Written Answers Nos. 188-207
188. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his responsibilities as they pertain to Brexit; if he expects these responsibilities to increase; the division of tasks as they relate to Brexit between the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33301/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn appointing me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, the Taoiseach has asked me to coordinate the whole-of-Government approach to the EU-UK negotiations and to preparations for Brexit, with a view to securing the best possible outcome for Ireland. Coming shortly before the formal launch of the Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK on 19 June, my appointment to this role has coincided with an important period in the Brexit process.
My immediate focus has therefore been on discharging the Department’s lead role in ensuring a cross-Governmental approach to the Article 50 negotiations. I will be building on the excellent work carried out over recent months, which has ensured that Ireland’s interests – as set out in the Government’s comprehensive document of 2 May on our approach to the Brexit negotiations – have been fully reflected in the EU’s negotiating position. Protecting the gains of the peace process is a key priority for the Government in dealing with Brexit. This includes ensuring that all provisions of the Good Friday Agreement are fully respected and upheld, avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland and maintaining the Common Travel Area.
In order to ensure that these specific concerns are recognised, the Government has also undertaken an intensive campaign of engagement with our EU partners and the EU Institutions. This approach has delivered for Ireland and I look forward to continuing the efforts of my predecessor in this regard. I have already held bilateral meetings with a number of my EU colleagues since assuming my new responsibilities, including with the EU’s lead negotiator, Michel Barnier, as well with my French and Slovak counterparts during visits to Paris and Bratislava on 5 July and 7 July respectively while on 3 July I welcomed my Finnish counterpart to Ireland when I brought on a visit to the border. In addition, I met the UK’s Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, David Davis, in London on 6 July and I have spoken by telephone with the UK’s Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson.
I will normally represent Ireland at the General Affairs Council (Art. 50). The GAC (Art. 50) will have a key role to play in providing political oversight of the Article 50 negotiations as they proceed and in preparing the work of the European Council (Art. 50), where Ireland is represented by the Taoiseach.
The European Union Division in my Department is headed by a Second Secretary General with a particular focus on Brexit issues, and has been strengthened by the appointment of an Assistant Secretary to work with him. He oversees a dedicated six-person unit on the EU-UK negotiations in the Division. The EU Division works closely with the Department’s Ireland, UK and Americas Division, Legal Division and Trade Division, which also deal with aspects of Brexit. The resources for these Divisions have also been reinforced. Specific additional senior diplomatic posts have also been assigned to our Embassies in London, Berlin and Paris as well as the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels, while reporting on Brexit issues is a top priority for all our EU Missions. There is daily coordination with the Department of the Taoiseach, which serves the Taoiseach as a member of the European Council. There is also close engagement with other Government Departments and their “Brexit” teams.
The precise operational arrangements for co-operation between Departments are being reviewed in the light of my Ministerial remit.
Brexit will also have implications for a broad range of policy areas that fall under the responsibility of my Department. We have cooperated closely with the UK within the EU on a number of these important areas, including in the areas of foreign and development policy as well as in economic and trade policy. A key priority for my Department is therefore to build on our partnerships with the remaining EU Member States and develop new alliances within the EU and engage more proactively with the EU institutions. This work is already underway. Discussions with EU partners have revealed that they too are very mindful of the need to intensify alliances post-Brexit and are also looking at how best to do so.
We have already seen the implications that Brexit has had for our consular and passport services. There has been a marked increase in demand for passports and citizenship via foreign birth registration from applicants in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. In this regard, the Passport Service in Dublin, Cork and London as well as Consular Division have recruited a number of additional temporary and fulltime officers to meet increased Passport and Foreign Birth Registration demands including increased demand as a result of Brexit.
It is also the Government’s objective to exploit fully any opportunities arising from the UK’s decision to leave the EU and my Department, in collaboration with other Government Departments and State Agencies, is working to support Irish businesses to identify new opportunities for their products and services by diversifying into new markets as well as intensifying efforts in existing markets. The work is being taken forward through the Export Trade Council which I chair.
189. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the development of sectorial response plans to Brexit; the publication date of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33340/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the publication on 2 May of the comprehensive document setting out the Government's approach to the Brexit negotiations, which drew on the findings of sectoral dialogues held to date in the framework of the Civic Dialogue, work is underway across Government to prepare adaptive Sectoral Brexit Response Plans to mitigate emerging sectoral challenges. These plans will build on ongoing cross-Government research, analysis and consultations with stakeholders, and will encompass the following themes:
- Sustainable fiscal policies to ensure capacity to absorb and respond to economic shocks, not least from Brexit;
- Policies to make Irish enterprise more diverse and resilient, to diversify trade and investment patterns, and to strengthen competitiveness;
- Prioritising policy measures and dedicating resources to protect jobs and businesses in the sectors and regions most affected by Brexit;
- Realising economic opportunities arising from Brexit, and helping businesses adjust to any new logistical or trade barriers arising;
- Making a strong case at EU level that Ireland will require support that recognises where Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy.
Although not directly responsible for any one Sectoral Response Plan, my Department and I will have a key role to play in working with other Ministers and Departments to identify how to mitigate sectoral challenges that are identified across Government.
