Written Answers Nos. 47-66
47. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent contacts with Mr. Michel Barnier since the vote in the House of Commons of 30 January 2019. [5671/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with Michel Barnier on 18 February, in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. We discussed the state of play with regard to the Article 50 process and reviewed political developments in London. We also discussed ongoing contacts between the EU and UK teams on foot of the meeting between Prime Minister May and President Juncker on 4 February when it was agreed that their teams will hold talks on whether a way through can be found that would gain the broadest possible support in the UK parliament for the negotiated Withdrawal Agreement and respect the EU’sposition.
Mr Barnier and I remain firmly of the view that the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal, and which fully protects the Good Friday Agreement, is to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement as endorsed by the European Council and agreed with the British Government. The European Council has made clear that it stands by the Withdrawal Agreement and that it is not open for renegotiation. Mr. Barnier repeated to me the EU's openness to work further on the Political Declaration as we look to the future relationship and the question of seeking of alternative arrangements to replace the backstop in the future.
Mr Barnier reaffirmed his commitment to the backstop provisions contained in the Agreement, which is the only agreement on the table that provides the essential legal guarantee to avoid a hard border in any circumstances and protect the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts.
I also provided Mr. Barnier with an update on Ireland's preparedness for Brexit, including for a no deal outcome, drawing his attention in particular to the imminent publication of the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019. I also thanked Mr Barnier for the Commission’s continued helpful and constructive engagement in this area, and their understanding of the particular challenges faced by Ireland. Mr. Barnier reaffirmed this support and commended Ireland for its comprehensive and intensive preparedness work.
I, my colleagues across Government and our officials will remain in close and frequent communication with the Commission and our EU partners in the coming weeks as we face into another crucial period for the Brexit process.
48. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expected position and status of British citizens that are living here in the aftermath of Brexit particularly if there is a no-deal scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9837/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UK is leaving the EU and some things are going to change. However, British citizens in Ireland are not required to take any action to protect their status and rights associated with the Common Travel Area (CTA), a long-standing arrangement between the UK and Ireland which means British citizens can move freely to live, work, and study in Ireland on the same basis as Irish citizens and vice versa. Associated reciprocal rights and privileges also include access to health care, social security and the right to vote in local and national parliamentary elections on the same basis as citizens of the other jurisdiction. After the UK leaves the EU, British citizens in Ireland will continue to enjoy these rights, in any scenario.
Both the Irish and British Governments have committed to the maintenance of the CTA and the associated rights and entitlements of Irish and British citizens in any circumstance. To that end, both Governments have committed to undertaking all the work necessary, including through legislative provision to ensure that the Common Travel Area rights and privileges are protected. Considerable progress has been achieved bilaterally with the UK over the past year involving several Departments in what has been a whole-of-Government exercise. Ireland’s shared aim with the UK throughout has been to ensure that the necessary arrangements are made in both countries so that the CTA can function effectively after the UK leaves the EU.
Protecting and maintaining the Common Travel Area and the associated rights and privileges is a key part of our contingency planning and preparations. On 22 February, the Government published the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019. This includes the legislation required immediately in a no deal scenario. The Bill provides for continued access to healthcare, social security protection, student support, protection of consumers, and justice and security measures, in support of the Common Travel Area. The Government is working with the Oireachtas to ensure that the Omnibus Bill is in place by 29 March.
49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which new consulates and-or trade missions and embassies continue to pursue trade with other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9995/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of new trade missions, consulates and embassies worldwide pursuing trade and diplomatic interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9996/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 50 together.
The Embassy network plays a central role in advancing Ireland’s international trade as part of Team Ireland overseas. Embassies and Consulates around the world provide vital support for Ireland’s state agencies, including by supporting their strategic objectives and activities in overseas markets. The role of Embassies in supporting Ireland’s economic objectives is particularly important in markets with limited or no state agency presence.
