Written Answers Nos. 162 - 191
162. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that on 6 January 2017, the Adalet ve Kalkýnma Partisi government in Turkey issued three new decrees expelling 8,398 more public employees and 649 academics, and banning 83 more civil society organisations (details supplied); and if he has raised his concern over these decrees and purges with his Turkish counterpart. [3367/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that the state of emergency, which has been in place since 20 July, was extended for the second time this month, and that three new decrees have already issued which provide for the dismissal of public sector workers, the closing of some 80 civil society organisations, increased powers for the security forces to investigate online activity and increased government powers of appointment in the military. This further deepens my grave concerns about human rights, democracy, the rule of law and freedom of expression in Turkey.
While I have not had the opportunity to raise the most recent decrees with my Turkish counterpart, I have been explicit about my concerns regarding the situation in Turkey and I have detailed them at every opportunity, including at the specially-convened meeting of the Council of Europe in September, at which Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuþoðlu was present.
My concerns are eased only slightly by my understanding that new decrees issued on 23 January go some way to reversing or lessening some of the more extreme measures taken under the state of emergency - for example, the period for detention without charge has been reduced to 7 days, and a commission examining complaints regarding arrests, detentions and closures of organisations, including media organisations, has been established. The state of emergency involves a derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights, which is allowable under the Convention in these circumstances.
We do not underestimate the challenges facing Turkey: the attempted coup in Turkey of 15 July 2016 was a criminal act and an attack on democracy, and the country has also been the victim of dozens of horrific terrorist attacks, carried out predominantly by the outlawed PKK, their affiliates or ISIS. While the Turkish authorities clearly need to defend their democratic institutions and combat terrorism vigorously and effectively, they must also maintain a measured and proportionate response which adheres to democratic principles.
163. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent Cypriot reunification talks in Geneva, Switzerland (details supplied); and his views on the talks. [3368/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland fully supports the achievement of a mutually acceptable and comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Our Ambassador in Nicosia reports very regularly on developments, as do our Embassies in Athens and Ankara, and my officials are also in touch with the Embassy of Cyprus here.
On his State Visit to Ireland last October, President Anastasiades expressed his hope that real progress would soon be made, and in that context, I have been very pleased to see positive movement in the talks on the Cyprus question, the most recent round of which concluded in Geneva earlier this month. There was no expectation of a final deal, but considerable advances have been made, including a first exchange of maps on territorial distribution between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Leaders, as well as a first discussion between the Leaders and the three guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey and the UK) on international security guarantees. Some technical issues have been referred to experts for their consideration. I very much hope to see decisive progress in future talks.
I wish both Leaders well in their on-going negotiations, and hope that the goodwill expressed on both sides results in a sustainable, peaceful solution.
164. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide a report on the conference on the Middle East peace process hosted by France on 15 January 2017; if there are plans for any future conference; and if his Department, in line with a motion passed unanimously by Dáil Éireann on 10 December 2014, will recommend that Ireland should officially recognise the state of Palestine. [3369/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply today to Oral Question No. 56, in which I reported in detail on the Paris Conference.
The effort was certainly worthwhile, in bringing together the international community to restate its support for the two state solution to the conflict, at a time when other crises in the region have dominated international attention. But it has not been possible as yet to inject renewed momentum into the peace process.
The statement agreed by the participants provides for the possibility of further meetings, but it is not possible at this point to anticipate when such further Ministerial conferences might take place.
There may still remain some continuing work on areas highlighted during the Paris meetings, including a proposed civil society forum, arising out of a working group on the role of civil society, in which Ireland has been participating.
The question of national recognition by Ireland of a state of Palestine is a separate issue. As I have reported to the Dáil, I keep under continuous review the question of whether and when an immediate recognition by Ireland might be helpful, bearing in mind the positive and negative arguments which I have previously outlined.
165. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the bombing of a refugee camp by the Nigerian military (details supplied); and if he has raised the case with his Nigerian counterpart. [3370/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI share the great concern about the loss of life and the injuries caused as a result of the bombing carried out last week by the Nigerian military at Rann camp for displaced people in Northeast Nigeria. I acknowledge the expressions of regret by the Nigerian Government, including by President Buhari, and I welcome their commitment to a thorough investigation into the incident. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the Nigerian people on the loss of life of their fellow citizens in such a tragic situation.
Internally Displaced People are among the most vulnerable people in the world. They depend on camps such as the one at Rann, for shelter, protection and security. This tragedy underlines the challenge of protecting vulnerable civilians, as well as humanitarian workers, during conflict, crises and emergency situations.
Our Embassy in Abuja is monitoring developments closely and, together with our EU partners, is working with the Nigerian Government to address the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. The Embassy is in close contact with other key partners, including humanitarian organisations operating in Northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region. Ireland will continue to address the crisis through diplomatic engagement and humanitarian funding.
166. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ecuador’s ministry of the interior announced plans to shut down one of the country’s leading environmental groups (details supplied); and his views on the group's call for the creation of an environmental truth commission to investigate environmental destruction and violations of the rights of indigenous communities in the Cordillera del Condor and other areas affected by mining activities. [3373/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of recent developments concerning the Ecuadorian non-governmental organisation, Acción Ecológica, and of the difficult situation which currently pertains for environmental rights defenders in Ecuador and in many parts of Latin America today. Environmental degradation and the rights of indigenous communities to be consulted in regard to development projects which affect them have emerged as recurring challenges in the human rights field in the region.
I urge the Government of Ecuador to fully respect the legitimate exercise of freedom of association, as well as the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) published a statement in December 2016 regarding the case of Acción Ecológica, criticising the closure of the group by the Ecuadorian authorities and calling for a reversal of the decision. I support the statement made by the OHCHR, an organisation to which Ireland continues to be a leading donor.
Ireland also recently contributed €50,000 to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), whose mission is to promote and protect human rights in the American hemisphere. Ireland’s contribution will directly address the backlog of cases being faced by the Commission and in so doing improve the access to justice of those who face human rights violations in the Americas.
My officials will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Ecuador in consultation with our EU and UN partners.
167. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the assassination of a person (details supplied); and if he will raise the case with his Mexican counterpart. [3374/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy attention has been brought to the specific case to which the Deputy refers, namely the tragic killing of Mr. Isidro Baldenegro López on 15 January. Mr. Baldenegro is the second recipient of the Goldman environmental prize to be killed in the space of 12 months, and in that context I would also like to pay tribute to the memory of Berta Cáceres, the Honduran activist and Goldman prize recipient, who was killed in March 2016.
The trend towards violence against environmental rights organisations in parts of Latin America is of great concern and is being monitored closely by my Department. My officials engage regularly with civil society partners, including from the Latin American region, on these issues. I do not hesitate to condemn any intimidation or violence perpetrated against human rights defenders in Mexico or elsewhere.
On 20 January 2017, the European Union Delegation in Mexico along with the Ambassadors of EU Member States resident in Mexico, including Ireland’s Ambassador Hyland, issued a statement expressing their sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Baldenegro López and urging the Mexican authorities to make every possible effort to expedite the investigation into his murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Ireland and other EU Member States engage with the Mexican authorities on human rights on an ongoing basis. In particular the EU uses the High-Level Dialogue on Human Rights, the High-Level Political Dialogue and the Security and Justice Dialogue, to raise issues related to human rights, rule of law and security with the Mexican authorities in open and frank discussions.
EU Member States including Ireland are to the fore in funding projects led by national and international NGOs aimed at improving the protection of human rights in Mexico. Ireland has also provided support to civil society and missionary organisations for development projects to improve, amongst other things, the human rights situation in Mexico. In addition, since 2005 my Department has provided over €1.2 million in funding to the IACHR, whose mission is to promote and protect human rights in the American hemisphere.
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to liaise with his EU colleagues to ensure the best possible position for Ireland, the need to remain at the heart of the European Union and use influence in a positive way in the course of future negotiations on Brexit to facilitate traditional trade with the UK without tariffs and maintain the operation of an all-island entity in terms of the Single Market and customs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3510/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he remains assured that all other EU member states remain on side in supporting Ireland's position in negotiations on Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3511/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to his discussions with his counterparts in other EU member states, if he remains satisfied with their support in the course of the Brexit negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3512/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 170, inclusive, together.
The Government’s preparations for the upcoming negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU have been extensive. From the outset of our preparations we have been clear about our priorities, which remain: minimising the impact on trade and the economy; protecting the Northern Ireland Peace Process; maintaining the Common Travel Area; and influencing the future of the European Union.
A critical part of our work is ensuring that our priorities are heard and understood across Europe and are reflected in the EU’s position for the forthcoming negotiations. To that end, an extensive programme of engagement with all other EU Governments and the EU institutions, including the European Commission’s Brexit Negotiations Task Force, is under way. To date, there has been over 60 engagements at either political or senior official level.
The Taoiseach is in regular contact with EU leaders and travelled to Madrid last week for a meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister. He will visit Warsaw on 9 February for a meeting with the Polish Prime Minister. For my own part, I have spoken with each of my EU Foreign Minister counterparts in the period immediately following the result of the referendum in the UK. I have now began a second round of discussions with my EU colleagues. Most recently, I met with the Spanish Foreign Minister and I am planning to have bilateral discussions with my Luxembourg and Finnish counterpart in the weeks ahead. Minister of State Murphy is visiting Romania and Greece on 30 January to 1 February while meetings with France, Poland, Slovakia, Latvia and Lithuania at senior official level will take place in the coming weeks.
Engagement with the European Commission’s Task Force on Brexit and the Commission’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, has also been a central part of the Government’s programme of engagement. The Government’s position on Brexit was outlined in meetings with Mr. Barnier in Dublin on 12 October. Engagement with the Commission’s Task Force at a technical level has been regular and is ongoing. There have been a number of exchanges on key aspects of the negotiations process and the Irish-specific aspects, including on the Common Travel Area and on border issues.