My Department has lead responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government approach to the EU-UK negotiations and it will continue to work closely with all Departments in this context to work towards ensuring that Ireland’s priorities – including in relation to sectoral issues – are appropriately reflected in the EU’s negotiating position as the process evolves.
I and my officials are also continuing an intensive programme of engagement with our EU partners. The aim is to ensure a firm understanding of Ireland’s unique concerns and also to identify areas where we share common priorities with Member States, both in relation to Brexit and also with regard to the wider EU agenda.
My Department also has a wider role and responsibility with regard to promoting Ireland internationally. This will only increase in importance across the range of our sectoral interests, especially where mitigating measures foresee a diversification of trade and investment patterns, particularly in markets and regions where awareness of Ireland may be less developed than in our longer established markets.
To this end, my Department, in collaboration with other Government Departments and State Agencies, is working to support Irish businesses to identify new opportunities for their products and services by diversifying into new markets as well as intensifying efforts in existing markets. The work is being taken forward through the Export Trade Council which I chair.
190. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to establish an embassy in Georgia with full services to enhance trade and other links between Ireland and Georgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33352/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe configuration and scale of the State’s diplomatic network is kept under ongoing review by the Government. The Government is of course conscious of the political, economic, trade and other factors that might warrant the opening of a resident diplomatic mission in a number of countries. However, resource constraints do not allow us to have resident representation in all the locations that might objectively justify it having regard to those factors. At present, Ireland’s bilateral relationship with Georgia is sustained and promoted on a concurrent basis through our embassy in Sofia.
191. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the challenges Italy has with the increased numbers of immigrants from Libya and African countries; and if the EU will assist more [32471/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraItaly and Greece have for the past two years been at the centre of the EU migration crisis. Following the deal agreed between EU Heads of State and Government and Turkey in March 2016 the migration pressure moved from Greece to Italy. More than 85,000 people have risked the Mediterranean crossing to reach Italy so far this year, a 20% increase over the same period in 2016, according to figures from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). At least 2,150 others have died trying. The vast majority of migrants are arriving via Libya. Most migrants are coming from sub-Saharan Africa. According to UN High Commission for Refugees, the top two nationalities arriving in Italy by sea in 2016 were Nigerians (21%) and Eritreans (11%).
Italy is experiencing increasing difficulties trying to manage this influx of people and recently threatened to close its ports to rescue ships operated by humanitarian groups that were not flying the Italian flag unless they received more help from other EU members.
Earlier this month the European Commission announced an action plan to help Italy cope with the Central Mediterranean influx.
The plan inter alia calls on EU ministers to approve:
- €46m to help Libya strengthen border controls and tackle the smuggling gangs
- €35m more for Italy to step up processing of migrants and returns of failed asylum seekers
- The stepping up of work with African countries, including Mali and Niger, to stem the flow of migrants.
The Commission has called on Italy to introduce a Code of Conduct for NGOs carrying out search and rescue activities in the Mediterranean. It said that the proposal was being made because their activities might be a "pull factor" encouraging people to risk their lives in flimsy dinghies in the hope of being picked up and then ferried over to Italy.
The Commission also called on Italy to show greater flexibility on security checks arranged bilaterally with other Member States allowing migrants to be relocated from Italy more speedily.
The June European Council agreed 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. This would involve continued and enhanced cooperation with countries of origin and transit, including strengthening regional cooperation in Search and Rescue activities. The European Council said that training and equipping the Libyan Coast Guard was a key component of the EU approach and promised to speed it up.
Meanwhile the Interior ministers of France, Germany and Italy along with the European Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs met in Paris on 2 July and agreed, inter alia, to enhance support to the Libyan coastguard by increasing training activities and providing additional financial support while at the same time ensuring close monitoring of activities and to provide additional support to the IOM and the UNHCR to enable facilities in Libya to reach international standards in terms of living conditions and human rights. They also reached agreement on the EU Relocation scheme agreed in 2015. Progress in its implementation has encountered various difficulties and has been very slow.
192. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he plans to meet with representatives of the UUP, the SDLP and the Alliance Party. [32895/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI began my engagement with all parties in Northern Ireland immediately upon being appointed to the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Since 19 June I have represented the Government at the talks process in Belfast to support the formation of an Executive and as part of this process I have engaged with all the political parties, including the SDLP, UUP, and Alliance Party. I will continue to do so in the period ahead.
Significant progress has been made in the talks, although a number of key issues remain to be resolved. Notwithstanding the challenge of the remaining issues to be resolved, I believe that an agreement can be reached – an agreement that would allow a power-sharing Executive to be formed on a sustainable basis. All parties are committed to the successful operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and everyone agrees that devolution is the best way to deliver for all of the people of Northern Ireland.
The Governments can support and encourage but, in the final analysis, it is only the parties themselves that can make an agreement with each other. All sides may now wish to reflect on how progress can best be made. I have encouraged all parties to maintain dialogue with each other over the coming weeks.
