Tuesday, 11 Jul 2017

Written Answers Nos. 251-265

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (251)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

251. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) was not approved for a full toilet block. [33076/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that an application for additional accommodation, from the school referred to, has recently been approved, for the provision of a new resource room.  In addition, my Department has also approved the provision of a universal access toilet.  It is considered that this additional accommodation will meet the accommodation requirements of this two teacher school.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (252)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

252. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the next phase of the school building for a school (details supplied) will commence; the status of this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33079/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at tender stage. Subject to no further issues arising it is anticipated that construction will commence in late 2017 and the project is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.

Third Level Institutions Governance

Ceisteanna (253)

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

253. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 5 July 2017, if he will provide a copy of the information provided by UCC to his Department and the HEA; the way the voted expenditure for 2015 and 2016 was utilised (details supplied); if he will reconcile the principal differences between the audited financial statements and funding statements issued from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33081/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

My Department allocates recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to the HEA designated higher education institutions, including UCC. The HEA allocates this funding as a block grant to the institutions. As an autonomous body, the internal disbursement of this funding, along with any funding it receives from private sources, is a matter for UCC.

While the HEA monitors the financial position of all the higher education institutions under its designation, the funding is in fact allocated to institutions based on a Recurrent Grant Allocation Model which is driven primarily by student numbers weighted by the relative costs of providing education in different disciplines with additional performance mechanisms built in to reflect outcomes such as those relating to access, skills-based provision and research. 

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (254)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

254. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress of the new national school in Kanturk, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33096/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As the Deputy is aware the delivery of a new primary school in Kanturk has been devolved to the Office of Public Works (OPW).

The Department is currently finalising the necessary legal arrangements in respect of off-site works in order to facilitate the progression of the project. In tandem with this the OPW is currently preparing tender documentation.

As soon as this work is completed approval will be given to the OPW to seek tenders.

EU Enlargement

Ceisteanna (255)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

255. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the status of Turkey's accession talks to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32296/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Turkey has been a candidate country since 1999. Accession negotiations began in 2005 and, to date, 15 chapters have been opened and one has been provisionally closed.

Although EU-Turkey relations are under considerable strain at present, Turkey retains its status as a candidate country.

The situation in Turkey, including the future of the EU-Turkey relationship, has been discussed extensively by the EU, in particular at the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers on 28 April following the constitutional referendum on 16 April. While respecting the right of Turkey to decide on its system of governance, Ministers, including my predecessor Charlie Flanagan TD, reiterated their deep concerns about democracy, human rights, the rule of law and freedom of expression, including media expression, and their concern at the conduct and implications of the referendum.

On 6 July, on learning of the arrest of the Executive Director of Amnesty International and nine others, I made a statement urging the Turkish authorities to respect the role played by NGOs in a functioning democracy, and I will continue to make clear our serious concerns about democracy, rule of law and freedom of expression, including media expression, and human rights, including the rights of minorities in Turkey.

There has also been deplorably intemperate criticism by Turkish leaders of some partner member States.

However, the EU wants to see a stable, secure, economically successful and democratic Turkey. The Council and Commission continue to believe that a policy of critical engagement is in the interests of the long term future of all the citizens of Turkey, and, with that in mind, that accession negotiations should not be suspended.

Ireland fully agrees with this approach. We believe that the lines of communication must be kept open and this includes through the accession process, which gives us at least some leverage with which to encourage Turkey to return to European values.

On the other hand, I acknowledge that on 24 November 2016 the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for a temporary freeze of negotiations. A further resolution reiterating this position was passed on 6 July. It calls for the formal suspension of accession negotiations without delay. Neither resolution is binding as decisions in relation to accession are a matter for the Council, but both reflect the serious concerns in relation to ongoing developments in Turkey.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (256)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

256. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the situation in South Sudan; the efforts being made by the Government and the EU to help bring an end to the conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32297/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I remain seriously concerned about the situation in South Sudan, where fighting continues to drive displacement, acute hunger and grave human rights abuses.