Feedback to date from this comprehensive engagement has been very encouraging. There is as sound understanding among EU partners of the unique circumstances which pertain on this island and a strong willingness and openness to work closely with Ireland on addressing our issues. As a clear demonstration that the Government’s efforts are working, I would note that in his first official comments, Michel Barnier, the lead negotiator for the Commission, highlighted the need to address Ireland’s issues.
171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which his EU counterparts are aware of the precarious position here in the geographical context post-Brexit, that Ireland's position off the western shores of Europe places it at a distinct disadvantage from a trading point of view for access to the Single Market and that compensatory measures are required as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3513/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is under no illusion about the nature and scale of the Brexit challenge. A critical part of our work is ensuring that our particular position and priorities are understood across Europe: therefore engagement with our EU partners and with the EU institutions is critical. This programme of intense engagement at political and official level is continuing to ensure that the EU’s approach to the forthcoming negotiations reflects our priorities. Ireland looks forward to working with our fellow Member States to deliver the best possible result for Ireland and for the EU.
A central part of this programme of engagement is meetings with the European Commission. In addition to meetings with the chief negotiatior, Michel Barnier, intensive bilateral discussions to the taskforce working with him continue. In our engagement with the Taskforce we have made them aware that Brexit is already having an impact on the Irish economy, and of the disproportionate consequences posed by Brexit to the Irish economy overall in comparison to other Member States. This message has also been emphasized in more than sixty meetings at political and official level with other Member States.
In working to minimize the damage to Ireland our first priority is to contribute to the achievement of a close and mutually beneficial relationship between the EU and UK.
Second, we recognize that the economic challenge posed by Brexit, while very great in itself, also one of a number of factors to be taken into account in our overall economic policy. State agencies are actively pursuing opportunities for increased investment, business and job creation in Ireland, while as chair of the Export Trade Council, I am working to support Irish companies to expand and diversify their markets, including through support from our Missions.
The Government is also committed to pursuing a opportunities for Ireland which might arise from Brexit. Therefore, work continues on bids for the relocation of the European Medicines Agency and the European Banking Authority from London to Dublin. Preparatory work on both is advancing within the relevant Government Departments.
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he will have an opportunity to discuss the release of a person (details supplied) with the Egyptian authorities with a view to the person's early release having particular regard to the repeated adjournments of their case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3514/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis consular case continues to be a top priority for the Government and substantial resources and time are being devoted to it, by the Taoiseach, by me as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, by officials in my Department, by our Ambassador and his team in Cairo, and by the entire Irish diplomatic network. The Government is doing everything it possibly can to ensure that the Egyptian authorities are in no doubt about our determination to see this young man returned to his home and his family.
The Taoiseach has spoken directly and personally with Egyptian President el-Sisi on numerous occasions now calling on him to exercise his powers under Egyptian law to resolve this case and return this young man to Ireland. He has done so in face-to-face meetings on two occasions and also by telephone and by letter. The Taoiseach most recently wrote to President el-Sisi about the case in November. For my part, I have engaged continuously on this case with my Egyptian counterpart, Foreign Minister Shoukry, and I once again raised this case with him when I met him in Paris at the Middle East Peace Conference on Sunday, January 15th.
The trial in which our citizen is a defendant along with more than 400 others was back in court for a further hearing on 17 January. The hearing saw witnesses called and cross-examined for the first time since the trial began. This may be an indication that the trial has now, at last, moved into a substantive phase and that a conclusion may finally be in prospect. The Irish Government has been present at and has observed every hearing in the trial to date and our Embassy was again represented at the hearing on 17 January. The next hearing will be on 14 February and the Embassy will once again be present on that occasion to observe the proceedings.
The Egyptian President has consistently advised us that the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary must be respected, and that the Egyptian Government cannot intervene while the case remains before the courts. The President has also consistently made clear to us that he is anxious to resolve this issue as soon as he can, and that he will be able to intervene in the case once the trial has ended.
I and my colleagues in Government and our officials at every level will continue to do everything possible and appropriate to engage with the authorities in Cairo on this citizen’s behalf both directly and through and with EU and international partners.
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent of consideration given to European defence and security for the future in the context of a diminution in US support through NATO or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3515/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Global Strategy sets out a vision for the EU’s foreign and security policy, and commits the EU to promoting peace, prosperity, democracy and the rule of law. It provides a timely and welcome framework through which to develop outward-looking policy settings which encompass foreign and security policy and which mobilise all aspects of the EU’s external action in pursuit of concrete and meaningful objectives grounded in the Treaties. These objectives are to be pursued through a comprehensive approach using the range of instruments available to the European Union, including political, diplomatic, economic development, trade, peace-keeping and crisis management tools.
Five priority areas have been identified for implementation of the EU Global Strategy. These include strengthening the EU’s capacity, through its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), to promote international peace and security within a rules-based global order underpinned by the United Nations.
Since the presentation in June 2016 of the EU Global Strategy by the High Representative/Vice-President (HRVP), Federica Mogherini, work has been taken forward in the Council.
