Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:102. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the gender balance on each of the State boards under his remit, in tabular form. [48565/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraGender Balance
Ceisteanna (102)
Freagraí scríofa
There are no State bodies or boards that fall under the aegis of my Department.
Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 101.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (104)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he directly and in conjunction with his EU and UN colleagues has been appraised of and is engaged in the co-ordination of assistance in Yemen, with particular reference to abuses of human rights, war, famine and starvation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48661/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The situation in Yemen is deeply concerning. The conflict has entered its third year, the political process has stalled and the fighting is having devastating consequences for civilians. This conflict has been characterised by allegations of violations of human rights, massive starvation and disease, and infringements of international humanitarian law.
Seven million Yemenis are on the brink of famine, including approximately two million severely malnourished children. In addition, Yemen has experienced a surge in cholera cases since April, with almost one million suspected cases and over two thousand associated deaths according to the World Health Organization.
The only way to bring about a long-term sustainable improvement in the situation for the Yemeni people is through peaceful resolution of the conflict. Ireland is working, including though the EU and UN, to support efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict, to investigate and prosecute alleged violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and to support the humanitarian needs of the Yemeni people.
Ireland fully supports the efforts of UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and his team, who are working towards a peace agreement that is acceptable to all parties to the conflict. I welcome the Special Envoy’s announcement following his meeting with senior Yemeni and Saudi officials last month, of the steps that are currently being explored. These include: reinstating the cessation of hostilities, confidence building measures on the humanitarian side, and the return to the negotiating table.
EU Foreign Ministers last discussed the situation in Yemen at the Foreign Affairs Council in April. The Council called on the parties to start negotiating a peace agreement, and committed to increasing its engagement with Yemen once a political solution to the conflict is agreed. The EU is the largest humanitarian donor to Yemen and has provided over €170 million in aid since the conflict began, to which Ireland contributes via the EU Development Budget.
In addition, Ireland has also contributed over €10 million in humanitarian assistance from our Aid Programme since 2015. This includes our commitment made in April to provide €4 million to the UN Humanitarian Fund for Yemen, which provides rapid and flexible funding to NGOs and UN agencies for health, water and sanitation, and nutrition.
Ireland is also providing €20 million annually for 2016-2018 to the UN World Food Programme which is active in providing food assistance in Yemen. In addition, Ireland is the 8th largest contributor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, which has allocated $84.8 million to Yemen since 2015.
Ireland is also working through the UN system to address the human rights situation in Yemen. At the Human Rights Council in September 2017, Ireland was part of a small core group of countries that drove forward the adoption of a Resolution on Yemen. This Resolution established a group of international experts to examine allegations of human rights violations of human rights during the conflict, and to report back to the UN Human Rights Council next year. This investigation is an important step towards accountability in Yemen, and will help establish the facts in relation to violations of human rights and humanitarian law on the ground.
I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to take every appropriate opportunity to press for a negotiated settlement to the conflict, respect for human rights and international humanitarian law and improved humanitarian access going forward.
Disaster Response
Ceisteanna (105, 107)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which humanitarian abuse, war and starvation have been noted by the international community at various locations globally to date; the extent to which aid is directed at such locations; the efficacy of this aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48662/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community is geared to respond to various disasters globally from natural disasters to war; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48664/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 107 together.
The international community is currently challenged by the scale of humanitarian crises globally resulting from war, conflict, drought, famine and natural disasters. Over 145 million people in 39 countries around the world are now in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The UN estimates that a record $24.1 billion is needed this year to respond effectively to these needs.
The UN has identified the emergencies in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as particularly complex crises in conflict situations which have resulted in significant displacement, food insecurity, rising malnutrition levels and serious concerns for the protection of civilians. Coordinated responses from the international community are required in order to deal effectively with complex crises such as these.
