Written Answers Nos. 54-71
54. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the new EU visa arrangements for business, tourist or family purposes for Ukrainians will be applicable here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19092/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume that the arrangements referred to by the Deputy are contained in the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No. 539/2001. That regulation constitutes a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part in accordance with the Council Decision 2002/192/EC of 28 February, 2002.
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 lists the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of a visa when crossing the external borders of the relevant Member States and those whose nationals are exempt from requiring a visa. As Ireland has not taken part in the adoption of this Regulation and is not bound by or subject to its application, nationals of Ukraine continue to require a visa to travel here.
55. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of life sentence prisoners on full temporary release in 2016 that were recalled to prison; if the recalls were as a result of a failure to keep the peace or be of good behaviour or a failure to be of sober habits; if they were charged with an additional offence or another condition; the type of offences which were alleged to have been committed in which a revocation of temporary release is as a result of being charged with an additional offence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19106/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) that a total of 4 life sentenced prisoners who were on reviewable temporary release in the community under the supervision of Probation Service were recalled to prison in 2016. The IPS work in close partnership with the Probation Service and An Garda Síochána in respect of the management of life sentence prisoners who are living in the community. A range of temporary release conditions are applied which, if not adhered to, may result in the prisoner being returned to custody. I can confirm that none of the four recalls in 2016 were for the reasons listed by the Deputy.
57. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons currently in direct provision in each direct provision centre for one year or less, one to two years, two to three years, three to four years, four to five years and more than five years, in tabular form; and the equivalent data for the same date in 2016. [19110/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen a person makes an application for international protection, they are offered accommodation in State provided accommodation. Whilst there is no obligation on them to accept this offer, approximately 50% of applicants avail of the accommodation offered. They are not obliged to remain in this accommodation and can leave and indeed return as they so require. In addition, those who refuse the initial accommodation offer can choose to avail of it at a later date.
Below are two tables setting out the number of persons in State provided accommodation at the end of March 2016 and end of March 2017 respectively. The duration of stay based on the last entry into State provided accommodation is shown in the left hand column. This may not directly correspond to the date of their initial application for international protection. A breakdown of this duration of stay data is not available on a centre by centre basis.
As can be seen from the table, significant progress has been made in resolving the long stay cases and this is evidenced by the fact that just over 67% of those persons residing in RIA accommodation at the end of March 2017 have been there for less than two years. In addition, the number of persons residing in State provided accommodation for more than 5 years has dropped from 22% at the end of March 2016 to just over 12% at the end of March 2017.
The total for 2017 includes just over 400 persons who have permission to remain in the State and are in transit to independent living.
|
Statistics as at the end of March 2016 |
|
|
Duration of Stay |
Number of persons |
|
0<12 months |
1,919 |
|
1 year < 2 years |
682 |
|
2 years < 3 years |
448 |
|
3 years < 4 years |
265 |
|
4 years < 5 years |
240 |
|
5 years + |
998 |
|
Total: |
4,552 |
|
Statistics as at the end of March 2017 |
|
|
Duration of Stay |
Number of Persons |
|
0<12 months |
1,708 |
|
1 year < 2 years |
1,292 |
|
2 years < 3 years |
603 |
|
3 years < 4 years |
319 |
|
4 years < 5 years |
177 |
|
5 years + |
564 |
|
Total: |
4,463 |
58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if temporary or extended residency can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); if their spouse's stamp 4 can be renewed in view of their spouse's need to return to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19117/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it is not possible to identify the person referred to by the Deputy. If the Deputy can provide further more detailed information, I will have the matter investigated further.
Might I remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
59. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when it may be possible to facilitate a new application for a person (details supplied); and if the case can be re-examined having regard to their otherwise excellent record. [19118/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Section 15 of the Act provides that the Minister may, in her absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation if satisfied that the statutory conditions for naturalisation are fulfilled. In particular, these conditions require that an applicant is of good character.
It is open to any individual to lodge an application for a certificate of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The fact that a person may have had an application refused does not preclude or disqualify them from submitting a fresh application in the future. Indeed, the letter advising an applicant of a negative decision also informs them that there is no appeals process and that they may re-apply for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time. The letter advises that, when considering making such a re-application, they should give due regard to the reasons for the refusal which were contained in the submission attached to the refusal letter and that any further application will be considered taking into account all statutory and administrative conditions applicable at the time of application.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and I know the Deputy will appreciate that it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if stamp 4 can be renewed in the case of a person (details suppled); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19119/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the person concerned has current permission to remain in the State, on Stamp 4 conditions, valid to 8th June 2019. This position was notified to the person concerned by letter dated 7th June 2016.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if temporary residency status can be conferred in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19123/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that correspondence issued to the person mentioned by the Deputy on 15 March 2017 advising them of their options regarding the extension of their permission to remain in the State. The person concerned arrived in the State on 1 November 2014 and was registered under student conditions until 5 December 2016. It is open to them to renew their student permission or to apply for a work permit if it is their intention to take up full time employment.