The Government will spare no effort in fulfilling its solemn duty as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and this includes working to ensure the effective operation of all of its institutions. We will continue to work to this end with the British Government to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to reach agreement on the formation of a new Executive. The Government wishes to see this achieved as soon as possible.
193. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to his comments on designated special status for Northern Ireland in the context of Brexit, if this special status includes maintaining ongoing sectoral linkages on a sector by sector basis (details supplied) wherein it is practicable. [30850/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraProtecting the Northern Ireland peace process is one of the Government’s priorities in the Brexit negotiations. The Government’s focus in relation to Northern Ireland is the substantive outcome to the key issues. The Government’s objectives in the withdrawal negotiations are well-known: to secure the avoidance of a hard border, respect for the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, continued EU engagement in Northern Ireland and the protection of the unique status of Irish citizens in Northern Ireland.
As a result of intensive political and diplomatic engagement by the Government, our EU partners and the EU institutions are fully aware and supportive of the importance of respecting the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and protecting the gains of the peace process. The European Council’s guidelines for the EU-UK negotiations include a strong acknowledgment of the unique circumstances of the island of Ireland and explicitly recognize the importance of preserving the achievements, benefits and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement. These guidelines are fully reflected in the negotiating directives adopted by the General Affairs Council on 22 May.
The inclusion of the specific references to Ireland’s key priorities in the EU negotiating guidelines highlights their acceptance by our EU partners as shared priorities for the European Union in the negotiation process with the UK. The Government is under no illusions about the challenge and complexity of these negotiations and is engaged in detailed and ongoing planning in order to prepare for them.
North/South cooperation is ever more crucial in the context of Brexit and work in this area will continue. The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has had a strong Brexit focus in the past year in working to identify impacts, opportunities and contingencies for the island arising from the UK’s departure from the EU. In November 2016, the NSMC agreed to a number of common principles to guide future work on Brexit. I look forward to this work continuing in greater depth and detail once agreement is reached to form a new Northern Ireland Executive.
The All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit is a critical part of the Government’s engagement with sectors which will be impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Over 1,200 delegates have participated in two plenary sessions and numerous sectoral dialogues, facilitating a wide conversation on the implications of Brexit for the island, North and South. Through this process the Government has heard and taken on board a broad range of concerns which have informed the Government’s approach to the Brexit negotiations. This has been a very valuable initiative and is continuing.
The Government will maintain its focus on the pursuit of specific, effective and realizable measures that address each of the issues of concern under Brexit to ensure that the gains of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement are not in any way undermined by the UK’s exit from the EU and to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.
194. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views of the citizenship proposals put forward by Prime Minister May in a policy paper (details supplied). [32101/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSafeguarding the rights and entitlements of EU citizens resident in the UK as well as UK citizens resident in the EU has been identified as a key priority by both the European Union and the UK within the context of the Article 50 negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. As set out in the comprehensive document published on 2 May entitled Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, the Government believes that an agreement on the rights of citizens should be wide, ambitious and comprehensive. I am satisfied that the Guidelines for the negotiations adopted by the European Council (Art. 50) on 29 April and the more detailed negotiating directives agreed by the General Affairs Council (Art. 50) on 22 May fully reflect Ireland’s approach in this regard. The EU’s position has been formally conveyed to the UK by way of a position paper, which was published on 12 June and presented in detail to the UK side during the first round of negotiations on 19 June. It is positive that the UK Government has now published its approach to the issue in a paper entitled Safeguarding the position of EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU .
Ireland, along with its EU27 partners, is currently studying the detail of the UK paper, which will be discussed between the EU and the UK as part of the work stream on citizens’ rights under the Article 50 process. The next round of negotiations is scheduled to take place on 17 July. While clearly there are differences between the two sides’ proposals, I am hopeful that progress can be made as quickly as possible so that certainty can be provided early in the withdrawal process on this issue, which impacts directly upon the lives and livelihoods of over 4 million people.
In addition to working with our EU27 partners in advocating an ambitious agreement on citizens’ rights, the Government is continuing to work closely with the European Commission Taskforce and the UK with a view to maintaining the Common Travel Area, which provides reciprocal rights for Irish people living and working in the UK and British citizens living in Ireland.
The importance of the continuation of bilateral arrangements and agreements between Ireland and the UK, including the CTA, has been recognised by the EU in the European Council Guidelines of 29 April and the negotiating directives of 22 May and this has been further reflected in the EU’s position paper on citizens’ rights. Similarly, the UK has noted that its proposals on citizens’ rights are without prejudice to the Common Travel Area.
195. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made to address the refugee crisis in Syria and Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33503/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Syria have forced millions of people to flee their homes. In Syria alone, an estimated 6.3 million people are internally displaced, while a further 5 million people have fled to neighbouring countries, including Iraq. Inside Iraq, a further 3.1 million people have been displaced through the conflict there. The levels of humanitarian need in the region are unprecedented, presenting enormous challenges to the international community and in particular to neighbouring countries which are struggling to host large numbers of refugees.
Ireland has supported the people of Syria since the conflict began in 2012 with more than €76 million in humanitarian assistance. By the end of 2017, I would expect that we will have provided close to €100m. Our support provides life-saving assistance to people caught in the conflict inside Syria and also to Syrians who have fled to neighbouring countries, such as Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.