Despite a huge gap between the total requirements of the UN-coordinated appeals and the funding received, the international community’s coordinated response can and is working. For example, the international community provided more than $2.4 billion in humanitarian support this year to address the four famines then threatening more than 20 million people across South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen. While a severe threat remains, the relief efforts coordinated by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) saved lives and alleviated imminent famine. Ireland provided €2.9 million in core funding this year to OCHA. Such funding not only supports OCHA’s core function of coordination of humanitarian response, but enables it to manage a number of UN humanitarian pooled fund mechanisms including the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Ireland is a strong supporter of this mechanism, which enables the quick provision of funding to humanitarian responders whenever and wherever crises hit. Ireland is the sixth largest donor to the CERF in 2017.
To respond effectively and in a timely manner to the unprecedented level of demands facing the international community, Ireland provided more than €194 million for humanitarian assistance in 2016. Our assistance is focused on where needs are greatest, providing support to the most vulnerable and hard to reach populations. We remain committed to responding in a timely and effective manner to the most severe humanitarian crises and emergencies, in particular to protracted and forgotten crises. However, we recognise that the provision of humanitarian aid alone is not the answer. Humanitarian need will continue to rise unless durable solutions are found to the conflicts driving the great majority of humanitarian crises. Ireland will focus our efforts on supporting the international system to find peaceful political solutions to war and violence. At the same time, we will continue to work to ensure faster and more effective delivery of humanitarian aid.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (106)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the incidents of war, ethnic cleansing, human rights abuses and the use of child soldiers continue in the Horn of Africa; if direct or indirect international aid is having a positive impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48663/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am deeply concerned at ongoing incidents of conflict and violence in the Horn of Africa. Conflict and violence, together with the impact of climate change, lead to loss of livelihoods and acute hunger, and drive massive population displacements and humanitarian needs across the region. Ethnic violence, grave human rights abuses and the recruitment of child soldiers are a feature of many of the conflicts in the region.
Ireland, together with our EU and UN partners, will continue to support conflict resolution in South Sudan. This conflict has now taken on an increasingly ethnic dimension and widespread human rights abuses are carried out by all parties. We fully support the efforts underway, led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, to revitalise the peace process and the implementation of the 2015 peace agreement.
The overall security situation is Somalia remains extremely fragile, and Al-Shabaab’s insurgency continues to threaten the stability of the country. The EU is providing considerable support for AMISOM, the African Union-led peacekeeping mission in Somalia, and is supporting highly effective capacity building operations focused on maritime security and military training, as part of its Common Security and Defence Policy.
Ireland’s humanitarian assistance to the Horn of Africa region, which amounts to €138 million over the 2012-2017 period, is having a positive impact. We are working through a range of UN, NGO and Red Cross partners providing shelter and protection to displaced populations, providing emergency food assistance and livelihoods support, treating acute malnutrition, and providing emergency services in water and sanitation, education and healthcare to vulnerable communities.
Ireland also provides significant amounts of longer-term development assistance in the Horn of Africa. For example, this year Irish Aid’s development assistance programme in Ethiopia is providing €29 million to support the poorest people in the country through social protection, agriculture, health, nutrition and programmes. Irish Aid also supports the development work of missionary and civil society organisations across the region.
Together with our EU and UN partners, and through our Embassies on the ground, we will continue to closely monitor crises across the Horn of Africa, support political efforts to resolve conflicts, end ethnic violence and human rights abuses, and target our overseas assistance to communities most in need.
Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 105.
Human Rights
Ceisteanna (108)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made at international level to combat human rights abuses and the persecution of religious minorities at various locations globally, including Myanmar; if specific action is required to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48665/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is regarded as a fundamental and universal right for every human being, provided for under Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.
Freedom of religion and belief is one of the priorities of Ireland’s international engagement on human rights. At the United Nations General Assembly Ireland consistently condemns all forms of persecution, intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. We also raise our concerns at the Universal Periodic Review, (UPR) a unique peer mechanism of the Human Rights Council under which the human rights records of all UN Member States are reviewed. The current round of UPR is taking place from 6 to 17 November.
In September at the 36th session of the Human Rights Council, Ireland strongly condemned all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who the victims are.
