Written Answers Nos. 845-869
845. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to list the landlords that his Department or bodies under his aegis paid rent to in each of the past three years; and the sums paid in each case. [25418/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny properties occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the State are rented and discharged by the Office of Public Works. There are no State Agencies or bodies under the aegis of my Department.
846. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether it is proposed to hold the North-South Ministerial Council on a more regular basis in view of the result of the UK referendum on EU membership. [22471/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe next Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) will be held in November. I would expect that we will have a further substantive discussion with our Northern Ireland colleagues on the implications of the UK referendum result. The envisaged agenda will also cover discussions on economic and financial matters, a review of existing NSMC work programmes and new priorities for cooperation, as well as a range of other issues - including the North West Gateway Initiative and North/South commitments made under the Fresh Start Agreement of November 2015.
To date this year there have been nine formal meetings of the Council, including the Plenary in Dublin on 4 July, and a number of other Ministerial meetings of the Council in its various formats are planned for the autumn. In 2015 there were twenty one North South Ministerial Council meetings.
The North South Ministerial Council is one of a number of fora, alongside the British Irish Council and the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly, within which it will be possible to discuss with our colleagues from Northern Ireland the implications of the UK referendum vote. In addition, the issue has been discussed and will continue to be discussed in bilateral contacts with the Northern Ireland Executive and with other party leaders in Northern Ireland.
At the Plenary meeting of the NSMC on 4 July in Dublin Castle, the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive agreed to work together to ensure that Northern Ireland’s interests are protected and advanced and that the benefits of North/South co-operation are fully recognised in any new arrangements which emerge as regards the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union. The ongoing work to achieve these objectives will be reviewed by the Council when it meets in plenary format in November in Armagh.
It is the Government’s intention to maintain close contact with the Northern Ireland Executive in the period ahead using all appropriate channels both formal and informal.
847. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to set down the amount donated to the Clinton Foundation for each of the years from 2008 to 2016 to date. [25658/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s policy for International Development, One World, One Future, reiterates our longstanding commitment to strengthening health systems, reducing maternal and infant mortality and overcoming the HIV epidemic in developing countries.
The Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative have been important partners for the Government’s development programme, Irish Aid, in Mozambique since 2003 and in Lesotho since 2006. In 2010, the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative, which had been an integral part of the Clinton Foundation, was established as a separate non-profit organisation, the Clinton Health Access Initiative.
Since 2006, Irish Aid has signed two Memorandums of Understanding with the Clinton Foundation, and subsequently with the Clinton Health Access Initiative. In 2006, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Clinton Foundation for the period 2006-2010. A further Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Clinton Health Access Initiative for the period 2011-15.
In the frame work of these MoUs, Irish Aid has provided a total of just over €141 million for the fight against HIV and AIDS. This funding was provided primarily through the Ministries of Health in Mozambique and Lesotho. Some €120 million was provided through the Ministry of Health in Mozambique, and €18.246 million was provided through the Ministry of Health in Lesotho. In addition, a total of €2.776 million was provided directly to the Clinton Foundation and to the Clinton Health Access Initiative. This direct funding supported the provision of innovative technical support to the Ministries of Health in Mozambique and Lesotho, including on drug procurement and the roll-out of new health technologies. In 2016, Irish Aid and CHAI commenced a pilot phase for a new multi-country programme focusing on child nutrition in South Africa, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
In summary, the annual amounts provided directly by Irish Aid to the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) from 2008 to 2016 are as follows:
|
Year |
Mozambique (€) |
Lesotho (€) |
South Africa (€) |
Recipient |
|
2008 |
238,209 |
0 |
0 |
Clinton Foundation |
|
2009 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Not applicable |
|
2010 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Not applicable |
|
2011 |
295,000 |
0 |
0 |
CHAI |
|
2012 |
200,000 |
0 |
0 |
CHAI |
|
2013 |
250,000 |
343,077 |
0 |
CHAI |
|
2014 |
250,000 |
500,000 |
0 |
CHAI |
|
2015 |
250,000 |
0 |
0 |
CHAI |
|
2016 |
250,000 |
0 |
200,000 |
CHAI |
|
Total |
1,733,209 |
843,077 |
200,000 |
- |
848. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline his views on the detention of a person (details supplied) in Iran; the representations he or his Department have made to the Iranian authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25697/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra859. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who holds Irish citizenship and who is currently imprisoned in Iran; and if he has raised the case with his Iranian counterpart. [26300/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 848 and 859 together.