Despite the announcement of the National Dialogue in December 2016, fighting has increased in recent months. The conflict itself has fragmented, increasingly on ethnic lines. Ireland and our EU partners have repeatedly condemned the violence and I am especially concerned by recent reports of blockages to aid deliveries in the Equatoria region.

To resolve the political crisis and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, sustained collective effort is required regionally and internationally, including by the UN, the African Union, and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). I therefore welcome the recent meetings of the IGAD Heads of State and Council of Ministers which demonstrated renewed efforts to seek an inclusive political solution to the conflict.

Ireland and our EU partners have maintained our focus on South Sudan. At EU level, Council Conclusions adopted at the Foreign Affairs Council in December 2016 called on the South Sudanese leadership to uphold its duty to protect its citizens. EU efforts to stem the flow of weapons and resources fuelling the conflict have included the imposition of an arms embargo and restrictive measures against individuals obstructing the peace process.

We have repeatedly highlighted the gross violations of human rights occurring in South Sudan, including at the recent session of the UN Human Rights Council in March 2017. At a Special Session of the Council in December 2016, Ireland supported the renewal of the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, and called for the maintenance of international support for the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

Ireland has provided almost €48 million in humanitarian assistance for the South Sudan crisis since 2012, including assistance for South Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries. So far this year, we have provided €9.2 million. Ireland is also providing support through core funding and other contributions to UN agencies and organizations, the Red Cross, and NGO pooled funds, all of which are providing assistance on the ground. International donors have provided over $990 million in humanitarian assistance for the South Sudan crisis since January this year, with the European Union, including the European Commission and Member States, contributing over $300 million.

EU Agreements

Ceisteanna (257)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

257. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the EU-Libya migration agreement; the efforts being made to safeguard refugees returned to Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32298/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

There is no EU Libya migration agreement as such. Rather the EU has proposed a number of ways to help Libya to manage and control the flow of migrants risking their lives, and it continues to seek solutions to prevent further loss of life and to improve conditions on the ground for migrants.

The March European Council confirmed the EU’s commitment to assist Libya as set out in February’s Malta Declaration. That commitment is broad-ranging, including capacity building, training, and the provision of equipment and support for the Libyan national coast guard and other agencies. It also seeks to ensure that there are adequate reception capacities in Libya for migrants, including through working with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

In April, the EU approved a €90 million programme to step up protection of migrants and to reinforce migration management in Libya. A key objective is to provide multi-sectoral assistance and protection to migrants, refugees and host communities in different locations inside Libya, in particular inside detention centres, at disembarkation points and in urban settings. This programme is being implemented through a number of international agencies including the UNHCR and UNICEF. The €90m is in addition to the €120 million previously announced by the EU for migration-related support for Libya.

Migration along the Central Mediterranean Route was discussed at the European Council in June, which made clear that continuing migratory flows leading to an ongoing loss of life remains an issue of urgent concern. It agreed that the EU and its member states had to step up coordination and delivery on all the elements contained in the Malta Declaration, the Partnership Framework and the Joint Valletta Action Plan, underpinned by sufficient financial resources. Training and equipping the Libyan Coast Guard is a key component of the EU approach and the Council agreed that it should be speeded up. Cooperation with countries of origin and transit is to be reinforced in order to stem the migratory pressure on Libya’s and other neighbouring countries' land borders. The European Council underlined in this context the importance of supporting the G5 Sahel Joint force (recently established to address the threat of terrorism, as well as the serious challenges posed by transnational organized crime in the region which comprises Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger). There, as elsewhere, the disruption of the business models of human smugglers and traffickers remains a key objective, including by better controlling the trade in equipment used by them.

The EU will continue its active engagement with Libya to see what more can be done to address the difficulties migrants face there.

Foreign Conflicts

Ceisteanna (258)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

258. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the situation in Venezuela; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32299/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Venezuela, and in particular by the recent violent attacks against the democratically elected National Assembly.

While there have been long-running demonstrations in Venezuela, the past two months have seen almost daily mass-protests, resulting in dozens of deaths in clashes between security forces and opposition demonstrators. I reiterate that I condemn unreservedly any intimidation or violence perpetrated against those seeking to defend their rights, whether in Venezuela or elsewhere.