In June 2018, the Government launched the Global Ireland initiative, which aims to double the impact and scope of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. Global Ireland 's targets include enhanced global engagement, the expansion of Ireland’s Embassy network and the strengthening of Ireland’s state agency presence overseas. Each of these measures will increase Ireland’s international visibility, facilitate market diversification and intensification, and deepen bilateral relations in support of the Government’s economic and political objectives, including in the context of Brexit.
As part of Global Ireland the Government has approved the opening of new Embassies and Consulates. In 2018 a new Embassy was opened in Wellington and a new Consulate General was opened in Vancouver. Ireland's Ambassador to Colombia presented her credentials earlier this month. There are posted and locally recruited staff also in place in Amman, Mumbai and Santiago de Chile, and these Missions will open officially shortly, with new Consulates General due to open in Mumbai, Cardiff, Frankfurt and LA later this year. Shortly thereafter, new Embassies will open in Kyiv, Manila and Rabat. The Irish Aid office in Monrovia was upgraded to an Embassy in 2018.
Locations for new Embassies and Consulates have been chosen based on a range of factors, including their potential to increase trade and investment with Ireland, to diversify our markets and to enable Irish companies to better take advantage of new opportunities.
Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade across the Embassy network actively engage in economic and public diplomacy, to advance Ireland’s prosperity and raise awareness of Ireland as a great place to live, study, work, visit and do business.
The Department’s officers overseas engage with host country Governments and multilateral institutions on a range of trade-related issues, including market access, regulatory compliance, visas, phyto-sanitary issues, and Double Taxation Agreements.
The Embassy network also supports Irish businesses in market, by providing contacts and information, organising Ministerial visits overseas and supporting trade missions, in partnership with the state agencies.
51. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his UN colleagues are in a position to influence a peace process in the Middle East with particular reference to the need for both sides to bring their grievances to a central platform in which both Israeli and Palestinian interests will receive a hearing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9997/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe resolution of the conflict in the Middle East through a negotiated peace agreement is a foreign policy priority of this Government, of myself as Minister, and of the European Union. It is a regular subject of discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council, and in official level EU discussion in Brussels and at the UN and other international fora. EU and Member State Missions in Israel and Palestine also devote much of their effort and resources to this question.
The Deputy will also be aware of the Ministerial meeting which I hosted here in Dublin last week to address the Middle East Peace Process.
I believe that the best way forward would be the resumption of negotiations resuming between the parties, to allow both sides to meet their aspirations and resolve their differences, moving on from grievances to a just outcome which meets the needs of both peoples. However, it is important to create a context for such negotiations, in order that they can be productive, and the international community shares a responsibility to help create this context. This was one of the issues addressed in the meeting which I hosted in Farmleigh last week.
52. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community remains focused on the various flashpoints globally that are affected by war, starvation, ethnic cleansing and genocide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9998/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Ireland’s foreign policy we are working to alleviate instances of war, starvation, ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses, and to enhance international peace and security. We do this in direct contact with other countries or multilaterally through our involvement in global and regional organisations, including the EU and the UN.
Together with our EU and UN partners, and through our Embassies on the ground, we will continue to closely monitor crises across the globe, supporting political efforts to resolve conflicts, end ethnic violence and human rights abuses, providing humanitarian relief and targeting our overseas assistance to communities most in need. Working through global organisations such as the United Nations or regional bodies such as the EU or the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe, the international community is able to bring positive influence to bear in the search for political solutions to conflict situations around the world.
Supporting and sustaining peacebuilding efforts has been long been a key element of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland promotes international peace and security by supporting the work programmes of multilateral, regional organisations and leading civil society organisations in this field. In 2018, the Department provided approximately €6.7 million euro to 34 organisations working on peace and security projects across the globe. Many of these partners have significant peace and security programmes in Africa, for example, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue works to bring women into peace discussions, Conciliation Resources works to involve local communities in peacebuilding activities in the Horn of Africa. In addition the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade is a donor to the UN’s Peacebuilding Fund and the Mediation Support Unit.
Meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council provide regular opportunities at which to consider issues as such the below mentioned and to shape the responses of the EU and the wider international community to them. The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law.