It is my Department’s policy not to disclose details in individual consular cases, due to the requirement to protect the confidentiality and privacy of the relevant citizens.
However, I would like to reassure the Deputies that my Department’s officials are engaged on the case he mentions.
The person concerned is a citizen of Iran, which does not recognise dual nationality or permit consular assistance to Iranian nationals holding citizenship of a foreign State. Nevertheless, within these limited constraints, my Department has raised our concerns about this case with the authorities of Iran.
849. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the efforts his Department and agencies under its remit have made to use Eircode when communicating with households via An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25872/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s primary contact-point with our citizens is through our Passport Service which communicates with a significant number of citizens each year via An Post.
In that regard, the Passport Service has considered how best to use Eircode in order to improve our communications with our customers. We have upgraded our processes to allow for the capture and use of Eircode, while a modified passport application form has been introduced which includes a new Eircode field in the address section.
In addition, the ‘Contact Us’ page of my Department’s website – www.dfa.ie – includes the relevant Eircodes for each of the Department’s office addresses. My Department will continue to keep this issue under review to ensure maximum utilisation of Eircode.
There are no agencies under the aegis of my Department.
850. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to set down the list of all vacancies that existed on 26 February 2016 and all positions that have arisen since, including the date any position became vacant on a state board or governing body under his control; the names of those appointed since the Government was formed; whether the position was advertised and a shortlist provided to him by the Public Appointments Service; whether the appointments were approved by the Cabinet; the positions under his control which are not subject to the PAS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26084/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no State Boards or governing bodies under the aegis of my Department.
851. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the projects his Department is prioritising in budget 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26141/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will understand, 2017 budget negotiations are ongoing, so no decisions on the areas concerned have been made at this time.
852. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the position of his Department on any EU-funded cross-border projects once Article 50 is enacted by the Government of the United Kingdom. [26149/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have direct responsibility for any EU funded cross-border projects.
At the most recent Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in Dublin Castle in July the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive reiterated our shared commitment to the successful implementation of the PEACE and INTERREG programmes. The overall policy responsibility for these programmes is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
853. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the steps he will take to contribute to making the recommendations of a recent report (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the same report states such changes are essential not only to alleviate the current hardship but also to reduce the likelihood of a new escalation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26187/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, referred to by the Deputy, underlines the message I have consistently expressed that the current calm in Gaza, welcome as it is, is deceptive. Unless the underlying issues are addressed, a renewal of destructive conflict there is almost inevitable.
All sides recognise this, and all appear to wish to avoid a new conflict, but there has been no real progress since 2014 in reaching a genuine solution which could end both the Israeli blockade of Gaza and attacks from Gaza on Israel. Unfortunately none of the parties involved, for differing reasons, seem ready at this moment to try again to reach a more permanent understanding.
The EU has consistently called for an end to the restrictions on Gaza, and has encouraged the efforts to achieve reconciliation on the Palestinian side. Repeated agreements to take this forward have unfortunately consistently foundered in implementation at local level.
Ireland’s assistance for Gaza reconstruction, which I pledged at the Cairo conference in October 2014, has been fully discharged, and I have urged all other donors to fulfil their pledges. However, it is fair to recall that some donors may, like Ireland, have pledged a contribution over a certain timespan. And many Ministers at Cairo made clear that their willingness to contribute depended on progress in reaching agreement to ensure this conflict did not recur. Sadly, that has not happened.
854. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to set out the cost to the Exchequer to maintain the target of 0.7% GDP on overseas development aid; and the cost to the Exchequer of changing the target to reflect a change in GDP projections over the next five years. [26229/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. “One World, One Future”, our policy for international development, clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) as Official Development Assistance (ODA).
The Programme for Government sets out our commitment to making progress towards the UN target as resources permit. It is important that such progress is made in a sustainable and manageable way which strengthens Ireland's recognised role as a reliable and effective partner in providing humanitarian assistance and contributing to the fight to end global poverty and hunger.
For 2016, the Government has provided a total of €641 million in ODA, and it was estimated that this level of allocation would deliver an ODA/GNP ratio of approximately 0.36 %. Based on current Department of Finance forecasts, the budget which would be required to achieve the UN target of 0.7% in 2016 would be of the order of €1.3 billion.
