TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

_______________



AN COMHCHOISTE UM GHNÓTHAÍ EACHTRACHA



TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL



23 Deireadh Fomhair 2007 go 31 Nollaig 2008



agus



Clár Oibre 2009





___________







JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS



ANNUAL REPORT



23rd October 2007 to 31st December 2008



and



Work Programme 2009

2

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS ANNUAL REPORT 2007/08



Table of Contents





Foreword by the Chairman……………………………………………….. 5

Members of the Joint Committee ………………………………………… 7

1. Content and Format of Report…………………………………………….. 8

2. Functions and Powers……..…..…………….…………………………….. 8

3. Chairman, Vice Chairman, Convenors and Membership …………………. 9

4. Establishment of sub-Committee …………………………………………. 9

5. Meetings, Attendance and Recording ……………………………………..10

6. Number and Duration of Meetings ……………………………………......10

7. Work of the Committee …………………………………………………...11

8. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee ……………………..13

9. Reports…………………………………….……………………………….15

10. Travel ……………………………………………………………………...15

11. Functions and Powers ……………………………………………………..15





APPENDIX 1

Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee ……………………………..………..16

APPENDIX 1.1

Orders of Reference of the sub-Committee on Overseas Development…….……...23

APPENDIX 1.2

Orders of Reference of the sub-Committee on Human Rights…………..….……...24

APPENDIX 2

Members of the Joint Committee……………………………………..……..……...25

APPENDIX 2.1

Members of the Joint Committee’s sub-Committees………………………..……...26

APPENDIX 3

Meetings of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs…….………...……...………..27

APPENDIX 3.1

Meetings of the sub-Committee on Overseas Development….…....……...………...29

APPENDIX 3.2

Meetings of the sub-Committee on Human Rights……... ………...……...………...30









3

APPENDIX 4

Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee …………………………..……...………....31

APPENDIX 5

Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs.…...……….….32

APPENDIX 5.1

Minutes of Proceedings of the sub-Committee on Overseas Development.….….….69

APPENDIX 5.2

Minutes of Proceedings of the sub-Committee on Human Rights……………….….74

APPENDIX 6

Imeachtaí………………………………………...……….…….....………...….…….83

APPENDIX 7

Informal meetings with Ambassadors and other distinguished visitors.…...….........107

APPENDIX 8

Conferences attended and travel undertaken by Committee Members…………......110

APPENDIX 9

Work Programme 2009……………………………………………..........................115









4

Chairman’s Foreword









This is the fifth annual report of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and covers

the activities of the Committee for the period from 1 November 2007 to 31 December

2008. I have served as Chairman of the Joint Committee throughout the period under

review, having first been elected to the position of Chairman on 12 November 2002

and re-elected as Chairman on 1 November 2007. The current Vice-Chairman of the

Joint Committee is Deputy Rory O’Hanlon. The Committee has two sub-

Committees, one on Human Rights chaired by Senator Ivor Callely and one on

Overseas Development chaired by Deputy John Deasy.





The Joint Committee is a very active Committee, meeting in public either in its full

form or at sub-Committee level at least every second week and sometimes more often.

In addition, as Chairman, and occasionally accompanied by other members of the

Committee, I meet informally with foreign dignitaries, ambassadors accredited to

Ireland and with representatives of international organisations visiting the Oireachtas

outside normal Committee meeting times.





The Joint Committee undertakes visits abroad in line with identified programme

priorities. The Joint Committee takes a special interest in Ireland’s development aid

programme and, as a consequence, has undertaken visits to a number of Ireland’s

development aid priority programme countries as well as attending and participating

in international conferences on development issues. In the period under review,

Committee delegations have visited Israel and Palestine, Malawi, Lisbon, Niger and

Qatar in that context. In addition, as Chairman, I represent the Oireachtas at the

biennial conference of Chairpersons of Foreign Affairs Committees of National

Parliaments of EU members States (COFACC).





The Joint Committee identifies priority issues in its annual work programme. These

reflect foreign policy issues of primary interest and concern to the State and to the

Irish public.







5

Over the period under review, the situation in the Middle East, in the Palestinian

territories in particular; the abolition of cluster munitions; issues affecting the Irish

diaspora in the US and in Britain and Irish-US relations more generally have been key

issues of focus along with an ongoing interest in development aid policy.





Topics discussed by the Committee are at times determined by international events

such as the outbreak of a war or of significant civil strife, the flaring up of local or

regional conflict, violations of human rights, threatened and existing famine, a

humanitarian crisis or a severe natural disaster. Topics can arise as a result of requests

from Joint Committee members or from members of the public, particularly from non-

governmental organisations (NGOs). Visits to Ireland by foreign political or other

dignitaries also provide opportunities for discussion at the Committee.





In providing a valuable accountability function to the work of the Department of

Foreign Affairs, the Committee, meeting as a Select Committee, helps to ensure value

for money for the Irish public in terms of expenditures on administering the

Department of Foreign Affairs, its Missions abroad and its development aid budget.

The oversight function of the Joint Committee also ensures that cornerstones of Irish

foreign policy including the protection of human rights, conflict resolution,

disarmament, an effective UN and EU are being pursued fully and effectively by the

Minister and his Department.









_________________________

Dr. Michael Woods TD

Chairman

24th March 2009









6

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS 30TH DÁIL









Seán Ardagh T.D. John Deasy T.D. Frank Fahey T.D. Tony Gregory T.D.

(FF) (FG) (FF) (Ind)









Michael D. Higgins T.D. M.J. Nolan T.D. Michael Noonan T.D. Darragh O’Brien T.D.

(Lab) (FF) (FG) (FF)









Noel O’Flynn T.D. Dr. Rory O’Hanlon Alan Shatter T.D. Billy Timmins T.D.

(FF) T.D. (FF) (FG) (FG)









Dr. Michael Woods T.D. (FF) Senator Ivor Callely (FF) Senator Maurice Senator Mark Daly (FF)

Cummins (FG)









Senator Dominic Hannigan Senator David Norris (Ind) Senator Ann Ormonde

(Lab) (FF)









7

1. Content and Format of Report

This annual report covers the period from 23 October 2007 to 31 December

2008. This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 86(3), (4), (5)

and (6) (Dáil Éireann) and Standing Order 74, (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Seanad

Éireann) which provide for the Joint Committee to-





 make an annual report to both Houses

 prepare an annual work programme

 lay minutes of its proceedings before both Houses

 undertake a review of its procedure and its role generally

At its meeting on 21st November 2007, the Joint Committee agreed that all

these items should be included in this annual report.





2. Functions and Powers

The Dáil Select Committee was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 23

October 2007 to consider Bills, Estimates for Public Services and the terms of

any international agreement involving a charge on public funds which come

within the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as Annual

Output Statements, Value for Money and Policy Reviews conducted and

commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs.





The Dáil Select Committee under the same Order was enjoined with a Select

Committee of Seanad Éireann, established by Order of Seanad Éireann of 24

October 2007, to form the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. Among the

principal functions of the Joint Committee are to consider –

 public affairs administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs

 matters of policy for which the Minister for Foreign Affairs is

responsible

 legislative and expenditure proposals of the Department

 scrutiny of EU legislative proposals

 certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of the Department

 such aspects of Ireland’s international relations as it may select

The Orders of Reference of the Dáil Select Committee and the Joint

Committee are set out at Appendix 1 on page 16.







8

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Deputy Michael Woods was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 1st

November 2007. The present Vice-Chairman is Deputy Dr Rory O’Hanlon

who was elected on 1st November 2007. The Chairman of the Joint

Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.



Deputies Michael D. Higgins and Darragh O’Brien are the Convenors of the

Committee whose function it is to ensure the availability and attendance of

Members or their substitutes for meetings of the Committee and other

Committee activities and, in particular, to ensure Members’ availability for

divisions.



The Members of the Joint Committee are listed at Appendix 2 on page 25.





4. Establishment of sub-Committees

Standing Order 81(3) (Dáil) and Standing Order 65(3) (Seanad) confer on

Committees the power to appoint sub-Committees and to refer to such sub-

Committees any matter covered by its orders of reference and to delegate any

of its powers to such sub-Committees, including power to report directly to the

Dáil and Seanad.





a) The Joint Committee agreed at its meeting on 13 February

2008 to create a sub-Committee on Overseas Development to

consider such aspects of

(i) Ireland’s relations with developing countries in the

field of development co-operation, trade and debt;



(ii) the Government’s official Development Assistance

Programme; and



(iii) the role of the United Nations in the field of

overseas development as the sub-Committee may

select or as may be referred to it by the Joint

Committee on Foreign Affairs.



It was also agreed that the sub-Committee would consist of 7 Members (5 Dáil

and 2 Seanad). The Orders of Reference of the sub-Committees are set out in

Appendix 1.1 and Appendix 1.2 on pages 23 and 24. The Members of the

sub-Committees are set out in Appendix 2.1 on page 26.





At its first meeting on 30 April 2008, the sub-Committee elected Deputy John

Deasy as Chairman.





9

b) The Joint Committee agreed at its meeting on 13 February 2008 to create a

sub-Committee on Human Rights to consider such aspects of international

human rights, including the role of the United Nations in this field, as the

sub-Committee may select or as may be referred to it by the Joint

Committee on Foreign Affairs.



The sub-Committee has 7 Members, (4 Dáil Éireann and 3 Seanad Éireann).

The Members of the sub-Committee are set out in Appendix 2.1 on page 26.

The Orders of Reference of the sub-Committee on Overseas Development are

set out in Appendix 1.1 on page 23. The Orders of Reference for the sub-

Committee on Human Rights are set out in Appendix 1.2 on page 24.



At its first meeting on 9 April 2008, the sub-Committee elected Senator Ivor

Callely as Chairman.





5. Meetings, Attendance and Recording



Meetings of the Joint Committee, Select Committee and sub-Committees took

place in the Committee Rooms in Leinster House 2000. Meetings were in

public unless otherwise ordered by the relevant Committee. Televised

coverage of public meetings was broadcast live within the Leinster House

complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by RTE, TV3

and other networks.



An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of public meetings is published

and may be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun

Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Official Reports may also

be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas website at www.oireachtas.ie



Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee may be obtained

from the Clerk, Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kildare House, Kildare

Street, Dublin 2, telephone: 01-6183716, email:foreignaffairs@oireachtas.ie.





6. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 18 occasions in the period from 23rd October

2007 to 31st December 2008. The number of discussion hours involved in

these meetings was in excess of 30 hours. The date and subject matter of each

meeting is set out in Appendix 3 on page 27.



The sub-Committee on Overseas Development met on 4 occasions during the

period from 23rd October 2007 to 31st December 2008. The number of hours

discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 4 hours. The date and

subject matter of each meeting is set out in Appendix 3.1 on page 29.



The sub-Committee on Human Rights met on 6 occasions the period from 23rd

October 2007 to 31st December 2008 and the discussion involved in these

meetings was approximately 5 hours. The date and subject matter of each

meeting is set out in Appendix 3.2 on page 30.







10

The Dáil Select Committee met on 5 occasions in the period from 23rd October

2007 to 31st December 2008 and the discussion time involved in these

meetings was in excess of 8 hours. The date and subject matter of these

meetings is set out in Appendix 4 on page 31.



Minutes of the proceedings of the Joint Committee and its sub-Committee

meetings held in public session are attached at Appendix 5 on page 32.





7. Work of the Committee



A copy of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs Work Programme for 2009

is available at Appendix 9 on page 115.





7.1 Joint Committee

The Joint Committee met and dealt with the following matters:

 Election of Chair and Vice Chair



 Work Programme*



 Cluster Munitions



 Extraordinary Rendition



 What Irish NGOs and Irish Aid are doing to assist Palestinian

Development and Humanitarian needs



 Irish Aid Annual Report 2006 & Overview of Activities in

2007



 Tackling Global Pandemics of AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria



 The ongoing situation in Tibet



 Project Malawi



 The situation in Ghana



 60th Anniversary of the Foundation of Israel



 Current situation in Somalia



 The Tamil Freedom Struggle in Sri Lanka



 Current situation in Zimbabwe



 Current situation in Georgia and South Ossetia



 Current situation in Angola



 The Role of the OSCE and Its Parliamentary Assembly





11

 Strategy Statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs



 The US-India Civil Nuclear Co-operation Agreement



 The Hunger Task Force Report



7.2 Dáil Select Committee

The Dáil Select Committee met on five occasions, it dealt with the

following matters:

 Passports Bill 2007



 Revised Estimates of the Department of Foreign Affairs, for the

year ending 31 December 2008: Vote 28, Foreign Affairs -

Subhead (O) only - Referendum on EU Reform Treaty



 2008 Revised Estimates for Public Services – Vote 28 (Foreign

Affairs), Vote 29 (International Co-operation) and 2008 Output

Statement for Department of Foreign Affairs



 Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Bill 2008



 Motion Referred by Dáil Éireann concerning Economic

Partnership Agreements between the European Community and

(i) Central Africa, (ii) Ghana and (iii) Cote d'Ivoire





7.3 Sub-Committee on Overseas Development

The sub-Committee met on four occasions, it dealt with the following

matters:

 Discussion with Niall Mellon Township Trust



 Discussion with Dóchas



 Discussion with Minister for Overseas Development



 Review of the Fighting Hunger Conference - Discussion with

Concern Worldwide



7.4 Sub-Committee on Human Rights

The sub-Committee met on five occasions, it dealt with the following

matters:

 Difficulties experienced in monitoring the recent Russian

elections together with an overview of ongoing work in the

broader human rights area;- Discussion with Ambassador

Christian Strohal of Austria, Director of the Office of

Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.