We have also provided over €8 million in humanitarian support to the people of Iraq since 2014. This includes €2 million released earlier this year to the UN Humanitarian Fund, which directs funding to partners best placed to provide assistance to those who need it most. Even as the conflict in Iraq eases, millions of Iraqis will still require significant humanitarian assistance while the difficult task of rebuilding their communities begins.
In addition, since 2012, Ireland has also deployed 50 members of its Rapid Response Corps to work with UN organisations working on the crises in Iraq and Syria.
A core focus of Ireland’s humanitarian assistance in the region is to provide the means to rebuild livelihoods and ensure that children can return to school while displaced from their home communities.
Ireland also contributes to the needs of refugees in the Middle East region through the EU and UN responses. In March, the EU announced €42.5 million in additional humanitarian support for Iraq, bringing EU humanitarian assistance in Iraq to over €309 million since 2015.
We continue to monitor the situation in Syria and Iraq closely, and are preparing a further release of funds to Syria in the coming weeks.
196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his European Union and United Nations colleagues continue to address the threat of international terrorism; if particular initiatives are likely with a view to protecting persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33504/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe increase in terrorist attacks in Europe in recent months has highlighted once again the need to address the diverse threat posed by terrorism. The EU is working to strengthen its response to international terrorism through multilateral cooperation, political dialogue and concrete support to third countries. EU Foreign Ministers remain focused on implementation of the recent Council Conclusions on Counter-terrorism agreed last month and on the contribution that the EU can make through external action to preventing and countering terrorism. Engagement with third countries to prevent violent extremism and to strengthen their capacity to detect and prevent terrorism, in full compliance with international law and human right, remains at the core of the EU’s strategy. The EU has also placed considerable emphasis on strengthening cooperation with its immediate neighbours in the Western Balkans, Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries through dedicated political dialogue and the cultivation of effective counter-terrorism partnerships.
Ireland supports the comprehensive approach being taken at EU level to preventing and countering terrorism as well as the need to address the underlying factors that contribute to this threat. It is crucial that our response in this area effectively addresses the dangers of violent extremism and radicalisation, especially online content.
The European Council has also expressed its support for practical cooperation and coordination between the EU and the United Nations in the area of counter-terrorism and has welcomed the UN Secretary General’s proposal to establish an Office for Counter-Terrorism.
The former UN Secretary General’s comprehensive Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, presented in January 2016, and his related reports are an important and welcome contribution to addressing the threat posed by international terrorism, and to highlighting the need to examine drivers of violent extremism through dialogue and conflict prevention, strengthening governance and the rule of law, gender equality and empowering women, community engagement and youth empowerment, and education and skills development.
Two areas which Ireland has highlighted in particular are the effects of violent extremism on Youth and Women, and their role in countering such extremism. Ireland was strongly supportive of the adoption last year by the Security Council of Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security. This Resolution confirmed that inclusion and participation by young people must lie at the core of efforts by the international community to respond to crises and conflict.
Women, Peace and Security is also a key element in the fight against violent extremism. Ireland has long been a supporter of the full implementation of Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security and its successor Resolutions. Women can have an important role to play in helping to counter radicalisation and extremism in their families and communities, and also have the potential to be radicalised themselves. Therefore effective Countering Violent Extremism strategies must take cognisance of the particular situation and perspectives of women and girls into consideration.
Ireland continues to work closely through the EU, the UN, and with other partners to counter and prevent terrorism. It is vital that we intensify our efforts to work with our partners in this area to build our capacity to challenge the threat posed by terrorism.
197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which particular emphasis is placed on efforts within the European Union to address the issue of euroscepticism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33505/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of euroscepticism is not new but in recent years it has become stronger and more vocal. That is why this year, in the Rome Declaration of 25 March, the leaders of the 27 Members States and of the EU Institutions pledged ‘to listen and respond to the concerns expressed by our citizens’ and committed to offering citizens ‘both security and new opportunities’. In this regard, a key priority for the Government is to ensure that the EU is delivering practical improvements to the lives of citizens through policies to promote jobs and growth and in addressing internal and external challenges such as migration and international terrorism.
The European Commission’s recent White Paper on the Future of Europe addresses the challenges that Europe is facing and presents five scenarios for how the Union could evolve by 2025. Its open and non-prescriptive approach is welcome and is in keeping with the need to renew the EU’s engagement with its citizens. My Department will support and foster dialogue and debate by civil society and the general public on the issues raised in the White Paper and the five Reflection Papers which have followed from it.
There is a now growing sense that the EU has come out of a period of crisis and is moving forward, despite Brexit. The election of President Macron, the setback suffered by populist parties in certain recent European elections and the return of economic growth have contributed towards this feeling. It is important that we carry forward this sense of optimism into the debate on the future of the EU and continue to work together to shape an EU which puts the citizen at the heart of the EU agenda.