The following table sets out the ODA levels required for each of the next five years to maintain the ODA / GNP percentage at the confirmed 2015 level of 0.36%. The calculations are based on current Department of Finance forecasts for GNP.
|
Year |
Projected ODA levels required to maintain the ODA/GNP % at 0.36% |
|
2017 |
732.06 |
|
2018 |
768.15 |
|
2019 |
800.46 |
|
2020 |
832.14 |
|
2021 |
863.28 |
Ireland’s aid programme has an enviable international reputation with a strong focus on poverty reduction and hunger alleviation, delivering real and sustainable changes to the lives of some of the worlds most marginalised and vulnerable communities. Our ambition is enhance this reputation and build on those successes into the future.
855. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline his views on Turkey's recent military incursion into Syria; his views on the fact that although the action is supposedly to target Daesh, Turkish forces have attacked and bombed Kurdish-held areas and citizens in Rojava; and his views on whether Turkey's real motives are to attempt to destroy the autonomous Rojava Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). [26296/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have concerns about the military actions of a number of countries in Syria and the risks these actions pose to both the Syrian people and international peace and security. I am particularly concerned about the support by some countries for the Assad regime and the possibility that those countries are actively supporting the Assad regime’s persistent and deliberate war against the Syrian population.
The UN has set out a mandate for actions by States to confront Daesh under Security Council resolution 2249. Daesh has committed numerous, horrific attacks in Turkey in which hundreds of Turkish citizens have been killed and wounded.
I call on all international stakeholders, including Turkey, to ensure that they act at all times to uphold their international obligations to protect the civilian population in Syria, and to ensure the fundamental freedoms and human rights of all Syrians. I also urge all parties to work for an early end to all violence, lifting of the illegal sieges against civilian populations and restrictions on the provision of humanitarian relief and for the urgent renewal of the UN-led negotiations and for a swift political transition process in Syria.
I do not believe that it would be constructive for me to engage in speculation about Turkish policies.
858. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the demands of Kurdish political leaders, who have called on the Turkish Government to grant a family member, lawyer or political delegation immediate access to the prison on Imrali Island to visit and ascertain the health and well-being of a person (details supplied); and his views on whether the Turkish Government should show some leadership and basic humanity and allow the family and lawyers to visit the person. [26299/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. I am pleased to say that I have been informed that a family member and the person’s legal representative visited the prisoner on 11 September, during the Eid al–Adha festival. I also understand that the hunger strike referred to by the Deputy was called off on 12 September.
The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture visited Turkey earlier this month and I know that the delegation raised with the relevant authorities issues relating to the situation of this person and other prisoners currently held at Imralý Prison.
I would like to reiterate my call to all parties concerned in the Kurdish issue to return to dialogue so that the political process to resolve this issue can be resumed.
860. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the extraordinary public demonstrations in Catalonia on 11 September 2016, when up to a million persons marched in support of Catalan independence and for a binding referendum on independence; and his views on whether the Spanish Government should allow for a democratic and binding referendum in Catalonia on independence. [26301/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the public demonstrations the Deputy is referring to.
It is a matter for the people of any country of the European Union to establish the arrangements for their own democratic governance, and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on that process in any particular country.
861. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether he is aware that a person (details supplied) has been barred from seeking election to the Basque Parliament in upcoming elections in the Basque country; his views on the fact that the constitutional court of Spain has chosen to uphold a decision by the election commission to deny the person the right to seek office in elections; and his views on whether the judgment is an unhelpful decision that undermines democracy and the Basque peace process. [26302/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the matter referred to by the Deputy.
The Government continues to support and encourage all efforts aimed at securing peace and stability in the Basque Country. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government welcomed the declaration by ETA of October 2011 that the organisation had decided on “a definitive cessation of its armed activity”.
We continue to encourage all those involved to build on this step and work for a long-term political solution and lasting peace and reconciliation in the Basque Country.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the internal judicial processes of another EU member State.
862. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has formally discussed the Government's decision to back an appeal for a person's (details supplied) release by presidential decree under law 140 with his Egyptian counterpart; and if there have been any developments in this case. [26303/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that securing this citizen’s return home to Ireland has been, and continues to be, a top priority for the Government.
In this regard, we are proactively using all the diplomatic tools that are available to us to ensure that the Egyptian Government at the highest levels fully understand the importance that the Irish Government attaches to the resolution of this case. The Government is continuing to pursue every constructive avenue to secure the release of this citizen and we will continue to bring all of our influence to bear on his behalf through all effective channels.