The June European Council welcomed the presentation of the Strategy and invited the HRVP, the Commission and the Council to take the work forward. Implementation of the Strategy in the area of security and defence was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council meetings in October, and again in November when Foreign Ministers met in joint session with EU Defence Ministers.
The European Council in December 2016 endorsed the work of Council on implementing the EU Global Strategy in the area of security and defence, and called for comprehensive follow-up by the HRVP and Member States.
Ireland is a strong supporter of initiatives, through the CSDP, which improve the capacity of the Union to contribute to international peace and security, particularly in support of the UN. We support cooperation with international partners where this adds value and contributes to the achievement of these objectives.
The discussion of the Global Strategy, and cooperation with other organisations in this area is grounded within the EU Treaties, and the Lisbon Protocol which protects Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in the western Balkans continues to be monitored with particular reference to continued peace and security and membership of the European Union for the various states in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3516/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently five countries which have EU Candidate Status, including four in the Western Balkans – Montenegro, Serbia, the Republic of Macedonia, and Albania. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.
Ireland is a strong supporter of the enlargement process, and views it as a transformative driver for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
The European Commission continues to work actively to support prospective member states in implementing reforms in order to make progress on their respective EU paths. The Commission publishes regular reports on each of the candidate and potential candidate countries. These provide a ‘state of play’ assessment on the preparations for Union membership in each individual accession country across the acquis communautaire, highlight the remaining challenges and set out guidelines on key reform priorities. Ireland welcomed the 2016 reports, which were published on 9 November and discussed extensively by Ministers at the General Affairs Council in December 2016, at which Minister of State Dara Murphy represented Ireland.
Ireland, along with our European partners, will continue to monitor and encourage progress in implementing reforms across range of areas covered by the acquis.
175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which international relief is accessing the various sensitive areas in Syria; if a greater degree of co-ordination and co-operation is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3517/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWe remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis facing the Syrian people. Despite the cessation of hostilities since 30 December 2016, the situation remains extremely fragile and the humanitarian crisis persists for many Syrians. Humanitarian access and the protection of civilians are binding legal obligations for all parties and must be observed.
Since 2012, Ireland has provided €67.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region, including more than €25 million during 2016. This is Ireland’s largest ever response to any humanitarian crisis. Ireland’s support is channelled through UN, Red Cross and NGO partners, who are best placed to respond and ensure that Irish funding goes to those who need it most. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in particular has proven capacity and expertise in reaching the most vulnerable communities in conflict situations and gaining access to besieged and hard-to-reach areas, where other organisations cannot operate. During 2016 alone, Ireland’s funding supported the work of the ICRC to carry out 55 cross-frontline operations to bring food, clean water and essential aid to millions of Syrians.
In line with a coordinated, “Whole of Syria” approach, bringing together international humanitarian efforts inside Syria and those in the neighbouring countries of Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) sets out annually the principal needs and objectives of the humanitarian response, and monitors progress towards these objectives. These are to save lives and alleviate suffering, enhance the protection of civilians and build their resilience. Ireland’s support to the UN in Syria has been provided through pooled funding managed by OCHA in Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. The Jordan and Turkey funds in particular prioritise cross-border assistance to vulnerable communities, supporting local partners to target hard-to-reach areas.
Ireland also supports the EU’s humanitarian response in Syria, which amounted to €445 million in 2016. The EU and its Member States are collectively the lead provider of international aid to the people of Syria. Since the launch of the EU’s Humanitarian Initiative for Aleppo on 2 October 2016, the EU has a leading role in ensuring minimum conditions for humanitarian access and for the security and safety of medical staff and humanitarian workers.
We continue to monitor the situation closely, and are ready to provide further assistance in support of the Syrian people as needed.
176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the UN and EU can co-ordinate their efforts in respect of the refugee crisis arising from various conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3518/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Union is fully committed to effective multilateralism and this commitment, with the UN at its core, is a central element of the approach to external action as set out in the EU’s new Global Strategy.
The EU works closely with the UN system on the issues and challenges which face the world today, including on the migration and refugee crisis.
The UN system, notably the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, and the International Organisation for Migration, which is now more closely integrated with the UN system than in the past, clearly have leading roles in addressing the crisis. In 2016 approximately one third of the contributions to UNHCR came from the EU. The EU recognises and is supportive of the work of these agencies in helping vulnerable people on the move and in assisting the EU and its Member States in meeting the needs of these people. For example the EU will contribute a total of €62 million in humanitarian funding over the 2016-2017 period to UNHCR, to support its work with the Greek government in providing protection and assistance to refugees and migrants in mainland Greece.
In broader terms, the EU and its Member States are the world’s leading providers of development and humanitarian assistance and this assistance, including through the UN system, is crucial in addressing the root causes of forced displacement. Ireland plays a strong role in policy terms, through our aid programme and through our bilateral and multilateral development assistance. The EU is also a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, and EU military capabilities play an essential role in permitting UN peace operations to engage more effectively around the world. This type of collaboration is clearly fundamental to addressing the conflicts that are at the origin of major flows of refugees and displaced people.