The situation in Venezuela was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 May 2017. Ireland and other EU member States used this opportunity to publicly condemn the use of force in Venezuela and call for the fatalities of recent weeks to be fully investigated. We have urged both the Government and opposition to seek peaceful and democratic solutions to the crisis and have called on the Government to facilitate external agencies in addressing the urgent needs of the Venezuelan population, which is faced with a shortage of basic supplies such as food and medicines.

Ireland’s view is that the establishment of a clear electoral calendar and the full restoration of the country’s democratic institutions will be critical to achieving a settlement to the crisis and we have urged the Government to engage in dialogue with the National Assembly and other relevant parties. I am concerned that the recent proposal to establish a Constituent Assembly may further undermine the democratic role of the National Assembly.

While Ireland does not have diplomatic representation in Venezuela, officials at my Department and at our Embassy in Mexico, whose remit includes Venezuela, will continue to follow the situation closely and use any bilateral contacts with the government or opposition to urge a peaceful settlement to the crisis.

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (259)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

259. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he first heard the announcement by the British Government changing access to fishing in British waters for the first time since the 1964 treaty; if he or his officials have sought a meeting with his counterpart to outline the diplomatic efforts that will be made to protect the Irish fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32339/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Having spent five years as the Minister responsible for fisheries and having chaired the EU Fisheries Council in 2013, I am acutely aware of the effort required at all times to protect the Irish fishing industry. The UK’s exit from the European Union and their recently-announced intention to depart from the 1964 London Convention both represent very significant challenges.

As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am working in close partnership with my colleague Minister Michael Creed T.D.to highlight Ireland’s fishing sector in all contacts with EU institutions, EU member states and of course the UK itself, as well as devolved administrations within the UK. I have already done this on a number of occasions during my first weeks in this role, including in my meeting with David Davis MP, UK Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, when I met him in London last week. The government has also made sure to keep in close contact with fishing industry representatives on regular occasions since the UK referendum outcome in 2016.

Regarding the London Convention, it was widely recognised that the UK’s intention to depart from it, while unwelcome, was not unexpected. Their public announcement came in the form a press release (embargoed to 2 July) issued to media by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs during the latter part of the afternoon of Friday 30 June. The same afternoon, as a courtesy the British Ambassador also notified an official of my Department of the planned announcement, and this was in turn notified to relevant Departments.

Consular Services Provision

Ceisteanna (260)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

260. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has received correspondence regarding genuine health concerns of a person (details supplied); if he or his officials or the ambassador has contacted the Philippines Government expressing concerns regarding the delay in their case being appealed while their health deteriorates; if a request to review same on humanitarian grounds is being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32454/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department has been providing ongoing assistance to the individual at the centre of this long-running and difficult consular case since the time of his arrest.

I am very much aware of concerns about this individual’s health, and the Irish Government’s concerns in this regard have been raised with the Philippines authorities on numerous occasions. My predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade raised this citizen’s case and our concerns personally and directly with his Philippines counterpart when he met him in September 2016. The case has also been raised by my officials with the Philippines Ambassador to Ireland and by the Irish Ambassador to the Philippines with senior officials at the Foreign Ministry in Manila.

Because the legal proceedings continue to be active before the courts in The Philippines, there are obvious constraints on what the Irish Government can do. However, we have made repeated representations stressing the humanitarian concerns in this case and requesting that the pending appeal be expedited. Notably, in November 2016 the Embassy of Ireland in Singapore, which is accredited to The Philippines, wrote to the Supreme Court Administrator in Manila, requesting on behalf of the Irish Government that the appeal hearing in our citizen’s case be expedited on humanitarian grounds.

On 11th January 2017 an official from our Embassy travelled to Manila and followed up on that representation by raising the case directly and at a senior level with the Philippines Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Embassy official underlined our concerns for the citizen’s health and welfare in view of the length of time it has taken for the appeal to be heard.

In April 2017 we received a notification from the Supreme Court Administrator advising that the Court was ordering the elevation of the records to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s letter specifically noted that the Irish Government had asked that the appeal be expedited on humanitarian grounds.