Following the hearing on 29 June, I expressed disappointment and concern at the further delay in this trial. The next hearing is expected to be held on 2 October.
The Government formally supported the application made by the citizen’s legal team in 2015 for his return to Ireland under the Presidential Decree 140. In August 2016, An Taoiseach and I have both provided full and urgent support to the new Decree 140 application prepared by this citizen and his legal team.
An Taoiseach has written to the Egyptian President confirming the Irish Government’s support for the new application under Decree 140. I have also written to Foreign Minister Shoukry in support of this application and have sought his personal support and assistance in this regard.
While no formal response has been received to the application as yet, the Egyptian Government position has consistently been that the separation of powers must be respected and that the Executive cannot intervene while the case is before the judiciary; they have said that a political intervention will only be considered when the case is out of the hands of the judges.
Further contacts with the Egyptian Government at political level are being pursued. We will continue to offer all appropriate supports to the efforts of this citizen’s lawyers to secure his release.
863. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the growing international campaign for the release of a person (details supplied); and his views on the campaign calling on President Obama to grant the person, who is in poor health, clemency before he leaves office. [26304/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of this case. This person was convicted of the murder of two FBI agents following a confrontation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1975. He was arrested in Canada the following year and extradited to the United States where he was tried in 1977. A campaign has been mounted over the years seeking his release and the case has been raised in this House more than once.
I am also aware that this case has been reviewed by the US court system on several occasions and that his conviction has been consistently upheld. The US justice system, in line with established procedure, has also considered a number of requests by him for parole and has declined his applications.
As the Government of Ireland has no locus standi on this case I do not propose to make recommendations to the US Federal Government in relation to the case.
864. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent unrest and violence in Ethiopia, a partner country of Irish Aid, and the Human Rights Watch claims that the unrest has seen more than 400 persons killed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26305/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland and Ethiopia have a strong and enduring relationship. Ethiopia has been a partner country of Ireland’s overseas development programme, Irish Aid, since 1994. Ireland has worked with the Ethiopian Government and other partners to address hunger, food security and poverty across the country. This engagement has always had a strong focus on empowering the most vulnerable and marginalised.
There have been a series of protests across the Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia in recent months, and I am deeply concerned by reports of violence, including the death and injuring of protesters.
Ireland firmly supports the fundamental rights of freedom of assembly and association, and freedom of expression. We consider these rights as central to building a solid and resilient democracy. Ireland supports the European Union statement of 10th August, which urged all sides to refrain from the use of force. We also welcome the recent African Union call for dialogue among all stakeholders in Ethiopia, which is the only lasting way to address the social, political and economic grievances motivating the protests. In addition, Ireland supports the call by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for an independent, impartial and international human rights assessment of recent events.
I am following the situation in Ethiopia through our Embassy in Addis Ababa. Together with our European Union partners, Ireland will continue to monitor political developments and to engage in dialogue with the Ethiopian authorities on the situation in the country and the wider region.
865. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to political developments in Brazil, including how the former President, Ms Dilma Rousseff, was controversially impeached in a process which many view as a coup; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that growing protests against the new government have been carried out throughout the country and that some have been harshly repressed by the police; his views on the developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26306/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is monitoring closely the current political situation in Brazil, including the impeachment of former president Dilma Rousseff and of the former Speaker of the Brazilian House of Representatives, Mr Eduardo Cunha. Our Embassy in Brasília reports regularly on the latest political developments in the country. In addition, events in Brazil are the subject of ongoing discussion at EU level in Brussels.
Michael Temer, the country’s former vice-president, was sworn in as President of Brazil on 31 August in accordance with the procedures established by the constitution of Brazil in cases of presidential impeachment. Presidential elections are scheduled to take place in 2018, when former President Rousseff’s mandate would have expired.
The Government of Ireland is of the view that the political situation in Brazil, including the removal from office of President Rousseff, is a matter for the legislative and judicial branches of that country. This view is shared by our partners in the European Union. I can assure the Deputy, however, that we will continue to follow closely developments in Brazil.
866. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 3,000 persons have been killed in the Philippines since President Duterte came to power (details supplied); and his views on these developments. [26307/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of reports of an increase in killings in the Philippines since President Rodrigo Duterte came to power this year, which has been linked to a crackdown on drug offences in that country. The Government is deeply concerned about these reports.
