Written Answers Nos. 359-373
359. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the role of Ireland as a member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 2017-2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8025/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland was elected, for the first time, to serve as a member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women on Tuesday, 5 April, 2016. Our term of membership will run from 2017 to 2021.
The Commission on the Status of Women is the principal global policy-making body dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. Membership of the Commission provides an opportunity for Ireland to further enhance our commitment to the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment, as set out in Ireland’s 2015 statement of foreign policy, ‘The Global Island’. This is also a central objective of Ireland’s development cooperation, as outlined in “One World, One Future: Ireland’s Policy for International Development”. Ireland has been internationally recognised for the agenda-setting role it plays in eliminating discrimination and violence against women and girls, including its active contribution to formulation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our work towards the empowerment of women and girls in conflict-resolution and peace-building is pursued in Ireland’s second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, launched in January 2015, which implements United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Ireland also played a key role in the establishment of UN Women, the UN body to promote gender equality.
As a member of the Commission on the Status of Women, Ireland has pledged to work to strengthen the voice and functioning of the Commission, support its contribution to the wider 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promote the participation of civil society in its work.
360. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the current situation in South Sudan; the efforts being made by him and his European Union counterparts to secure peace in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8026/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe situation in South Sudan remains extremely challenging. As a result of the outbreak of conflict in December 2013 and recurrent natural disasters, South Sudan has become the world’s most fragile state. A peace agreement was signed in August 2015, but the ceasefire has not held. Violence and widespread human rights violations continue. The country is now facing one of the most severe large-scale humanitarian crises in the world.
The European Union has been supportive of the peace negotiations led by the countries of the region through the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), and has called consistently on the parties to implement the Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan, signed in August 2015. Further support for the Agreement was underlined by Conclusions adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council in October 2015. Acting on these Conclusions, the EU has closely supported and followed the progress made by transitional institutions, in particular, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, a vital component of fulfilling the Agreement.
The EU remains ready to provide support to the Transitional Government of National Unity, if and when it is formed by the conflicting parties. This includes support towards the progression of the publication of Commission of Inquiry reports and the establishment of the Hybrid Court of South Sudan.
This year, it is estimated that 6.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in South Sudan. Nearly 1.7 million people are displaced internally and a further 800,000 have taken refuge in neighbouring countries. The health services are overwhelmed and the country is liable to major public health risks and disease outbreaks.
The EU continues to be among the most significant donors to South Sudan. €62.5 million in humanitarian aid has been allocated by the European Commission so far this year, in addition to contributions from individual Member States.
Ireland is providing significant levels of humanitarian funding to South Sudan, with €5 million provided so far this year. This includes an allocation of €1 million earlier this month to the International Committee for the Red Cross/Red Crescent for humanitarian assistance within South Sudan, and €1 million to support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for its work with South Sudanese refugees in the region. In March, Ireland provided €3 million to the UN-managed pooled fund for humanitarian assistance in South Sudan.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in December 2013, Ireland has provided a total of over €24 million to support UN agencies and NGOs in their humanitarian response, focused on preventing famine, providing vital nutrition supplies, water and child protection services.
We continue to monitor the situation in South Sudan closely through our Embassy in Addis Ababa and with our EU partners. Working also with our partners on the ground, we will continue to address the political, humanitarian and economic crises in South Sudan in the period ahead.
361. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts being made by him and his European Union counterparts regarding the current situation in Mali; the efforts being made to ensure aid reaches those most in need in Mali given the reports of food shortages and starvation in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8027/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMali has been in turmoil since the outbreak of violence in 2012. Although a peace agreement, the Algiers Accord, was signed in 2015, tensions remain high, especially in the north of the country. Jihadi Islamist groups attacked the Radisson Hotel in Bamako on 20 November 2015 and the premises of the UN’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Kidal on 28 November. On 12 February 2016, five UN peacekeepers were killed in a mortar attack.
Mali is afflicted by the combined effects of violence and political instability, poverty, and chronic food insecurity. It is estimated that 1.5 million of the country’s people depend on humanitarian assistance and that, in 2016, more than 300,000 will require emergency food assistance during the lean season, from June to September.