198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his Department continue to support a person (details supplied) detained in Egypt; if it is expected that a breakthrough will be achieved resulting in his release or return here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33507/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is continuing to work very hard on this Irish citizen’s behalf, and this case remains the top consular priority of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Very significant resources continue to be deployed to support this citizen and his family. The trial in which he is a defendant was back in court twice in the past week – on 4 July and again on 9 July - for further hearings. Our Embassy team was in the court to observe the proceedings, as they have been at every hearing in the case.
The latest hearings saw further progress in the case. The last of the prosecution witnesses have now been called. The judge, at the request of the defence lawyers, has agreed that the next hearing, scheduled for 16 July, will be devoted to a critical examination of the video evidence which the prosecution side has presented.
Our understanding is that the defence lawyers, including our Irish citizen’s representative, will soon have their opportunity to present their case on behalf of their clients.
I had a telephone conversation on 9 July with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. I underlined in the strongest possible terms the Government’s position on this case and our determination to see our citizen back in Ireland with his family as soon as possible. I will be continuing to look at the case in detail, and engaging with key relevant parties, including representatives of the Egyptian Government at all appropriate levels.
I can assure the Deputy that the Government will be continuing to work day-in and day-out to secure this individual’s return to Ireland at the earliest possible moment. This is our objective, and we are working relentlessly in order to achieve that outcome.
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU remains focused on the issues affecting the western Balkans with particular reference to the need to ensure the future of the democratic process and compliance with the acquis communautaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33508/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe stability of the countries of the Western Balkans continues to be a priority for the European Union. The region is currently facing many challenges, and internal political difficulties are frequently compounded by the impact of external influences. On 9 March, the European Council reaffirmed its unequivocal support for the European perspective of the region and stressed the importance of the states concerned continuing on the reform path, having good neighbourly relations with each other, and further developing inclusive regional cooperation initiatives.
High Representative Mogherini further underlined the EU’s commitment to the enlargement process at the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit, held in Dubrovnik on 30 June, when she emphasized that the region is facing many of the same challenges as Europe as a whole.
The EU will also be present at the Trieste Summit on 12 July when the leaders of the countries of the Western Balkans will reiterate their commitment to the reform processes required for accession to the EU, and will discuss practical aspects of regional co-operation aimed at bringing about tangible benefits to of the citizens of the region, including on the economy and infrastructure.
Ireland is a strong supporter of enlargement, viewing it as a transformative driver for stability and peace, and supports all efforts to enhance regional relationships and institutional reform.
200. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific task the new special envoy to the United States of America will enjoy; if there will be a formal delegation order made following assignment of the role; the Department that is the parent line for the role; and if a budget allocation is to be made to support the role. [32141/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has informed the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress of the appointment of a new special envoy to the United States. [32142/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has informed the American administration of the appointment of a new special envoy to the United States. [32143/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the resources from Ireland's embassy and consulates in the United States that will be provided for the new special envoy announced recently. [32144/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 200 to 203, inclusive, together.
The Taoiseach has appointed Deputy John Deasy as a Government envoy to the US Congress to work on the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United States. While Deputy Deasy will work under my overall direction and that of the Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon, TD, there will no requirement for a formal delegation order. I have already spoken with Deputy Deasy in regard to Government priorities in this area, and to explore how the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade can best support him in this new role. The Secretary General of my Department, Niall Burgess, has also had follow up contact with Deputy Deasy regarding his appointment.
In meeting the challenges of this new role, Deputy Deasy will work closely with and be supported by the incoming Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, Dan Mulhall, as well as the Embassy of Ireland in Washington, DC, and our Consulates across the United States. Our Embassy and Consulates continue to monitor issues regarding immigration reform in the United States on a continuing basis. They also work very closely with Irish immigration centres in the United States in providing support to Irish immigrants in the US, including members of the undocumented community.
Ireland’s diplomatic network in the US is therefore very well placed to provide logistical and policy support to Deputy Deasy in the area of immigration reform. As the Taoiseach has indicated, Deputy Deasy will not be provided with any additional remuneration for this role. His travel and subsistence expenses, which are expected to be modest, will be covered from within the existing resources of my Department.
Deputy Deasy has extensive experience of working in the US Congress, including engaging on immigration reform legislation. He will bring that valuable experience and his network of contacts within the US system to augment the extensive efforts already undertaken by the Government and the Embassy in Washington, DC, as well as our Consulates, to assist the plight of the undocumented Irish in the US.
It is expected that Deputy Deasy will travel to the United States at an early date and the relevant US authorities will be appropriately advised of his appointment in advance of that visit.
204. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the anomalies that exist in the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 whereby the rigors of the legislation do not apply to firms that have no operation in the jurisdiction here but still allows them to sell property here; his plans to amend this legislation and remove this paragraph relieving agents from another jurisdiction from adhering to local laws and regulation and also allowing them all the benefits of participating in the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33267/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) was formally established on 3 April 2012, pursuant to the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011. One of the main statutory functions of the PSRA is the licensing of Property Service Providers, i.e. auctioneers, estate agents, letting agents and property management agents. The Authority is independent in exercising its statutory functions.