 The Ongoing Situation in Tibet:- Discussion with Mrs. Kesang



12

Y. Takla, the Northern European Representative of the Dalai

Lama, Mr Neil Steedman and Mr Anthony O’Brien of the Tibet

Support Group



 International Business and Human Rights: - Discussion with

Global Witness and Trócaire



 60th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights:-

Discussion with the Irish Human Rights Commission



 Allegations of Lead Poisoning of Roma Families in Kosovo:-

Discussion with Mr. Paul Polansky, Head of Mission at the

Kosovo Roma Refugee Foundation



 Human Rights priorities for 2009:- Discussion with Mr James

McIntyre, Director, Human Rights Unit, Department of Foreign

Affairs



8. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

In 2007/2008, the Joint Committee met with the following organisations,

groups and individuals:



 Mr Tony D’Costa, Pax Christi Ireland



 Dr Maurice Manning, Irish Human Rights Commission



 Ms Suzanne Egan, Irish Human Rights Commission



 Mr Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs



 Mr Rory Montgomery, Department of Foreign Affairs



 Mr Ken O'Leary, Department of Justice



 Mr John Murphy, Department of Transport



 Mr Justin Kilcullen, Trócaire



 Ms Margaret Boden, Christian Aid Ireland



 Mr Brendan McMahon, Irish Aid



 Mr William Bell, Christian Aid UK



 Mr Michael Kitt TD, Minister of State, Overseas Development



 Mr Ronan Murphy & Mr Brendan Rogers, Irish Aid



 Professor Michel Kazatchkine, Global Fund, Grainne McDaid,

Global Fund, Nicola Brennan, Irish Aid



 Mr Neil Steedman, Mr Anthony O'Brien & Ms Tsering Lhamo



13

Gawathsang, Tibet Support Group



 Ambassador Liam MacGabhann, Irish Embassy, Malawi, Mr

Sean McMahon, Irish Aid, Mr Michael Hanly, Concern



 Ms Angela O'Neill DeGuilio, Concern Worldwide



 Mr Seamus Collins, Trócaire



 Sr. Ursula Sharpe, Bro. Ronan Lennon, Fr Padraig Ó'Máille

S.P.S., Irish Missionary Union



 Rt. Hon. Ebenezer B Sekyi Hughes, Hon. Christine Churcher,

Mr Abraham Ossei-Aidooh, Mr Alban S.K. Bagbin & Mr

David Apasera, Ghanaian Parliamentarians



 Ms Miri Eisen, Israeli Government Special Spokesperson



 Mr Donough Ryan, Trócaire, Mr Paul O'Brien, Concern



 Mr Eliathamby Logeswaran, Irish Citizen



 Mr John O'Shea, GOAL



 Ms Kate O'Donnell, Oxfam



 Mr John Coyne, Wells for Zoë



 Mr John Mitchell, St John of God Community Services



 Ms Melanie Verwoerd & Ms Laura Collins, UNICEF



 Ms Tendai Madondo, Zimbabwean Citizen



 Mr Emmet Bergin, Progressio Ireland



 Mr Rory Montgomery, Department of Foreign Affairs



 Ms Iseult Fitzgerald, Department of Foreign Affairs



 Mr John Corrigan, National Pension Reserve Fund



 Mr Andrey Nikeryasov, Russian Embassy



 Mr Giorgi Badridze, Embassy of Georgia, London



 Dr David McNair, Christian Aid Ireland



 Ms Rosário Advirta, Christian Aid



 Mr Luiz Araujo, SOS Habitat





 Mr Joe Walsh, Chairman of the Hunger Task Force



14

 Mr Tom Arnold – Chief Executive, Concern Worldwide



 Professor Denis Lucey – UCC, Chairman of Gorta



 Mr Spencer Oliver, Secretary General, Parliamentary Assembly

OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe)





In addition to the formal meetings of the Joint Committee, the Chairman and

Members also had a series of 52 meetings on behalf of the Joint Committee during the

year, including meetings with Ambassadors and other distinguished visitors, incoming

delegations and individuals. Details of these meetings are set out on Appendix 7 on

page 107.





9. Reports

9.1 Joint Committee Reports

During the period under report, the Joint Committee published no reports.





9.2 Work in Progress

The Committee agreed to undertake a review project on Malawi in 2008 and it

will be published in early 2009.





10. Travel

The Joint Committee travelled abroad on fact finding missions and to attend

international conferences in accordance with its Orders of Reference in

connection with its Work Programme. Details of this travel are set out in

Appendix 8 on page 110.





11. Functions and Powers

The Joint Committee is currently satisfied with its present procedures and role.

It has no plans to request changes to its Orders of Reference in 2009.









15

APPENDIX 1 – ORDERS OF REFERENCE OF THE

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS



APPENDIX 1



JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS



ORDERS OF REFERENCE



Dáil Éireann on 23 October 2007 ordered (as amended 14 November 2007):



“(1)(a) That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on

Foreign Affairs consisting of 11 Members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall

constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider—



(i) such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the

Department of Foreign Affairs;



(ii) such Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department

of Foreign Affairs;



(iii) such proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within

the meaning of Standing Order 159, concerning approval by Dáil of the

terms of international agreements involving a charge on public funds;

and



(iv) such other matters;



as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time;



(v) Annual Output Statements produced by the Department of Foreign

Affairs;



And



(vi) such Value for Money and Policy Reviews conducted and

commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs as it may select.









16

APPENDIX 1 – ORDERS OF REFERENCE OF THE

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS







(b) For the purpose of its consideration of matters under paragraphs (1)(a)(i), (iii),

(iv), (v) and (vi), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in

Standing Order 83(1), (2) and (3).



(c) For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio Membership of

the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 92(1), the Minister

for Foreign Affairs (or a Minister or Minister of State nominated in his or her

stead) shall be entitled to vote.



(2) The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed

by Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to consider—



(i) such public affairs administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs

as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies

under the aegis of that Department;



(ii) such matters of policy for which the Minister for Foreign Affairs is

officially responsible as it may select;



(iii) such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are

partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or

appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;



(iv) such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs

and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;



(v) such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be

referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order

83(4);



(vi) the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the

Minister for Foreign Affairs pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public

Service Management Act 1997, and for which the Joint Committee is

authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;









17

APPENDIX 1 – ORDERS OF REFERENCE OF THE

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS







(vii) such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law

and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies

specified in paragraphs 2(i) and (iii), and the overall operational results,

statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may

select;



Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating

to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be

considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference

of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act

1993;



Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public

session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so

requested either by the body concerned or by the Minister for Foreign Affairs;



(viii) such aspects of Ireland’s international relations as it may select;



(ix) such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time

by both Houses of the Oireachtas, and shall report thereon to both

Houses of the Oireachtas.



Provided that any consideration by the Joint Committee, or a sub-Committee, of

security issues relating to Northern Ireland shall be in private session and the

provisions of Standing Order 93 shall apply.



(3) The following persons may attend meetings of the Joint Committee and of its sub-

Committees and may take part in proceedings without having a right to vote or to

move motions and amendments:



(i) Members of the European Parliament elected from constituencies in Ireland

(including Northern Ireland);



(ii) Members of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of

Europe; and







18

APPENDIX 1 – ORDERS OF REFERENCE OF THE

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS







(iii) at the invitation of the Joint Committee or of a sub- Committee, as appropriate,

other Members of the European Parliament.



(4) The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a

member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.



(5) The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 83(1) to (9)

inclusive.



(6) The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann,

shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.”



Dáil Éireann on 14 November ordered:



“That the Orders of Reference of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs be

amended in paragraph (1)(a) by the deletion of ’11 Members’ and the substitution

therefore of ’13 Members.” Seanad Éireann on 24 October 2007 ordered:



“(1) That a Select Committee consisting of 6 Members of Seanad Éireann shall be

appointed to be joined with a Select Committee of Dáil Éireann to form the Joint

Committee on Foreign Affairs to consider—



(i) such public affairs administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs as it

may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the

aegis of that Department;



(ii) such matters of policy for which the Minister for Foreign Affairs is officially

responsible as it may select;



(iii) such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are

partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed

by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;



(iv) such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and laid

before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;









19

APPENDIX 1 – ORDERS OF REFERENCE OF THE

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS





(v) such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred

to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 70(4);



(vi) the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the



Minister for Foreign Affairs pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service

Management Act 1997, and for which the Joint Committee is authorised for

the purposes of Section 10 of that Act;



(vii) such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid

before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in

paragraphs 1(i) and (iii), and the overall operational results, statements of

strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select;



Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating

to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be

considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference

of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act

1993;



Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public

session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so

requested either by the body concerned or by the Minister for Foreign Affairs;



(viii) such aspects of Ireland’s international relations as it may select;



(ix) such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both

Houses of the Oireachtas, and shall report thereon to both Houses of the

Oireachtas.





Provided that any consideration by the Joint Committee, or a sub-Committee, of

security issues relating to Northern Ireland shall be in private session and the

provisions of Standing Order 86 shall apply.









20

APPENDIX 1 – ORDERS OF REFERENCE OF THE

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS



(2) The following persons may attend meetings of the Joint Committee and of its sub-

Committees and may take part in proceedings without having a right to vote or to

move motions and amendments:



(i) Members of the European Parliament elected from constituencies in Ireland

(including Northern Ireland);



(ii) Members of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the

Council of Europe; and



(iii) at the invitation of the Joint Committee or of a sub-Committee, as

appropriate, other Members of the European Parliament.



(3) The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a

member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.



(4) The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 70(1) to (9)

inclusive.



(5) The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann”.









21

22

APPENDIX 1.1 – ORDERS OF REFERENCE OF THE

SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT



APPENDIX 1.1



SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT



ORDERS OF REFERENCE



Ordered on 13 February 2008

"That-

(b) A sub-Committee (to be called the sub-Committee on Overseas

Development) be established to consider such aspects of





(i) Ireland’s relations with developing countries in the field of

development co-operation, trade and debt;



(ii) the Government’s official Development Assistance

Programme; and



(iii) the role of the United Nations in the field of overseas

development



as the sub-Committee may select or as may be referred to it by the Joint

Committee on Foreign Affairs.





(c) The sub-Committee shall consist of 7 Members of whom 5 shall be

Members of Dáil Éireann and 2 shall be Members of Seanad Éireann.



(d) The quorum of the sub-Committee shall be 3, of whom at least 1 shall

be a Member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a Member of Seanad Éireann.



(e) The Sub-Committee shall have all the powers of the Joint Committee

on Foreign Affairs namely, those contained in Standing Order 83(1),

(2) and (3) (Dáil) and in Standing Order 70 (1) to (9) (Seanad)

excluding the power to appoint sub-Committees. The sub-Committee

shall also have the power to report directly to the Houses, subject to

the agreement of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs."









23

APPENDIX 1.2 – ORDERS OF REFERENCE OF THE

SUB COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS



APPENDIX 1.2



SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS



ORDERS OF REFERENCE





Ordered on 13 February 2008.

"That-





(a) A sub-Committee (to be called the sub-Committee on Human

Rights) be established to consider such aspects of international

human rights, including the role of the United Nations in this

field, as the sub-Committee may select or as may be referred to

it by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs.



(b) The sub-Committee shall consist of 7 Members of whom 4

shall be Members of Dáil Éireann and 3 shall be Members of

Seanad Éireann.



(c) The quorum of the sub-Committee shall be 3, of whom at least

1 shall be a Member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a Member of

Seanad Éireann.



(d) The Sub-Committee shall have all the powers of the Joint

Committee on Foreign Affairs namely, those contained in

Standing Order 83(1), (2) and (3) (Dáil) and in Standing Order

70 (1) to (9) (Seanad) excluding the power to appoint sub-

Committees. The sub-Committee shall also have the power to

report directly to the Houses, subject to the agreement of the

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs."









24

APPENDIX 2 – MEMBERS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



APPENDIX 2



MEMBERS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE

ON

FOREIGN AFFAIRS





Deputies:

Dr Michael Woods (Chairman) (FF)

Dr Rory O’Hanlon (Vice-Chairman) (FF)

Seán Ardagh (FF)

John Deasy (FG)

Frank Fahy (FF)

Tony Gregory (Ind)

Michael D. Higgins (Lab) (Convenor)

M.J. Nolan (FF)

Michael Noonan (FG)

Darragh O’Brien (FF) (Convenor)

Noel O’Flynn (FF)

Alan Shatter (FG)

Billy Timmins (FG)





Senators:

Ivor Callely (FF)

Maurice Cummins (FG)

Mark Daly (FF)

Dominic Hannigan (Lab)

David Norris (Ind)

Ann Ormonde (FF)









25

APPENDIX 2.1 – MEMBERS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEES



APPENDIX 2.1



MEMBERS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE

ON

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

Deputies:

John Deasy (Chairman) (FG)

Seán Ardagh (FF)

Darragh O’Brien (FF)

Dr Rory O’Hanlon (FF)

Billy Timmins (FG)





Senators:

Dominic Hannigan (Lab)

Ann Ormonde (FF)

-------------------------------------





MEMBERS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE

ON

HUMAN RIGHTS

Deputies:

Frank Fahy (FF)

Michael. D. Higgins (Lab)

M.J. Nolan (FF)

Michael Noonan (FG)





Senators:

Ivor Calley (Chairman) (FF)

Mark Daly (FF)

David Norris (Ind)









26

APPENDIX 3 – MEETINGS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



APPENDIX 3



MEETINGS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS





Meeting Date Subject





01 1/11/07 Election of Chair and Vice-Chair and preferred day and time

slot for future meetings, official travel and any other business.

02 21/11/07 Work Programme 2007/2008.

03 12/12/07 “Cluster Munitions” – Discussion with Mr. Tony D’Costa,

Pax Christi Ireland. Agreement of Work Programme 2008.

04 19/12/07 “Extraordinary Rendition” Discussion with (1) The Irish

Human Rights Commission and (2) The Department of

Foreign Affairs and (3) Motion on Cluster Munitions.

05 31/01/08 Palestine: What Irish NGOs and Irish Aid are doing to assist

Palestinian Development and Humanitarian needs -

Discussion with Trócaire, Christian Aid, Amnesty

International and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

06 13/02/08 Irish Aid Annual Report 2006 and Overview of Activities in

2007 - Discussion with Michael Kitt T.D., Minister of State

for Overseas Development.

07 02/04/08 Tackling the Global Pandemics of AIDS, Tuberculosis &

Malaria - Discussion with Professor Michel Kazatchkine,

Executive Director of Global Fund.

08 09/04/08 (i) Motion with regard to the current situation in Tibet: "That

we ask the Irish Government to support moves to get the

Chinese into dialogue with the Dalai Lama." Proposed by

Senator David Norris. Seconded by Deputy Michael D.

Higgins T.D. (ii) The Ongoing Situation in Tibet - Discussion

with Tibet Support Group Ireland and Members of the Tibetan

Community in Ireland.

09 08/05/08 "Project Malawi" - Discussion with (i) Officials from Irish

Aid (ii) Concern Worldwide, Trocaire and Irish Missionary

Union on the Irish Aid programme in Malawi.









27

APPENDIX 3 – MEETINGS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



10 13/05/08 (i) The situation in Ghana: Discussion with visiting

Parliamentary Delegation from Ghana (ii) 60th Anniversary of

the Foundation of Israel: Discussion with Mrs. Miri Eisen,

special spokesperson for the Israeli Government and former

Prime Minister’s international media advisor.





11 04/06/08 “The current situation in Somalia” - Discussion with

representatives from Trócaire and Concern Worldwide. 'Sri

Lanka' - Discussion with Mr Eliathamby Logeswaran on the

Tamil Freedom Struggle.

12 02/07/08 "Project Malawi" - Discussion with GOAL, Oxfam, St John of

God Hospitaller Services, UNICEF & Wells for Zoë on the

Irish Aid programme in Malawi.

13 16/07/08 "Current situation in Zimbabwe" - Discussion with (i)

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D. (ii)

Progressio (iii) National Pension Reserve Fund (iv) Ms.

Tendai Madondo.

14 10/09/08 "The current situation in Georgia and South Ossetia" –

Discussion with Mr. Andrey Nikeryasov, Political Counsellor,

Russian Embassy, Dublin and Mr. Giorgi Badridze, Minister

Plenipotentiary, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of

Georgia, London.