In addition to being a key EU partner the UN is an indispensable global forum for tackling these global challenges. Ireland, through our role as co-facilitator, played a central role in last year’s UN discussions on how to address this and similar crises in the future, in a long-term and sustainable manner. The outcome of those discussions was adopted at last September’s UN Summit on addressing large movements of refugees and migrants. The EU is now working with the rest of the international community to implement the outcome of the Summit.
177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the top ten flash points globally with the most serious abuses of human life, starvation, war and famine continue to be identified; if enhanced UN or global aid operations are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3519/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe world is facing an unprecedented level of humanitarian need. In 2017, the UN estimates that 92.8 million people are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance, over 65 million people are displaced from their homes across the world, and $22.2 billion is needed to fund the global humanitarian response.
Ireland’s humanitarian response has been consistent to some of the world’s most severe crises, some rarely mentioned in the media, such as the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, as well as the crises in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. The core objective is to save and protect lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity. Our assistance is focused on where needs are greatest, providing support to the most vulnerable and hard to reach populations, and we place particular emphasis on gender equality and protection.
In 2016, Ireland provided over €150 million in humanitarian assistance, reaching people affected by conflict and natural disasters. This amount includes Ireland’s contribution to the European Commission’s humanitarian action outside the EU, which has an annual budget of approximately €1 billion.
Ireland works with a range of partners to deliver our humanitarian assistance including NGOs, the UN and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Ireland’s UN partners lead the coordination of international appeals for humanitarian assistance, including through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund. Ireland is the eighth largest donor to this Fund, which has provided $4.6 billion in life-saving assistance to people affected by crises since 2005. Ireland is also a strong supporter of the UN pooled funds located in countries of particularly severe crisis in Africa and the Middle East.
The international community came together at the World Humanitarian Summit in May last year to reflect on how donors can deliver on the then Secretary General’s ‘Agenda for Humanity’ and the Sustainable Development Goals. Over 3,140 commitments were made by Governments and implementing partners, to strengthen humanitarian action, create sustainable solutions for those affected by crises, and ensure adequate humanitarian financing. I delivered Ireland’s national statement at the Summit making 35 specific commitments to achieve more sustainable and effective humanitarian action. We will continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure that the global humanitarian response is increasingly coordinated and effective.
178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community has responded to the various natural disasters over the past five years such as earthquakes and tsunami; if all commitments entered into initially have been honoured in respect of locations such as Haiti; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3520/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland provided over €150 million in humanitarian assistance in 2016, focused on where needs are greatest, in countries affected by conflict or devastation caused by natural disasters. In 2017, the UN estimates that 92.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, with over 65 million people displaced by conflict worldwide.
Ireland’s humanitarian response is channeled through UN, Red Cross or NGO partners who are best placed to respond. Ireland is the eighth largest donor to the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund. It enables UN agencies to swiftly allocate funds to sudden crises, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, in order to kick start emergency responses. Ireland also supports the European Commission’s relief efforts through our EU budget allocation.
Ireland has responded swiftly and effectively in recent years to devastating natural disasters. Ireland was one of the first countries to respond to Typhoon Haiyan, which hit central Philippines in November 2013. More than US$865 million was contributed by the international community, including €40 million from the European Commission. Ireland provided €7.1 million.
More recently, Ireland responded to the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, allocating €1.65 million to NGO partners and distributing 100 tonnes of emergency supplies. In total, the international community contributed over $533.8 million, exceeding the UN appeal of $421 million. This included €22.6 million from the European Commission.
Ireland provided a total of €25.9 million in humanitarian and development funding for Haiti between 2010 and 2016. This includes over €2 million in response to Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and nearly €14 million in assistance following the Haiti earthquake in 2010. The European Commission has provided a total of €273 million since 2010 to assist victims of the earthquake.
Significant progress has been made in recent years to improve the scale and effectiveness of the international community’s response to major disasters and humanitarian crises. Lessons learnt from previous crises such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake have informed the improvement of systems under the leadership of the UN, to ensure the most effective, efficient and rapid delivery of aid possible.
179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if consideration has been given to restructuring of the UN with a view to enhancing its capacity to intervene and create safe havens in areas of conflict thereby minimising loss of life, torture and abuse of human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3521/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe United Nations plays a critical role in the maintenance of international peace and security and in the resolution of conflicts, which are at the root of the migration and humanitarian crises facing the world today. It does this primarily through the UN Security Council which has a variety of tools at its disposal to address threats to international peace and to contribute towards the resolution of conflicts: it has the power to authorise military action, deploy peacekeeping and political missions, and to impose sanctions against non-compliant States.
The blockages at the Security Council in recent years have prevented the international community from acting together in a way that would allow civilians in conflict zones to be afforded greater protection. I believe that, in addition to the terrible consequences for civilian populations, this inaction has resulted in considerable damage to the standing of the Security Council.