Human rights concerns are central to Ireland’s foreign policy. Together with our EU partners, Ireland closely monitors the human rights situations in many countries, where increased human rights violations are often a first step on a trajectory to mass atrocity crimes. We do this on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources, including both official channels and non-governmental/civil society organisations. Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. Ireland supports the use of the full multilateral human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses including in the EU, UN and the Council of Europe. This includes support for the role of UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, Special Procedures Mandate Holders and for the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. At the UN, the EU regularly makes statements on the human rights situations in individual countries and Ireland is, of course, fully associated with these statements.
Ireland and its EU partners are strong and consistent supporters of the International Criminal Court. By its very existence, the Court promotes and upholds not only the rule of law but also provides a means to bring to account the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community and in this way contributes in a most fundamental way to the cause of international peace and justice. The establishment of a number of international courts and tribunals in recent years to deal with situations where the most serious crimes of concern to the international community have been committed represents a recognition on the part of the international community that such courts and tribunals are an essential means of ending a culture of impunity and of ensuring respect for international law, in particular international humanitarian law and human rights law.
Conflict is also the most significant driver of humanitarian need. The UN estimate that over 134 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance around the world, while over 60 million people are displaced.
Ireland works closely with partners around the world to address these needs. We are committed to the UN system, and have a strong relationship with the UN's Office for the Coordinator of Humanitarian Affairs, which leads and coordinates humanitarian response efforts in the most severe crises. In 2018 Ireland assumed the Chair of OCHA's Donor Support Group, and in this role we discuss with OCHA and other major donors the response to these humanitarian crises.
Humanitarian needs have never been greater, with the UN estimating total global requirements at almost $22 billion. Ireland is a committed humanitarian donor, and in 2017 provided over €180 million in humanitarian assistance. This money was used to fund partners, including the UN, International Red Cross Movement, and NGOs, to provide life saving assistance to this in greatest need.
53. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, in conjunction with the international community, can positively influence the situation in Yemen; if the UN or EU have a role in the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9999/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraYemen is currently the world's worst humanitarian situation, with the UN warning that the severity of need on the ground is deepening. Nearly four years of conflict and catastrophic economic decline are driving the country to the brink of famine. Approximately 14.3 million people are now classified as being in acute need of humanitarian aid, with around 3.2 million people requiring treatment for acute malnutrition.
The EU and the UN are pushing for a negotiated solution to the conflict that has been driving this humanitarian need, and the UN Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, has played a leading role. The internationally-recognised Government, and the Houthi de facto authorities (also known as Ansar al Allah) finally came to the negotiating table in December 2018, due in large part to his efforts. Agreements were reached by the parties in Stockholm in December 2018, including a fragile ceasefire in the key port city of Hodeidah and an agreement on prisoner exchange. Implementation is now crucial in attempting to reach a sustainable political settlement.
In that regard, the UN Secretary General has urged the international community to sustain pressure on the parties to the conflict. Martin Griffiths has thanked the EU for its support thus far, saying it would not have been possible to reach agreement in Stockholm without it. On 18 February, the EU's Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions , promising to continue to engage with all parties to the conflict, as well as with regional actors, in order to support the UN-led process.
Officers from my Department consistently convey the Government’s strong concerns in relation to the Yemen conflict to the Saudi Arabian, United Arab Emirates and Iranian Embassies in Dublin. I myself met with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador on 13 February and highlighted the importance of the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement, as well as the pressing need to ensure access for commercial goods and humanitarian supplies.
It is also vitally important that the international community contributes what it can to the humanitarian effort in Yemen. The UN plays an important role in delivering and coordinating humanitarian support in Yemen, in facilitating access for commercial goods, and in providing oversight through the work of the Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies.
The EU also has a significant role to play in the delivery of aid. Since the beginning of the conflict in 2015, the EU has allocated €233.7 million in humanitarian aid to the Yemen crisis.
Ireland has provided almost €17.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Yemen since 2015, much of which is disbursed via UN agencies, which ensure delivery on the ground. At the UN's Pledging Conference on Yemen yesterday, where my colleague Minister of State Cannon represented Ireland, we pledged a further €5 million to the UN Yemen Humanitarian Fund, which provides assistance in the areas of education, logistics, food security, nutrition and health.