Part 11 and Schedule 7 of the 2011 Act relate to property services provided by certain persons from EU Member States referred to in the legislation as 'relevant persons'. Section 82 of the 2011 Act details a 'relevant person' as one who holds from an EU competent authority a licence or other form of authorisation authorising that person to provide a property service similar to the definition provided for in the Act; is subject to a scheme of protection in respect of client accounts that substantially corresponds to the provisions of Part 5 of the Act; proposes to provide or is providing a corresponding property service in the State; and is not prohibited under the Act from providing the corresponding property service. The requirement to allow 'relevant persons' to provide property services in the State without a licence from the Property Services Regulatory Authority arises from our obligations under the EU Services Directive 2006/123/EC.
The European Commission has recently communicated that it has concerns about certain provisions of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 which may contravene aspects of the Services Directive 2006/123/EC. These concern the provision of property services by persons other than 'relevant persons' who are permitted to provide property services in their own jurisdictions without a requirement to hold a relevant licence or authorisation. In the light of this concern and in consultation with the Attorney General's Office, my Department is examining whether changes may need to be made in future to certain provisions of the current legislation.
205. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 707 of 31 January 2017, the progress which has been made in achieving a 10% increase in the Garda Traffic Corps; the efforts and resources that have gone towards greater enforcement of traffic law to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33457/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána’s Roads Policing Operations Plan 2017 incorporates a programme of high visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other state agencies. Garda operations specifically target road use behaviour known to contribute significantly to collisions, including driving while intoxicated, speeding and the use of mobile phones. By working together with the Road Safety Authority and other agencies, An Garda Síochána will continue to confront dangerous road-user behaviour thorough public presence, legislative enforcement, education and partnership.
The Commissioner has committed in her Policing Plan for 2017 to increase incrementally the number of personnel dedicated to traffic duties by 10% to support better outcomes in relation to road traffic enforcement. It is envisaged that the planned increase will be achieved in the second part of this year as newly attested Gardaí come on stream, freeing up resources for assignment to traffic policing.
I am informed that a proposal in respect of the reconfiguration of the Traffic Corps is currently being developed. It is anticipated that the reconfiguration will be completed before the end of 2017. An Garda Síochána also indicated that it was intended to have a stronger focus on road traffic enforcement in the training provided to new recruits at Templemore.
The Deputy will appreciate that I have no direct role in the enforcement of road traffic legislation, which is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. I am informed that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high visibility road safety and enforcement operations, carried out in partnership with other state agencies. Garda operations specifically target road use behaviour known to contribute significantly to collisions, including use of a mobile phone. Both strategic, targeted operations and general methods of enforcement have a valuable role to play in An Garda Síochána's road traffic enforcement programme, which targets locations with a view to preventing the commission of offences, detecting errant motorists, changing their behaviour and ultimately reducing death and injuries on our roads.
An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal Programme (2016-2021) sets out key strategic objectives for road policing which will inform and guide An Garda Síochána's road policing plans over the next 5 years. Under the Programme, the Commissioner will undertake a number of road safety traffic enforcement initiatives, including expanding the use of technology and increasing checkpoints. The Programme is being supported by significant Government investment of some €330 million, including €205 million under the Capital Plan, in Garda ICT infrastructure over the period 2016 to 2021. This major investment will allow An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting edge technologies in the fight against crime.
Underpinning all of these measures is the Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and deter crime. The Government plans to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. This year, funding has been provided for the recruitment of 800 Garda recruits and up to 500 civilians to support the wide ranging reform plan which is in train within An Garda Síochána. Approximately 300 appointments will also be made to the Garda Reserve.
206. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí in each Garda station in north Cork as of 30 June 2017; and the number of new recruits assigned to the division since recruitment resumed in 2014. [32851/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources. I am informed by the Commissioner that in regard to the deployment of Garda personnel, a distribution model is used which takes into account all relevant factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Garda Division. It is the responsibility of the Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his/her Division.
I have been informed that the number of Gardaí assigned to the Cork North Division on the 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 311 with 16 Garda Reserves and 29 civilians attached to the Division. When appropriate, the work of local Gardaí is supported by a number of Garda national units such as the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau and the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.
This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. To make this a reality for all, the Government has in place a plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021 comprising 15,000 Garda members, 2,000 Reserve members and 4,000 civilians. Funding has also been provided for the recruitment of 300 Garda Reserves.
This plan is progressing apace. I am informed by the Commissioner, since the reopening of the Garda College in September 2014, that almost 1,200 recruits have attested as members of An Garda Síochána and have been assigned to mainstream duties nationwide, 10 of whom were assigned to the Cork North Division. I am also informed that a further four hundred Garda recruits are scheduled to attest later this year which will see Garda numbers, taking account of projected retirements, increase to around the 13,500 mark by year end - an increase of 500 since the end of 2016.
This focus on investment in personnel is critical. The moratorium on recruitment introduced in 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the strength of An Garda Síochána. We are now rebuilding the organisation and providing the Commissioner with the resources she needs to allow her to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí across every Garda Division, including the Cork North Division in the coming years.
