Micheál Martin
Ceist:126. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the British-Irish Council meeting held in the Isle of Man on 9 November 2018. [47804/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBritish-Irish Council
Ceisteanna (126, 128)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:128. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the British Irish Council meeting. [47665/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 128 together.
I attended the 31st British Irish Council (BIC) Summit in the Isle of Man on Friday 9 November, hosted by Chief Minister Howard Quale. I was accompanied by the Minister for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development, Sean Canney TD.
The discussion at the summit covered key political developments for Administrations since the last summit in June. The discussion focused largely on the implications of Brexit, particularly for relationships across the islands. The Council also discussed the current political situation in Northern Ireland and I reiterated my regret that Northern Ireland, until the Executive is restored, remains without political representation in this important forum.
The Council also endorsed plans for a future programme of work for the Council’s Digital Inclusion work sector.
Minister of State Canney took part in a thematic discussion on the subject of Digital Inclusion. Topics covered included digital rights, digital skills & literacy and partnership working between the BIC Administrations.
David Lidington MP, Cabinet Office Minister, and Karen Bradley MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, attended the summit meeting for the UK Government, along with Heads of Administration from Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands. I took the opportunity to have bilateral discussions with First Minister Carwyn Jones and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon; in both meetings we exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and continued co-operation with discussions focusing mainly on Brexit and its impacts on business and citizens and on developments in Westminster and Brussels. I wished First Minister Jones well on the occasion of his last BIC Summit as he steps down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and First Minister on 11 December.
I also held brief discussions with David Lidington on Brexit and on the absence of an agreement between the parties on re-establishing the Northern Ireland Executive. I underlined the importance of the restoration of the institutions in the context of full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, and undertook to continue to work with the British government to support the northern parties to achieve this outcome.
Energy Efficiency
Ceisteanna (127)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:127. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Taoiseach if his Department is part of the public sector energy reporting programme; if so, the percentage of improvement in energy efficiency that has been achieved to date; the way in which this was achieved; if his Department noted a decrease in energy efficiency in view of the national energy efficiency action plan for energy efficiency targets; and if targets will be met by the 2020 deadline. [47664/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department participates in the Public Sector Energy Reporting Programme, reporting all of its energy consumption through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) Monitoring and Reporting online system. Energy usage in the Government Buildings complex, including my Department, is administered by the Houses of the Oireachtas. In recent years there have been some significant changes in the way energy services are apportioned among the different tenants of the complex and these changes have complicated reporting. However our returns to SEAI for 2017 reporting showed a 14.1% improvement in energy efficiency.
My Department is engaged with the OPW on various projects that will aim to achieve more energy efficiencies. This includes a lighting retrofits programme and participation in the OPW Optimising Power @ Work campaign. An in-house energy awareness event is also planned. My Department is committed to promoting energy efficiency into the culture of the organisation and will continue to work towards further energy efficiency and achieving 2020 targets.
Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 126.
Government Information Service
Ceisteanna (129)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:129. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Taoiseach the number of civil servants from the Government Information Service or merrionstreet.ie who are responsible for scripting, recording and editing his weekly video message; the specific role of each; and the tasks involved in producing this video production. [48143/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Civil Servants from the Government Information Service, which includes MerrionStreet.ie, are not involved in any aspect of the weekly video message delivered by the Taoiseach.
Military Medals
Ceisteanna (130)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:130. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if service medals awarded to a former member of the Defence Forces can be reissued (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47668/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The military authorities have made inquiries in this matter and based on those inquiries and on the information provided have established the named person's entitlement to an Emergency Service Medal.
I am pleased to inform you that a replacement Emergency Service Medal will be issued by the Defence Forces and sent by registered post to the former member in question. The Emergency Service Medal was introduced for members of the Defence Forces, Army Nursing Service, Chaplaincy Services and members of the Construction Corps who rendered the appropriate qualifying service during the period 3 September 1939 to 31 March 1946.
Government Information Service
Ceisteanna (131)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:131. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the protocol and use of the Government of Ireland logo (details supplied); his views in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47778/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The introduction of a unified government identity is part of an initiative to streamline government communications and make engagement with citizens simpler and better. This also sees cross-departmental initiatives now being produced under Rialtas na hÉireann, Government of Ireland.