I am not under any illusion as to the gravity of the situation in Yemen, the scale of which is difficult to comprehend. Nonetheless, Ireland, the UN, the EU and the wider international community all have roles to play in attempting to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and work towards a political solution for the people of Yemen.
54. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in Haiti in terms of violence, starvation and the aftermath of natural disasters continues to be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10000/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSerious natural disasters that have affected Haiti over the past number of years have had a devastating impact on the country and have led to widespread need among the population.
While recovery efforts to the 2010 earthquake have continued, subsequent natural events, such as Hurricane Matthew in 2016, as well as political and economic factors, have contributed to a continuing difficult humanitarian, social and economic situation in the country.
The recent civil unrest in Port au Prince, and related worrying reports of violence, is a demonstration of the complex situation that remains in the country.
Ireland has been and remains a committed supporter and partner of Haiti, particularly in the aftermath of significant natural disasters. For the period of 2010-2017, Ireland provided over €27 million in humanitarian and longer term development funding.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Ireland airlifted 130 tonnes of emergency supplies to Haiti for distribution to those most in need. The Government then provided a total of €13.9 million in funding for Haiti for the period 2010-2012.
As a part of Ireland’s support to the ongoing earthquake recovery process, Irish Aid provided funding to GOAL in 2013, 2014 and 2015 amounting to €1.45 million for resilience and water and sanitation projects in Port-au-Prince and Gressier.
Since the earthquake, there have been 19 deployments of the Irish Aid-administered Rapid Response Corps to Haiti to assist in areas such as logistics, engineering and water and sanitation. Members have been deployed to work with organisations such as the UN World Food Programme (WFP), Concern Worldwide, Goal and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
In addition to this humanitarian support, Irish Aid provides longer-term development assistance to the Haitian people. Between 2010 and 2017, over €10.97 million of Irish Aid funding was channelled through Concern Worldwide (€8.6 million), the missionary organisation Misean Cara (€1.76 million), and Haven (€489,919) for long-term development interventions in Haiti.
Ireland continued supporting partner organisations in development assistance efforts in 2018, although final figures with a country breakdown for Haiti are not yet available.
I can assure the Deputy that Ireland remains committed to working to alleviate the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable members of the Haitian population and to long-term development assistance to strengthen civil society, community and government structures in the country.
55. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which international aid continues to be made available to persons in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10001/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a longstanding and steadfast supporter of the Palestinian people and of a two-State solution. In 2018, we provided €15.38 million in development and humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of the most vulnerable Palestinian men, women and children, including in Gaza. This was our highest level of funding ever.
In the Tánaiste's recent visits to the region, he has witnessed first-hand the increasingly fragile humanitarian situation on the ground and the daily challenges for the Gazan people. The ongoing Gaza blockade and recurrent outbreaks of hostilities have eroded basic infrastructure, service delivery, livelihoods and coping mechanisms. It is clear that humanitarian needs in Gaza are critical and that all key services, particularly the health service, are under severe strain.
Ireland has responded to the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people, including in Gaza, for many years. Our funding is channelled primarily through UN and multi-lateral partners. In 2018, we significantly increased our funding to the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), providing an overall contribution of €9 million, so that they could continue to provide basic services such as food aid, education and health to some 5.3 million registered Palestine refugees, 1.4 million of whom are in Gaza. This was an increase of €3.5 million on their 2017 allocation.
We also provided €500,000 in 2018 to support the work of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the occupied Palestinian territory. This included €300,000 for the OCHA-managed Humanitarian Fund. This is used to support the emergency response operations of NGOs and UN agencies. In 2018, over 80% of the oPt Humanitarian Fund addressed urgent needs in Gaza. The fund also played a particularly important role in the international response to the injuries suffered by thousands of Gaza residents during the “Great March of Return” protests last year.