As a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) group of states, Ireland advocates for reforms to the membership and working methods of the Security Council, including the use of the veto which, on some occasions, has led to inaction by the Security Council at critical moments. Ideally, Ireland would like to see the veto rights of the existing permanent members of the Security Council ended. In 2015, Ireland associated itself with a declaration presented by France and Mexico calling on permanent members of the Security Council to voluntarily waive their right to exercise their veto in cases of mass atrocity.
While decisions of the Security Council, which are key to the maintenance of international peace and security and the welfare of civilians in conflict zones, are the preserve of Member States, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Guterres, who took office on 1 January, has announced a number of measures aimed at improving the working of the peace and security architecture of the UN Secretariat.
These measures include steps to remove structural and bureaucratic barriers in the UN Secretariat with the objective of better integrating the efforts of staff who carry out work in relation to conflict zones. Mr. Guterres is to appoint an internal team to take stock of the recommendations from three major peace and security reviews which were completed in 2015. Ireland engaged fully with all three reviews, calling for the recommendations to be discussed and implemented as part of our broader calls for UN reform. We will continue to engage on these reviews in the period ahead. Mr. Guterres has also announced that he intends to enhance the role of the UN Operations and Crisis Centre so that this crisis hub can better collate and consolidate information from across the UN system in a timely manner.
Ireland will continue to advocate, including with the new Secretary General, for reform of the UN to ensure that it is equipped to respond to the challenges of the twenty-first century and to fulfil its critical role in the prevention, reduction or resolution of conflict, and more broadly in the maintenance of international peace and security.
180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the activities of Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab are being contained by the international community or the African Union; if the release of girls and women kidnapped over the past number of years continues to be pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3523/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the past months the Nigerian Government has led efforts in the region against Boko Haram. These efforts have been supported by the international community. The EU has pledged up to €50 million in support of the Multinational Joint Taskforce, which supports 8,700 troops from Nigeria and neighbouring countries to promote regional security. Despite recent progress by Nigerian and regional armed forces, violence by Boko Haram remains a serious threat to the peace and security of Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region. Ireland has consistently condemned the violence and human rights violations perpetrated by Boko Haram. Last year, we provided €3.1m in humanitarian assistance for the crisis in the region, and our Embassy in Abuja has been active in monitoring developments.
The release of women and girls kidnapped by Boko Haram continues to be a priority for the international community. Ireland has consistently called for the release of the Chibok schoolgirls who were abducted in April 2014. We welcomed the news in October 2016 of the release of 21 girls following talks facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss Government. Since then, the Nigerian army has also reported finding another schoolgirl in the north of Borno state. These girls should be provided with all possible assistance to support their full reintegration into society and their return to education.
The group Al-Shabaab remains a threat to the peace, stability and prosperity of Somalia and neighbouring countries in the Horn of Africa. The international community plays an important role in containing the violence and instability caused by its actions.
The United Nations, African Union and European Union are all engaging actively in Somalia. The African Union peacekeeping Mission in Somalia, AMISOM, is mandated by the UN Security Council to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and to enable the gradual handover of security responsibility to Somali security forces. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) is tasked with supporting peacebuilding and state-building in Somalia. The EU contributes through the funding of AMISOM, as well as supporting two missions in Somalia, the EU Training Mission in Somalia and EUCAP Somalia, which aims at strengthening Somalia's maritime security and capacity to effectively govern its waters.
Ireland has responded consistently to humanitarian needs in Somalia. Last year, we contributed just under €6 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia. During my visit to Kenya last month, I held discussions in Nairobi on the situation in Somalia and the wider region and on the assistance which Ireland might provide in the future.
181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia continue to receive co-operation and support from the European Union; the extent to which Ireland's trade with such countries can be enhanced post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3524/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Eastern Partnership Initiative provides a framework for cooperation between the EU and six countries in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood, including Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia. The aims of the Eastern Partnership are to promote peace and stability in the region and to enhance economic and political integration between the participating countries and the EU. The model of cooperation with each of the participating states has been tailored to meet their needs and priorities and those of the EU.
The EU provides substantial support to Ukraine, and has committed €3.14 billion to the country in macro-financial assistance since 2014. At the most recent EU-Ukraine summit in November, the EU agreed on a support package for reform in Ukraine worth over €300 million. The EU also provides practical support to Ukraine through programmes such as the EU Advisory Mission on civilian security sector reform. Cooperation can be expected to deepen upon entry into force of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, the trade part of which is provisionally in force since 1 January 2016. Ukraine is already seeing the economic benefits of the free trade area which has resulted in a 7.5% increase in trade volumes between the EU and Ukraine in one year.
Georgia signed an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU in 2014 which entered into force on 1 July 2016. By removing customs tariffs and quotas and by comprehensively approximating trade-related laws and regulations to the standards of the European Union, the Agreement offers Georgia a framework for boosting trade and economic growth. As part of this process, Georgia has committed to undertaking a number of reforms, including on democratic development and fundamental freedoms, on constitutional and parliamentary reform, and anti-corruption reforms.
