons, there are no plans to introduce a passport of less than ten year validity for adult applicants.
Human Rights Issues
Ceisteanna (312)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:312. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the border fence the Republic of Hungary has erected; if he or his Department have discussed the matter with the Hungarian authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37063/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
We have all been shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic human cost of the migration crisis – which continues to develop dramatically. Such is the scale, complexity and evolving nature of the crisis, that identifying and implementing workable solutions is a challenge for us all.
While some other EU partners and neighbouring States have had to face disproportionate pressures, all actions by the authorities in any Member State should respect and reflect the high human rights standards we in Europe expect and require of each other. I have already expressed that view to my EU colleagues and will continue to do so.
Middle East Issues
Ceisteanna (313)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:313. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on any discussions held with European Union counterparts regarding the situation in occupied Palestine. [37064/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) features regularly on the agenda of the Foreign Affairs Council. It was discussed in detail at the Council’s meeting on 20 July. It was also discussed by Ministers at their informal, or Gymnich, meeting last month in Luxembourg.
The Council Conclusions adopted and published at the July Council meeting were wide ranging. They reiterated the EU’s commitment to the two-state solution, stressing the urgency of ending the conflict; called for donors to increase funding for Gaza given the dire situation there and called for an end to the closure of Gaza and urged all Palestinian factions to work for intra-Palestinian reconciliation to strengthen the two-state solution.
The Conclusions reaffirmed the EU’s support for the development of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the empowering of Palestinian institutions; recalled the illegality of settlements and the EU’s opposition to settlements, demolitions and confiscations, evictions, forced transfers, settlement outposts, settler violence and restrictions on access and movement and renewed the EU’s commitment that all EU-Israeli agreements must explicitly indicate their inapplicability to the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Foreign Affairs Council has not yet discussed in detail the current upsurge in violence, primarily in and around Jerusalem, which is a matter of deep concern. I expect that this issue, and the underlying causes, will be discussed at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 16 November.
For my part, I have argued consistently at EU level that, despite the other crises in the region that demand attention, we cannot leave the MEPP to one side: the situation is highly unstable and continuing to deteriorate on the ground, such that the very feasibility of the two state solution we have so long worked for is now in doubt.
I have urged the EU to re-examine its policies on the MEPP and to seek to make them more effective.
Middle East Issues
Ceisteanna (314)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:314. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department have had any contact with the Israeli Embassy or with the Israeli authorities regarding the current situation in occupied Palestine. [37065/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The clearly deteriorating security situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, in particular around East Jerusalem, is a matter of very great concern to me, as it is to the wider international community.
The visit to the region this week by the UN Secretary General underlines the depth of this concern.
While I appreciate the frustration of those who see no political end in sight, it does not justify resorting to violence. Violence will not bring a solution to the long-standing challenges facing the Israeli and Palestinian people.
The current wave of attacks and the resulting security response has created a sense of deep insecurity which is impacting on the daily lives of both Israelis and Palestinians.
I appreciate fully the concerns of Israelis about their security, and I condemn all violent attacks.
At the same time, it is clear that the current violence is a symptom of deeper issues. In the absence of a clear political process, frustration and even despair will continue to grow.
Last year’s conflict in Gaza is still fresh in all of our minds and it serves as a reminder of how situations can escalate quickly, with terrible consequences.
Local leaders, on all sides, must look beyond the immediate, and beyond a mere security response, and to address the underlying issues.
Political leadership, including from the international community, needs to address the problems of the relentless expansion of settlements and the absence of any process aiming at the end of the occupation.
Our Ambassador to Israel has spoken with senior Israeli officials on a number of occasions since the beginning of this upsurge in violence, and has directly conveyed my concerns about the situation.