It is important to remember that this is an ongoing legal case and that the Irish Government cannot intervene in any substantive way in a matter before the courts in another country, and this has consistently been made clear to this citizen. It is for his legal representatives to advise him and to act on his behalf in matters before the courts.

The Consul from our Embassy has previously visited this man in The Philippines and has offered to meet him again. This man has also been in regular direct e-mail contact with my Department and with the Embassy. Officials from my Department have also met with this citizen’s designated representative in Ireland and are open to doing so again.

Let me assure the Deputy and the House that my Department will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to this citizen.

Departmental Staff Remuneration

Ceisteanna (261)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

261. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.70 for all employees directly employed in, or in agencies funded by, his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32563/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The remuneration of the staff of my Department is as sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in line with Government policy.

It is difficult to estimate the potential cost of introducing an hourly rate of €11.70 for relevant employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as those affected by the change include temporary clerical officers. The Department recruits a large number of temporary clerical staff on a seasonal basis, primarily for the Passport Office. This figure varies from year to year.

The best estimate of the cost per annum is in the region of approximately €350,000 to €800,000 to include permanent and temporary staff.

There are no State Agencies funded by my Department.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (262)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

262. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the level of expenditure by his Department or organisations under the aegis of his Department for each of the past five years on photography, advertising, communications advice, public relations, website development, media interview training and preparation; the events, campaigns or policies to which this expenditure related; the company or person to which such payments were made, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32652/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I wish to advise the Deputy that in the time available, it has only proved possible to provide the information requested for the period January 2015 to June 2017.

Photography

My Department only avails of the services of external photographic agencies where it is warranted, in particular for major events and State occasions. My Department would, for example, have hired an official photographer to document the visit earlier this year of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, which received positive overseas coverage.

In September 2011, my Department led a collaborative advertised tender process for the procurement of a multi-supplier competitive framework of photographic service providers. This framework was for use by all Government Departments. The purpose of the framework was to ensure Departments’ compliance with EU procurement rules and to ensure value for money by having a competitive process for photographic assignments.

The Office of Government Procurement is currently leading on the creation of a new Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of Professional Photography and Videography services and my Department has inputted into this process.

In addition, my Department now makes greater use of in-house resources for photography.

The photography costs associated with particular events in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017 are listed in tables 1-3.

Public Relations

My Department has not engaged outside public relations companies for the purposes of public relations advice.

My Department has from time to time commissioned companies with a public relations and communications background but this has been for the provision of other professional services such as project management, logistics and event management, particularly in relation to Irish Aid public outreach activities.

Public Relations Training

The Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) has been engaged to provide training to staff from my Department’s Communications Unit on dealing with media representatives and communicating the Department’s key messages effectively.

Separately, other senior Department staff members have also received training on communicating in crisis situations, which is fundamental in ensuring that the Department serves Irish citizens at home and abroad during consular emergencies overseas involving Irish citizens. The relevant payments made in the past two years and to date in 2017 are listed in table 4.

Advertising

My Department pays for advertising where it is considered necessary to bring important information, such as job notices, to public attention. Our reliance on this type of advertising has decreased year-on-year due in part to our improved use of free social media channels.

In addition, Ireland’s diplomatic missions abroad may undertake advertising with regard to a range of miscellaneous local matters. The costs incurred under this heading are relatively small and it was not possible to gather and compile the data requested by the Deputy in the time available.

Recently my Department conducted two major public information campaigns to raise awareness of important initiatives we have rolled out – the TravelWise smartphone app, launched in June 2016, and Online Passport Renewals, launched in April 2017.

The TravelWise smartphone app makes all of the Department’s travel advice available to citizens offline and in their pockets as well as being a valuable messaging tool for use by our Consular Service during a crisis situation overseas. My Department advertised the TravelWise app widely to ensure a good uptake of this valuable service by our citizens.

Online adult passport renewals are a key part of the Passport Reform Programme and my Department advertised the new service widely in order to ensure a good uptake by citizens of another innovative service. As this campaign remains ongoing and relevant invoices have yet to be received, data on this expenditure is not yet available.

Advertising costs for 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017 are listed in table 5.