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. Armenia receives considerable funding from the EU, including between €140 and €170 million for the period 2014-2017. This is focused on supporting private sector development, and reforms in public administration and justice systems.
Post-Brexit, Ireland will remain a committed member of the EU and of the Eurozone. Now, more than ever, our membership of the EU must remain at the heart of our engagement with the world. Continuing access to a Single Market of 500 million consumers is vital to the well-being of the Irish people and EU membership has been central to Ireland’s economic and social development. To this end, membership of the EU also includes trading arrangements with third countries such as those with Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia.
One of the consequences of Brexit for the Irish economy will be the need for Ireland to diversify its markets. The Government is committed to pursuing any opportunities for Ireland which might arise from Brexit. €3m has been allocated specifically to Enterprise Ireland and IDA to help market diversification and new investments.
182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, in conjunction with his EU colleagues, can continue to combat the rise of ISIS in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3525/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of how best to respond to the threat posed by terrorism, and particularly by Daesh, has been and remains high on the EU agenda. Foreign Ministers have consistently underlined that ultimately there will be no defeat of Daesh without a political solution to the crisis in Syria. This is reflected particularly in the comprehensive conclusions on a ‘Regional Strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Daesh threat’, which were adopted by the Council in May last year.
Foreign Ministers have also focused on the contribution that the EU can make through external action to preventing and countering terrorism. Engagement with third countries to prevent violent extremism and to strengthen their capacity to detect and prevent terrorism, in full compliance with international law and human rights, is at the heart of the EU’s strategy and is reflected in a substantial increase in assistance to third countries in this respect.
The EU’s approach is guided by, and is consistent with, the approach taken by the UN to countering Daesh and by the principles and measures set out in relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, including UNSCR 2161 (2014) on freezing funds and other assets of terrorist groups, and UNSCR 2178 (2014) on measures to suppress the recruiting, organising, transporting or equipping of individuals who travel to another State to plan or carry out terrorist acts or training.
The former UN Secretary General’s comprehensive Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, presented in January last year, and his related reports are an important and welcome contribution to addressing the threat posed by Daesh, and to highlighting the measures being taken against them in areas such as countering their financing, preventing and disrupting the travel of foreign terrorist fighters, countering recruitment and preventing violent extremism.
Ireland supports the comprehensive approach being taken at EU level to preventing and countering terrorism. At meetings of the Council, I have stressed the need to tackle underlying factors that contribute to radicalisation and terrorism and in particular the importance of the link between security and development. I have also emphasised the need to ensure a joined-up approach in relation to the discussions of Foreign Ministers and those of our Justice and Home Affairs counterparts.
Increasing the effectiveness of information and intelligence-sharing and enhancing border security have been priority themes at recent meetings of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council. A series of measures is being rolled out to strengthen cooperation and to develop the EU's legal framework for information-sharing, combating terrorism and controlling illegal firearms. Ireland is fully engaged in pursuing these developments.
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union remains committed to the principle of unity of purpose in respect of economic, monetary, political and social institutions notwithstanding the emergence of extreme political viewpoints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3526/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEurope has been through some difficult years. We have seen deep economic crises which have affected a number of member states, including Ireland; there have been terror attacks in some of our major cities which have caused appalling suffering for individuals and communities. The Continent has been grappling with the biggest movement of people seen in peacetime coming from our southern neighbourhood and further afield. Parties from the far-right have made electoral inroads in a number of EU states and for the first time in the Union’s history, a member state has decided to leave.
Despite these enormous challenges, Europe has not disintegrated. 27 Heads of State and Government meeting in Bratislava in September issued a declaration stating that the Union was “indispensable” for them and pledging to offer EU citizens in the upcoming months a vision of an attractive EU they can trust and support. The Future of Europe which will be on the agenda of EU Heads of State and Government meeting in Valletta on 3 February and for the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in Rome in March. Ireland will work with its partners, as a committed EU member, to bring the vision promised at Bratislava to fruition. We will succeed only if we maintain the unity of purpose to which the Deputy refers.
184. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the recourse available to those public sector workers whose pay was cut as part of the FEMPI legislation, but have now retired before the legislation is unwound and so cannot claw back money through their pay; if such money can be clawed back through pension payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3307/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPay reductions effected by the FEMPI legislation have played and continue to play a vital role in securing stability for the public finances. These pay reductions are now being partially reversed or restored by way of the provisions of the Lansdowne Road Agreement and FEMPI 2015. The pay increases thereby arising benefit affected public servants from the due dates, and on that basis no payment of what the Deputy refers to as claw back money arises, whether through pension payments or otherwise.
185. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures his Department is taking to improve data collection, maintenance and access across the public service as part of its reform programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3461/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service ICT Strategy, prepared by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer in my Department, and published in 2015, recognises data as a critical enabler, and that improved data management on a whole-of-government basis is crucial to supporting better decision making, increasing simplicity of engagement, driving efficiency and delivering a range of new digital services to citizens and businesses. In addition, action 45 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan targets improving how data is collected, managed and shared by the Public Service.