This investment in personnel is complemented by substantial investment in resources across the board for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy will be aware of the significant resources that have been made available to An Garda Síochána under the Government's Capital Plan 2016 - 2021. In particular, some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT and €46 million for new Garda vehicles has been allocated over the lifetime of the plan. This investment will facilitate the provision of more effective policing services and I have no doubt that these new resources now coming on stream will see an increase in Garda visibility in our communities.
For the Deputy's information I have set out in the table, as provided by the Commissioner, the number of Gardaí assigned to the Cork North Division by station as of 31 May 2017, the latest date for which figures are readily available.
CORK NORTH DIVISION 31 MAY 2017
|
DISTRICT |
STATION |
TOTAL |
|
FERMOY |
BALLYNOE |
1 |
|
CASTLETOWNROCHE |
2 |
|
|
FERMOY |
57 |
|
|
KILDORRERY |
1 |
|
|
KILWORTH |
1 |
|
|
MITCHELSTOWN |
19 |
|
|
RATHCORMAC |
1 |
|
|
WATERGRASSHILL |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
84 |
|
|
MALLOW |
BUTTEVANT |
1 |
|
CHARLEVILLE |
20 |
|
|
DONERAILE |
2 |
|
|
GLANTAINE |
1 |
|
|
KANTURK |
22 |
|
|
LISCARROLL |
1 |
|
|
MALLOW |
58 |
|
|
MILFORD |
2 |
|
|
NEWMARKET |
2 |
|
|
TOTAL |
109 |
|
|
MIDLETON |
BALLYCOTTON |
1 |
|
CARRIGTWOHILL |
2 |
|
|
CLOYNE |
1 |
|
|
COBH |
37 |
|
|
KILLEAGH |
1 |
|
|
MIDLETON |
52 |
|
|
WHITEGATE |
1 |
|
|
YOUGHAL |
23 |
|
|
TOTAL |
118 |
|
|
CORK NORTH TOTAL |
311 |
207. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding his Department allocated in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017 to Traveller specific initiatives and Traveller organisations around the country and specifically in County Wexford; if he has satisfied himself with the level of support his Department currently provides to cultural and heritage projects for the Traveller community; his plans to increase it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27358/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total funding available to my Department in respect of Traveller and Roma initiatives for 2017 is €3,230,000, of which €1,350,000, in respect of funding for 14 Traveller community groups and national-level NGOs, transferred to my Department from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government on 1 January 2016. This was in addition to a sum of €550,000 which transferred to my Department from the Department of Social Protection (for 7 Special Initiative for Travellers projects) on 1 January 2015. My Department provided funding of €864,188 in 2015 and €2,103,830 in 2016 for Traveller specific initiatives. Details of the funding allocation in the years in question are set out in the following Table. Please note that the funding outlined for 2017 is up to current date.
As in previous years, my Department has made funding available to Traveller Interagency Groups and Community Groups for activities around Traveller Pride Week in 2017. Funding, averaging about €2,000 for each approved project, is available for suitable projects which celebrate Traveller Culture in local communities. The flagship event of Traveller Pride Week, the Traveller Pride Awards, is also sponsored by my Department. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has led a comprehensive consultation process to develop the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, which I launched on 13 June 2017, to improve the situation for Travellers and Roma in Ireland. The new strategy includes actions in relation to cultural and heritage projects for the Traveller community. This is a positive step forward and demonstrates both the Government’s and my Department's commitment to supporting the Traveller community nationwide. Insofar as additional resources may be necessary for implementation of the new Inclusion Strategy, this is a matter for the relevant Departments as part of the annual Estimates process. I was successful in securing an additional €1 million for my own Department's work in this regard for 2017 and I will seek further resources as the need arises in future years.
My Department has an advisory group in place. The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy Steering Group was set up in 2015 after a review of existing Traveller and Roma consultation structures by my Department to monitor and assess the implementation of the Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy and is in line with the EU Framework for the Implementation of Roma Integration Strategies.