Website Development

The costs listed in table 6 refer to both maintenance and development of the Department’s 84 websites (including www.dfa.ie, www.irishaid.ie, www.globalirish.ie and the websites of Ireland’s 80 diplomatic missions abroad).

The Department’s websites are used to publish valuable information for citizens, including on passports and citizenship, updates on the work of the Department and its Ministers and Government travel advisories for over 200 countries abroad. The Department’s websites receive in excess of 27 million page views per year.

Citizens can also use my Department’s websites to directly access services including Passport Tracking, the Citizen Registration facility and Foreign Birth Registration and innovative new services such as Online Passport Renewals.

Our current focus in this area is to deliver fully responsive websites that enable us to better service the growing proportion of citizens who access the internet through mobile devices.

Table 1. Photography Costs 2015

Description	Date	Cost (€)	Minister	Photographer
PHOTOGRAPHY: ST. PATRICK’S DAY PROGRAMME LAUNCH WITH MINISTER BRUTON AT DING	10/03/2015	137.62	Minister Flanagan and Minister Bruton	Fennel Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: MOS DEENIHAN AND SONYA OSULLIVAN	15/05/2015	172.20	MoS Deenihan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRPAHY: IVEAGH HOUSE LECTURE BY GOVENER OF BANK OF ENGLAND MARK CARNEY	12/02/2015	206.64	Minister Flanagan, Minister Noonan and Minister Howlin	Maxwell Photography
Global Irish Economic Forum 2015 - Derry		213.00	n/a	Inpresspics
PHOTOGRAPHY: MINISTER FLANAGAN MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF ORANGE ORDER	17/08/2015	241.08	Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: Irish Aid Fellowship training programme	14/04/2015	246.00	Minister of State Sean Sherlock, T.D.	Liam Burke, Press 22
PHOTOGRPAHY: ANNOUNCMENT OF PASSPORT CARD BY MINISTER FLANAGAN	12/02/2015	258.30	Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: Global Irish Economic Forum 2015 - Galway		326.00	n/a	Aengus McMahon Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: IVEAGH HOUSE SCHOLARS AND MINISTER FLANAGAN	15/05/2015	327.18	Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: LUNCH IN HONOR OF DR HERREMA	11/11/2015	344.40	Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: LAUNCH OF THE DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE OECD REPORT BY MIN FLANAGAN AND MOS SHERLOCK 02/12/2014	12/01/2015	361.62	Minister Flanagan & MoS Sherlock	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: IVEAGH HOUSE LECTURE BY SECRETARY GENERAL OF OECD ANGEL GURRIA 15/9/15	13/10/2015	373.92	Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: IVEAGH HOUSE LECTURE BY NOTRE DAME PROFESSOR ON US CIVIL WAR	14/07/2015	378.84	Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: IVEAGH SCHOLARS PROGRAMME LAUNCH FOR 2016 17/09/2015	13/10/2015	464.94	Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: IVEAGH HOUSE LECTURE BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD BANK DR JIM YOUNG KIM	14/07/2015	482.16	Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: LAUNCH OF PASSPORT CARD BY MINISTER FLANAGAN	11/11/2015	516.60	Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: Global Irish Parliamentarian Forum		526.00	Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Jimmy Deenihan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: IRELAND 2016 DIASPORA PROGRAMME LAUNCH	14/07/2015	533.82	Minister Flanagan, Minister Humphries, MoS Deenihan, MoS O'Riordan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: IVEAGH HOUSE LECTURE ON ANGLO IRISH AGREEMENT 30TH ANNIVERSARY	10/12/2015	575.64	An Taoiseach and Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: 2015 IRISH AID ANNUAL REPORT LAUNCH	17/08/2015	654.36	Minister Flanagan & MoS Sherlock	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: PRESIDENTIAL DISTIGUSIHED SERVICE AWARDS 2015	16/12/2015	731.85	An Taoiseach, President Higgins, Minister Flanagan and MoS Deenihan	Lensmen Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: MINISTER FLANAGAN VISIT TO WASHINGTON DC Marty Katz Photography Min visit DC 30/9/15	08/10/2015	736.41	Minister Flanagan	Marty Katz Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: IVEAGH HOUSE CHRISTMAS TRUCE LECTURE BY FORMER PRESIDENT MARY MCALEESE 16/12/2014	12/01/2015	895.44	Minister Flanagan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: VISIT OF UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI MOON	12/06/2015	998.76	Multiple Ministers	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: GLOBAL IRISH CIVIC FORUM	14/07/2015	1069.98	President Higgins, Minister Flanagan and MoS Deenihan	Maxwell Photography
PHOTOGRPAHY: 2015 GLOBAL IRISH ECONOMIC FORUM	01/12/2015	1845.00	Multiple Ministers	Lensmen Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: GLOBAL ISLAND HEAD OF MISSION CONFERENCE 12-14 JAN 2015	24/02/2015	2043.00	Multiple Ministers	Lensmen Photography
PHOTOGRPAHY: VISIT OF PRINCE CHARLES AND DUCHESS OF CORNWALL	29/07/2015	2662.95	Multiple Ministers	Fennel Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: STATE VISIT BY THE PRESIDENT OF GERMANY	22/07/2015	2773.65	President, An Taoiseach, Ceann Comhairle, Cathaoirleach, Minister Flanagan, MoS Harris and MoS Hayes	Maxwell Photography
New Years’ Greetings by the President for the Diplomatic Corps	16/01/2015	802.55	Mr. Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	20/01/2016	351.85	Mr. Seán Sherlock, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	21/01/2016	351.85	Mr. Dara Murphy, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	17/02/2016	351.85	Mr. Damien English, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	25/03/2016	351.85	Mr. Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	30/04/2016	351.85	Mr. Tom Hayes, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	27/05/2016	351.82	Mr. Simon Harris, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	25/06/2016	351.85	Mr. Damien English, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	23/09/2016	351.85	Mr. Joe McHugh, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	05/11/2016	351.85	Mr. Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
Presentation of Credentials by Diplomatic Corps	18/11/2015	351.85	Mr. Joe McHugh, T.D., representing the Government	Maxwell Photography
BT Young Scientist Award	09/01/2015	482.16	MoS Sean Sherlock	Maxwell Photography
Total		25,900.54