15 01/10/08 "Current situation in Angola" - Discussion with (i) Mr Ernesto

Cassinda, Director, ACM Kwanza-Sul (Angolan partner of

Christian Aid) and (ii) Mr Luis Araujo, Director, SOS Habitat.

16 07/10/08 "The Role of the OSCE and its Parliamentary Assembly."-

Discussion with Mr Spencer Oliver, Secretary General, OSCE

Parliamentary Assembly.

17 05/11/08 (i) "Strategy Statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs"

and (ii) "the US-India Civil Nuclear Co-operation

Agreement”:- Discussion with the Minister for Foreign

Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin TD.

18 17/12/08 "The Hunger Task Force Report":- Discussion with the Mr.

Joe Walsh, Chairman, Hunger Task Force.









28

APPENDIX 3.1 – MEETINGS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT





APPENDIX 3.1



MEETINGS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE

ON

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT





Meeting Date Subject





01 30/04/08 “The Niall Mellon Township Trust”: Discussion with Mr Niall

Mellon.

02 29/05/08 “The role of the Inter-Departmental Committee on

Development to maximise a coherent Irish approach to global

poverty eradication” – Discussion with Mr Hans Zomer,

Director of Dóchas.

03 01/07/08 “The Interdepartmental Committee on Overseas Development

& the Irish Aid Programme for 2008” – Discussion with

Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr Peter Power

TD.

04 05/11/08 “Review of the Fighting Hunger Conference” – Discussion

with Mr Connell Foley, Director, Concern.









29

APPENDIX 3.2 – MEETINGS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE HUMAN RIGHTS





APPENDIX 3.2



MEETINGS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE

ON

HUMAN RIGHTS



Meeting Date Subject





01 09/04/08 “Difficulties experienced in monitoring the recent Russian

elections together with an overview of ongoing work in the

broader human rights area” - Discussion with Ambassador

Christian Strohal of Austria, Director of the Office for

Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

02 29/04/08 “The Ongoing Situation in Tibet” - Discussion with Mrs.

Kesang Y. Takla, the Northern European Representative of the

Dalai Lama.

03 20/05/08 “Business and Human Rights” – Discussion with Trócaire and

Global Witness.

04 25/06/08 “60th Anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights” –

Discussion with the Irish Human Rights Commission.

05 18/11/08 “Allegations of Lead Poisoning of Roma Families in Kosovo”

– Discussion with Mr. Paul Polansky, Society for Threatened

Peoples.

06 16/12/08 “Human Rights priorities for 2009” – Discussion with James

McIntyre, Director, Human Rights Unit, Department of

Foreign Affairs.









30

APPENDIX 4 – MEETINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE



APPENDIX 4



MEETINGS OF THE DÁIL SELECT COMMITTEE

ON

FOREIGN AFFAIRS





Meeting Date Subject

01 6/12/07 Consideration of the Passports Bill 2007.

02 11/03/08 Consideration of Revised Estimates of the Department of

Foreign Affairs for the year ending 31 December 2008: Vote 28,

Foreign Affairs - Subhead (O) only - Referendum on EU

Reform Treaty.

03 17/06/08 2008 Revised Estimates for Public Services – Vote 28 (Foreign

Affairs), Vote 29 (International Co-operation) and 2008 Output

Statement for Department of Foreign Affairs.

04 12/11/08 Consideration of the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel

Mines Bill 2008.

05 17/12/08 Motion Referred by Dáil Éireann concerning Economic

Partnership Agreements between the European Community and

(i) Central Africa, (ii) Ghana and (iii) Cote d'Ivoire.









31

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





APPENDIX 5



MEETINGS

OF

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Thursday 1 November 2007





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 11.36 a.m. in Committee Room 1,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. Attendance





The following Members were present:-

Deputies John Deasy, Michael D. Higgins, M.J. Nolan, Darragh O’Brien, Noel

O’Flynn, Rory O’Hanlon, Billy Timmins and Michael Woods.





Senators Ivor Callely, Maurice Cummins, Mark Daly, David Norris and Ann

Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputies Michael Noonan, Alan Shatter and

Senator Dominic Hannigan.





3. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN





The Clerk invited nominations for the position of Chairman of the committee.

Deputy O’Hanlon moved “That Deputy Michael Woods be the Chairman of the

committee”.





The question was put by the Clerk and agreed to.





Deputy Woods took the Chair accordingly.









32

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



4. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN





The Chairman invited nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman. Deputy

O’Flynn moved “That Deputy Rory O’Hanlon be the Vice-Chairman of the

committee”





The question was put and agreed to.









The Committee met in Private Session at 11.50 a.m.





5. Item discussed in Private Session

6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. (a) Item discussed in Private Session

(b) Item discussed in Private Session

(c) Item discussed in Private Session

8. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12.15 p.m. sine die.









__________________

Dr Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

21 November 2007









33

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 21 November 2007





1. The Joint Committee met in Private Session at 3.35 p.m. in Committee Room 1,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT

The following Members were present:-





Deputies Sean Ardagh, John Deasy, Frank Fahey, Tony Gregory, Michael D.

Higgins, M.J. Nolan, Darragh O’Brien, Noel O’Flynn, Rory O’Hanlon, Alan

Shatter, Billy Timmins and Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely, Maurice Cummins, Mark Daly, Mark Hannigan, David

Norris and Ann Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputy Michael Noonan.





3. Item Discussed in Private Session

4. Item Discussed in Private Session

5. Item Discussed in Private Session

6. Item Discussed in Private Session

7. Item Discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4.27 p.m. sine die.





__________________

Dr Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

12 December 2007









34

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 12 December 2007





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 12 noon in Committee Room 4,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies Sean Ardagh, John Deasy, Frank Fahey, Michael D. Higgins, M.J.

Nolan, Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon, Alan Shatter, Billy Timmins and

Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely, Mark Daly, Dominic Hannigan, David Norris and Ann

Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputies Tony Gregory, Michael Noonan and

Senator Maurice Cummins.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The minutes of the meeting of the 5 December 2007 were agreed and signed.





4. DISCUSSION WITH MR. TONY D’COSTA OF PAX CHRISTI IRELAND ON



CLUSTER MUNITIONS





The Joint Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Tony D’Costa, Pax Christi

Ireland on the dangers of Cluster Munitions and related armaments and the need

to eradicate all such weapons from post war countries.





A question and answer session ensued.









35

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



It was agreed that the Chairman make a statement on behalf of the Committee

which would issue after the meeting. Senator Norris and Deputy Michael D.

Higgins jointly proposed to table a Motion on Cluster Munitions to be taken at

meeting of the Joint Committee on 19 December 2007.





The Committee met in Private Session at 12.59 p.m.





5. Item discussed in Private Session

6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session

8. Item discussed in Private Session

9. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1.38 p.m. and will

meet again on Wednesday 19 December at 2.00 p.m.





__________________

Dr Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

19 December 2007









36

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Tuesday 19 December 2007





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.07 p.m. in Committee Room

3, LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-

Deputies Sean Ardagh, Michael D. Higgins, M.J. Nolan, Darragh O’Brien,

Rory O’Hanlon, Alan Shatter, Billy Timmins and Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely, Mark Daly, Dominic Hannigan, David Norris and Ann

Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputies Tony Gregory and Michael Noonan.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The minutes of the meeting of the 12 December 2007 were agreed and signed.





4. PARDON ANNOUNCED BY KING OF SAUDI ARABIA





The Chairman welcomed the recent pardon given by the King to a young

Saudi woman, who had been the victim of an appalling rape, as a positive

development.





5. IRISH AID TO PALESTINE

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated Minister of State

Kitt, for his role in Ireland’s recent pledge of €40 million to assist the

Palestinians in their development efforts.









37

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



6. DISCUSSION WITH THE IRISH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION AND THE

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON THE IHRC’S RECENT REPORT

“EXTRAORDINARY RENDITION – A REVIEW OF IRELAND’S HUMAN RIGHTS

OBLIGATIONS”.





The Joint Committee heard a presentation from Dr. Maurice Manning and

Commissioner Suzanne Egan from the IHRC on their recent report on

Extraordinary Rendition.





Mr. Rory Montgomery, Mr. Ken O’Leary and Mr. John Murphy responded on

behalf of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Transport

respectively.



A question and answer session ensued.



In conclusion the Chairman thanked the delegations for attending and for

ensuring a most stimulating debate on the matter.



7. MOTION ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS



Deputy Higgins and Senator Norris jointly moved: — “That the Oireachtas

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs urges the Government:



1- To play an effective role towards securing a total prohibition on the

production, stockpiling, transfer and use of cluster munitions by its active

participation in international initiatives to address the issue comprehensively

and effectively;



2- To enact a national law prohibiting the production, stockpiling, transfer and

use of cluster munitions as we know them;



3- To support research, publication and awareness raising initiatives on this

subject nationally and internationally;



4- To follow the example that prevailed in June 1996 when Ireland in

anticipation of the text of the Mine Ban Convention enacted unilaterally a ban









38

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



on landmines and in this regard that Ireland now take a similar initiative in

anticipation of the discussion of the text of a UN level prohibition;



5- That such legislation on the part of Ireland be as inclusive as possible in

terms of definition of cluster munitions, the addressing of existing stockpiles

and all aspects of production, sale, transmission and use;



6- To increase support for the clearance of contaminated land by landmines,

cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnance;



7- To increase support for Mine Risk Education;



8- To increase support for rehabilitation of mine survivors and their

socioeconomic integration;



And finally, pending the outlawing of landmines internationally,



9- To ensure that no public funds are invested in any company involved in or

associated with these inhuman practices.’’





The motion was unanimously agreed without debate.





The Committee met in Private Session at 4.39 p.m.





8. Item discussed in Private Session

9. Item discussed in Private Session

10. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4.43 p.m. sine die.









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.,

Chairman

13th February 2008









39

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Tuesday 31 January 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 11.07 a.m. in Committee Room 3,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies Sean Ardagh, John Deasy, Michael D. Higgins, M.J. Nolan, Michael

Noonan, Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon, Alan Shatter, Billy Timmins and Michael

Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely, Maurice Cummins, Mark Daly, Dominic Hannigan, David

Norris and Ann Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputy Tony Gregory.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





Deputy Higgins requested that the minutes of the meeting of the 19 December 2007

be amended to reflect the fact that the motion on cluster munitions was moved in the

names of both Senator Norris and himself. This was agreed and there were no further

matters arising.

4. DISCUSSION WITH TROCAIRE, CHRISTIAN AID AND THE DEPARTMENT OF



FOREIGN AFFAIRS:- “PALESTINE, WHAT IRISH NGO’S ARE DOING TO ASSIST



PALESTINIAN DEVELOPMENT AND HUMANITARIAN NEEDS”.





The Joint Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Justin Kilcullen of Trocaire, Ms.

Margaret Boden of Christian Aid, on their respective activities and the current

situation in the Palestinian region.









40

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



Mr. Brendan McMahon and Mr. Michael Gaffey of the Department of Foreign Affairs

made a presentation on the Irish Aid effort in the region.

A question and answer session ensued.





In conclusion the Chairman thanked the delegations for attending and for ensuring a

most stimulating debate on the matter.





The Committee met in Private Session at 1.19 p.m.





5. Item discussed in Private Session

6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1.33 p.m. sine die.





____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.,

Chairman

13th February 2008









.









41

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 13 February 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 11.07 a.m. in Committee Room 3,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies John Deasy, Frank Fahey, Michael D. Higgins, M.J. Nolan, Michael

Noonan, Darragh O’Brien, Alan Shatter and Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely, Maurice Cummins, Mark Daly, Dominic Hannigan, David

Norris and Ann Ormonde.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 31st January 2008 were agreed and there were no

matters arising.





4. DISCUSSION WITH MINISTER OF STATE AT THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN

AFFAIRS WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT, MICHAEL KITT,

TD., :- IRISH AID ANNUAL REPORT 2006.





The Joint Committee heard a presentation from Minister of State Kitt, on the Irish Aid

Annual Report for 2006 and an overview of Irish Aid’s activities for 2007

A question and answer session ensued.





In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister and his officials for attending and

congratulated him on the dynamic progress his Department have made with the Irish

Aid Programme over recent years.









42

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



The Committee met in Private Session at 12.41 p.m.





5. Item discussed in Private Session

6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12.56 p.m. sine die.









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.,

Chairman

2nd April 2008









43

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 2 April 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 12.35 p.m. in Committee Room

2, LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-

Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy, Michael D. Higgins, M.J. Nolan, Michael

Noonan, Noel O’Flynn, Rory O’Hanlon, Billy Timmins and Michael Woods;





Senators: Ivor Callely, Maurice Cummins, Mark Daly, David Norris and Ann

Ormonde.





Also in attendance: Senator Terry Leyden





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 13th February 2008 were agreed and there were no

matters arising.





4. DISCUSSION WITH PROFESSOR MICHEL KAZATCHKINE, EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL FUND: “TACKLING THE GLOBAL PANDEMICS OF



AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS & MALARIA.”





The Joint Committee heard a presentation from Professor Kazatchkine, on the

activities of the Global Fund and its efforts in tackling the global pandemics of AIDS,

Tuberculosis and Malaria.

A question and answer session ensued.





In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Professor and officials from Irish Aid for

attending.









44

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



The Committee met in Private Session at 1.41 p.m.





5. Item discussed in Private Session

6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session

8. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1.46 p.m. sine die.





____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.,

Chairman

9th April 2008









45

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 9 April 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 3.35 p.m. in Committee Room 3,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy, M.J. Nolan, Michael Noonan, Rory O’Hanlon,

Billy Timmins and Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely, Mark Daly, Dominic Hannigan, David Norris and Ann

Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputies Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and

Darragh O’Brien.





Also in attendance was Deputy Chris Andrews





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 2nd April 2008 were agreed pending the inclusion of

apologies from Deputy Higgins.





4. DISCUSSION WITH TIBET SUPPORT GROUP IRELAND

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Neil Steedman, Mr. Anthony O’Brien and Ms. Tsering

Lhamo Gawatshang of the Tibet Support Group Ireland.





The delegation made a presentation to the Committee on the current situation in Tibet,

following which a question and answer session ensued. In conclusion, the Chairman

thanked the delegation for their informative presentation.









46

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



5. MOTION

The following motion proposed by Senator Norris and seconded by Deputy Higgins

was unanimously agreed by the Committee.





“That the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs ask the Irish Government to

support moves to get the Chinese into dialogue with the Dalai Lama”





The Committee met in Private Session at 5.09 p.m.





6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5.28 p.m. sine die.









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.,

Chairman

8th May 2008









47

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Thursday 8 May 2008



1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 12.04 p.m. in Committee Room 2,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT



The following Members were present:-





Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy, Frank Fahey, Michael D. Higgins, M.J. Nolan,

Michael Noonan, Darragh O’Brien, Alan Shatter, Billy Timmins and Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely, Mark Daly, Dominic Hannigan and Ann Ormonde.