In 2019, Ireland is committed to increasing our support to the Palestinian people. We are working with the Palestinian Water Authority on the delivery of solar energy in Gaza to help alleviate the critical shortage of power there. This power shortage is crippling the Gazan economy and makes daily life and any form of economic activity very difficult and is one of the factors contributing to political instability.
We are also expanding our programme of scholarships for Palestinian students with the recent launch of the Ireland-Palestine Scholarship Programme. This new dedicated programme will offer over twenty full scholarships this year to Palestinian students, including in Gaza, to study a wide variety of Master’s level courses in higher education institutions in Ireland. Improving the opportunities for young Palestinians to access quality education has been a priority for Ireland in our work in Palestine for many years.
Issues related to the situation in Palestine, including the humanitarian situation in Gaza, are regularly discussed with our EU partners. The EU and its Member States are the largest contributors of assistance to the Palestinian people. Ireland will continue to press, at EU level and elsewhere, to maintain focus on the humanitarian needs in Gaza and for an end to the continuing blockade. In the meantime, we will continue to offer the humanitarian support which is essential in addressing the ongoing basic and emergency needs of people in Gaza.
56. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union continues to positively influence the situation in all European countries with a view to ensuring less reliance on populism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10002/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if all EU countries and non-EU countries with which the EU has or may have close relations are adequately aware of the dangers of populism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10003/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he remains satisfied that populism or racism can have no place throughout the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10004/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 56 to 58, inclusive, together.
The last number of years have been marked by a period of reflection and debate on the future direction of the European Union. This has included addressing challenges including populism and racism.
The 'Leaders' Agenda', endorsed by the European Council in 2017, is a work programme that seeks to find solutions to the main political challenges and priorities of the EU in the run up to the European Parliament elections. The aim is that EU Institutions and Member States should deliver practical improvements to the lives of citizens through policies to promote jobs and growth and by addressing internal and external challenges such as populism and racism. Completion of the single market and Digital Single Market – which Ireland has been pushing – are two ways of doing that.
The wider debate will culminate in an informal summit in Sibiu next May. Leaders are expected to mark the occasion with a renewed commitment to an EU that delivers on issues that really matter to people. At that meeting, Heads of State or Government will discuss priorities for the next institutional cycle, with a view to agreeing on the next Strategic Agenda (2019-2024) in June 2019.
Engaging meaningfully with citizens across the Union; listening and responding to their concerns is a key means of combatting populism and racism and ensuring support for our work on EU issues.
It will also be important that parties which reject populism receive the strong support of the public in the forthcoming elections to the European Parliament.
59. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU and UN remain alert to the threat of organisations (details supplied); the extent of the success of the international community in this regard over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10005/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain deeply concerned by the threat to peace and security represented by armed groups such as Boko Haram and Al Shabaab. The Government consistently condemns their brutal attacks on civilian populations, and particularly the impact of such violence on women and girls.
The violent attack on the DusitD2 Complex in Nairobi last month was a reminder of the impact of such extremism, which impacts on the daily life of so many outside capital cities.
Ireland is working with partners to implement a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of radicalisation and violence in both regions. The EU is engaged through political dialogue, EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions (including EUCAP Somalia, EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta and EUTM Somalia), and development and humanitarian cooperation. The Irish Defence Forces and other Irish experts have participated in many different CSDP Missions, often at a senior level - the former Director of the Irish Coast Guard deployed to Mogadishu to take up the position of Deputy Head of Mission at EUCAP Somalia in January this year. Ireland’s participation in these CSDP Missions allows us to contribute to international peace and security, to protect human rights, and to support conditions for sustainable development.
The EU is also actively supporting capacity building operations in the areas of maritime law enforcement and training, while in territories affected by Boko Haram, the EU has pledged €50 million in support of the Multinational Joint Taskforce which promotes regional security. The EU provides considerable support to the UN-mandated AMISOM, the African Union-led peacekeeping mission in Somalia, to combat the serious threat posed by Al-Shabaab. Through a wide variety of programmes and partnerships, the EU also supports the strengthening of Somalia’s Government institutions.