Ireland consistently supports the EU-led resolutions on freedom of religion or belief at the UN, most recently at the current UN General Assembly in November 2017 and during the 34th session of the Human Rights Council in March 2017. The EU is a strong supporter of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, an independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council.
During the Irish Presidency of the EU in 2013, Ireland played a key role in the development and adoption of the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief. The Guidelines provide a framework for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief in the EU’s external human rights policy and reaffirm the EU’s determination to promote freedom of religion or belief as a right to be exercised by everyone everywhere.
In 2015 Ireland secured the inclusion of a reference to the promotion of freedom of religion or belief in the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2015-2019. In May 2016, on the basis of a European Parliament resolution, the EU established the role of Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion and belief outside the EU. The mandate aims to address the growing restrictions on religious freedom internationally. In May 2017, the Commission extended the mandate of the special envoy for an additional year.
The human rights situation in Myanmar has received increased attention in multilateral for a in recent months following the most recent outbreak of violence in Rakhine State, which has led to credible allegations of human rights abuses by the Myanmar security forces.
The EU has led an annual resolution on the human rights situation in Myanmar at Human Rights Council, most recently in March 2017, which provides a basis for the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Myanmar, Ms. Yanghee Lee, who regularly reports to the Council. This year’s resolution led to the establishment of a UN Fact Finding Mission to carry out an investigation into alleged human rights violations by the security forces in Rakhine State.
The current situation in Rakhine State was also the subject of a Presidential Statement by the UN Security Council on 6 November, while the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the situation in Myanmar [on 14 November] which was co-sponsored by Ireland and which raised concerns about the recent allegations of human rights abuses.
In addition to engaging in multilateral fora, the EU, including Ireland, is active in raising our concerns about the human rights situation in Myanmar in bilateral contacts with Myanmar. The upcoming ASEM Foreign Ministers Meeting on 20-21 November in Nay Pyi Taw presents a further opportunity in this context.
An EU-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue also takes place on a regular basis, and is expected to next take place in early 2018.
Foreign Conflicts
Ceisteanna (109)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the international community can bring about a stabilisation of the situation in Libya with particular reference to establishing basic democratic principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48666/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The situation in Libya is very unstable and is of grave concern. The government has only partial control of the Libyan territory, and, in the vacuum of state authority, armed groups have been responsible for systematic human rights violations. Ultimately, bringing real improvements to the lives of Libyans will require restoration of political stability and an end to lawlessness, through the formation of a functioning government and a return to order throughout the country.
I welcome the appointment of Ghassan Salamé as UN Special Representative and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya, and I support his efforts to bring new momentum to the UN-led dialogue. UNSR Salamé briefed EU Foreign Ministers on his efforts when we met in New York In September.
The EU has repeatedly called for all parties to end the conflict and give their support to the UN-led negotiations process, and encourages inclusive and constructive dialogue among the parties. The EU has also addressed the serious humanitarian consequences of the conflict and its appalling impact on the Libyan people.
The Gaddafi era has left Libya a legacy of weak state institutions, and the years since then have seen a political and security vacuum. Building stable and inclusive political institutions in Libya will therefore be a slow and difficult process, and will require a sustained effort by all Libyans. The international community stands ready to support this.
I reiterate Ireland’s full support for an inclusive, Libyan-led political solution. I believe that such a political agreement achieved through dialogue is the best hope for restoring effective governance, and law and order to Libya. I will continue to monitor the situation in Libya closely.
Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 101.
Consular Services Provision
Ceisteanna (111)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which his attention has been drawn to the situation of a person (details supplied) imprisoned in Turkey for the alleged theft of a mobile telephone for which he was sentenced to seven and a half years; if contact has been made with the authorities there with the objective of appealing the sentence or repatriation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48668/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the Irish Embassy in Ankara and our Honorary Consulate in Antalya has been providing extensive consular assistance to this Irish citizen since his detention in July of this year. While a sentence of 6 years and 3 months has been handed down, I understand that an appeal is now underway in this case. The conduct of an appeal is a matter for the citizen’s legal representatives and the Irish Government has no role in a matter such as this which is before the courts in another jurisdiction.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to this citizen.