Apologies were received from Deputies Tony Gregory, Rory O’Hanlon and Senator

David Norris.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 9th April 2008 were agreed, subject to a letter of

support that an expression of the Irish Famine be put in place in the, National

Museum of Ireland, as soon as possible.





4. PROJECT MALAWI - DISCUSSION WITH IRISH AID, CONCERN, TRÓCAIRE AND



THE IRISH MISSIONARY UNION







The Chairman welcomed H.E. Liam McGowan – Ambassador to Malawi; Mr Sean

McMahon – Irish Aid; Ms Fiona Penollar – Irish Aid; Ms Angela O’Neill De Guilio

– Concern Worldwide; Mr Michael Hanly – Concern Worldwide; Mr Seamus Collins

– Trócaire; Bro. Ronan Lennon O.H. – Irish Missionary Union; Sr. Ursula Sharpe –

Irish Missionary Union; Fr. Padraig O Maille, Irish Missionary Union.









48

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



The delegations made a presentation to the Committee on their activities in Malawi

and the current situation in that country, following which a question and answer

session ensued.





In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the delegations for their informative

presentations.





A second meeting on Malawi would be scheduled for early June at which Oxfam

Ireland, GOAL and the Irish Red Cross will be invited to make presentations to the

Committee.





The Committee met in Private Session at 2.14 p.m.





5. Item discussed in Private Session

6. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 2.20 p.m. sine die.





____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.,

Chairman

13th May 2008









49

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Thursday 13 May 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 3.35 p.m. in Committee Room 4,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy, Frank Fahey, Michael D. Higgins, M.J. Nolan,

Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon, Alan Shatter, Billy Timmins and Michael Woods;



Senators Ivor Callely, Mark Daly and Dominic Hannigan.



Also present was Senator Mark McSharry



Apologies were received from Deputy Michael Noonan, Senators David Norris and

Ann Ormonde.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING



The Minutes of the meeting of 8th May 2008 were agreed, subject to the correction of

an administrative error observed by Deputy Higgins. There were no matters arising.



4. PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION FROM GHANA

The Chairman welcomed a Parliamentary delegation from Ghana to the meeting. This

consisted of the Rt. Hon. Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes; Mr. Abraham Ossei-Aidooh; Mr.

Alban Bagbin; Ms. Christine Churcher; Mr. Andrew Mensah; Mr. David Apasera;

Mr. Alexander Tetteh-Enyo and their staff.



The delegations made a presentation to the Committee on the current situation in

Ghana, following which a question and answer session ensued.



In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.









50

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



The meeting was suspended at 4.27 p.m. to allow the first delegation to leave and

resumed again in PUBLIC SESSION at 4.30 p.m.



5. ISRAEL AT 60 – DISCUSSION WITH MS. MIRI EISEN



The Chairman welcomed Ms. Miri Eisen, H.E., Dr Zion Evrony, Ambassador of

Israel, and Counsellor Nadav Cohen to the meeting.





Ms. Eisen made a presentation to the Committee on the occasion of the 60th

Anniversary of the foundation of the State of Israel, following which a question and

answer session ensued.





In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.





The meeting was suspended at 5.30 p.m.





The Committee met in Private Session at 5.32 p.m.





6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session

8. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5.38 p.m. sine die.

____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.,

Chairman

4th June 2008









51

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 4 June 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 1.33 p.m. in Committee Room 3,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-

Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy, Frank Fahey, Michael D. Higgins, M.J. Nolan,

Michael Noonan, Darragh O’Brien, Alan Shatter, Billy Timmins and Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely, Mark Daly, David Norris and Ann Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputies Tony Gregory, Rory O’Hanlon and Senator

Maurice Cummins.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 13th May 2008 were agreed with no matters arising





4. CURRENT SITUATION IN SOMALIA





The Chairman welcomed Mr. Seamus Collins and Mr. Donough Ryan from Trocaire

and Mr. Paul O’Brien from Concern.





The delegation made a presentation on the current situation in Somalia and on their

work in the region, following which a question and answer session ensued.

In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the delegation for their presentation.





The meeting was suspended at 2.36 p.m. to allow the first delegation to leave and

resumed again in PUBLIC SESSION at 2.38 p.m.









52

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



5. TAMIL FREEDOM STRUGGLE (SRI LANKA)





The Chairman welcomed Mr. Eliathamby Logeswaran to the meeting.





Ms. Logeswaran made a presentation to the Committee on the current situation in Sri

Lanka and the Tamil Freedom Struggle, following which a question and answer

session ensued.





In conclusion, the Chairman thanked Mr. Logeswaran for his presentation.





The Committee met in Private Session at 3.10 p.m.





6. Discussed in Private Session

7. Discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 3.17 p.m. sine die.









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.,

Chairman

2nd July 2008









53

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 2 July 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 3.09 p.m. in Committee Room 3,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-

Deputies John Deasy, Michael Noonan, Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon and

Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely, Maurice Cummins, Mark Daly, Dominic Hannigan, David

Norris and Ann Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputies Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins, Alan

Shatter and Billy Timmins.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 4th June 2008 were agreed with no matters arising.





4. EU SCRUTINY





The Chairman referred to three items of correspondence referred to the Committee by

the Joint Committee on EU Scrutiny concerning decisions taken by that Committee.

It was agreed to note the correspondence.





5. PROJECT MALAWI

The Chairman welcomed Mr. John O’Shea of Goal; Ms. Kate O’Donnell of Oxfam;

Mr. John Mitchell of St. John of Gods; Ms. Laura Collins & Ms. Melanie Verwoerd

of UNICEF and Mr. John Coyne of “Wells for Zoë”.









54

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



The delegations each made a presentation on their organisations activities, and the

Irish Aid programme, in Malawi, following which a question and answer session

ensued.





In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the delegations for their presentations.





The Committee met in Private Session at 5.07 p.m.





6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session









There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5.12 p.m. sine die.









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.,

Chairman

16th July 2008









55

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 16 July 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 11.34 a.m. in Committee Room 4,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-

Deputies Seán Ardagh, Michael Noonan, Darragh O’Brien, Noel O’Flynn, Rory

O’Hanlon, Billy Timmins and Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely and David Norris.





Apologies were received from Deputies Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and

Senators Maurice Cummins, Mark Daly and Ann Ormonde.





Senator John Hanafin attended in substitution for Senator Ann Ormonde





Also in attendance was Deputy Brendan Howlin.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 2nd July 2008 were agreed with no matters arising





4. EU SCRUTINY





The Chairman referred to two items of correspondence referred to the Committee by

the Joint Committee on EU Scrutiny concerning decisions taken by that Committee.





It was agreed to note the correspondence.









56

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



5. CURRENT SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE





The Chairman welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin TD, Mr.

Rory Montgomery and Ms. Iseult Fitzgerald from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

He also welcomed Ms. Tendai Madondo, a Zimbabwean citizen living in Ireland. Ms.

Madondo was accompanied by Mr. Seamus Collins of Trocaire.





The Minister and Ms. Madondo each made a presentation on the current situation in

Zimbabwe, following which a question and answer session ensued.





In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their presentations.





6. ADJOURNMENT





The Committee adjourned at 1.26 p.m. sine die









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.,

Chairman

10th September 2008.









57

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 10 September 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.33 p.m. in Committee Room 3,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies Seán Ardagh, Michael Noonan, Rory O’Hanlon, Alan Shatter, Billy

Timmins and Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely. Maurice Cummins and Ann Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputies Darragh O’Brien, Michael D Higgins, John

Deasy, Tony Gregory and Senators Dominic Hannigan and David Norris





Deputies Paul Kehoe and Tom Hayes attended in part substitution for Deputy John

Deasy.





Also in attendance was Deputy Noel Treacy.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 16th July 2008 were agreed with no matters arising





4. EU SCRUTINY





The Chairman referred to one item of correspondence referred to the Committee by

the Joint Committee on EU Scrutiny concerning decisions taken by that Committee.





It was agreed to note the correspondence









58

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



5. CURRENT SITUATION IN GEORGIA





The Chairman welcomed Mr. Giorgi Badridze, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission

with the Embassy of Georgia, and Mr. Andrey Nikeryasov, Counsellor with the

Embassy of the Russian Federation, who each made a presentation on the current

situation in Georgia and South Ossetia, following which a question and answer

session ensued.





In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their presentations.





The Committee met in Private Session at 4.18 p.m.





6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session

8. Item discussed in Private Session









There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4.26 p.m. sine die.









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

1st October 2008









59

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 1 October 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 4.34 p.m. in Committee Room 4,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy, Michael D Higgins, M.J. Nolan, Michael

Noonan, Darragh O’Brien, Alan Shatter and Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely. Maurice Cummins, Mark Daly, Dominic Hannigan, David

Norris and Ann Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputy Rory O’Hanlon.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 10th September 2008 were agreed with no matters

arising.





4. EU SCRUTINY





The Chairman referred to one item of correspondence referred to the Committee by

the Joint Committee on EU Scrutiny concerning decisions taken by that Committee.





It was agreed to note the correspondence.









60

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



5. CURRENT SITUATION IN ANGOLA





The Chairman welcomed Ms. Rosário Advirta, Christian Aid's country programme

manager for Angola; Mr. Luis Araujo, Director of SOS Habitat and Dr David McNair,

Policy and Advocacy Officer for Christian Aid. Following some brief introductory

remarks from Dr McNair the Committee heard two presentations: the first by Ms

Advirta, on behalf of Mr. Ernest Cassinda, Director of ACM Kwanza-Sul and the

second by Mr Araujo following which a question and answer session ensued.





In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their presentations.





The Committee met in Private Session at 5.48 p.m.





6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session

8. Item discussed in Private Session









There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5.58 p.m. sine die.









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

7th October 2008









61

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Tuesday 7 October 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 3.02 p.m. in Committee Room 4,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies Seán Ardagh, Michael D Higgins, Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon, Alan

Shatter, Billy Timmins and Michael Woods;





Senators Ivor Callely, David Norris and Ann Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputy Michael Noonan and Senator Mark Daly.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 1st October 2008 were agreed with no matters arising.





4. INVITATION TO A FUTURE MEETING

Deputy Michael D. Higgins requested that a future meeting of the Committee should

discuss the US India agreement together with the Nuclear Non-proliferation treaty

.

5. THE ROLE OF THE OSCE AND ITS PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

The Chairman welcomed Mr Spencer Oliver, Secretary General of the OSCE

Parliamentary Assembly. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr Oliver

following which a question and answer session ensued.





In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witness for his presentation.









62

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



The meeting was suspended at 4.09 p.m. to allow the witness to leave and resumed

again in PRIVATE SESSION at 4.11 p.m.





6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session

8. Item discussed in Private Session









There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4.32 p.m. sine die.









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

17th December 2008









63

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 5 November 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 4.26 p.m. in Committee Room 3,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-

Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy, Frank Fahey, Michael D Higgins, M.J. Nolan,

Michael Noonan, Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon, Alan Shatter, Billy Timmins and

Michael Woods;





Senators Maurice Cummins, Mark Daly, Dominic Hannigan, David Norris and Ann

Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Senator Ivor Callely.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING & MATTERS ARISING





The Minutes of the 7th October 2008 meeting were discussed. In relation to Item 6 on

the minutes, Deputy Higgins requested, that they be amended to record the fact, that

during the course of an interview given by another member of the Committee to

Morning Ireland during the visit to Israel and Palestine, that his views were

misrepresented.





Senator Norris also requested that they be amended to record his reservation about

one aspect of the letter from Deputy Shatter, namely the assertion that a proposed visit

to Gaza would be seen to be supportive of Hamas and be embarrassing to the Israeli

Government.





The minutes were then agreed.









64

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



4. EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY





On behalf of the Joint Committee, the Chairman recorded an expression of sympathy

and condolence to Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power TD, on

the death of his father, Gerry, R.I.P.





5. EU SCRUTINY





The Chairman referred to one item of correspondence referred to the Committee by

the Joint Committee on EU Scrutiny concerning decisions taken by that Committee.





It was agreed to note the correspondence.





6. DISCUSSION WITH MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR MICHEÁL MARTIN TD

(i) The Strategy Statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs and

(ii) The US India Agreement on Peaceful Nuclear Co-operation





The Chairman welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin TD.,

to the meeting. The Minister was accompanied by Mr Dermot Gallagher, Secretary

General, Mr Adrian O' Neill, Assistant Secretary, Corporate Services Division, Mr

Rory Montgomery, Political Director; Mr Ray Bassett, Assistant Secretary, Consular

and Passport Services Division; Ms Mary Whelan, Assistant Secretary, Promoting

Ireland Abroad Division; Mr Brendan Rogers, Director General of Irish Aid; Mr

Ciarán Madden, Counsellor, Head of Finance Unit, Corporate Services Division and

Ms Barbara Jones, Counsellor, EU Division.



The Committee heard a presentation from the Minister on the Department of Foreign

Affairs Strategy Statement and the US India Agreement on Peaceful Nuclear Co-

operation following which a question and answer session ensued.





In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the Minister and his officials for the

presentation.









65

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



The Committee met in Private Session at 6.22 p.m.





7. Item discussed in Private Session

8. Item discussed in Private Session

9. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 6.33 p.m. sine die.









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

17th December 2008









66

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 17 December 2008





1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 3.09 p.m. in Committee Room 3,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy, Michael D Higgins, Michael Noonan, Rory

O’Hanlon and Michael Woods;





Senators Mark Daly, Dominic Hannigan, David Norris and Ann Ormonde.





Also present was Senator Mary White.





Apologies were received from Deputy Tony Gregory.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING & MATTERS ARISING





The Minutes of the 5th November 2008 meeting were agreed.





In relation to the minutes of the 7th of October 2008, Senator Norris requested that

they be further amended to reflect the fact that, in regard to the second paragraph of

No. 3 in those minutes, this issue referred to the Senator’s reservation about Deputy

Shatter’s letter and the assertion that a proposed visit to Gaza would be seen to be

supportive of Hamas and would embarrass the Israeli Government. The Senator

wished this clarified as his point may not emerge from the manner in which it is

written. Senator Norris stated that this was because Hamas, regrettably or not, is the

legitimate Government, duly elected and that the Senator sees no problem in

embarrassing Israel if it deserves it.









67

APPENDIX 5 – MINUTES OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE



4. DISCUSSION WITH THE HUNGER TASK FORCE





The Chairman welcomed Mr. Joe Walsh, Chairman of the Hunger Task Force. Mr.

Walsh was accompanied by Mr. Tom Arnold, Chief Executive of Concern

Worldwide, Professor Denis Lucey, Chairman of Gorta and Mr. Brendan McMahon,

Secretary to the Hunger Task Force.





The delegation made a presentation to the Committee on the Hunger Task Force

Report to the Irish Government following which a question and answer session

ensued.