If they have secured a work permit they can submit an application to INIS for temporary permission to facilitate the processing of a permit. The Deputy will be aware that the issuing of Work Permits is a matter for the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
Might I remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
62. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected eligibility in respect of residency or naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19125/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that it is not possible to identify the person referred to by the Deputy. If the Deputy can provide further more detailed information, I will have the matter investigated further.
Might I remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
63. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current or expected status or entitlement and eligibility for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19126/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the records indicate that the person referred to by the Deputy is in fact an Irish citizen, having been presented with a Certificate of Naturalisation at a citizenship ceremony held at the Convention Centre in Dublin on 4 July 2014.
The Deputy may wish to note that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established specifically for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when family reunification will issue in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19129/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that applications for residency for the above named persons have been received and are currently receiving attention. Decisions on their status should be made very shortly.
Might I remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if provision can be made to facilitate residency or travel documentation to facilitate a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19130/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that my reply to PQ number 66 on 2 February 2017 relating to the person concerned remains unchanged. However, if the person concerned requires an urgent decision for humanitarian reasons they may submit these reasons along with supporting documentation to INIS and the case will be considered on those grounds.
Might I remind the Deputy that queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to INIS by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
66. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount of funding provided under the capital plan for the information technology infrastructure across her Department; the amount spent to date; the progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19289/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's Capital Plan provides for capital investment in the Justice Sector of some €875 million over the lifetime of the Plan, approximately €400 million of which relates to ICT expenditure.
As the Deputy will be aware, a significant proportion relates to ICT infrastructure in respect of a number of bodies under the aegis of my Department, including the Irish Prisons Service, the Courts Service, Property Registration Authority and an Garda Síochána. As the Deputy will be aware, these bodies have their own Votes, separate to my Department's Vote.
Irish Prison Service
The capital budget for IT infrastructure has allowed the Irish Prison Service to enhance CCTV systems, upgrade prisoner telephone systems, improve security, enhance prisoner information systems and educational services available to prisoners. €1.3 million was spent in 2016 and there has been no expenditure to 31 March 2017 from a budget of €0.980 million.
Courts Service
The capital budget allocation for ICT in 2017 is €10.32m. As of 31 March 2017, €1.38m of this allocation has been spent. This is slightly below expectation (€1.97m) due to timing of invoices. Of the €10.32m allocation, €3m has been allocated to the ICT requirements in respect of seven court building projects due to be completed this year under PPP. Additional capital spending for the Courts Service includes general systems maintenance, support and software licenses which will cost €3.59m. An ongoing programme of replacing legacy systems and refreshing equipment will cost a further €2.34m. A total of €890k has been allocated for enhancements to various Courts Service case management applications (including the Criminal System, a Register for the Office of the Legal Costs Adjudicator, eLicensing, Personal Insolvency, Small Claims, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and Family Law). In addition €500,000 has been allocated for General Telecommunications including rollout of the Government Cloud Network.
Property Registration Authority
The capital budget allocation for ICT in the Property Registration Authority (PRA) is €560,000 in each year 2016 and 2017, totalling €1.12m. Expenditure to date totals €242,208 which is lower than expected due to procedural delays around procurement. However, a number of projects are being pursued in 2017, most significantly an ICT infrastructure upgrade project which is on schedule.
An Garda Síochána
The most significant level of funding provided under the capital plan for information technology infrastructure in respect of bodies under the aegis of the Department of Justice and Equality has been provided to An Garda Síochána. Detailed information in relation to funding provided under the capital plan for information technology infrastructure for An Garda Síochána is outlined in my response to Question Nos. 34-39, inclusive, of today's date.
Department of Justice and Equality
My Department also operates an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) shared service under a managed service contract servicing 3000 users across the Department as well as many of the agencies under its aegis. This contract also covers the provision of infrastructure, which is therefore not accounted for in the capital budget. The Department has a limited capital budget to cover hardware not encompassed by the managed service contract for example in respect of PCs and network equipment. The yearly capital expenditure budget for 2017 is €350,000 of which approximately €30,000 has been invoiced to date.
67. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the amount of funding provided under the capital plan for the NAMA 4,500 new residential units in the Dublin area; the amount spent to date; the number of homes completed; the number of homes to be provided from 2017 onwards; the cost of these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18786/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNAMA's commercial funding activities with respect to housing delivery are referenced in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan (2016-2021) under "Non Exchequer Investment". In other words, such funding has not been provided under the Capital Plan nor through direct Exchequer expenditure. Rather, it is provided by NAMA in line with its commercial mandate under Section 10 of the NAMA Act. NAMA's commercial activities, including asset management plans to facilitate housing on sites securing its loans, are decisions for the independent NAMA Board and are funded entirely from NAMA's own resources.