Questions relating to prisoners being repatriated to Ireland to serve their sentences are a matter for the Department of Justice and Equality.
Consular Services Provision
Ceisteanna (112)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish persons serving prison sentences throughout the Middle East; the extent to which this situation continues to be monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48669/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides consular assistance to any Irish citizen imprisoned overseas who requests such assistance. My Department provides direct assistance in many cases, through consular visits and practical advice and assistance to individual detainees, and also works indirectly to support Irish prisoners through our partnership with the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO), which receives funding from our Emigrant Support programme, and which provides a range of supports for Irish men and women imprisoned around the world.
Support and assistance in all such cases is provided in a non-judgemental way, irrespective of the offence for which the citizen has been accused or convicted.
At any one time there are approximately 1,200 Irish Citizens in prisons overseas, including both those on remand and those who have been through a trial process and are serving sentences.
There are cases where Irish citizens choose not to exercise their right to be in contact with their local Embassy or Consulate. There are also cases, unfortunately, where some authorities in third countries fail to notify our consular officials of the detention of our citizens. Consequently, we are not able to say definitively the number of Irish persons imprisoned in any country or region at any precise moment.
The Department and/or the ICPO are currently aware of two Irish Citizens who are in prisons in countries in the Middle East region.
I would also note in this context that there are severe limitations under international law to what the Irish Government can do in the case of dual nationals imprisoned abroad, particularly if they are detained in the country of their other citizenship. In these circumstances my Department cannot demand consular access.
If the deputy is concerned about any specific case, I would be happy to look into it if he wishes to pass on the details to my office.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (113)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the Irish response to Brexit remains consistent and cognisant of the need to ensure the continued application of the Single Market and customs union in view of the UK decision to leave the European Union; the likely economic impact in the event of a reintroduction of customs and border controls on this island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48670/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has been consistent and clear in its priorities for the Brexit negotiations. These are: protecting the peace process, no hard border, maintaining the Common Travel Area, securing an effective transitional arrangement leading to the closest possible trading relationship with the UK, and working for the future of the European Union itself.
The border is a complex issue, and therefore flexible and imaginative solutions will be required to avoid a hard border which not only address the economic challenges but also take account of the societal challenges and how important the current invisible border is for sustaining the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement. This is about ensuing that people’s lives and livelihoods are protected and that communities and businesses in the border region are given every opportunity to develop and prosper. Any solution must respect the integrity of the Single Market and the Customs Union and Ireland’s place in them and must not anticipate the outcome of the wider discussions on the EU’s future relationship with the UK.
It is therefore the Government’s view that the UK staying in the Customs Union and Single Market, or the closest possible arrangement to that, would be the best solution to avoid a hard border on the island. Failing that, Northern Ireland should continue to enjoy the benefits of the Customs Union and the Single Market, of course with all the rights and obligations that would come with that. If the UK continues to rule out this option, the solutions that it offers must be concrete and workable and must achieve the shared objective of protecting the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process, including avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland. Now is the time for the UK to provide strong political assurances and tangible commitments, which must also take account of and comprehensively address the risks presented by any regulatory divergence from the rules of the EU Internal Market and Customs Union.
My officials and I will continue to work very closely with Michel Barnier and his team to ensure that Ireland’s positions continue to be fully reflected in the negotiations. This is a long process and the outcome is far from determined but I remain hopeful that, with hard work and political will, progress can be made in the coming weeks before the next meeting of the European Council on 14-15 December.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (114)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:114. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which his Department continues to make preparation for Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48671/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for Brexit, I have responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. In this capacity, I am working closely with colleagues across Government to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit.
Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures. These represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments are providing their research, analysis and overall policy input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit, including its priorities for the ongoing Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK.