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of Ireland's participation in UN peacekeeping. A State event to celebrate Ireland’s service and commitment to UN peacekeeping participation by the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and civilian personnel was held on 24 June 2018, in Dublin Castle. A video was created for this event and the use of the Government of Ireland logo in the video reflects the cross-Government and multi-services nature of Ireland's participation in UN peacekeeping. In relation to the all-Ireland hurling semi-final, following internal discussions it was agreed by all parties that the logo be used in the same manner as on the day of the State commemoration.
Defence Forces Personnel Data
Ceisteanna (132)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:132. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the level of obesity among members of the Defence Forces, by service branch; and the measures being taken to eliminate same. [47819/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Information relevant to this question is being collated by the military authorities and I will revert to the Deputy when the information is to hand.
Defence Forces Medical Services
Ceisteanna (133)
James Browne
Ceist:133. Deputy James Browne asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the supports provided for members of the Defence Forces who undergo traumatic experiences while serving on UN-mandated missions. [47662/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A range of medical and non-medical services are provided to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are medically fit to undertake the duties assigned to them and to treat any medical condition that may arise.
As a matter of policy, psychiatric and psychological services, as well as the Defence Force Personnel Support Service (PSS), are provided to members of the Defence Forces. These provide for the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric or psychological disorders through to counselling and critical incident stress management.
Defence Force personnel preparing for deployment overseas undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and provide for their protection. As part of the mission readiness process, all such personnel are provided with briefings by qualified PSS staff, on Critical Incidents and their effects along with stress management and wellness. Personnel are also issued with the Defence Force guide to Critical Incident Stress Management which provides useful information including how to manage stress associated with such incidents.
In response to any significant operational incidents at home or overseas, PSS personnel trained in Critical Incident Stress Management are deployed to provide both one-to-one and group psychological support. In addition, prior to deployment, PSS trains a cross section of personnel in Critical Incident Stress Management Peer Support which enables them to provide initial psychological support (Psychological First Aid) to any personnel who may be affected by a traumatic incident. Such support would include normalising the reactions, enhancing individual stress management and where appropriate referral of personnel to additional resources such as the unit medical officer.
Defence Force personnel have, both while on a tour of duty and following their return home, access to a Primary Carer Medical Practitioner, either military (Medical Officer) or civilian (GP), whose role it is to assess, diagnose, treat and refer individuals as necessary. Personnel experiencing psychological issues are referred by their Primary Carer for psychiatric and psychological assessment and treatment with onward referral to an external civilian service provider, as required.
I am satisfied that these measures provide comprehensive supports to individuals in the Defence Forces who may require them, and I can assure the Deputy that all such supports are kept under review.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (134)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:134. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the cost of preparing a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48023/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The report to which the Deputy refers was produced at the cost of €2,000 and payment was made in 2017.
Defence Forces Personnel Data
Ceisteanna (135)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:135. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of sick days taken in the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps respectively, for each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48024/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy cannot be made available by the military authorities within the time allowed for answer. I will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as it is provided to me.
Departmental Advertising Campaigns
Ceisteanna (136)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:136. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes it has implemented; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and other consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48300/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department carries out an annual Be Winter Ready campaign each winter. The table below sets out the full costs for the campaign since winter 2013-2014. The costs associated with the 2018-2019 campaign are not yet finalised as the campaign is on-going following the recent launch on 7 November 2018.
|
Winter Ready Information Campaign Costs |
2013-2014 € |
2014-2015 € |
2015-2016 € |
2016-2017 € |
|
Irish translation of the Be Winter Ready booklet, leaflet, Ministers speeches & Q&A’s |
856.98 |
1,546.27 |
604.42 |
1,519.06 |
|
Artwork & new inserts for 2 pop-up banners |
216.48 |
1,213.76 |
Nil |
645.63 |
|
Website updates |
1,813.02 |
3,626.04 |
1,030.13 |
1,462.78 |
|
Audio Equipment Rental |
627.30 |
1,353.00 |
1,353.00 |
Nil |
|
Aertel page for Be Winter Ready Nov-April |
12,300.00 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
|
Purchase of photographs for Be Winter Ready booklet |
Nil |
218.94 |
200.00 |
Nil |
|
Printing of posters |
Nil |
2,195.55 |
Nil |
Nil |
|
HiViz waistcoats with Be Winter Ready logo |
Nil |
4,920.00 |
4,585.29 |
4,585.29 |
|
Hire of Podium |
Nil |
Nil |
141.45 |
Nil |
|
Radio Advertisements |
34,631.94 |
35,571.74 |
34,406.99 |
24,692.78 |
|
Be Winter Ready Twitter campaign |
Nil |
3,690.00 |
5,041.78 |
5,043.00 |
|
Management of Twitter campaign |
Nil |
2,214.00 |
2,214.00 |
1,476.00 |
|
Two page Be Winter Ready article in the Irish Independent 8/12/2016 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
6,150.00 |
|
Total |
50,445.72 |
56,549.30 |
49,577.06 |
45,574.54 |
There are no other advertising campaigns carried out by the Department to promote policies or programmes.