As outlined in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan (2016-2021), NAMA planned to fund the delivery of 4,500 new homes in the three years to end-2016. This target was exceeded and some 4,700 units have been delivered by end-2016 by NAMA debtors and receivers and funded by NAMA.
In October 2015 NAMA committed to facilitate and to fund the delivery of up to 20,000 units, assuming commercial viability, on sites securing its loans in the period October 2015 to end-2020. In this regard, NAMA is funding and construction has begun, or will begin this year, on sites which will ultimately deliver another 2,148 units. An additional 7,300 units have received planning permission and planning applications have been lodged, or are anticipated to be lodged within the year, for another 10,000 units.
I am advised that NAMA originally allowed for €5.6 billion in funding, with peak funding of up to €1.8 billion, for its residential funding programme if required. However, NAMA do not anticipate reaching such funding levels given the proceeds from the sale of completed projects are being recycled to fund new commercially viable residential projects.
It is also very important to understand that NAMA is not itself a developer. Rather, NAMA is ensuring the delivery of these units through continued work with its existing debtors to agree development plans, secure/alter planning permission and funding the delivery of these residential units on a commercial basis. Furthermore, NAMA only extends funding to willing NAMA debtors and receivers on commercial arms-length terms where there is an expectation that such funding will enhance NAMA's recovery on the loan. NAMA requires that the projected return resulting from the provision of additional funding must be the value maximising strategy for the asset and this is fully in accordance with Section 10 of the NAMA Act. This means NAMA will facilitate the funding of development of only those sites that are commercially viable and where site development will deliver a better recovery than the sale of the undeveloped site. Where NAMA provides funding to facilitate development by its debtors or receivers, it is provided at appropriate market rates of interest on the expectation that it will be repaid in full.
For additional information on NAMA's residential delivery I would refer the Deputy to NAMA's 2016 Year End Review, available via the NAMA website: www.nama.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/NAMA_-_End_of_year_Review_2016.pdf. NAMA will also publish its 2016 Annual Report and Accounts in June, which will provide further details on its activity to date and future plans.
68. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Finance the amount of funding provided under the capital plan for the connectivity fund; the amount spent to date; the progress which has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18834/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would refer the Deputy to my response to his question, which I answered on Thursday 6 April last, where I set out how the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), which manages the Connectivity Fund, seeks to support the objectives of the Capital Plan. The Capital Plan itself is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and the other Government Departments concerned.
In my recent response I informed the Deputy that in accordance with its double bottom line mandate to invest, on a commercial basis, to create employment and economic growth in Ireland, ISIF's investment strategy and its activities are closely aligned with and support Government policy across a wide range of areas, including: housing, the agri-sector, communications and energy.
ISIF has already committed €2.7 billion and it acts as a catalyst for other investors to invest in Irish projects. This includes a commitment of €361 million to Infrastructure investment essential to the future competitiveness of the Irish economy. In addition, ISIF's ability to attract co-investment from the private sector means that €7 billion of total investment has been committed up to end December 2016.
Only a certain amount of any capital investment programme can be deliverable via either direct Government expenditure or traditional, proven sources of commercial investment such as PPPs. Therefore, in the course of implementing its investment strategy and conducting its activities, ISIF has been playing an important role, as both an investor and as a catalyst for private investment, in respect of the capital plan, Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment, 2016-2021.
As a public fund, it is important to the ISIF's success that the commercial investment decisions taken under its mandate are consistent with Government policy. In this regard, ISIF's investment policy dovetails with Government policy while also, critically, maintaining the commercial mandate which is at ISIF's core.
In this way, ISIF plays an important role as a key link between Government, semi-State bodies and the private sector. Such a strategic position is important for the continued investment in Ireland's infrastructure and, indeed our future economic growth and expansion.
Turning to the Connectivity Fund specifically it was established as a sub-fund of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) to invest the €335 million proceeds from the sale of the State's shareholding in Aer Lingus with the aim of enabling and enhancing Ireland's physical, virtual and energy connectivity.
As at 31 March 2017 the ISIF has completed the first two investments from this fund with a combined value of €57m.
- ISIF announced a $25 million (c. €22 million) equity investment in Aqua Comms DAC, the operator of Ireland's first dedicated subsea fibre-optic network. The cable lands in Killala County Mayo and interconnects New York, Dublin and London. Aqua Comms is a provider of data connectivity and bandwidth infrastructure services for content providers, cloud-based networks, data centres, IT companies and the global media. Its network will be used by major multinational technology and telecoms companies to provide fast, secure data connections between Ireland, the US and UK and will enable the continued growth of the Irish digital economy.