Aside from its wider co-ordination responsibilities, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has lead responsibility for planning for, preparing positions on, and following the EU-UK negotiations. This requires research on and analysis of very many legal, institutional, and political issues. Within my Department, this work is led by the European Union Division in co-operation with the Ireland and United Kingdom and Americas Division, the Legal Division, the Political Division and the Trade Division. Our Permanent Representation in Brussels, and our Embassies in all Member States, send in a constant stream of reports describing and analysing the concerns and priorities of the EU Institutions and our partners.
My Department is also analysing the possible impact of Brexit on policy areas within its remit, notably the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and the EU’s policy on international development.
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.
My Department also works closely with the European Commission and European Parliament Offices here in Dublin and with civil society organisations including the Institute for International and European Affairs and European Movement Ireland. With funding from this Department, the IIEA is undertaking research on the future shape of the EU and the new strategic alliances that Ireland will need to develop within the EU after Brexit. The analysis will also consider the macro-economic effects of Brexit and the EU institutional implications of Britain’s withdrawal from the EU. This work will build on the extensive analysis being undertaken by a range of organisations, both in Ireland and further afield, and will be presented in a series of public research papers over the coming months and years.
Notwithstanding all this ongoing analysis, preparation and contingency planning, the Government is already actively responding to the implications of Brexit and putting measures in place to mitigate the adverse effects for Ireland. Significant measures were announced in Budget 2018 including increased funding for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which will, among other things, support the opening of six new diplomatic missions as part of Global Footprint 2025 to help our exporters find new markets and diversity their exports.
We are not under any illusions about the complexity of Brexit and the EU-UK negotiations but the Government remains hopeful that progress can be made in the negotiations in the coming weeks so that a decision can be taken by European Council at its meeting in December to allow for parallel phase 2 discussions on future relationship and possible transitional arrangements to begin. Ireland will continue to work closely with the Commission Task Force to advance these issues in the negotiations with the UK.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (115)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the smaller version of Irish passports approved some time ago have been acceptable and popular for international travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48673/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Passport Card was launched in October 2015 and since then over 73,000 cards have been issued to Irish citizens across the world.
An application for the card can be made online via my Department’s website www.dfa.ie.
The Passport Card can be used by Irish citizens for travel to 31 countries in total including the EU/EEA and Switzerland. It offers the same protections and entitlements as a passport book, while incorporating the very highest levels of cutting-edge security measures.
EU Issues
Ceisteanna (116)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which EU relations with Ukraine and Georgia continue to be positive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48674/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The EU continues to have positive relations with Ukraine and Georgia. Both countries are active participants in the EU’s Eastern Partnership Initiative which provides a framework for cooperation with the six countries of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region. Both Georgia and Ukraine worked with the EU to develop concrete proposals for the period up to 2020, captured in the document “Eastern Partnership - 20 Deliverables for 2020" which will be adopted at the Eastern Partnership Summit on 24 November. The EU has also ratified Association Agreements with Georgia and Ukraine which aim to promote political association and economic integration with the Union based on shared values.
The EU remains fully committed to assisting Ukraine in delivering its political and economic reform programme and has provided unprecedented levels of support to underpin the Government’s efforts. This support includes loans, budget support, humanitarian aid, technical assistance and trade preferences. In addition, the EU is playing a key role in helping to reform the civilian security sector through its Advisory Mission to Ukraine.
1 September 2017 marked an important milestone in relations with Ukraine when the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement legally entered into force. The fully ratified Agreement will allow the EU to further strengthen political and economic ties with Ukraine. The provisional application of the trade part of the Agreement since last year has already seen a welcome increase of 25% in two way trade and this is expected to continue in the coming years.
The most recent EU-Ukraine Summit took place in Kyiv on 13 July and provided an opportunity to assess progress on the reforms, in particular the fight against corruption.
As regards the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the EU continues to fully support ongoing efforts to secure implementation of the Minsk peace agreements within the framework of the OSCE Trilateral Contact Group (OSCE, Russia and Ukraine) and the Normandy Format (France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine). The Minsk accords offer the only basis for a political resolution to the conflict and the European Union will continue to push for their full implementation.