Departmental Staff Recruitment
Ceisteanna (137)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:137. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the appointment of a person (details supplied) as director at his Department was conducted through the Public Appointments Service; and the date and portal on which the position was first advertised [48142/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Director-General position referred to by the Deputy is filled by an officer on secondment to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and so was not advertised through the Public Appointments Service.
Brexit Issues
Ceisteanna (138, 148)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:138. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if officials from his Department attend the weekly meetings held by the European Commission on preparing for Brexit. [48109/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he has had meetings with his various European counterparts in the context of Brexit concerns and negotiations in the past six months. [41479/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 148 together.
Brexit is a priority issue for this Government, and the Taoiseach, my cabinet colleagues and I have taken every opportunity to engage with EU partners and the UK to advance Ireland’s priorities. I, as well as officials from my Department, remain in ongoing contact with representatives from EU Member States, the Commission and Task Force, and the UK.
Monthly meetings of the General Affairs Council (Article 50) are an opportunity for me to bring Ireland’s interests and concerns directly to both my EU counterparts, and to the Commission Task Force. Yesterday I attended the GAC (Article 50) in Brussels where my counterparts and I discussed last week’s announcement of the agreement between the negotiating teams. I have attended the GAC (Article 50) on a monthly basis, most recently on 12 November, and 16 October. On each of these occasions, I met separately with Michel Barnier and I also met briefly with a range of EU colleagues.
Over the past six months, I met with many of my counterparts on a bilateral basis, both in Ireland and abroad. This includes Heiko Maas, my German counterpart, who I met en marge of the German Ambassadors’ Conference in Berlin in August, and my Estonian, Lithuanian and Finnish counterparts in September. More recently, I have held bilateral meetings with the Polish Foreign Minister and European Affairs Minister, as well as Jean-Yves Le Drian, my French counterpart last month.
In all my meetings, I have been struck by the solidarity and unity of our EU partners with Ireland on the issue of the backstop. As part of the draft Withdrawal Agreement, we have a legally operable guarantee that there will be no hard border on the island of Ireland. This would not have been possible without the unity and understanding displayed by our fellow EU27 Member States, as well as Michel Barnier and his team.
In addition to the above, my officials are in frequent contact with both their counterparts in EU Member States and institutions, as well as with the EU Task Force. Officials from my department, attend the Coreper (Article 50), as well as regular working group meetings, with officials from relevant Government Departments, which deal with the negotiations and brexit preparations.
Brexit Negotiations
Ceisteanna (139)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:139. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the draft treaty for the UK's withdrawal from the EU. [48107/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Last week agreement was reached between EU and UK negotiators on the text of the Withdrawal Agreement and an outline of the political declaration on the future relationship. On 14 November, the British Government decided that the draft Withdrawal Agreement, with the outline of the political declaration, was an acceptable basis on which to proceed.
Work continues on finalising the political declaration on the future EU-UK relationship. This will form the basis for negotiations after 29 March. We are committed to working with the UK, and our EU partners, to secure a future relationship that is as deep and comprehensive as possible.
An extraordinary European Council Summit will be held on 25 November so that the Agreement, together with the political declaration, can be endorsed. This is a very significant and welcome breakthrough in the Brexit process.
EU and UK negotiators have worked intensively over a long period to achieve this, and should be congratulated and thanked for their work. In particular, Michel Barnier and his team, have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and understanding. This outcome would not have been achieved without the unity and solidarity of our EU Member States and institutions.
The draft Agreement, notably the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, meets Ireland’s objectives.
It protects the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts and the gains of the peace process. Importantly, nothing in the Agreement will prejudice the constitutional status of Northern Ireland and the principle of consent as set out in the Good Friday Agreement.