- ISIF also rolled an existing (National Pensions Reserve Fund) commitment in daa plc's public bond, which was issued in 2008 (repayable in 2018), into a €35 million commitment in a new 2028 public bond issuance by daa, the operator of Dublin and Cork Airports. This continues ISIF's role as a long-term, strategic, domestic investor in daa. Given the nature of the underlying business of daa, and the fact that the new bond issuance provides the underpinning long-term financing for the company, the ISIF commitment to the 2028 bond is considered suited to inclusion under the Connectivity Fund.
Several other Connectivity Fund investment opportunities are currently being assessed under the ISIF's "double bottom line" mandate, which is to seek both commercial return and economic impact. These connectivity opportunities include potential investments in energy, air, sea and further data connectivity projects and businesses seeking to expand and enhance Ireland's international links.
69. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Finance the subsidies available for those using diesel; and his plans to alter these schemes in view of moves in other jurisdictions to move away from diesel. [18856/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Ireland, diesel used for certain social or commercial reasons can attract a lower rate of tax. This lower rate of tax could be considered a subsidy. Currently, subsidies are limited to Marked Gas Oil, a Disabled Drivers and Passengers Fuel Grant and the Fuel Rebate Scheme. A differential in the rate of excise applied to petrol and that applied to diesel exists, however, this is historic in nature and is due to diesel being the traditional fuel of business.
Marked Gas Oil incurs a reduced excise rate due to its limited uses such as in agriculture, commercial fishing, and home heating. The Disabled Drivers and Passengers Fuel Grant provides financial assistance to qualifying disabled road users to ensure their continued mobility and independence.
A relief on mineral oil tax paid on auto-diesel purchased within the State by qualifying passenger transport operators, known as the diesel rebate scheme, was introduced in July 2013. The repayment amount is calculated by reference to a sliding scale based on the average price at which auto-diesel is available for purchase during a repayment period. The maximum relief is 7.5 cents per litre for fuel purchased at €1.54 or over and no relief applies where the purchase price is €1.23 or less. Full details on the requirements for qualifying road transport operators in relation to repayments under the scheme are available on Revenue's website at www.revenue.ie/en/tax/excise/diesel-rebate-scheme.
The reduced rate of excise duty on diesel, when compared with petrol, is due to diesel being the traditional fuel of business. Larger transport vehicles such as heavy goods vehicles, up until recently, had no viable alternative and therefore enjoyed a reduced rate.
The excise rates are examined each year as part of the Budgetary process.
70. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money drawn down by county for primary medical certificates for 2015 and 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18886/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand from the question that the Deputy is looking for the cost of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme, which is available to holders of a Primary Medical Certificate, broken down on a county by county basis, for 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017. Unfortunately, statistics are not available on this basis, however, the total costs of the scheme for 2015 and 2016 are €50m and €65m respectively. This does not include the revenue foregone to the Local Government Fund in respect of the relief from Motor Tax provided to members of the Scheme. Figures are not yet available for 2017.
71. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Finance if he travelled abroad as part of the St Patrick's Day celebrations; the locations he travelled to; the duration of the trip; the cost of the trip including travel and accommodation in addition to other expenses incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18895/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI travelled to Malaysia and Singapore as part of the Government's programme of overseas visits for St Patrick's Day. My trip consisted of a three night visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (13-16 March) and a three night visit to Singapore (16 - 19 March). The full cost of the trip is currently being finalised by my Department as final invoices for some aspects of the trip have yet to be received. The approximate costs are as follows:
|
Expense Item |
Total |
|
Flights |
€3,145.60 |
|
Hotels* |
€922.75 |
|
Internal Travel* (**) |
€731.12 |
|
Subsistence |
€546.08 |
|
Total |
€5,345.55 |
|
*Figures are approximate as final invoices have not yet been received |
|
|
** Cost relates to car hire for the delegation |
St. Patrick's Day is a unique opportunity for us to engage with and communicate our ongoing support for Irish citizens and those of Irish descent living overseas.
My visit to Malaysia provided an opportunity to bolster Ireland's bilateral relationship with Malaysia and to engage with business, community and official contacts. Given the local political and business culture in Malaysia, Ministerial visits are essential in securing high-level access to the Government, in raising Ireland's profile and in expanding our network of contacts.
My visit to Singapore presented an excellent opportunity to promote Ireland, to one of the wealthiest States in the world, as an attractive English-speaking location within the euro area for investment and as a source for quality goods and services, whether advanced technology, financial services, education, food or tourism.