|
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
||||
|
Cost |
Agency |
Cost |
Agency |
Cost |
Agency |
|
|
Carlow |
€2,000 |
St. Catherines Community Services Centre |
€2,000 |
Carlow Traveller Interagency Group |
||
|
Cavan |
€2,090 |
Cavan Traveller Interagency Group |
||||
|
Clare |
€38,071 |
Congress Info. & Opportunity Centre, Clare |
€26,962 |
Congress Info. & Opportunity Centre, Clare |
€27,758 |
Congress Info. & Opportunity Centre, Clare |
|
€8,000 |
Ennis CDP |
€12,000 |
Ennis CDP |
|||
|
€2,000 |
Clare Traveller Interagency Group |
€11,055 |
Minceirs Whiden |
€35,132 |
Minceirs Whiden |
|
|
€3,000 |
Clare Traveller Interagency Group |
€2,000 |
Clare Traveller Interagency Group |
|||
|
Cork |
€44,453 |
First EmployAbility Services Cork |
€33,735 |
First EmployAbility Services Cork |
€23,505 |
First EmployAbility Services Cork |
|
€4,237 |
Cork City Traveller Interagency Group |
€4,000 |
Cork City Traveller Interagency Group |
|||
|
€1,460 |
Cork County Traveller Interagency Group |
€1,850 |
Cork County Traveller Interagency Group |
|||
|
Donegal |
€46,757 |
Donegal Local Devlopment Co |
€51,390 |
Donegal Local Devlopment Co |
€12,909 |
Donegal Local Devlopment Co |
|
€2,000 |
Donegal Local Devlopment Co |
€88,460 |
Donegal Travellers Project |
€43,230 |
Donegal Travellers Project |
|
|
Dublin |
€8,000 |
Traveller Counselling Service |
€46,650 |
Traveller Counselling Service |
Traveller Counselling Service |
|
|
€28,664 |
Pavee Point |
€104,514 |
Pavee Point |
€56,282 |
Pavee Point |
|
|
€5,550 |
South Dublin County Council |
€2,352 |
South Dublin County Council |
South Dublin County Council |
||
|
€1,835 |
Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group |
€114,602 |
Irish Traveller Movement |
€101,432 |
Irish Traveller Movement |
|
|
€2,250 |
St. Margarets Traveller Community Assoc. |
€89,552 |
National Traveller Womens Forum |
€44,997 |
National Traveller Womens Forum |
|
|
€2,010 |
Ballyfermot Travellers |
€129,809 |
ClondalkinTraveller Development Group |
€69,905 |
ClondalkinTraveller Development Group |
|
|
€45,000 |
Musicantia |
€42,873 |
Ballyfermot Travellers |
|||
|
€81,780 |
Tallaght Travellers |
€44,677 |
Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group |
|||
|
€87,746 |
Ballyfermot Travellers |
€33,060 |
St. Margarets Traveller Community Assoc. |
|||
|
€89,534 |
Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group |
€41,453 |
Travact |
|||
|
€66,121 |
St. Margarets Traveller Community Assoc. |
€39,935 |
Tallaght Travellers |
|||
|
€82,907 |
Travact |
|||||
|
Galway |
€34,739 |
Galway and Roscommon ETB |
€30,653 |
Galway and Roscommon ETB |
€11,593 |
Galway and Roscommon ETB |
|
€2,000 |
Galway Traveller Movement |
€99,287 |
Galway Traveller Movement |
€48,643 |
Galway Traveller Movement |
|
|
Kerry |
€66,825 |
EmployAbility Service Kerry |
€70,150 |
EmployAbility Service Kerry |
€35,573 |
EmployAbility Service Kerry |
|
€1,015 |
Kerry Traveller Interagency Group |
|||||
|
Laois |
||||||
|
Limerick |
||||||
|
Longford |
€2,000 |
Longford Primary Healtcare Project |
||||
|
Mayo |
€2,000 |
Mayo Traveller Interagency Group |
||||
|
Meath |
€55,306 |
Jobmatters EmployAbility Service Meath |
€46,068 |
Jobmatters EmployAbility Service Meath |
€14,053 |
Jobmatters EmployAbility Service Meath |
|
€2,000 |
Meath Traveller Interagency Group |
€124,420 |
Meath Travellers Group |
€61,210 |
Meath Travellers Group |
|
|
Offaly |
€1,000,000 |
Midlands Traveller Conflict Mediation Service |
€110,000 |
Midlands Traveller Conflict Mediation Service |
€100,000 |
Midlands Traveller Conflict Mediation Service |
|
€1,700 |
Offaly Traveller Movement |
€84,748 |
Offaly Traveller Movement |
€41,374 |
Offaly Traveller Movement |
|
|
€800 |
Birr Travellers |
€800 |
Birr Travellers |
|||
|
Roscommon |
€2,000 |
Roscommon Traveller Interagency Group |
||||
|
Sligo |
€30,940 |
Sligo Leader Partnership |
€19,734 |
Sligo Leader Partnership |
€12,815 |
Sligo Leader Partnership |
|
€2,000 |
Sligo Traveller Interagency Group |
|||||
|
Tipperary |
€2,000 |
Nth. Tipperary Leader Partnership |
€91,410 |
Tipperary Rural Traveller Project |
€45,705 |
Tipperary Rural Traveller Project |
|
€2,000 |
Tipperary Rural Traveller Project |
|||||
|
Waterford |
€9,720 |
Ucasadh |
€32,000 |
Ucasadh |
||
|
€3,750 |
Waterford Devlopment Project |
€3,049 |
Waterford Traveller Interagency Group |
€41,291 |
Waterford Traveller Community Development |
|
|
€82,583 |
Waterford Traveller Community Development |
|||||
|
Westmeath |
€1,249 |
Westmeath Traveller Interagency Group |
||||
|
Wexford |
€1,940 |
Ferns Diocesan Youth Service |
||||
|
Wicklow |
€1,680 |
Bray Travllers |
€87,444 |
Bray Travllers CDP |
€42,882 |
Bray Travllers CDP |
|
€1,980 |
Wicklow Travellers |
€80,655 |
Wicklow Travellers |
€39,827 |
Wicklow Travellers |
|
|
Total |
€1,426,081 |
€2,140,960 |
€1,112,114 |