Ireland supports the statement made by UN Special Rapporteurs, Agnes Callamard and Dainius Puras, on 18 August, which called on the authorities of the Philippines to adopt with immediate effect the necessary measures to protect all persons from targeted killings and extrajudicial executions, to put an end to any incentives to violence, and to promptly and thoroughly investigate all allegations of extrajudicial executions.
Ireland also supports the statement made on September 13 by Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at the opening of the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council. The Commissioner said that empowering police forces to shoot to kill any individual who is suspected of drug crimes, with or without evidence, undermines justice; that the people of the Philippines have a right to judicial institutions that are impartial, and operate under due process guarantees; and they have a right to a police force that serves justice.
Ireland also supports the statement by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini on the Philippines given to the European Parliament on September 15, in which she stressed that responses to drug problems must be carried out in full compliance with human rights, the rule of law and the right to due process. HR/VP Mogherini also noted that President Duterte has repeatedly expressed his administration’s commitment to human rights and that he has warned the police against any abuse of authority. This statement highlighted that there will be several high-level meetings between the HR/VP and the Philippines to discuss human rights issues further, and a formal human rights dialogue will be established following the entry into force of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the Philippines. The HR/VP is also looking at ways to provide further support to the Philippines in a comprehensive approach to combat drug trafficking in line with our shared values.
In April the UN General Assembly held a Special Session on effectively addressing and countering the world drug problem. Ireland supports the recommendations contained in the outcome document of the Special Session, which sets out that States should promote proportionate policies for drug-related offences whereby the severity of penalties is proportionate to the gravity of offences, and that States should also promote and implement criminal justice responses to drug-related crimes that ensure legal guarantees and due process safeguards.
Along with our counterparts in the EU, Ireland will continue to monitor the situation and to raise our concerns on this matter in the appropriate fora, including in direct contacts with the authorities in the Philippines.
867. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports regarding the brutal conditions faced by asylum seekers held in Australia's care on Nauru and Manus Island and that publication of the Nauru files by a newspaper (details supplied) detailed extremely worrying allegations of abuse, assaults, self-harm and neglect at the centres, particularly the Nauru centre; and if he will raise his concerns with the Australian Government. [26308/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of and concerned about reports of mistreatment of asylum seekers held in Australia’s care on Nauru and Manus Island. Ireland’s Embassy in Canberra is monitoring this issue. I note that the Australian Senate has launched an inquiry into the allegations which is due to report in March 2017.
Ireland works through the mechanisms of the EU and the UN to ensure that human rights are respected in Australia and elsewhere around the globe.
The United Nations High Commission on Refugees, of which Ireland is a strong supporter, recently issued a statement on this matter. UNHCR said it was not able to verify the individual incidents raised by the reports but that the documents released were broadly consistent with its “longstanding and continuing concerns regarding mental health, as well as overall conditions for refugees and asylum-seekers on Nauru.”
Ireland addressed this subject in its statement during the Universal Periodic Review of Australia’s human rights record in November 2015, at the United Nations Human Rights Council. In its statement, Ireland said that the continued detention of children in off-shore detention centres was of particular concern. Ireland strongly recommended that Australia cooperate fully with the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council and ensure everyone enjoys the right to unhindered access to and communication with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms, including by preventing and ensuring adequate protection against reprisals.
868. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any further discussions with the UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or with the British Foreign Secretary on the implications for the working of the European Court of Human Rights and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement arising from the British decision to leave the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26318/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to emphasise that there is no change to the status of the Good Friday Agreement arising from the result of the UK referendum to leave the European Union. The legal and political obligations of both the Irish and British Governments remain unchanged, regardless of the status of the UK within the EU.
As reflected in the Programme for a Partnership Government, the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements, including the 2014 Stormont House and the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement, is a priority for the Government.
I have had a number of discussions with both the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, and the British Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, on the UK referendum result. Most recently, I held a detailed discussion on the implications for Northern Ireland of a UK departure from the EU during my bilateral meeting with the Secretary of State Brokenshire, in Dublin on 13 September. At this meeting we both reiterated that the Good Friday Agreement is and will remain the foundation for cooperation between the Irish and British Governments on Northern Ireland. We agreed that all aspects of the Agreement will need to be upheld throughout the exit process, and in the final arrangements between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
I also set out the Government’s priorities, and our views on where further work and engagement will be needed, in respect of Northern Ireland. This includes the maintenance of the open border, and ensuring that the huge benefits of the peace process are not disturbed by a UK exit.