Ireland works bilaterally, as an EU Member State, and with UN partners to promote peace and security in areas affected by armed groups. The Embassies of Ireland in Nairobi and Abuja actively monitor the situation on the ground, advise on humanitarian response and guide Ireland’s engagement in EU and UN forums.
In addition, Ireland works with partners on our collective humanitarian response. In 2018, Ireland provided €5.5 million in humanitarian support to the Somalia and €4.8 million to the Lake Chad region. As well as this direct bilateral aid, Ireland has also contributed significantly to humanitarian support through the multilateral system and via the EU. The European Union last year provided almost €89 million to Somalia and €90 million to the Lake Chad region. Ireland is the 7th largest donor to the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, which last year allocated €15 million to Somalia and €43 million to the Lake Chad region. With humanitarian needs likely to remain acute throughout 2019, Irish funding will continue to target those most in need.
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which all EU countries and applicant countries for EU membership remain committed to the acquis communautaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10006/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll EU Member State are bound by the acquis communautaire under the Treaties.
The EU has opened formal negotiations with two countries in the Western Balkans: Montenegro and Serbia. Both of these countries opened new negotiating chapters at their respective Accession Conferences in Brussels in December 2018. Montenegro now has 32 of 35 opened chapters, while, for Serbia, that number is 16. Further Accession Conferences will be planned, as appropriate, in order to take the process forward in the first half of 2019.
Progress has also been made in both the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania. The June 2018 Council conclusions on Enlargement set out the path towards opening accession negotiations with both countries in June 2019 subject to progress.
In Bosnia-Herzegovina, the commitment to advance on the European path needs to be translated urgently into comprehensive reform results on the ground.
Kosovo is at an early stage of its EU path – it is essential that greater efforts are made to build consensus across the political spectrum to advance Kosovo's European agenda and to accelerate the implementation of the required comprehensive reforms.
With regard to Turkey, Ireland has, together with our EU partners, expressed its serious concerns regarding the situation with respect to human rights, freedom of expression, rule of law, and democracy in the country. The EU still considers Turkey as a ‘key partner’, and it formally remains a candidate for EU membership, but given the current circumstances, the June 2018 Council conclusions on Enlargement noted that Turkey has been moving further away from the European Union, stating that accession negotiations have effectively come to a standstill and that no further chapters can be considered for opening or closing at this point in time. Neither is any further work towards the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union foreseen
61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which various donor countries have contributed to international aid in line with their original promise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10007/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe best known target in international aid proposes to raise official development assistance (ODA) to 0.7% of donors' gross national income. This target was included in a 1970's UN Resolution where each economically advanced country agreed to progressively increase its ODA to developing countries and to exert its best efforts to reach this target. While not many countries have achieved this target it has been reaffirmed on many occasions and remains an important benchmark that influences countries ODA allocations.
Total ODA in 2017 from members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) was equivalent to 0.31% of their combined GNI. That year, five DAC members – Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom – met the 0.7% United Nations target.
The Netherlands exceeded the UN ODA target of 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) every year from 1975 to 2012, but its percentage contribution dropped below 0.7% in 2013 and is currently at about 0.65%. Having achieved the target in 2016, Germany slipped back in 2017 to join 24 other DAC donors under the threshold.
Importantly, there has been an increase in funds flowing to countries most in need of aid, following several years of decline, with bilateral aid to least-developed countries increasing by 4% to $26 billion in 2017. Aid to Africa that year rose by 3% to $29 billion and, within that, aid to sub-Saharan Africa increased 3% to $25 billion.
In Global Ireland 2025, the Government strategy to double our global footprint and impact, the Government committed to delivering the United Nations target of 0.7% of GNI for ODA by 2030. This week the Government will publish a new policy for international development which will provide a framework for this expansion.
The Government has increased Irish ODA by 32% since 2014. Overall Irish ODA in 2019 is forecast to reach almost €817 million, an increase of 16% or approximately €110 million on the original 2018 allocation, and the highest allocation to ODA in a decade.