It translates the UK’s political commitment to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland into a legal guarantee. It provides for a ‘backstop’ that will apply unless and until another solution is agreed. This means that there will be no hard border in any circumstances.
It underpins, in a dynamic way, continuing North/South cooperation and the all-island economy.
It provides for the maintenance of the Common Travel Area, ensuring that the arrangements by which Irish and British citizens can live, work and access services in each other’s countries will continue into the future.
It protects the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement on rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity and confirms that Irish citizens in Northern Ireland will continue to enjoy rights as EU citizens. It provides for a period of transition, which can be extended, in which preparations can be made for the future relationship between the EU and the UK.
While this is an important achievement, there is still considerable work to be done. Once the European Council has given its endorsement to the Agreement, it will be for the British and European Parliaments to consider and approve it according to their respective procedures.
Ministerial Travel
Ceisteanna (140)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:140. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his trip to Belfast for Armistice Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47803/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I represented the State at the Armistice Day service at Belfast City Hall on the morning of 11th November, which was also attended by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley. During the ceremony, I laid a wreath on behalf of the Government of Ireland. Wreaths were also laid by local consuls and honorary consuls, local church leaders and representatives of various organisations from the wider community.
Armistice Day is an important day of remembrance and commemoration for people across this island, and the First World War impacted on families and communities all over Ireland. In recognition of this, the service at Belfast City Hall has been attended by a member of the Government every year since 2012. This year, the Government was also represented at Armistice Day commemorations held in Northern Ireland by Minister Heather Humphreys at the Cenotaph in Enniskillen and Minister Damien English at a Service of Remembrance at St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast.
Ministerial Meetings
Ceisteanna (141, 142)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:141. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland recently; if so, the subjects that were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47805/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMicheál Martin
Ceist:142. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the Northern Executive and Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47806/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.
Since the Northern Ireland Assembly elections of March 2017, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form a new power-sharing Executive.
Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. The absence of the Executive also means that that North South Ministerial Council cannot meet.
I am currently engaging with Secretary of State Bradley on how both Governments can most effectively secure the full operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.
I met with Secretary of State Bradley in Dublin on 17 September, in Belfast on 8 October and most recently in Dublin on 2 November at the British Irish Inter-Governmental Conference. I spoke further with the Secretary of State by telephone on Monday 12 November.
In my discussions with Secretary of State Bradley, I have underlined the Government’s deep concern at the continuing impasse with the devolved institutions, which she shares.
I have also set out the Government’s view that the legislation that was brought forward by the Secretary of State which temporarily suspends the requirement to call an Assembly election underlines the seriousness of the absence of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, and the urgent requirement for all with responsibilities to do everything in their power to get them operating again.
Secretary of State Bradley has confirmed that this legislation is temporary and time-bound and that it operates to provide the necessary scope to get the institutions back in place.
Secretary of State Bradley and I have in this context reaffirmed the strong determination of both Governments to get the devolved institutions up and running again. We are agreed that a new political process is required to secure the necessary agreement between the parties that will see the Assembly and Executive operating again on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.
Both Governments are continuing to engage with all of the political parties to seek a way forward. All parties have re-affirmed their commitment to operating the devolved institutions and have provided views on their key concerns and issues.
I do not underestimate the way to go in achieving a way forward, but I continue to believe that a resolution is possible.
The calls from across all sections of the community in Northern Ireland for the devolved institutions to operate have to be heeded.
The Government will continue to do everything in its power, in accordance with its responsibilities as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (143)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:143. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has read a recent publication by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47807/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the publication to which the Deputy refers.
The abduction and murder of Jean McConville by the IRA in 1972 was an appalling crime of the Troubles, and which had such a devastating and enduring impact on her young family.
There remain proceedings before the courts in Belfast regarding a pending prosecution related to the case and I therefore do not intend to make any commentary in this regard.
Any individual who has information on this or any other Troubles-related death should bring it to the attention of the Police Service of Northern Ireland or An Garda Síochána, as appropriate.
It is vitally important that all Troubles-related murders, whatever the circumstances, can be fully and effectively investigated and prosecutions pursued wherever possible.