I also discussed the primacy of the Good Friday Agreement in a meeting with Foreign Secretary Johnson, in Brussels on 18 July. I outlined the importance of maintaining and preserving fully the agreed institutional frameworks established under the Agreement, including the North South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council.
On the question of human rights, the UK remains a party to the European Convention of Human Rights under which the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and the Council of Europe are established. The Convention system is separate and distinct to the European Union, and the referendum result has no impact on the UK’s participation in that system.
The protection of human rights in Northern Ireland law, incorporating the European Convention on Human Rights, is one of the key principles underpinning the Good Friday Agreement. The Good Friday Agreement is clear that there is an obligation to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into Northern Ireland law and this is an ongoing legal obligation.
The 2015 Conservative Party manifesto contained a proposal to repeal the UK Human Rights Act - which incorporates the Convention into UK law, including for Northern Ireland - and replace it with a British Bill of Rights. In this regard, the Government has on a number of occasions stressed to the British Government the importance of fully meeting its human rights obligations under the Good Friday Agreement.
On 7 September, the Secretary of State for Justice, Liz Truss, confirmed that the British Government is committed to remaining a party to the European Convention on Human Rights while also pursuing its 2015 manifesto plans to replace the UK Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights. I raised this matter with Secretary of State Brokenshire on 13 September, and he confirmed the British Government position that any changes to the UK Human Rights Act, would be made in a way which would be fully consistent with the British Government’s obligations under the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely. As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government takes very seriously its responsibility to safeguard its institutions and principles, including in the area of human rights. We will continue to work closely with the British Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure that the protection of human rights remains at the heart of civic life, politics and ongoing societal change in Northern Ireland, with the due incorporation of the European Convention of Human Rights as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement.
869. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to set out the status of the implementation of part 5 of the Disability Act 2005, specifically as it relates to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24563/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Part 5 of the Disability Act 2005 sets out the legal obligations of public service bodies as follows:
- To promote and support the employment of people with disabilities
- To comply with any statutory Code of Practice
- To meet a target of 3% of employees with disabilities
- To report every year on achievement of these obligations
In its latest published report for 2014, the National Disability Authority (NDA) reported that the proportion of staff with disabilities in the public service exceeded the 3% target for the fourth successive year. In the Civil Service, the area of the public service for which I have direct responsibility, 4.3% of staff employed in Government Departments were reported as having a disability. In relation to other areas of the public service, each Minister is responsible for reporting on the target set in the Disability Act 2005 for the employment of persons with disabilities in public bodies under his or her aegis.
In addition, a number of Departments and Offices in the Civil Service are participants in the Willing Able and Mentoring (WAM) Programme which is a graduate work experience programme aimed at persons with disabilities.
Recruitment to the Public sector may be conducted by various employing organisations. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the Public Appointments Services (PAS) is an independent statutory body which provides professional recruitment and selection services when requested to the civil and public service under licence from the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). As a public body established under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004, PAS is also obliged, under section 34(1)(b) of that Act, to ensure that "standards of probity, merit, equity and fairness" apply to all of its recruitment and selection processes.
Competitions advertised by PAS are open to all applicants including people with disabilities who fulfil the eligibility requirements set out at that time. PAS carefully considers all requests for reasonable accommodation to assist candidates with disabilities. In considering such requests, PAS is conscious of the rights of people with disabilities and of the obligations on PAS to observe those rights and to act in accordance with the provisions of the relevant equality legislation.
To assist PAS in considering requests for reasonable accommodations in a fair and balanced way, candidates are asked to submit evidence in support of their request. PAS will consider letters or reports from relevant professionals which clearly indicate the severity and the type of accommodation(s) that may be relevant to the person. For example, candidates may be afforded extra time and/or alternative formats if assessment tests are part of the selection process.
The Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (CES) was launched by the Government on 2 October 2015.
The Government has already taken a number of key decisions as recommended in the Strategy:
- the public service employment target for people with disabilities will be increased on a phased basis as set out in the Strategy from 3% to 6%.
- special public service competitions for people with disabilities will be arranged and we will open up alternative recruitment channels for people with disabilities.
These and other recommendations of the Strategy are being considered by a cross-party group chaired by Mr Fergus Finlay and my Department is a member of the Group.