Human Rights Issues
Ceisteanna (315)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:315. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department have raised with the Iranian Embassy or with the Iranian authorities the cases of persons (details supplied) who were executed despite being children when the alleged offences took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37066/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland, like our EU partners, has a strong and unequivocal opposition to the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances and accordingly seeks its universal abolition. The reports of the execution of persons who committed crimes as minors by the Islamic Republic of Iran are deeply worrying and I echo the comments made by The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Summary Executions, Cristof Heyns, who stated that ‘these are unlawful killings committed by the State, the equivalent of murders performed by individuals…executing a juvenile offender, especially after a questionable trial, directly contravenes the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Iran is a party”.
Ireland regularly raises its grave concerns at the human rights situation in Iran, including particularly the use of the death penalty, with the Iranian Embassy in Dublin and with Iranian officials elsewhere, where appropriate. I repeated these concerns when I met with the Iranian Speaker of the Parliament, Dr Ali Larijani, in Dublin in June.
Amongst our priorities as a member of the UN Human Rights Council is the abolition of the death penalty. Because of our limited resources, we generally find it more practicable to seek to address the matter in principle, rather than try to be active on each individual case.
At the Universal Periodic Review of Iran, at the Human Rights Council in October 2014, Ireland recommended that Iran establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty, and guarantee that no individual under the age of 18 at the time of their alleged crime is sentenced to death, in line with its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In March of this year, during the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, we again voiced our serious concerns as regards to the high number of executions in Iran, and noted in particular the information in the report that the number of reported executions in 2014 was the highest in the past twelve years. We underlined that our concerns over the death penalty are heightened in relation to fair trial standards.
We will continue to call for the end to the death penalty in Iran, including through bilateral contacts with Iran, with our EU partners and at the UN.
Human Rights Issues
Ceisteanna (316)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:316. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the work of his Department and its embassies in raising the criminalisation of same-sex sexual relations in states where it is currently prohibited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37067/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTI individuals is a key priority for Ireland in our international human rights advocacy, including our engagement at the UN Human Rights Council, at EU meetings and through our diplomatic network. Ireland attaches importance to combating all forms of discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity and we strongly believe that consensual, same-sex relationships should not be criminalised. I am delighted that Ireland became the first country in the world to introduce same sex marriage through a national referendum in May 2015 and I urge other States to follow suit and to promote the rights for LGBTI citizens.
Ireland has been active in progressing the rights of LGBTI persons at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). Ireland identified the advancement of rights for LGBTI persons as a priority for the term of our HRC membership from 2013 to 2015. During these three years we have consistently highlighted discrimination against LGBTI persons and worked with other countries to ensure that this issue is now firmly embedded in the work of the HRC. Most recently, at the 29th session of the Human Rights Council in June 2015, Ireland supported a joint statement led by Colombia on violence and discrimination against individuals on the grounds of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
We also have an opportunity through the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, which involves a peer review of the human rights records of all United Nations members, to raise a range of issues with our UN partners. Ireland has made recommendations in respect of 20 countries specifically on questions relating to sexual orientation and gender identity.
During the Irish Presidency of the EU in 2013, Ireland facilitated and made substantial input into the EU Guidelines on LGBTI issues which were adopted at the meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers (Foreign Affairs Council) on 24 June 2013. The Guidelines provide a concise overview of the human rights issues facing LGBTI persons in third countries, and provide EU officials and diplomats of EU member states, including Ireland, with an overview of the legal and policy framework within which LGBTI rights are protected. They also prioritise areas of concern which can lead to action by the EU; actions such as combating discriminatory laws and policies; combating LGBTI-phobic violence; and the protection of human rights defenders.
Ireland’s Policy for International Development also strongly affirms Ireland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. Our aid programme supports civil society organisations and human rights defenders who are uniquely placed to ensure that the voices of the most marginalised are heard and that their rights are defended. In addition our Embassies work directly, and in cooperation with other EU member states, to engage with Governments on a range of governance and human rights issues, including the rights of the LGBTI community.
Our diplomatic network has been active in advocacy relating to LGBTI rights; this advocacy has dealt with the issue of decriminalisation, concerns we have about new laws criminalising homosexuality and by supporting civil society organisations that are active in this field, many of whom are operating in very difficult environments.