In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the delegation for the presentation.





The Committee met in Private Session at 4.36 p.m.





5. Item discussed in Private Session

6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session









There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4.46 p.m. sine die.









____________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

13th January 2009









68

APPENDIX 5.1 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS

DEVELOPMENT





APPENDIX 5.1

SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 30 April 2008





1. The sub-Committee met in Public Session at 11.34 a.m. in Committee Room 2,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-

Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy, Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon and Billy

Timmins





Senators Dominic Hannigan and Ann Ormonde.





Deputies Joe Behan and Michael D. Higgins were also present.





3. DISCUSSION WITH THE NIALL MELLON TOWNSHIP TRUST





The Chairman welcomed Mr. Niall Mellon, Mr. Hugh Brennan and Mr. Paddy

McGuinness of the Niall Mellon Township Trust to the meeting.





The delegation made a presentation on the work of their organization in South Africa

and a question and answer session ensued.





In conclusion the Chairman thanked the delegation and congratulated them on their

important work.





The meeting was suspended at 12.51 p.m. to allow the delegation to leave and

resumed again in PRIVATE SESSION at 12.53 p.m.









69

APPENDIX 5.1 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS

DEVELOPMENT



4. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12.54 p.m. sine die.





____________________

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

29th May 2008









70

APPENDIX 5.1 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS

DEVELOPMENT





SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

Minutes of Meeting Thursday 29 May 2008





1. The sub-Committee met in Public Session at 11.36 a.m. in Committee Room 3,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.



2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-

Deputies Seán Ardagh and John Deasy.





Senators Dominic Hannigan and Ann Ormonde.





Apologies were received from Deputies Rory O’Hanlon and Billy Timmins.





3. DISCUSSION WITH DÓCHAS





The Chairman welcomed Ms. Helen Keogh, Chairperson of Dochas, and Mr. Hans

Zomer, Director of Dochas, to the meeting. The delegation made a presentation on the

role of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Development in maximising a coherent

Irish approach to global poverty eradication.





A question and answer session ensued. In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the

delegation for their informative presentation.





4. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 12.35 p.m. sine die.





________________

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

1st July 2008









71

APPENDIX 5.1 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS

DEVELOPMENT





SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

Minutes of Meeting Tuesday 1 July 2008





1. The sub-Committee met in Public Session at 4.27 p.m. in Committee Room 4, LH

2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy (in the Chair), Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon

and Billy Timmins.

Senators Mark Daly and Ann Ormonde.





3. DISCUSSION WITH, MR. PETER POWER TD, MINISTER OF STATE FOR OVERSEAS

DEVELOPMENT.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Peter Power TD., Minister of State for Overseas

Development to the meeting. The Minister was accompanied by Mr. Noel Whyte, Mr.

Finbarr O’Brien, Mr. Tom Sneyd, Ms. Mary Barrett and Ms. Patricia O’Grady from

Irish Aid. The Minister made a presentation on the role of the Inter-Departmental

Committee on Development, in maximising a coherent Irish approach to global

poverty eradication.





The meeting was suspended at 4.45 p.m. and resumed again in PUBLIC SESSION

at 5.18 p.m.





A question and answer session ensued. In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the

Minister of State for his informative presentation.

4. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 6.09 p.m. sine die.

____________

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

5th November 2008









72

APPENDIX 5.1 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS

DEVELOPMENT





SUB-COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 5 November 2008





1. The sub-Committee met in Public Session at 12.21 p.m. in Committee Room 1,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy (in the Chair), Darragh O’Brien and Rory

O’Hanlon.





Senators Dominic Hannigan and Ann Ormonde.





Also present was Senator Mark Daly.





3. REVIEW OF THE FIGHTING HUNGER CONFERENCE - DISCUSSION WITH MR

CONNELL FOLEY, DIRECTOR, CONCERN





The meeting was suspended at 12.30 p.m. and resumed again in PUBLIC SESSION

at 12.47 p.m.





4. ADJOURNMENT





The Committee adjourned at 1.16 p.m. sine die.

__________________

John Deasy T.D.

Chairman

2nd April 2009









73

APPENDIX 5.2 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS





APPENDIX 5.2





SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Minutes of Meeting Wednesday 9 May 2008





1. The sub-Committee met in Private Session at 11.40 a.m. in Committee Room 3,

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputy M.J. Nolan.





Senators Ivor Callely, Mark Daly and David Norris.





Apologies were received from Deputies Michael D Higgins and Michael Noonan





3. Item discussed in Private Session

4. Item discussed in Private Session





The Committee met in Public Session at 11.50 a.m.





5. DISCUSSION WITH AMBASSADOR CHRISTIAN STROHAL OF AUSTRIA, DIRECTOR

OF THE OFFICE OF DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS.







The Sub-Committee heard a presentation from Ambassador Strohal on difficulties

experienced in monitoring the recent Russian elections together with an overview of

ongoing work in the broader human rights area, following which a question and

answers session ensued.









74

APPENDIX 5.2 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS



In conclusion the Chairman thanked Ambassador Strohal for his informative

presentation.









The Committee met in Private Session at 12.34 p.m.





6. Item discussed in Private Session

7. Item discussed in Private Session

8. Item discussed in Private Session









There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12.40 p.m. sine die.









__________________

Senator Ivor Callely

Chairman

20th May 2008









75

APPENDIX 5.2 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS





SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Minutes of Meeting Tuesday 29 April 2008





The sub-Committee met in Public Session at 3.37 p.m. in Committee Room 1, LH

2000, a quorum being present.





MEMBERS PRESENT

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Michael D. Higgins and M.J. Nolan.

Senators Ivor Callely and David Norris.





Apologies were received from Deputy Michael Noonan and Senator Mark Daly. Also

present was Deputy Charlie O’Connor.





DISCUSSION WITH MRS. KESANG Y. TAKLA, THE NORTHERN EUROPEAN

REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DALAI LAMA, MR NEIL STEEDMAN AND MR ANTHONY

O’BRIEN OF THE TIBET SUPPORT GROUP





The Sub-Committee heard a presentation from Mrs Kesang Takla on the current

situation in Tibet. A questions and answer session ensued.





In conclusion the Chairman thanked Mrs Takla for her informative presentation.





The Committee met in Private Session at 4.36 p.m.





1. Item discussed in Private Session

2. Item discussed in Private Session





There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4.41 p.m. sine die.

__________________

Senator Ivor Callely

Chairman

20th May 2008









76

APPENDIX 5.2 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS





SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Minutes of Meeting Tuesday 20 May 2008

1. The sub-Committee met in Public Session at 3.41.m. in Committee Room 3 LH

2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT

The following Members were present:-

Deputies Michael D. Higgins and M.J. Nolan.

Senators Ivor Callely and Mark Daly

Apologies were received from Deputy Michael Noonan and Senator David Norris.

3. CORRESPONDENCE





1. Invitation to attend a Joint meeting with the European Parliament’s Committee

on Foreign Affairs on the 25th of June in Brussels.

Members who wish to attend were requested to notify the Clerk





4. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS: -DISCUSSION WITH GLOBAL

WITNESS AND TROCAIRE.





The Sub-Committee heard a presentation from Ms. Olive Moore, Mr. Mike Davis and

Mr. Mark Cumming of Global Witness and Trocaire on International Business and

their role in the field of Human Rights.





A questions and answer session ensued. In conclusion the Chairman thanked the

delegation for their informative presentation.





5. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 4.27 p.m. sine die.





__________________

Senator Ivor Callely

Chairman

25th June 2008









77

APPENDIX 5.2 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS





SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Minutes of Meeting Tuesday 25 June 2008





1. The sub-Committee met in Public Session at 11.30 a.m. in Committee Room 1

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-





Deputies Michael D. Higgins.





Senators Ivor Callely and Mark Daly





Also present was Deputy Seán Sherlock





Apologies were received from Senator David Norris.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 20th May 2008 were agreed and there were no matters

arising.

4. CORRESPONDENCE





1. Report on Meeting with Colombian Human Rights Group (15th May 08)

This was circulated for the information of Members





2. Correspondence re Interparliamentary Conference on Human Rights &

Religious Freedom (Nov 23-25 Pennsylvania)





Subject to securing the agreement of the Chairman of the Joint Committee

on Foreign Affairs, and funding for same, the Chairman proposed to attend

this conference along with one official.









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APPENDIX 5.2 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS



3. Email dated 23rd June from David Begg, General Secretary, ICTU

requesting a meeting with the sub-Committee on Human Rights.





It was agreed to invite ICTU to a future meeting of this sub-Committee.





5. DISCUSSION WITH THE IRISH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION





The Sub-Committee heard a presentation from Dr. Maurice Manning, President of the

Irish Human Rights Commission. Dr. Manning was accompanied by Mr. Eamonn

MacAodha, Chief Executive; Ms. Alice Leahy, Commissioner and Ms. Kirsten

Roberts, Director of Research with the Commission.





A questions and answer session ensued.





In conclusion the Chairman thanked the delegation for their informative presentation.





6. ADJOURNMENT





The Committee adjourned at 12.37 p.m. sine die.

__________________

Senator Ivor Callely

Chairman

18th November 2008









79

APPENDIX 5.2 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS





SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Minutes of Meeting Tuesday 18 November 2008





1. The sub-Committee met in Public Session at 12.02 p.m. in Committee Room 1

LH 2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT



The following Members were present:-



Senators Ivor Callely (in the Chair), Mark Daly and David Norris.

Also present was Deputy Jack Wall and Senator Phil Prendergast.



Apologies were received from Deputies Michael D. Higgins and Michael Noonan.



3. MINUTES OF MEETING



The Minutes of the meeting of 25th June 2008 were agreed and there were no matters

arising.



4. CORRESPONDENCE



1. Letter dated 30th of September from Justin Kilcullen, Director of Trocaire,

with copy of letter attached sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Micheál Martin TD, by AB Colombia, an organisation made up of a

number of NGO’s working there, including Trocaire, highlighting their

concerns for the safety of displaced peoples in Colombia. The letter of

reply from Minister Martin is also appended for information.



It was agreed that this be noted and discussed at a future meeting of the

Sub-Committee.





2. Report prepared by the Houses of the Oireachtas Library and Research

Service on the Resources of Parliamentary Human Rights Committees and

National Human Rights Commissions.

It was agreed that this be put down for discussion at a future meeting.







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APPENDIX 5.2 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS





3. Activity Report 2006-2007 from the Irish Centre for Human Rights,

National University of Ireland, Galway.



It was agreed that this be put down for discussion at a future meeting.





Press Cuttings



4. From the Irish Times of Wednesday 5th of November, titled, Human

Rights Body says 24% cut makes it unworkable.



It was agreed that the Chairman would write to the President of the

Commission, Dr. Maurice Manning, to seek his views on the impact of this

budgetary measure on the IHRC and discuss at a future meeting.



5. DISCUSSION WITH MR. PAUL POLANSKY, HEAD OF MISSION AT THE KOSOVO

ROMA REFUGEE FOUNDATION.



The Sub-Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Paul Polansky, Head of Mission at

the Kosova Roma Refugee Foundation concerning allegations of lead poisoning of

Roma families.

A questions and answer session ensued.



In conclusion the Chairman thanked the delegation for their informative presentation

and agreed to write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and request that he use his

influence at every possible level to have this barbaric situation facing the Roma

families addressed immediately.





6. ADJOURNMENT

The Committee adjourned at 1.01 p.m. sine die.

__________________

Senator Ivor Callely

Chairman

16th December 2008









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APPENDIX 5.2 – MINUTES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS





SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Minutes of Meeting Tuesday 16 December 2008





1. The sub-Committee met in Public Session at 3.08 p.m. in Committee Room 4 LH

2000, a quorum being present.





2. MEMBERS PRESENT





The following Members were present:-

Deputy Michael D. Higgins.





Senators Ivor Callely (in the Chair), Mark Daly and David Norris.





Also present was Deputy Joe Costello.





Apologies were received from Deputies M.J. Nolan and Michael Noonan.





3. MINUTES OF MEETING





The Minutes of the meeting of 18th November 2008 were agreed and there were no

matters arising.





4. CORRESPONDENCE

5. HUMAN RIGHTS PRIORITIES FOR 2009:- DISCUSSION WITH JAMES MCINTYRE,

DIRECTOR, HUMAN RIGHTS UNIT, DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

6. ADJOURNMENT





The Committee adjourned at 4.26 p.m. sine die.





__________________

Senator Ivor Callely

Chairman

31st March 2009









82

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ





Imeachtaí



IMEACHTAÍ AN ROGHCHOISTE



PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE



__________________





Déardaoin, 6 Nollaig 2007





Thursday, 6 December 2007



__________________





1. Chruinnigh an Coiste ar 11.05 a.m. 1. The Committee met at 11.05 a.m.





2. COMHALTAÍ I LÁTHAIR. 2. MEMBERS PRESENT.

Bhí na comhaltaí seo a leanas i The following Members were

láthair:- present:-

An Teachta Micheál Ó hUadhaigh (i Deputy Michael Woods (in the Chair),

gCeannas), an Teachta Micheál Ó Deputy Michael Kitt, (Minister of

Ceit (Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Gnóthaí State at the Department of Foreign

Eachtracha), na Teachtaí John Deasy, Affairs), Deputies John Deasy,

Micheál D. Ó hUiginn, M.J. Michael D. Higgins, M.J. Nolan,

Ó’Nualláin, Darragh Ó Briain, Ruairí Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon,

Ó hAnnluain, Alan Shatter agus Liam Alan Shatter and Billy Timmins.

Ó Toimín.









83

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ





APPENDIX 8– IMEACHTAĺ OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE





3. BILLE NA bPASANNA 2007 3. PASSPORTS BILL 2007





Chrom an Coiste ar an mBille a The Committee took the Bill into

bhreithniú. consideration.





(i) Aontaíodh alt 1. (i) Section 1 agreed to.





(ii) Alt nua. (ii) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

D. Ó hUiginn ): Michael D. Higgins ):



“1. In page 4, line 11, after “2004” to insert the

following:



“or the corresponding provision of any statute repealed

by that Act”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

D. Ó hUiginn ): Michael D. Higgins ):



“2. In page 5, line 5, after “Act” to insert the

following:



“and for the purposes of section 18(2) to (5), 19 and 25

includes a passport issued by the Minister before the

commencement of sections 6 and 7 that has ceased to

be valid”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs):





“3. In page 5, between lines 5 and 6, to insert the







84

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

following:

“ “ passport appeals officer” shall be construed in

accordance with section 19;”.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





(iii) Alt nua. (iii) New section.







“4. In page 5, before section 3, to insert the

following new section:





“Service of notices. 3.—Where a notice is required to

be sent or given to a person under this Act, it shall be

addressed to the person concerned by name and may be

sent or given to him or her in one of the following

ways:





(a) by delivering it to the person;





(b) by leaving it at the address at which the person

ordinarily resides or, in a case in which an

address for correspondence relating to the

application for the passport concerned has been

provided to the Minister, at that address;





(c) by sending it by post to the address at which the

person ordinarily resides or, in a case in which

an address for correspondence relating to the

application for the passport concerned has been

provided to the Minister, to that address.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





(iv) Aontaíodh alt 4. (iv) Section 4 agreed to.