Table 2. Photography Costs 2016

Description	Date of Invoice	Cost (€)	Minister	Photographer
Photography: TRI LATERAL MEETING WITH SOSNI, NI EXC	18/01/2016	568.26	Minster Flanagan and Minister Fitzgerald	Maxwells Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY: COMMEMORATIONS EVENT MOS DEENIHAN in Iveagh House	21/01/2016	676.50	MoS Deenihan	Maxwells Photography
Photography: UN60 SYMPOSIUM IN IVEAGH HOUSE with Mary Robinson, Kofi Annan and Peter Sutherland	18/01/2016	895.44	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
JAMES HIGGINS PHOTOS JANUARY 7 2016	08/02/2016	457.88	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
4 JPEGS OF IRISH AID AWARDS 16/06/15	18/01/2016	68.88	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Networking event - Minister Flanagan	16/02/2016	551.04	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Maxwell Photography- BT Young Scientist	16/02/2016	671.58	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography for Minister Flanagan Reception	14/04/2016	691.26	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography for US Delegation 24/03/2016	14/04/2016	912.66	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Good Friday Agreement/Abbey Theatre 10/04/16	17/05/2016	1627.91	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
jpegs Min Flanagan Reception 26/03/16	17/05/2016	51.66	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography at Grangegorman Cemetery 26/05/16	17/06/2016	947.10	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells
Euros Safety leaflet launch 27/05/16	17/06/2016	843.78	Minister Flanagan	Photography
Min Flanagan photo new cabinet 06/05/2016	17/06/2016	17.22	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Prince Of Wales Visit 25/05/16	23/06/2016	1421.74	Minister Mc Hugh	Maxwells Photography
Photography For Travelwise app Launch	14/07/2016	551.04	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography For VP Biden Visit June 2016	14/07/2016	1412.04	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography for Italian Foreign Minister Visit	24/08/2016	964.32	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography for Dutch Foreign Minister Visit 31/08/16	26/09/2016	757.68	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography for UN USG Herve Ladsous	14/10/2016	258.30	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Northern Ireland Sec Visit	14/10/2016	499.38	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography for UN Youth Delegates	14/10/2016	206.64	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography for SoS David Davis Visit	14/10/2016	516.60	Minister Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Total		15,568.91