Since 2014, Ireland has provided over €2 million in humanitarian funding through various NGO partners in Mali. In 2015, Ireland also provided over €400,000 for a project which included support for the delivery of quality education to children with disabilities, some of the country’s most vulnerable people.
Under the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, Ireland has contributed to the European Union Training Mission (EUTM Mali) since its establishment in 2013. Currently 10 members of the Defence Forces are deployed to this mission, and one Irish civilian with the EU Capacity Building Mission in Mali.
The EU maintains strong political and development commitments in Mali through the presence of the EU Delegation in Bamako as well as nine resident Member State Embassies. As well as supporting the country in working towards a lasting peace, the EU is committed to inclusive and sustainable development in Mali. In 2015, EU humanitarian funding of €32 million was provided to assist those affected by malnutrition and the security crisis in Mali. The 11th European Development Fund (EDF) has allocated funding of €615 million to Mali for the period from 2014 to 2020. This includes a strong focus on reducing food insecurity and tackling malnutrition.
Ireland continues to monitor the situation in Mali, including through consultations and discussions with EU counterparts and with our partners on the ground.
362. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position of those living outside the State who are applying for a passport with regard to the new requirement to have a public services card to make a first-time adult application for a passport. [8034/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirement that adults who are applying for a passport for the first time hold a Public Services Card (PSC) and submit a copy of this card with their application was introduced from 29 March.
The new requirement applies to applicants resident in the State. First time applicants resident outside the State do not need to hold a Public Services Card. However, they continue to be required to submit documents which establish their identity to the satisfaction of the Passport Service as provided for under the Passports Act.
363. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his efforts to restart peace talks in Afghanistan, particularly in view of the launch of the spring offensive by the Taliban and the recent bomb attack in Kabul; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8091/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe devastating attack in Kabul on April 19th has led to the loss of an estimated 64 lives, with hundreds more injured. The majority of those affected by the attack are civilians. I would like to extend my sympathies to those affected, and express my regret at the senseless loss of life resulting from this Taliban-claimed atrocity.
This latest attack highlights the urgent need for a resumption of peace talks in order to secure a peaceful and lasting political solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. The conflict has cost many thousands of lives and has brought huge suffering to the Afghan people.
EU Foreign Ministers have regularly discussed and adopted conclusions on Afghanistan. The June 2014 Foreign Affairs Council approved a detailed three year strategy for the EU’s relations with and support for the country. The strategy recognises that the peace process should be Afghan-owned and Afghan-led, but that it is clear that all regional actors have important roles to play in facilitating and supporting a successful peace process.
I fully support the Council’s call last October for the Government of Afghanistan and all partners in the region to engage credibly to end conflict and ensure a stable environment. I strongly urge all parties involved in the conflict to participate in talks and I call on all countries in the region to encourage the Taliban to return to the talks table and to support an inclusive settlement and an end to violence.
The protracted conflict in Afghanistan has caused huge suffering for the Afghan people. The EU is providing very substantial levels of financial and other support, and is committed to provide €1.4 billion until 2020. Ireland too has played its part, providing some €47 million in assistance to Afghanistan since 2005.
Afghanistan continues to face huge challenges and there will be a need for continued international support. A conference scheduled to take place in Brussels in October, will facilitate reconfirmation of the international community’s commitment to Afghanistan’s future.
364. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on the welfare of a person (details supplied) who is being detained and awaiting trial in Egypt and what he is doing to secure this person's release. [8187/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra368. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts he is making with the Egyptian authorities to bring about the early release of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8433/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 368 together.
The Government and my Department have been pursuing a clear strategy in this case which is focused on achieving a positive outcome at the earliest time possible for this citizen. That strategy is based on two key objectives: first, to see this citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland and, second, to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.
In furtherance of these objectives, both I and my officials continue to engage intensively with the Egyptian authorities and our international partners, including the EU and third countries who have had experiences of citizens in similar situations. The Taoiseach has raised the case in person on two occasions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, while I have had several interactions with my Egyptian counterpart and with the Ambassador of Egypt in Dublin. Our Ambassador in Cairo, Damien Cole, is similarly proactive on this citizen’s behalf.