Work is ongoing in a number of areas in line with these strategic objectives. My officials are currently engaged with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress the drafting of the Data Sharing and Governance Bill. The purpose of this Bill is to promote and encourage data-sharing between public bodies by providing a statutory framework for data sharing for legitimate and clearly specified purposes that are compliant with Data Protection legislation; and to improve the protection of individual privacy rights by setting new governance standards for data sharing by public bodies. Also, work is ongoing to build on and promote the use of common data models across Government, such as the Public Service Identity dataset and Eircodes, that underpin our data protection obligations, the provision of digitised and streamlined services, and the linking of data to improve decision making.
My officials are also progressing the Open Data initiative across the public sector. The concept of Open Data is about making data held by public bodies available freely and easily accessible online for reuse and redistribution. The initiative aims to create an environment where, by opening up Government data, new opportunities for research, innovation, transparency, engagement and greater efficiency are delivered and realised by public bodies, businesses, researchers and citizens. Measures to achieve this include development of a centralised Open Data portal, data.gov.ie, which provides access to official data in open format, development of a Technical Framework to underpin the publication of such data in line with best practice internationally and to ensure it is interoperable, establishment of an Open Data Governance Board to lead the initiative, outreach and engagement with public bodies and other stakeholders.
Lastly, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, and I are preparing a joint memo to go to Government to seek approval for the implementation of a Public Service Records Management Plan to assist coherent and comprehensive records management within the Public Service. This plan will support both the improved management of day to day records within Public Bodies, and also to protect and develop the processes that support the function of the National Archives in preserving state record.
186. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the spouses' and children's scheme is mandatory for public sector workers; if not, the way in which a public sector employee may opt out of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3464/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA revised scheme for spouses and children was introduced for the Civil Service in 1982 and membership was made mandatory for all new entrants after 1 September 1984. A scheme which mirrors this was introduced for the wider Public Service on a sector by sector basis in the following years. Anyone recruited to the Public Service since the introduction of the revised scheme automatically became members of this scheme and makes appropriate contributions. There is no facility to opt-out of this scheme.
187. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has met ICTU recently. [38482/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the context of the Labour Court Recommendations on Garda pay, and the potential wider implications for the Lansdowne Road Agreement, I met with representatives from ICTU on the 7th of November to listen to their views and inform considerations on these matters by Government.
Officials from my Department met with the Public Service Committee of ICTU under the framework provided by Section 6 of the Lansdowne Road Agreement to address an anomaly issue arising in the context of Labour Court Recommendations (CD/16/321& CD/16/322) in respect of the Garda Associations.
These negotiations successfully concluded last week with the announcement of an increase in annualised salaries of €1,000 for the period 1 April 2017 to August 2017 inclusive for:
- those on annualised salaries up to €65,000;
- who are parties to the Lansdowne Road Agreement; and
- who do not stand to benefit from the Labour Court Recommendations (CD/16/321 & CD/16/322).
188. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has engaged with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding Ireland's development aid budget plan of reaching 0.7% GNI; and the timeframe for doing so. [1730/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for overseas development aid rests with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the first instance.
The Government is strongly committed to Ireland's overseas aid programme and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy for international development, "One World, One Future", clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) in Official Development Assistance (ODA) as economic conditions allow.
In the current Programme for Government we have set out our ambition to make progress towards the UN target as resources permit. It is important that this progress is made in a sustainable and manageable way, which continues to strengthen Ireland's recognised role as a reliable and effective partner in providing development assistance.
189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a home care package will be facilitated in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3339/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
190. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE is withdrawing medical cards, as happened in the case of a person (detailed supplied) based on notices of assessment; his plans to instruct the HSE to draw its attention to this matter in order not to cause unnecessary stress to elderly persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3244/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information was issued to Oireachtas members.
191. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the funding and investment that is being allocated for the completion of a new community hospital and day centre in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim; the projected completion date of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3246/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Capital Programme announced in January 2016 provides for the replacement and refurbishment of 90 public nursing homes across the country over the next five years including St Patrick's Hospital, Carrick-on-Shannon. Under this Programme it is proposed to deliver a new build 100 bed community nursing home by 2021. This will replace existing beds where the physical environment requires significant improvement.
Significant work has been undertaken by the HSE in determining the most appropriate scheduling of projects over the 5 year period from 2016 to 2021, within the phased provision of funding, to achieve compliance and registration with HIQA. All healthcare infrastructure developments, including this development, must comply with DPER guidelines and EU directives and will require a lead-in time to complete the various stages. These stages include appraisal, project brief, design feasibility, detailed design, some of which may overlap, the review of costing estimates and finalisation of financing.
In the meantime, phased interim works are underway at St Patrick's Hospital. Works on the Sheemore ward were completed before Christmas. Works on the McGarry ward are in progress and are currently projected to be completed late Q1 2017. The Rivermeade ward works will follow. Currently, these are projected to be completed in Q2 2017.