Table 3. Photography Costs 2017 to date

Description	Date of Invoice	Cost (€)	Minister	Photographer
Photography Senator Gary Harte Lecture 14/12/2016	17/01/2017	575.64	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Minister Flanagan 21/12/2016	17/01/2017	292.74	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Minister Flanagan email jpegs	07/03/2017	68.88	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Bosnian Foreign Minister	07/03/2017	516.60	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography New Zealand Foreign Minister	07/03/2017	551.04	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Japanese Foreign Minister	07/03/2017	740.07	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography American Ambassador Farewell	07/03/2017	120.54	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography All Island Civic Dialogue Media Trip 16/02/17	13/03/2017	1,412.04	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Australia Foreign Minister 24/02/17	13/03/2017	671.58	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography SoS James Brokenshire Visit 14/02/17	13/03/2017	413.28	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography UAE Foreign Minister 20/02/17	13/03/2017	585.48	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Bundestag And Milliband Visit 23/02/17	13/03/2017	878.22	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography French Foreign Minister Visit 22/02/17	13/03/2017	654.36	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Email of Jpeg for Annual Report 22/03/17	22/03/2017	14.00	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Luxembourg Foreign Minister 10/03/17	25/04/2017	1,222.62	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Launch of Online Passport Service 30/03/17	25/04/2017	585.48	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Email of Jpegs for Civic Dialogue 17/02/17	25/04/2017	189.42	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Michel Barnier Border Visit 12/05/17	17/05/2017	1,100.85	Minster Flanagan	Julien Behal
Photography Global Irish Civic Forum 04/05/17	17/05/2017	1,168.50	Minster Flanagan	Photocall Ireland
Photography Royal Visit Kilkenny 11/05/17	18/05/2017	999.38	Minster Flanagan	Julien Behal
Photography Min Flan meeting Deputy PM Vietnam 24/04/17	23/05/2017	204.30	Minster Flanagan	Denis Byrne
Photography Royal Visit Farmleigh Gallery 11/05/17	23/05/2017	467.40	Minster Flanagan	Photocall Ireland
Photography Global Games Launch 24/05/17	09/06/2017	522.75	Minister Mc Hugh	Julien Behal
Photography Visit of Danish Foreign Minister 02/06/17	13/06/2017	977.85	Minster Flanagan	Julien Behal
Photography Chinese Visit to Iveagh House 08/06/17	13/06/2017	522.75	Minster Flanagan	Julien Behal
Photography Royal Visit Dublin Friday 12/05/17	15/06/2017	1,136.52	Minster Flanagan	Maxwells Photography
Photography Brexit Conference in Letterkenny 22/05/17	13/06/2017	442.80	Minister Mc Hugh	Clive Wasson
Photography Visit of Prince Albert of Monaco 23/06/17	27/06/2017	1,014.75	n/a	Julien Behal
Photography Joint Ireland UK Messines Commemoration 07/06/2017	27/06/2017	500.00	Minster Flanagan	Eric Flamand
Total		18,549.84

Table 4. Public Relations Training Costs

Name of Project/Event	2015	2016	2017 (to date)
Public Relations Institute of Ireland:Certificate for Civil Service Press Officers course	€5,670	€3,780	No relevant payments
Communications Clinic:Crisis Communications training	No relevant payments	€1,968	No relevant payments
Total	€5,670	€5,748	€0

Table 5. Advertising Costs

Description	2015	2016	2017(to date)
Iris Oifiguil	€410.00	NIL	305.00
Golden Pages	€6,191.82	€5,881.86	5,571.90
Media Vest	€23,877.06	€12,039.67	NIL
TravelWise App media Plan	NIL	€27,606	NIL
Total	30,478.88	45,527.53	5,876.90

Table 6. Website Development Costs

Supplier	2015	2016	2017
Clear Ocean Internet Solutions	14,760
Action Point Innovation Ltd.		67,785
Terminal Four Solutions Ltd.	21,049	32,539	57,305
TOTAL	35,809	100,324	57,305

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (263)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

263. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has raised or plans to raise the case of a person (details supplied) with his UK counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32739/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers and my officials in the Belfast Secretariat monitor this and other cases as part of their ongoing work on prison issues generally in Northern Ireland.