I fully understand the distress that is caused to this citizen and his family by his lengthy detention while awaiting a final outcome of the trial. The Egyptian authorities are in no doubt about our keen and sustained interest in the welfare of this citizen and the feedback we receive from all of these contacts is carefully considered and used in constantly reviewing our approach to this case.
Significant resources in Cairo and in Dublin continue to be deployed in the provision of consular assistance to both this citizen and his family. The most recent consular visit to the citizen was conducted on Sunday 17 April; such visits remain a core element of our ongoing monitoring and support for this citizen’s welfare. Close contact is also maintained with the family of this citizen and their legal representatives in Cairo and Dublin. The most recent meeting between officials of my Department and the family took place on 20 April.
I would also note that the Irish Embassy in Cairo has been present at all trial hearings to date and will continue to monitor the trial process. The next hearing is scheduled for 29 June.
In the context of the two objectives outlined, the Government will continue to make determined efforts to resolve this case in the best interests of this citizen.
365. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of Ireland's trade relationship with Nigeria. [8190/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraNigeria is an important trade partner for Ireland in Africa. The 2015 trade statistics published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed that Nigeria was Ireland’s largest merchandise trade partner in Africa, with total trade worth almost €431 million. This comprised €307 million in exports to Nigeria and €124 million in imports from Nigeria. The 2014 CSO services trade figures show services trade of €111 million between Ireland and Nigeria. This comprised €96 million in services exports to Nigeria from Ireland, and €15 million in imports to Ireland.
During the 2014 review of the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, Nigeria was identified as an ‘Exploratory and High Potential Market’. This status was assigned to markets which generally have large populations, growing economies, increasing levels of exports, future FDI potential, and where specific sectoral opportunities have been identified. In the case of Nigeria this included opportunities in the food and drink sector.
In recognition of the potential of the Nigerian market, Minister Simon Coveney led an Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia trade mission to Nigeria and Ghana in November 2015, on which he was accompanied by more than 40 Irish companies. Our embassy in Abuja, the first embassy Ireland opened in Africa, in 1961, has a strong trade promotion mandate. The embassy is currently in the process of hiring a local economic development officer whose remit will be to support the economic and trade work of the embassy, including building on the recent trade mission.
Overall, Nigeria’s trade regime with the EU operates under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences which provides tariff reductions to developing countries. Nigeria was one of 16 West African countries which, along with their two regional economic organisations, initialled an Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU in July 2014. This trade and development Agreement will establish a long-term and stable trade relationship promoting investment and economic growth in West Africa. The signature process for this Agreement is currently ongoing.
366. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a passport or similar travel document to allow travel abroad; if not, the options available to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8429/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Passports Act, 2008 provides, among other things, that only Irish citizens are entitled to be issued with Irish passports. Each application received by the Passport Service must provide evidence that clearly demonstrates that person’s entitlement to Irish citizenship before a passport can issue.
The child in question was born in the State in 2005. His entitlement to Irish citizenship is, therefore, subject to the terms of section 6A of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended (the Act). This provides that a person, born in the State on or after 1 January 2005, where neither parent is an Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside in the State or Northern Ireland without restriction at the time of that person’s birth, may claim citizenship by birth in the State (and thereby establish eligibility for an Irish passport) only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three years of the four years preceding that person’s birth.
The Department of Justice and Equality, which is responsible for immigration and citizenship policy, provides guidelines on the proofs of lawful residence of a non-EU parent. These are accepted and considered by this Department for the purposes of passport applications and they include immigration stamps in passports or the registration cards/books which are given to persons registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). In some cases letters from GNIB which provide details of issued immigration stamps are also accepted. These are official documents which can be objectively verified by the Department.
If the parents of the child believe that they satisfy these criteria they should submit an application with supporting documentation to allow the Passport Service to evaluate the entitlement to an Irish passport.
367. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason a fee for a passport in the case of a State pensioner was introduced; his plans, if any, to abolish this fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8432/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraA decision was taken in the 2005 budget to exempt applicants aged 65 and over from the passport fee. In 2011 the Government decided in light of the budgetary situation to discontinue the exemption and to apply the same ten-year passport fee to all applicants aged 18 years or over.
The annualised fee for a standard ten year Irish passport compares favourably with many other jurisdictions. At €8 per year, the Irish passport fee compares with approximately €9.60 for a French passport, €9.30 per year for a British passport, €9.80 per year for an American passport and €17 per year for an Australian passport.
Given that the shortfall in revenue would have to be met by the taxpayer I do not have any plans at this time to reduce the fee charged to older applicants.
369. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade following a recent statement (details supplied) by the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process the actions he will take at a national level to bring pressure on Israel to cease settlement building and land confiscation; the further actions he will pursue at European Union level to bring pressure on Israel to cease settlement building and land confiscation; and if he will now move to formally recognise the state of Palestine, given the existential threats that it faces. [8475/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statement under reference by the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator Middle East Peace Process is in line with what Ireland has consistently been stressing for some time, in relation to the impact of Israeli settlement expansion, and the related land seizures, dispossession, destruction of homes and eviction of Palestinian families. We have highlighted these issues directly with Israel, and in discussions at EU and UN level, and called for stronger international action on settlements.
In recent years, Ireland and other EU partners have warned domestic investors against investing in settlements. The EU has prohibited the spending of any EU research grants in settlements, and issued guidelines on the correct labelling of goods from settlements. Ireland has supported and contributed to all of these actions. They have had a significant impact in Israel, but clearly not yet enough. I have stated that in my view the international community needs to do more.
Recognition of a state of Palestine is a separate matter. It is an important issue, and needs to be considered on its own merits and likely impact. It is not a reward or a punishment for one side or the other. As I have stated, this is a question I am keeping under review.
370. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide, in tabular form, the years for which calculations with regard to the school transport value for money review in 2011 were made (details supplied); the exact data or statistics that resulted in this comparative calculation to enable verification; if she will provide the source of the data and provide the same statistics in tabular form for the intervening financial years to include the percentage differences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7995/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data referred to by the Deputy relates to 2008.
Bus Éireann has advised that the level of detailed information sought by the Deputy cannot be compiled within the required timeframe.
In this regard I have asked Bus Éireann to forward the information directly to the Deputy.
371. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills why there is a disparity between here and Northern Ireland in the case of a person who is unable to qualify for a mechanics course through SOLAS due to failing a colour blindness test, but can qualify under the City and Guilds in Northern Ireland as a mechanic without a colour blindness test. [8153/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter raised by the Deputy is covered by the Apprenticeship Rules which are administered by SOLAS. Under these rules a person wishing to register as a motor mechanic apprentice must pass the Ishihara colour blindness test.
There are arrangements in place for an individual who may pass a test with the use of corrective lenses. Details of these arrangements are available directly from SOLAS.
372. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will grant an application by a school (details supplied) under the summer works scheme, given that the works listed need to be carried out at the earliest opportunity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8040/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school in question under the Summer Works Scheme.
Commensurate with the level of funding available for the Scheme, applications including that from the school concerned, will be assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme. This Circular Letter (0055/2015), is available on my Department's website www.education.ie. It is my intention to publish a list of successful applicants shortly.
373. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a promised new building (details supplied), including if she has announced a preferred tenderer; when construction will begin and if the project will be completed within the timeframe of the five-year school building programme announced in March 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8042/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for St. Patrick's Special School, Enniscorthy, is at an advanced stage of architectural planning - Stage 2(b),which includes the applications for the Fire Certificate and Disability Access Certificate and the preparation of Tender Documents. Planning permission has been secured.
The school building project for this school was included on the 2012/16 five year construction programme and is scheduled therein to proceed to construction in 2016. The design team will submit the stage 2(b) report to my Department when it is completed and my Department will revert to the school with regard to the further progression of the project following consideration of that report.