Ireland has developed a reputation over many years for delivering high quality, untied, focused and coherent development cooperation. Regular peer reviews by the OECD DAC provide solid evidence of this reputation and in 2018 Ireland was judged by the Overseas Development Institute to be the most efficient donor in targeting extreme poverty.
62. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the use of child soldiers continues to be a focus for the international community with particular reference to specific measures to address the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10008/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recruitment and use of child soldiers during conflict remains a serious problem globally. Tens of thousands of children are recruited and used as soldiers in conflicts around the world. Since 2002, the Secretary-General of the United Nations has issued an annual report on children and armed conflict which lists all armed groups – both state and non-state – that recruit and use children. The most recent report, published in May 2018, indicated that children continue to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict in many country situations. The report also noted that in 2017, there was a large increase in the number of violations compared with the number reported for 2016.
The recruitment and use of children as soldiers is explicitly prohibited under international humanitarian law and human rights law. In 1999, the UN Security Council passed its first Resolution, UNSCR 1261, on the impact of armed conflict on children and condemned violations in that context. In the same year, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child entered into force. Article 22 of the Charter sets out a prohibition on the recruitment and direct participation in hostilities of any person under the age of 18 years.
Ever since, the Security Council has established important tools to strengthen child protection and to strengthen implementation of international standards, including the position of UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict who investigates and develops best practices to address the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
Ireland remains committed to the eradication of the recruitment and use of child soldiers. In addition to the focus in our development programmes on addressing the socio-economic causes which can lead to conflict, and the recruitment of child soldiers, Ireland also supports more targeted interventions by working with organizations such as UNICEF, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and institutions such as the International Criminal Court.
63. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if the requirement for a deposit by a developer (details supplied) for a Home Building Finance Ireland loan in respect of a turnkey social housing project will be removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9781/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraHBFI has been established as an independent, commercial entity to provide lending for new housing construction. As Minister for Finance I do not have any role in these commercial decisions and it is not appropriate for me to comment on individual credit applications.
HBFI lending activities must be both commercial and comply with State aid rules. I am advised by HBFI that it intends to engage with approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies with a view to identifying commercially viable lending opportunities to support new social housing delivery that are in line with HBFI’s independent, commercial mandate. Further information on HBFI’s lending criteria are available on its website, www.hbfi.ie .
64. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9796/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from adopting such rules. Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies as to the pricing level or terms or conditions that they should apply in respect of particular categories of drivers or vehicles.
In making their individual decisions on whether to offer cover and what terms to apply, insurers will use a combination of rating factors, which include how the vehicle is used, as well as the age and type of the vehicle, the age of the driver, the relevant claims record and driving experience, and the number of drivers. My understanding is that insurers do not all use the same combination of rating factors, and as a result prices and availability of cover varies across the market. In addition, insurance companies will price in accordance with their own past claims experience, meaning that in relation to particular categories, different insurance companies will have different views.
However, it is acknowledged that pricing in the motor insurance sector has been subject to a lot of volatility in recent years with a related problem, as referred to in the PQ, being the availability of cover in the first place. These issues were the main impetus for the establishment of the Cost of Insurance Working Group. Its Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance was published in January 2017. The Report makes 33 recommendations with 71 associated actions, set out within an Action Plan.
Work is ongoing on the implementation of the recommendations by the relevant Government Departments and Agencies and it is envisaged that the next quarterly Progress Update on implementation will be completed shortly and concentrate in particular on outlining the definitive position in relation to all of the 33 recommendations from the Motor Report as the last of the deadlines within its Action Plan passed at the end of 2018.
In this regard, it is important to acknowledge that, according to the CSO statistics, pricing in the motor insurance market has stabilised over the last year, albeit it is accepted that premiums are still at a high level for many people and that further decreases would be desirable. With the full implementation of all of the recommendations of the Cost of Insurance Working Group, I believe that Ireland will be more attractive to new entrants thus increasing capacity as well as competition which should have a positive impact in niche areas such as motor insurance for musicians.
Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, if a consumer is unable to secure a quotation on the open market, they may be in a position to avail of the Declined Cases Agreement (DCA) process. Under the terms of the DCA, which is adhered to by all motor insurers in Ireland, the insurance market will not refuse to provide insurance to an individual seeking insurance if the person has approached at least three insurers and has not been able to obtain cover from them. In this regard, there are further details available on the Insurance Ireland website, while more generally, Insurance Ireland also operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. The relevant contact details are: feedback@insuranceireland.eu or declined@insuranceireland.eu or 01-6761914.
65. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid by the National Treasury Management Agency and the National Asset Management Agency for public relations in 2018; the amount paid to each firm; the rates that apply; when the main public relations contracts for the two agencies are up for renewal; and the firms that operate the contracts concerned. [9863/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) that current contract for public relations was awarded to Gordon MRM on 3 May 2018. The duration of the contract is 3 years and may be extended by the NTMA for a further period or periods in aggregate of up to two years.
Public Relations
|
Year |
Details of Events, Campaigns or Policies |
Company or Individual |
Amount |
|
2018 |
Provision of 24 hour out of hours contacts for media across all the NTMA business areas including the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) |
Gordon MRM |
€105,780.00 (NTMA including SBCI) |
The NTMA have also advised that in Quarter 3 of 2017, the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) Board took the decision to tender for a press and communications services provider to NAMA under a separate contract from the NTMA. Following a competitive public procurement process, Gordon MRM successfully tendered for this contract which commenced in January 2018. The duration of the contract is 2 years and may be extended by NAMA for a further period of up to two years.
Public Relations
|
Year |
Details of Events, Campaigns or Policies |
Company or Individual |
Amount |
|
2018 |
Provision of 24 hour out of hours contacts for media |
Gordon MRM |
€108,240.00 |
All figures supplied are inclusive of VAT
66. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount paid out by the National Asset Management Agency to receivers in 2018, by firm in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9864/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by NAMA that receivers appointed to NAMA-secured properties are selected from NAMA's insolvency service provider panel which was established following a competitive public procurement process. I am advised that, arising from this process, very competitive fixed-fee rates were achieved relative to prevailing market norms.
I am advised that, in general, fees are not paid to receivers directly by NAMA but are instead paid out of the proceeds of assets under receivership or the management of these assets, pending realisation. Fees for any particular insolvency are set by reference to the fees quoted by the insolvency practitioner as part of the public procurement process. All appointments are subject to on-going monitoring and evaluation and, in many cases, additional fee reductions are negotiated to ensure that fees are appropriate for the amount of work remaining on any given appointment. Typically fees reduce as the assignment progresses and the number of assets reduces by way of disposals or otherwise. However, this depends on the complexity of the insolvency and the issues that may emerge during its course.
I am advised that, in respect of 2018, a small number of fee payments have yet to be finalised. The table below sets out receiver fees which have been approved to date in respect of the provision of insolvency services for 2018. The figures outlined are provisional and subject to change pending finalisation of fee approvals for 2018.
|
IP Firm |
Fee approved |
|
€ |
|
|
BDO |
248,615 |
|
Crowe |
182,550 |
|
Deloitte |
1,822,536 |
|
Duff and Phelps Ireland |
549,993 |
|
EY |
271,500 |
|
Friel Stafford |
22,139 |
|
Grant Thornton |
937,395 |
|
GVA Donal O'Buachalla |
44,260 |
|
GVA Grimley |
24,700 |
|
Hughes Blake |
11,940 |
|
HWBC |
242,500 |
|
KPMG |
212,330 |
|
Lisney |
60,000 |
|
Mazars |
782,055 |
|
McKeogh Gallagher Ryan |
175,030 |
|
McStay Luby |
524,845 |
|
Moorefield’s |
38,500 |
|
O'Dwyer Property Mgmt. |
108,250 |
|
PWC |
370,949 |
|
RBK |
267,119 |
|
RSM Ireland |
1,151,823 |
|
RSM UK |
165,855 |
|
Savills |
53,200 |
|
Smith Williamson |
15,023 |
|
Total* |
8,283,107 |
*Total fees as approved by 25/02/2019