As with Ukraine, the EU remains committed to its political association and economic integration with Georgia and the successful implementation of the Association Agreement, including its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area. The EU has praised Georgia's reform efforts as well as underlining the need to ensure sustainability of the reforms. The recently revised EU-Georgia Association Agenda provides a practical framework and guidance for the implementation of priorities for joint work until 2020, based on the Association Agreement. Justice sector reform is one of the key priorities. The EU also fully supports Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The appointment of a new EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, as well as the EU Monitoring Mission are visible and substantial signs of the EU's commitment to helping Georgia address its security challenges.
EU Issues
Ceisteanna (117)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which positive relations continue to be generated between the EU and Armenia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48675/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The European Union continues to have positive relations with Armenia. Armenia participates in the EU’s Eastern Partnership initiative which provides a framework for co-operation with the six countries of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region. Armenia has worked with the EU and the other Eastern Partners to develop concrete proposals for the period up to 2020, captured in the document “Eastern Partnership - 20 Deliverables for 2020" which will be adopted at the Eastern Partnership Summit on 24 November. Armenia receives considerable funding from the EU, with up to €170 million allocated for the period 2014-2017. This is focused on supporting private sector development and driving reforms in the areas of public administration and justice.
In December 2015, negotiations began on a framework agreement between the EU and Armenia covering political, economic and sectoral cooperation. This will replace the current EU-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement which dates from 1999. The text of the Agreement was initialed on 21 March 2017 and is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.
Gender Equality
Ceisteanna (118)
Clare Daly
Ceist:118. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce mandatory reporting by companies registered here of the gender pay gap in their companies as part of annual reporting requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48510/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to promote wage transparency by requiring companies of 50 or more employees to complete a wage survey. Reflecting this, the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020 contains an action to promote wage transparency by requiring companies of 50 or more employees to complete a wage survey periodically and report the results.
A public consultation on Measures to Tackle the Gender Pay Gap concluded on 4 October and an analysis of the submissions is under way. The issue, and in particular the role of wage surveys, will be considered at a symposium planned for 4 December. I intend that a programme of actions on the gender pay gap will be developed, following the symposium and further consultation with stakeholders, to be undertaken in 2018. As part of this, the details of the wage survey measure will be elaborated.
Garda Misconduct Allegations
Ceisteanna (119, 131)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:119. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the previous Minister for Justice and Equality gave information or documentation to an inquiry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48591/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlan Kelly
Ceist:131. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if persons in his Department gave information or documentation to an inquiry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48592/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 131 together.
As the Deputy is aware, following consultation with the Attorney General, my predecessor as Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD appointed Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill to undertake a review of certain protected disclosures which had been made to her. The terms of reference of the Review were primarily to review the allegations of wrongdoing contained in the two disclosures made to her, to make any inquiries that he considered appropriate in relation to the review and to report on the conclusion of the review, including any recommendations in relation to any further action which may be appropriate and warranted to address the allegations.
On appointment, Mr Justice O’Neill was provided with all relevant documentation necessary to undertake his Review.
As the Deputy is aware, the report which was submitted by Mr Justice O’Neill led to the establishment of the Disclosures Tribunal, the work of which continues.
Immigrant Investor Programme Data
Ceisteanna (120, 121, 122)
Joe Carey
Ceist:120. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of €1 million investments successfully made through the immigration investor programme that have contributed to social housing projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48453/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoe Carey
Ceist:121. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who have made €1 million investments since January 2017 under the immigration investor programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48454/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoe Carey
Ceist:122. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of visas granted under the endowment option of the immigration investor programme in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48455/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 to 122, inclusive, together.
I have been advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the investment threshold for applications to the Immigrant Investor Programme was returned to the original €1.0m for any application received from the 2nd January 2017.
Since January 2017, some 262 applications have been received. 233 are for an investment of €1.0m. per investor. 34 of the applicants have made an application at €1.0m to invest in a social housing project.
In respect of the endowment option under the overall scheme, 29 applications have been received since January 2017, of which 20 have been approved and the remaining 9 are at varying stages of processing.