The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR), which conducted searches for the remains of Jean McConville in 1999 and 2002, and others who were killed and buried secretly by paramilitary groups during the Troubles, has worked and continues to work tirelessly in pursuit of its mandate. The Commission’s only aim is to locate the victims’ remains in order that they may be returned to their families to receive a decent burial. The Irish and British Governments are strongly supportive of the ICLVR’s ongoing work in support of the victims’ families.
The Government is also continuing to seek progress with the implementation of the legacy framework provided for under the Stormont House Agreement of 2014. Over the last 18 months, I have engaged extensively with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with all of the political parties to support a way forward on the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement legacy bodies and the adequate resourcing of legacy inquests in Northern Ireland.
Comprehensive progress on legacy issues from the Troubles is crucial in order to meet the legitimate needs and expectations of victims and survivors, and to contribute to broader societal reconciliation as an integral part of the Peace Process.
The Government will continue to engage in support of that, consistent with our role and responsibilities as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.
Visa Agreements
Ceisteanna (144)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:144. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress to date of the proposed E3 visa programme; the estimated number of Irish persons who will receive such visas if the programme is implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47884/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government continues to pursue two key objectives with regard to Irish immigration to the United States; firstly, increased pathways for legal migration by Irish citizens to the US; and secondly, seeking some form of relief for undocumented Irish citizens living in the US.
The Taoiseach and I continue to prioritise this issue in all our engagements with the US Administration and Congress.
To this end, I was pleased to see a Bill recently laid in Congress which, if passed, would see Irish citizens being added to those entitled to apply for a pool of 10,500 E3 visas each year. Were the Bill to be passed as currently drafted, an estimated 4,000 – 5,000 visas might become available each year for Irish citizens who wished to live and work in the US for a period. The spouses and children of those who qualify would receive additional visas and would not count against this cap.
The passage of the Bill is far from certain however. The Government does not underestimate the significant difficulties ahead, with the Bill requiring a two thirds majority in the House and sixty votes in the Senate.
The Government - including through the work of the Embassy and of the Government’s Special Envoy to the US Congress on the Undocumented, Deputy John Deasy - will continue to engage proactively with the US Administration and elected representatives, both Democratic and Republican, on Irish immigration issues and specifically on this Bill.
Common Travel Area
Ceisteanna (145, 146)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:145. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the legislative changes required to protect elements of the common travel area that fall within the remit of his Department; when he plans to bring forward this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47945/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLisa Chambers
Ceist:146. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a recent report that states that the common travel area would benefit from greater legal certainty post-Brexit; if, in the absence of a withdrawal deal and no transition period, legislation will be required to ensure that the common travel area can continue to operate as it currently does; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47953/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.
The Common Travel Area is a long-standing arrangement between the UK and Ireland which means Irish citizens can move freely to live, work, and study in the UK on the same basis as UK citizens and vice versa. It is an arrangement that is valued on both islands and the continuation of this arrangement is a stated objective of both the Irish and UK Governments. In the context of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, it is important that any arrangements necessary to maintain the Common Travel Area are put in place.
The Common Travel Area provides for associated rights and entitlements which enable Irish and UK citizens to move freely between and reside in both jurisdictions. These rights and entitlements include access to employment, healthcare, education, and social benefits, as well as the right to vote in certain elections.
The CTA agreements have existed for over 95 years without a formal agreement but through a combination of legislative provisions and policy measures. Despite the lack of formal arrangement, the CTA has endured and proven to be flexible and adaptable. The CTA is recognised in EU law by Protocol No. 20 to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Article 5 of the Draft Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, within the draft Withdrawal Agreement between the EU and the UK published on 14 November 2018, and agreed at negotiator level, is a translation into legal terms of the acknowledgment between the EU and UK negotiators made in their joint report of December 2017 that the UK and Ireland may “continue to make arrangements between themselves relating to the movement of persons between their territories”.
The maintenance of the CTA is a bilateral matter. Work is ongoing both with the UK and domestically at official level to ensure that the necessary provisions are made in both jurisdictions so that the CTA continues to function effectively after the UK leaves the EU. The UK Government has committed to updating domestic legislation, as necessary, to ensure that the agreed CTA rights and privileges are properly reflected.
While domestic work on the CTA is being coordinated by my Department, all relevant Government Departments are examining the legislative changes, if any, which may be required to ensure that the CTA continues to operate in their respective policy areas. Ireland will undertake all the work necessary, including through legislative provision to ensure that the CTA is maintained.