(v) Scriosadh alt 5. (v) Section 5 deleted.





(vi) Alt nua. (vi) New section.







85

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Liam Ó Amendment proposed (Deputy Billy

Toimín): Timmins):





“5. In page 5, subsection (1), line 40, to delete “may”

and substitute “shall”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Liam Ó Amendment proposed (Deputy Billy

Toimín): Timmins):





“6. In page 5, between lines 41 and 42, to insert the

following subsection:

“(2) A parent, or a guardian of a child who is an Irish

citizen, and is, subject to this Act, thereby entitled to

be issued with a passport, shall apply for a passport for

that child, to the Minister in accordance with this

section.”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Liam Ó Amendment proposed (Deputy Billy

Toimín): Timmins):





“7. In page 6, subsection (3), line 7, to delete “may”

and substitute “shall”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





(vii) Aontaíodh alt 7. (vii) Section 7 agreed to.





(viii) Alt nua. (viii) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs):









86

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

“8. In page 6, subsection (1), line 39, to delete “is

required” and substitute “are required”.”.







Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





(ix) Aontaíodh ailt 9 agus 10. (ix) Sections 9 and 10 agreed to.





(x) Alt nua. (x) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs):





“9. In page 7, to delete lines 42 and 43 and substitute

the following:





“11.—(1) An applicant for a passport—”.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





(xi) Alt nua. (xi) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Liam Ó Amendment proposed (Deputy Billy

Toimín): Timmins):





“10. In page 9, subsection (1), between lines 1 and 2,

to insert the following:



“(d) a person who is refused a passport under section

12(1)(c)(iii) and, or (iv) shall be informed by the

Minister of the reason or reasons for that refusal,”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Liam Ó Amendment proposed (Deputy Billy

Toimín): Timmins):





“11. In page 9, subsection (1), between lines 1 and 2,









87

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

to insert the following:





“(e)a person who is refused a passport under section

12(1)(c), may at any time make a new

application,”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs ):





“12. In page 9, subsection (1)(e), lines 10 and 11, to

delete “for the issue of a passport concerned” and

substitute “concerned for the issue of a passport”.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

D. Ó hUiginn ): Michael D. Higgins):



“13. In page 9, subsection (2)(a), line 23, after “or” to

insert the following:



“the person does not comply with section

18(5), or”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs ):



“14. In page 9, between lines 26 and 27, to insert the

following subsection:

“(3) Where the Minister refuses to issue a passport to a

person under this section, the Minister shall inform the

person by notice in writing of the decision and the

grounds for the refusal.”.”.









88

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





(xii) Aontaíodh alt 13. (xii) Section 13 agreed to.





(xiii) Alt nua. (xiii) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

D. Ó hUiginn): Michael D. Higgins):





“15. In page 9, subsection (1), line 37, after “child”

to insert the following:

“and, if the father of the child is not a guardian but is

named on the birth certificate of the child, such

father,”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Liam Ó Amendment proposed (Deputy Billy

Toimín): Timmins):





“16. In page 9, lines 39 to 43, to delete subsection

(2).”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Liam Ó Amendment proposed (Deputy Billy

Toimín): Timmins):





“17. In page 10, lines 37 to 43, to delete subsection

(8).”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

D. Ó hUiginn): Michael D. Higgins):



“18. In page 10, between lines 46 and 47, to insert

the following subsection:

“(10) It shall not be lawful for a parent who is a









89

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

guardian of a child to remove the child from the State,

or retain the child outside the State, without the consent

of the other parent, in the absence of an order of a

court, provided that the other parent was named on the

birth certificate or was exercising any care, access or

entitlement in respect of the child during the period of

12 months prior to the removal or retention.”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





(xiv) Aontaíodh alt 15. (xiv) Section 15 agreed to.





(xv) Alt nua. (xv) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

D. Ó hUiginn): Michael D. Higgins):





“19. In page 12, subsection (1), line 9, after “duties”

to insert the following:

“or for related or other purposes in accordance with

generally accepted international practice”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





(xvi) Aontaíodh alt 17. (xvi) Section 17 agreed to.





(xvii) Alt nua. (xvii) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Liam Ó Amendment proposed (Deputy Billy

Toimín): Timmins):





“20. In page 13, subsection (1)(a), line 3, after

“issued” to insert the following:

“and if cancelled under section 12(1)(c)(iii) and, or (iv)

that person shall be informed by the Minister of the

reason or reasons for that cancellation, and that person

at any time may make a new application”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.









90

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Liam Ó Amendment proposed (Deputy Billy

Toimín): Timmins):



“21. In page 13, subsection (1)(c), line 13, after

“section 12(1)(c),” to insert the following:

“and if it falls under subparagraphs (iii) and, or (iv)

that person shall be informed by the Minister of the

reason or reasons for that cancellation, and that person

at any time may make a new application”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Liam Ó Amendment proposed (Deputy Billy

Toimín): Timmins):





“22. In page 13, subsection (1), lines 14 to 18, to

delete paragraph (d).”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs):



“23. In page 13, between lines 24 and 25, to insert

the following subsection:

“(2) Where a passport issued to a person is cancelled

under subsection (1), the Minister shall inform the

person by notice in writing of the cancellation and the

grounds for it.”.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs):





“24. In page 13, lines 40 to 49 and in page 14, lines

1 to 3, to delete subsection (6).”.









91

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





(xviii) Alt nua. (xviii) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs):





“25. In page 14, before section 19, to insert the

following new section:



“Appeals. 19.—(1) A person who, in relation to an

application for the issue of a passport to him or her, is

dissatisfied with a decision of the Minister under

paragraph (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of subsection (1), or

subsection (2), of section 12 may appeal the decision to

a passport appeals officer.



(2) A person who, in relation to the cancellation of a

passport issued to him or her, is dissatisfied with a

decision of the Minister under paragraph (a) (other

than a decision on the ground that the person is not an

Irish citizen), (c), (d), (e) or (f) of section 18(1) may

appeal the decision to a passport appeals officer.



(3) A person who is entitled to apply for the issue of a

passport on behalf of another person under section 6

may appeal a decision of the Minister referred to in

subsection (1) or (2) on behalf of that other person.



(4) The Minister may appoint one or more persons

who, in the opinion of the Minister, have knowledge or

experience relating to the issue of passports, to be a

passport appeals officer (in this Act referred to as “a

passport appeals officer”).



(5) A passport appeals officer shall hold office for a

term of 3 years.



(6) A passport appeals officer shall be paid such

remuneration (if any) and such allowances for expenses

as the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for









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APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

Finance, may from time to time determine.



(7) A passport appeals officer may—



(a) resign from office by letter addressed to the

Minister and the resignation shall take effect on the

date on which the Minister receives the letter,



(b) be removed from office by the Minister but

only if, in the opinion of the Minister, he or she has

become incapable through ill-health of effectively

performing his or her functions under this Act or has

committed stated misbehaviour.



(8) A passport appeals officer shall be independent in

the performance of his or her functions under this Act.



(9) An appeal under this section shall be made in

writing to a passport appeals officer and shall be

accompanied by a statement of the grounds relied on

by the appellant.



(10) The passport appeals officer shall forward a copy

of the appellant’s statement under subsection (9) to the

Minister.



(11) The Minister shall furnish observations in writing

relating to the grounds of appeal to the passport appeals

officer and a copy of such observations to the appellant

concerned.



(12) A passport appeals officer may, in determining an

appeal under this section—



(a) confirm the decision of the Minister, or



(b) recommend that the decision of the Minister

should be set aside,



and he or she shall inform the Minister and the

appellant concerned by notice in writing of his or her

determination and the reasons for it.



(13) Where the Minister does not accept the

recommendation of a passport appeals officer under







93

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

subsection (12)(b), the Minister shall inform the

passport appeals officer and the appellant concerned by

notice in writing and of the reasons for so doing.



(14) An appellant may withdraw an appeal under this

section by sending a notice of withdrawal to the

passport appeals officer.





(15) The Minister may prescribe time limits for the

making and determination of appeals under this section

and such ancillary, supplemental or consequential

matters as may be necessary for giving full effect to

this section.”.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





Tairgeadh leasú ar an leasú a bhí Amendment proposed to the proposed

tairgthe (An Teachta Micheál D. Ó amendment (Deputy Michael D.

hUiginn): Higgins):



“Amendment to Amendment No. 25

1. In the second line of subsection (1), after

“paragraph” to insert “(a),”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú ar an leasú Amendment to the proposed

a bhí tairgthe, faoi chead. amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú ar an leasú a bhí Amendment proposed to the proposed

tairgthe (An Teachta Micheál D. Ó amendment (Deputy Michael D.

hUiginn): Higgins):



“Amendment to Amendment No. 25

2. In the second and third line of subsection (2), to

delete “(other than a decision on the ground that the

person is not an Irish citizen)”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú ar an leasú Amendment to the proposed

a bhí tairgthe, faoi chead. amendment, by leave, withdrawn.









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APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

Tairgeadh leasú ar an leasú a bhí Amendment proposed to the proposed

tairgthe (An Teachta Micheál D. Ó amendment (Deputy Michael D.

hUiginn): Higgins):



“Amendment to Amendment No. 25

3. In the third line of subsection (11), after

“concerned”, to insert “and the appellant shall be

afforded an opportunity to reply thereto”.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú ar an leasú a bhí Amendment to the proposed

tairgthe. amendment agreed to.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

D. Ó hUiginn): Michael D. Higgins):



“26. In page 14, subsection (1)(d), line 21, after

“abroad),” to insert the following:

“otherwise than in circumstances referred to in

subsection (2),”.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





(xix) Alt nua. (xix) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs):





“27. In page 15, subsection (1)(b), line 43, to delete

“that data” and substitute “those data”.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





(xx) Aontaíodh ailt 21 go 25, go huile. (xx) Sections 21 to 25, inclusive,

agreed to.





(xxi) Alt nua. (xxi) New section.









95

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs):





“28. In page 17, between lines 14 and 15, to insert

the following subsection:

“(3) An application to the Minister for the issue of a

passport to a person made before the commencement of

sections 6 and 7 that was not determined before that

commencement shall, on that commencement, be

deemed to be an application for the issue of a passport

to the person under this Act and this Act shall apply to

the application accordingly.”.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





Tairgeadh leasú ar an leasú a bhí Amendment proposed to the proposed

tairgthe (An Teachta Micheál D. Ó amendment (Deputy Michael D.

hUiginn): Higgins):



“Amendment to Amendment No. 28

1. In the fifth line of subsection (3), after

“accordingly”, to insert the following:

“; and a passport issued before the commencement of

sections 6 and 7 shall not be deemed invalid solely on

the grounds that it was not issued under any express

power conferred by an enactment”.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú ar an leasú Amendment to the proposed

a bhí tairgthe, faoi chead. amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





(xxii) Aontaíodh alt 27. (xxii) Section 27 agreed to.





(xxiii)An Teideal. (xxiii) Title.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta, Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

Ó Ceit, Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Michael Kitt, Minister of State at the

Gnóthaí Eachtracha): Department of Foreign Affairs):









96

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

“29. In page 3, lines 6 and 7, to delete “ON THE

AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNMENT”.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





Aontaíodh an Teideal, mar a Title, as amended, agreed to.

leasaíodh.





4. ATHLÁ. 4. ADJOURNMENT.



Chuaigh an Coiste ar athló ar The Committee adjourned at 2.35 p.m.

2.35 p.m. sine die. sine die.









IMEACHTAÍ AN ROGHCHOISTE



PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE



__________________





Dé Máirt, 11 Márta 2008





Tuesday, 11 March 2008



__________________





1. Chruinnigh an Coiste ar 4.35 p.m. 1. The Committee met at 4.35 p.m.





2. COMHALTAÍ I LÁTHAIR. 2. MEMBERS PRESENT.









97

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

Bhí na comhaltaí seo a leanas i The following Members were

láthair:- present:-





An Teachta Micheál Ó hUadhaigh (i Deputy Michael Woods (in the Chair),

gCeannas), an tAire Gnóthaí Deputy Dermot Ahern, (Minister for

Eachtracha, na Teachtaí Seán Foreign Affairs), Deputies Seán

Ardachaidh, John Deasy, Micheál D. Ardagh, John Deasy, Michael D.

Ó hUiginn, M. J. Ó’Nualláin, Darragh Higgins, M.J. Nolan, Darragh

Ó Briain, Nollaig Ó Floinn agus O’Brien, Noel O’Flynn and Rory

Ruairí Ó hAnnluain. O’Hanlon.



3. BREITHNIÚ AR MHEASTACHÁIN I 3. CONSIDERATION OF ESTIMATES FOR

GCOMHAIR SEIRBHÍSÍ POIBLÍ. PUBLIC SERVICES.



Bhreithnigh an Coiste an Meastachán seo a The Committee considered the

leanas i gcomhair Seirbhísí Poiblí don following Estimate for Public Services

bhliain dar críoch an 31 Nollaig 2008 – for the year ending 31st December

2008 –



Vóta 28 (Oifig an Aire Gnóthaí Vote 28 (Office of the Minister

Eachtracha) (Meastachán for Foreign Affairs)

Forlíontach). (Supplementary Estimate).



Críochnaíodh an breithniú ar an Consideration of the Estimate was

Meastachán. concluded.



Cuireadh teachtaireacht chun na Dála á Message sent to the Dáil acquainting

chur in iúl di gur chríochnaigh an Coiste a it that the Committee had completed

its consideration of the Estimate.

bhreithniú ar an Meastachán.







4. ATHLÁ. 4. ADJOURNMENT.





Chuaigh an Coiste ar athló ar 5.25 The Committee adjourned at 5.25 p.m.

p.m.









98

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ







IMEACHTAÍ AN ROGHCHOISTE



PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE



__________________





Dé Máirt, 17 Meitheamh 2008





Tuesday, 17 June 2008





__________________





1. Chruinnigh an Coiste ar 3.36 p.m. 1. The Committee met at 3.36 p.m.





2. COMHALTAÍ I LÁTHAIR. 2. MEMBERS PRESENT.





Bhí na comhaltaí seo a leanas i The following Members were

láthair:- present:-





An Teachta Micheál Ó hUadhaigh (i Deputy Michael Woods (in the Chair),

gCeannas), an tAire Gnóthaí Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy

Eachtracha, an Teachta Peadar de Paor Peter Power (Minister of State at the

(Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Gnóthaí Department of Foreign Affairs),

Eachtracha), na Teachtaí Seán Deputies Seán Ardagh, John Deasy,

Ardachaidh, John Deasy, Proinsias Ó Frank Fahey, Michael D. Higgins,

Fathaigh, Micheál D. Ó hUiginn, M. J. M.J. Nolan, Darragh O’Brien, Rory

Ó’Nualláin, Darragh Ó Briain, Ruairí O’Hanlon, Alan Shatter, Billy

Ó hAnnluain, Alan Shatter, Liam Ó Timmins and Dan Neville.