The person concerned was detained in March 2016 when the release licence granted to him under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement was revoked by the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers. The case has been raised with the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) by my officials. It also has also been the subject of representations to the NIO by various public representatives in Northern Ireland.

As part of the revocation process, the independent Northern Ireland Parole Commissioners carry out a full review of the case. The Parole Commissioners are charged with taking into account the obligations on the State of the European Convention on Human Rights in making their recommendation. This includes assessing the risk to the public should the person remain at liberty. Those whose licence is revoked under this process are provided with a copy of the independent Parole Commissioners recommendation, which sets out the reasons the licence was revoked.

I understand that a Parole Commissioners hearing held some weeks ago made a decision to uphold the revocation of this person’s license.

My officials continue to actively monitor the case.

Human Rights Cases

Ceisteanna (264)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

264. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) was arrested by the Bahraini security forces without a warrant after they raided their home; and if he will raise this case with his Bahraini counterpart and call for their immediate and unconditional release. [32837/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the case referenced by the Deputy, and am concerned by reports of this person’s arrest.

Just yesterday, officials from my Department met with their counterparts from the Embassy of Bahrain in London, where they raised Ireland’s concerns about the situation of the individual in question, as well as the human rights situation in Bahrain more generally.

The deterioration of the human rights situation in Bahrain has been the subject of several Questions in this House recently, and continues to be of considerable concern. As I have previously outlined, despite repeatedly stating its commitment to improving its human rights record, the Bahraini Government appears to be targeting those who express disagreement with or criticism of the Government. A number of worrying developments suggest an increasingly restrictive attitude to those opposing or challenging the Government in any way. Statements from the Bahraini Government on its commitment to safeguarding human rights enshrined in the Bahraini Constitution ring hollow when there are so many examples of violations of the most fundamental freedoms, including those of opinion and expression (which includes the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas), thought, conscience and religion, and movement.

Ireland attaches a high priority to safeguarding human rights defenders such as the person referenced by the Deputy. My Department continually advocates for freedom for civil society actors to operate in a safe and enabling environment, without repression. Ireland’s concerns about human rights issues and restrictions of civil liberties in Bahrain is regularly conveyed to the Bahraini authorities, including through the Bahraini Embassy in London and through Ireland’s (non-resident) Ambassador to Bahrain.

Officials from my Department also raised ongoing human rights concerns with Bahrain in the context of its Universal Periodic Review, which took place in Geneva in May. In advance of this review, the Irish Mission to the UN in Geneva supported an event by the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, where human rights concerns in the Kingdom were discussed. Ireland also made specific reference to Bahrain in our Item 4 (Human Rights situations that require the Council's attention) Statement at the Human Rights Council in Geneva last September, expressing concern about “restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association aimed at silencing the voice of civil society and human rights defenders in countries including Bahrain”.

My Department will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Bahrain, and will utilise every appropriate opportunity to raise Ireland’s concerns with the Bahraini authorities, as it has done on this occasion.

Overseas Development Aid Oversight

Ceisteanna (265)

Darragh O'Brien

Ceist:

265. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Cabinet committee that covers overseas development aid. [32467/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The purpose of the Cabinet Committees is to provide political oversight of relevant initiatives and developments in policy areas, in particular where there is a need for coordinated action across Departments and agencies.

The Government’s policy on international development, One World One Future, was approved by Cabinet in 2013. It provides for a whole-of-government approach to international development and guides all our development efforts across Departments. In the event the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade deems it necessary for Cabinet to discuss a particular policy issue or initiative related to overseas development aid he would either raise it directly at Cabinet or bring it through an appropriate Cabinet Committee.

The Minister also regularly engages with the Oireachtas and the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on budget and policy issues related to Official Development Assistance and the international development programme.