Toimín agus Dónall Ó Niaidh.





An Teachta Dónall Ó Niaidh i Deputy Dan Neville attended

láthair de bhun Bhuan-Ordú 90 (3). pursuant to Standing Order 90(3).



3. BREITHNIÚ AR MHEASTACHÁIN I 3. CONSIDERATION OF ESTIMATES FOR

GCOMHAIR SEIRBHÍSÍ POIBLÍ. PUBLIC SERVICES.



Bhreithnigh an Coiste an Meastachán seo a The Committee considered the

leanas i gcomhair Seirbhísí Poiblí don following Estimate for Public Services

bhliain dar críoch an 31 Nollaig 2008 – for the year ending 31st December







99

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

2008 –



Vóta 28 (Oifig an Aire Gnóthaí Vote 28 (Office of the Minister

Eachtracha) (Meastachán for Foreign Affairs) (Revised

Athbhreithnithe). Estimate).



Críochnaíodh an breithniú ar an Consideration of the Estimate was

Meastachán. concluded.







4. AN CRUINNIÚ AR FIONRAÍ. 4. MEETING SUSPENDED.

Ordaíodh: An Cruinniú a chur ar Ordered: That the meeting be now

fionraí anois go dtí 5.23 p.m. suspended until 5.23 p.m.





Cuireadh an Cruinniú ar fionraí dá réir The Meeting was accordingly

sin ar 5.21 p.m. suspended at 5.21 p.m.





__________________





Ar 5.23 p.m. athchromadh ar an The Meeting was resumed at 5.23 p.m.

gCruinniú.







5. AN CRUINNIÚ AR FIONRAÍ. 5. MEETING SUSPENDED.

Ordaíodh: An Cruinniú a chur ar Ordered: That the meeting be now

fionraí anois go dtí 6.00 p.m. suspended until 6.00 p.m.





Cuireadh an Cruinniú ar fionraí dá réir The Meeting was accordingly

sin ar 5.45 p.m. suspended at 5.45 p.m.





__________________





Ar 6.00 p.m. athchromadh ar an The Meeting was resumed at 6.00 p.m.

gCruinniú.







6. BREITHNIÚ AR MHEASTACHÁIN I 6. CONSIDERATION OF ESTIMATES FOR

GCOMHAIR SEIRBHÍSÍ POIBLÍ. PUBLIC SERVICES.



Bhreithnigh an Coiste an Meastachán seo a The Committee considered the

leanas i gcomhair Seirbhísí Poiblí don following Estimate for Public Services

bhliain dar críoch an 31 Nollaig 2008 – for the year ending 31st December









100

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

2008 –



Vóta 29 (Comhar Idirnáisiúnta) Vote 29 (International Co-

(Meastachán Athbhreithnithe). operation) (Revised Estimate).



Críochnaíodh an breithniú ar an Consideration of the Estimate was

Meastachán. concluded.



Cuireadh teachtaireachtaí chun na Messages sent to the Dáil acquainting

Dála á chur in iúl di gur chríochnaigh it that the Committee had completed

its consideration of the Estimates.

an Coiste a bhreithniú ar na

Meastacháin.





7. ATHLÁ. 7. ADJOURNMENT.





Chuaigh an Coiste ar athló ar 6.47 The Committee adjourned at 6.47 p.m.

p.m.









IMEACHTAÍ AN ROGHCHOISTE



PROCEEDINGS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE



__________________





Déardaoin, 11 Nollaig 2008





Tuesday, 11 March 2008



__________________





1. Chruinnigh an Coiste ar 11.04 a.m. 1. The Committee met at 11.04 p.m.





2. COMHALTAÍ I LÁTHAIR. 2. MEMBERS PRESENT.





Bhí na comhaltaí seo a leanas i The following Members were

láthair:- present:-









101

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

An Teachta Micheál Ó hUadhaigh (i Deputy Michael Woods (in the Chair),

gCeannas), an Teachta Michael Kitt Deputy Michael Kitt, (Minister of

(Aire Stáit ag an Roinn Gnóthaí State at the Department of Foreign

Eachtracha), na Teachtaí John Deasy, Affairs), Deputies John Deasy,

Micheál D. Ó hUiginn, M.J. Nolan, Michael D. Higgins, M.J. Nolan,

Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon, Darragh O’Brien, Rory O’Hanlon,

Alan Shatter agus Billy Timmins. Alan Shatter and Billy Timmins.





3. PASSPORTS BILL 2007. 3. PASSPORTS BILL 2007.





Chrom an Coiste ar an mBille a The Committee took the Bill into

bhreithniú. consideration.





(i) Aontaíodh alt 1. (i) Section 1 agreed to.





(ii) Alt nua. (ii) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

D. Ó hUiginn): Michael D. Higgins):



“2. In page 3, before section 2, to insert the following

new section:





‘2.—The Principal Act is amended by substituting the

following for section 39:





“Definitions 39.—In this Part–

(Part VIII).

‘organisation to which this Part applies’

means an international organisation,

community or body standing designated

for the time being by order under

section 40 of this Act;



‘Vienna Convention’ means the Vienna

Convention on Diplomatic Relations

done at Vienna on the 18th day of

April, 1961, the text of which in the

English language is set out for

convenience of reference in the First







102

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

Schedule to this Act”.’.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Aontaíodh an t-alt. Section agreed to.





(iii) Aontaíodh ailt 3 go 5, go huile. (iii) Sections 3 to 5, inclusive, agreed

to.





(iv) Alt nua. (iv) New section.





Tairgeadh leasú (An Teachta Micheál Amendment proposed (Deputy

D. Ó hUiginn): Michael D. Higgins):



“3. In page 4, before section 6, to insert the following

new section:





‘6.—Every order made under Part VIII immediately

before the passing of this Act is hereby confirmed

save to the extent that such order has been revoked

prior to that date’.”.





Tarraingíodh siar an leasú, faoi chead. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.





Tairgeadh leasú (An tAire Gnóthaí Amendment proposed (Minister for

Eachtrach): Foreign Affairs):



“4. In page 4, to delete lines 42 to 45 and substitute

the following:





‘ “50.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), every order

under this Part in force immediately before the passing

of the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities

(Amendment) Act 2005 shall have statutory effect as if

it were an Act of the Oireachtas.



(2) The following orders are revoked:



(a) the INTELSAT (Designation of Organisation and

Immunities of Organisation and its Officers

and Employees) Order 1972 (S.I. No. 39 of







103

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

1972) (amended by INTELSAT (Designation of

Organisation and Immunities of Organisation

and its Officers and Employees)

(Amendment) Order 1993 (S.I. No. 191 of

1993));



(b) the European Telecommunications Satellite

Organisation (Eutelsat) (Designation and

Immunities) Order 1993 (S.I. No. 193 of

1993); and



(c) the European Radio Communications Office

(Privileges and Immunities) Order 1994 (S.I.

No. 186 of 1994)”.’.”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





Aontaíodh an t-alt, mar a leasaíodh. Section, as amended, agreed to.





(v) Aontaíodh alt 7. (v) Section 7 agreed to.





(vi) An Teideal. (vi) Title.





Tairgeadh leasú (An tAire Gnóthaí Amendment proposed (Minister for

Eachtracha): Foreign Affairs):





“5. In page 3, line 8, after ‘1967’ to insert ‘AND TO

PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS’. ”.





Aontaíodh an leasú. Amendment agreed to.





Aontaíodh an Teideal, mar a Title, as amended, agreed to.

leasaíodh.









104

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ

Cuireadh teachtaireacht chun na Dála Message sent to the Dáil acquainting it

á chur in iúl di gur chríochnaigh an

Coiste a bhreithniú ar an mBille um that the Committee has completed its

Chaidreamh agus Díolúine consideration of the Diplomatic

Taidhleoireachta (Leasú) 2005 agus Relations and Immunities

go ndearna sé leasuithe air agus gur

(Amendment) Bill 2005 and has made

leasaigh sé an teideal ionas gurb é seo

a leanas a bheidh ann:- amendments thereto and has amended

the title to read as follows:-

ACHT DO LEASÚ AN ACHTA UM AN ACT TO AMEND THE DIPLOMATIC

CHAIDREAMH AGUS DÍOLÚINE RELATIONS AND IMMUNITIES ACT 1967

TAIDHLEOIREACHTA 1967 AGUS DO AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED

DHÉANAMH SOCRÚ I DTAOBH NITHE MATTERS.

GAOLMHARA.







4. ATHLÁ. 4. ADJOURNMENT.



Chuaigh an Coiste ar athló ar The Committee adjourned at 2.35 p.m.

2.35 p.m. sine die. sine die.









105

APPENDIX 6 – IMEACHTAÍ









106

APPENDIX 7 – INFORMAL MEETINGS



APPENDIX 7



INFORMAL MEETINGS WITH AMBASSADORS

AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED VISITORS





Number Date Name of Delegation/Individual

th Fr Joe Turay

1 13 November 2007

Director of the Fatima Institute in Sierra Leone

Mr. José Giron Sierra

2 14th November 2007

President of Instituto Popular de Educación, Colombia

Parliamentary Delegation

3 14th November 2007

House of Representatives of Uruguay

Israeli Members of Knesset, Palestinian Political Activists

th

4 19 November 2007 and Glencree Centre for Peace & Reconciliation

Representatives.

Mr Victor Attwood

5 20th November 2007

Deputy Mayor, Ipswich City, Australia

Ms. Louise Arbour,

6 22nd November 2007

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba,

7 27th November 2007

Mexican Permanent Representative to the UN

Mrs. Hamida Labidi

8 27th November 2007

Ambassador of Tunisia.

H.E. Mr. Zerihun Retta Shumye

9 28th November 2007

Ambassador of Ethiopia

29th November H.E. Mr. Taeyong Cho,

10

2007 Ambassador of the Republic of Korea

H.E. Amr M. K. Helmy

11 29th November 2007

Ambassador of Egypt

Mr Thomas Hammarberg

12 29th November 2007

Council of Europe, Commissioner for Human Rights,

th

13 13 December 2007 Turkish Parliamentary Delegation

Mr Richard Ryan

14 18th December 2007

Irish Ambassador to Netherlands

H.E. Dr Zion Evrony

15 10th January 2008

Ambassador of Israel

H.E. Mr Ferenc Jári

16 16th January 2008

Ambassador of Hungary

H.E. Mr Emil Savoy Yalnazov

17 16th January 2008

Ambassador of Bulgaria

Ms Tirana Hassan, Somalian Politician

18 25th January 2008

and Mr Ross Duffy Head of Medicins Sans Frontiers

H.E. Mr Tran Quang Hoan

19 30th January 2008

Ambassador of Vietnam









107

APPENDIX 7 – INFORMAL MEETINGS

st

20 31 January 2008 H.E. Tadeusz Szumowski

Polish Ambassador

and

Polish Parliamentary Delegation

H.E. Mr. Zerihun Retta Shumye

21 7th February 2008

Ambassador of Ethiopia

H.E. Ebrahim Rahimpour

22 13th February 2008

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Mr Salih Mahmoud Osman

23 14th February 2008

Darfur human rights lawyer

H.E. P.S. Raghavan

24 15th February 2008

Indian Ambassador

H.E. Dr Zion Evrony

25 26th February 2008

Ambassador of Israel

H.E. Mr Tran Quang Hoan

Ambassador of Vietnam

th

26 10 March 2008 and

Mr Nguyen Tan Dung

Vietnamese Prime Minister

27 8th April 2008 Parliamentary Delegation from Algeria

H.E. Dr Zion Evrony

28 10th April 2008

Ambassador of Israel

H.E. Dr. Walter Hagg

29 23rd April 2008

Ambassador of Austria

H.E. Zerihun Retta Shumye

30 24th April 2008

Ambassador of Ethiopia

Mrs Kesang Yangki Takla

31 29th April 2008 Northern European Representative for His Holiness the

Dalai Lama

Colombian Human Rights Delegation supported by The

32 15th May 2008

Latin American Solidarity Centre

International Parliamentary Delegation for the Banning of

Cluster Munitions

33 27th May 2008 and

Mr Tony D’Costa

Pax Christi

H.E. Amr Helmy

th Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Ireland

34 28 May 2008

and

Egyptian Delegation

H.E. Mr Veselko Grubisic

35 5th June 2008

Ambassador of Croatia

Dr. Mehdi Safari

36 26th June 2008

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister

Dr Christopher J. Elias MD, MPH

37 1st July 2008 President and Chief Executive of Program for

Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH)

th H.E. Mr Aleksandr Mikhnevich

38 10 July 2008

Ambassador of Belarus to Ireland









108

APPENDIX 7 – INFORMAL MEETINGS



39 15th July 2008 H.E. Tesfamichael Geratu

Ambassador of Eritrea

and

Mr Joe Geoghegan, Honorary Consulate to Jordan

H.E. Liu Biwei

40 16th July 2008

Ambassador of China

Timothy M. Kaine

41 17th July 2008

Virginian Governor

Ms Beverly McGovern and Shane Downer

42 18th July 2008

International Adoption Association

H.E. Catherine Muigai Mwangi

43 24th July 2008

Ambassador of Kenya

Zerihun Retta Shumye

44 28th July 2008

Ambassador of Ethiopia

Front Line Defenders

45 1st September 2008

Re Human Rights situation in Uzbekistan

H.E. Amr Helmy

46 5th September 2008

Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Ireland

The Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the

47 9th October 2008 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and

Development (OECD) Peer Review Team

H.E. Robert Jan Henri Engels

48 12th November 2008

Ambassador of The Netherlands to Ireland

49 18th November 2008 Ugandan Delegation of Clerks

H.E. Ambassador Mercedes Rico

50 25th November 2008

Ambassador of Spain

51 25th November 2008 Dóchas Launch of a new information service

H.E. Mr. Øyvind Nordsletten

52 27th November 2008

Ambassador of Norway









109

APPENDIX 8 – CONFERENCES ATTENDED AND TRAVEL UNDERTAKEN







APPENDIX 8



JOINT COMMITTEE

CONFERENCES ATTENDED AND TRAVEL ABROAD

UNDERTAKEN BY MEMBERS









110

APPENDIX 8 – CONFERENCES ATTENDED AND TRAVEL UNDERTAKEN





JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS





Visit Date Destination Meeting / Conference Delegates

Number

Visit by the Chairman of the Joint Committee

8th & 9th November 07 on Foreign Affairs to the EU Seminar on Africa Dr. Michael Woods, T.D., Chairman

01 Lisbon

entitled: “Strengthening Euro-Africa Mr. Michael Baylor, Policy Advisor

Partnerships: The Role of Parliaments”.

Participation in “Parliamentarians in the Field”

by Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

11th – 16th November 07 organised by the Parliamentary Network on the Mr. John Deasy, T.D.

02 Cambodia

World Bank (PNoWB), the Consultative group

on International Agriculture Research (CGIAR)

and the World Bank.

Attendance by Chairman of the Joint Committee

26th November 2007 on Foreign Affairs at the Briefing Session for Dr. Michael Woods, T.D., Chairman

03 Brussels

Parliamentarians on Policy Coherence for Mr. Michael Baylor, Policy Advisor

Development.

Participation in “Parliamentarians in the Field”

by Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

2nd – 7th December 2007

04 Niger organised by the Parliamentary Network on the Senator Dominic Hannigan

World Bank (PNoWB) and the World Bank.









111

APPENDIX 8 – CONFERENCES ATTENDED AND TRAVEL UNDERTAKEN

Attendance by Chairman of the Joint Committee

on Foreign Affairs at the Slovenian EU

Presidency Seminar on Africa, ‘The Role of

New EU Member States in EU-Africa Dr. Michael Woods, T.D., Chairman

05 27th – 28th February 2008 Brussels Development Policy’ organised by AWEPA Mr. Denis McKenna, Official

together with the European Parliament, the

International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI)

and the Society for International Development.

(SID)

Visit by delegation of the Joint Committee on Dr. Michael Woods T.D., Chairman

Foreign Affairs to Israel and Palestine following Dr. Rory O’Hanlon T.D., Vice Chairman

invitations extended by Mr. Tzachi Hanegbi, Mr. Michael D. Higgins T.D.

2nd – 7th March 2008

06 Israel & Palestine MK, Chairman of the Foreign and Defence Mr. Alan Shatter T.D.

Committee of the Knesset and by Ambassador Mr. Sean Ardagh T.D.

Hikmat Ajjuri on behalf of the Palestinian Senator Mark Daly

Government. Mr. Michael Baylor, Policy Advisor

Attendance by the Chairman of the Joint

Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Conference

17th – 18th March 2008 Dr. Michael Woods, T.D., Chairman

07 Slovenia of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairpersons of

Mr. Paul Kelly, Clerk to the Committee

the EU Member States, the European Parliament

and the Parliaments of the Candidate Countries.

Attendance by Chairman of the Joint Committee

13th – 15th April 2008 Dr. Michael Woods, T.D., Chairman

08 Doha on Foreign Affairs at the 8th Doha Forum on

Mr. Michael Baylor, Policy Advisor

Democracy, Development and Free Trade.









112

APPENDIX 8 – CONFERENCES ATTENDED AND TRAVEL UNDERTAKEN

Visit by Chairman of the Joint Committee on Dr. Michael Woods T.D., Chairman

09 18th – 21st June 2008 Bulgaria Foreign Affairs to Bulgaria following invitation Dr. Rory O’Hanlon T.D., Vice Chairman

extended by Mr. Solomon Passy, Chairman, Mr. Paul Kelly, Clerk to the Committee

Foreign Affairs Committee, Bulgarian National

Assembly.

Attendance by Chairman of the Joint Committee

on Foreign Affairs at the European Parliament

Committee on Foreign Affairs 10th Joint

meeting with Committees on Foreign Affairs

Dr. Michael Woods, T.D., Chairman

25th – 26th June 2008 and Defence Policy of the Parliaments of EU

10 Brussels Mr. Denis McKenna, Official

Member States. [25th June]

Attendance by Chairman of the Joint Committee

on Foreign Affairs at the Joint Committee

meeting on the European Union and

Development Cooperation. [26th June]

Attendance by the Chairman of the Joint

20th – 22nd July 2008 Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Conference Dr. Michael Woods, T.D., Chairman

11 Paris

of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairmen. Mr. Paul Kelly, Clerk to the Committee

(COFACC)

Dr. Michael Woods T.D., Chairman

Mr. Sean Ardagh T.D.

Field trip by delegation of the Joint Committee

26th – 30th October 2008 Senator Dominic Hannigan

12 Malawi on Foreign Affairs to Malawi to examine the

Senator Ann Ormonde

Irish Aid Programme.

Ms. Émer Deane, Policy Advisor

Mr. Michael Gaffey, DDG, Irish Aid









113

APPENDIX 8 – CONFERENCES ATTENDED AND TRAVEL UNDERTAKEN

Attendance by the Chairman of the Joint

20th – 22nd November 2008 Committee on Foreign Affairs at the 8th Annual

13 Paris Dr. Michael Woods T.D., Chairman

Conference of the Parliamentary Network on

the World Bank. (PNoWB)

Attendance by the Chairman of the Joint

2nd – 4th December 2008 Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Dr. Michael Woods, T.D., Chairman

14 Oslo

Parliamentary Forum on Cluster Munitions Mr. Paul Kelly, Clerk to the Committee

organised by the Norwegian Parliament.









114

APPENDIX 9 – JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

WORK PROGRAMME 2009



JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS



WORK PROGRAMME



2009

1. BACKGROUND



The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs was established following an order of the Dáil on

23rd October 2007 (as amended by 14th November 2007) and of the Seanad on 24th October

2007. Standing Orders of both Houses require that



“As soon as may be following its appointment and thereafter at annual intervals, each Select

Committee shall prepare a work programme and shall lay such programme before Dáil

Éireann.” (S.O. 86(4) [Dáil] and S.O. 74(4)[Seanad])





2. ORDERS OF REFERENCE



Paragraph (2) (a) of the Order of Dáil Éireann of 23rd October 2007 (as amended by 14th

November 2007) and paragraph (1) (a) of the Order of Seanad Éireann of 24th October 2007,

empowers the Joint Committee to consider—



“(i) such public affairs administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs as it may

select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that

Department;



(ii) such matters of policy for which the Minister for Foreign Affairs is officially

responsible as it may select;



(iii) such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are partly or

wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by Members of

the Government or by the Oireachtas;









115

APPENDIX 9 – JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

WORK PROGRAMME 2009







(iv) such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and laid before

both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;



(v) such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it

from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 70(4);



(vi) the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister for

Foreign Affairs pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act

1997, and for which the Joint Committee is authorised for the purposes of Section

10 of that Act;



(vii) such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid

before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs

1(i) and (iii), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and

corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select;



Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such

a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the

Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or

the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993;



Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session,

or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by

the body concerned or by the Minister for Foreign Affairs;



(viii) such aspects of Ireland’s international relations as it may select;



(ix) such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses

of the Oireachtas, and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.



Provided that any consideration by the Joint Committee, or a sub-Committee, of security

issues relating to Northern Ireland shall be in private session and the provisions of Standing

Order 86 shall apply.” Accordingly, the items listed in this Work Programme will be

considered by the Joint Committee within the parameters defined by the Orders of Reference

of the Joint Committee, as amended from time to time.









116

APPENDIX 9 – JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

WORK PROGRAMME 2009





3. OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY



The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs is committed to making a constructive contribution

to the committee system in the Houses of the Oireachtas and to continuing to assert the

proper oversight and accountability role of the Legislature in respect of the Executive. It will

endeavour to do this by properly exercising the functions and powers which have been

conferred on it by both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.





4. FLUIDITY OF WORK PROGRAMME



The general items listed for consideration in this Work Programme are not in any order of

priority. The Joint Committee will decide on individual items for review in light of its

assessment of a particular need during the year. The Joint Committee is of the opinion that to

accord a strict priority and agree a timetable for consideration of the various items would

impose too rigid a structure and would not enable the Joint Committee to respond to evolving

events during the year. In response to a particular evolving event or an urgent unforeseen

matter, it shall, if it deems it necessary to do so, amend this Work Programme to include

further items or delete or revise existing items for consideration.



The Joint Committee has also agreed that, should it not have sufficient time during 2009 to

consider an item detailed in this Work Programme, it may include it in the 2010 Work

Programme should the issue continue to retain its importance and relevance.





5. JOINT COMMITTEE - GENERAL AREAS FOR CONSIDERATION





(A) EU SCRUTINY



In light of the increasing importance and influence of the European Union (EU) on national

affairs and legislative matters, the Joint Committee will give ongoing priority to EU issues

and, in particular, will promptly examine any EU legislative proposal referred to the Joint

Committee by the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny.









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(B) STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS



The Joint Committee will endeavour to monitor Statutory Instruments (SIs) made by the

Minister for Foreign Affairs which are laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and, where

it considers it necessary, will discuss particular SIs and matters arising with the Minister at an

appropriate time.





(C) STRATEGY STATEMENT AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICY DOCUMENTATION



The Joint Committee will endeavour to consider the ongoing progress made by the

Department of Foreign Affairs on its commitments in the strategy statement and other

general related policy documentation (vis. Annual Reports, Corporate Plans, White Paper on

Irish Aid, etc.) relating to the Department’s remit.





(D) OVERSIGHT OF BODIES



The Joint Committee has a remit under its Orders of Reference in respect of, inter alia,

policy matters, annual reports or annual reports and accounts, overall operational results,

statements of strategy and corporate plans of certain bodies as it may select which are listed

in the Addendum attached to this Work Programme.





(E) REFERRAL OF MATTERS BY DÁIL ÉIREANN AND SEANAD ÉIREANN



In addition to those issues detailed in this Work Programme, the Joint Committee may be

required, from time to time, to consider matters referred to it jointly by Dáil Éireann and

Seanad Éireann (e.g. Motions re. International Agreements, Conventions, draft SIs, etc.).





6. JOINT COMMITTEE – SPECIFIC ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION

The Joint Committee intends to review specific major areas of policy falling within the remit

of the Minister for Foreign Affairs as outlined below in this section and in section 5 above.

As part of that process, the Minister (and Departmental officials) may be invited to appear

before the Joint Committee to outline policy decisions/thinking and respond to detailed

questions. Where necessary, the Joint Committee may also seek submissions from the public

and may, if the need arises, engage persons with specialist or technical knowledge to advise

and assist it in its work.







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The Joint Committee will have ongoing periodic follow-up with the Minister (or

Departmental officials as appropriate) on progress made on implementation of

recommendations made in Reports published by the Joint Committee during the 30th Dáil.



The Joint Committee has identified six key areas to which it will designate high priority in

2009. These are as follows:-





The quest for a peaceful, secure and satisfactory political solution to the conflict between

Israel and Palestine and the ongoing situation in the wider Middle East.





The ongoing situation in Zimbabwe





The ongoing situations in Sudan & Chad





The ongoing situation in Sri Lanka





Review of the Ireland Asia Strategy and the Irish Aid Programme in Vietnam





US – Ireland relations





Thematic priorities for the Joint Committee



The Joint Committee decided that, taking account of any or all of its duties and

responsibilities for the year 2009, it would adopt the following thematic priorities:





(i) The plight of Irish citizens abroad





(a) The undocumented Irish in the United States of America

(b) The Irish in Britain





(ii) Irish Development Aid and the achievement of objectives set out in the White

Paper on Irish Aid and in the Hunger Task Force Report.









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(iii) The United Nations





(a) The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

(b) United Nations reform

(c) The situation in Iran





(iv) Non-proliferation and control of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass

destruction (e.g. Iran, India, North Korea)





(v) The situation in South America, with particular reference to the current political

and economic changes taking place there.





(vi) Ireland & EU / Russia relations





In addition, the Joint Committee or its appropriate Sub Committee will examine, as it

deems appropriate, areas of specific concern under the following headings:



A. Irish Aid



 Monitoring the Irish Aid programme, including the recent addition of Vietnam,

Laos and Cambodia, Mozambique and Malawi to the Government’s priority

countries for aid; EU development and humanitarian assistance and relevant

United Nations humanitarian and development programmes and agencies

 Monitoring the Implementation of the Hunger Task Force Report

 Hearing submissions from Non-Governmental Organisations, their umbrella body

Dóchas, and other agencies

 Visiting Ireland Aid priority countries on a phased basis, visits to UN agencies and

EU Conferences dealing with humanitarian and development matters

 Consideration of other development co-operation issues as they arise



B. Human Rights





 Informing itself on human rights abuses globally

 Consultation with relevant United Nations agencies

 Monitoring relevant UN conventions









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 Attendance at relevant conferences dealing with human rights questions

 Hearing submissions from non-governmental organisations and other agencies and

individuals

 Dealing with other human rights issues as they arise





C. Northern Ireland



 Ireland/UK relations,

 Monitoring of the Northern Ireland Peace Process

 Cross Border Co-operation



D.

International Affairs



 Co-operation with International Political institutions

 International Security – efforts to combat international terrorism

 Monitoring of progress towards the Millennium Development Goals

 International arms trade and anti-personnel mines

 International Criminal Court

 North and South America, Central America

 Middle East

 Iraq

 Afghanistan

 India & Pakistan

 North Korea

 South Korea

 Indonesia/East Timor

 Tibet

 Kosovo

 Burma

 Africa: South Africa, Great Lakes Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo,

Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi

 Cuba

 China

 Russian Federation

 Liberia

 Nigeria

 East Timor, Laos and Cambodia

 International relations in general









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D. European



 The external relations of the EU and the EU Security and Defence Policy



 Relations with the acceding and candidate States

 Balkans

 Cyprus/Turkey



In so far as it is possible, the Joint Committee, in conjunction with any sub-Committees

which the Joint Committee may form also hopes to focus its efforts on the following selected

items, in no particular order –



 The ongoing situation in Iraq

 The ongoing situation in Afghanistan

 The ongoing situation in Iran

 The ongoing situation in Pakistan

 The ongoing situation in Kenya

 The ongoing situation in Burma

 The ongoing situation in Turkey vis-à-vis Kurdistan/Northern Iraq and Cyprus

 The ongoing situation in Kosovo

 The ongoing situations in Liberia and Sierra Leone

 The ongoing situation in Lebanon

 The ongoing situation in East Timor

 The ongoing situation in Tibet/China

 The AIDS epidemic

 International Governance

 The International Drug Trade

 International Human Trafficking

 Continuous monitoring of the Official Development Aid budget, the achievement

of objectives as set out in the White Paper on Irish Aid and the expansion of the

Irish Aid programme in general

 Monitoring progress towards achieving the UN development target of 0.7% by

2012

 Corruption: its elimination, particularly as it affects 3rd World Countries;

 Aid/Trade/Debt and the least developed countries

 Ireland’s role in UN Peacekeeping

 Reform of the UN

 Human rights

 and other international Inter-parliamentary groups





Ongoing work of the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank (PNoWB)









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7. TRAVEL



Subject to Standing Order 83(9) [Dáil Éireann] and Standing Order 70(9) [Seanad Éireann],

the Joint Committee may decide, subject to financial, administrative and procedural

constraints, to undertake travel as it considers necessary to further progress the Work

Programme. Such travel may include information seeking visits, attendance at conferences or

meetings, etc. within the remit under the Orders of Reference. Reports will be completed for

all travel undertaken. A list of proposed destinations is appended to this Work Programme.

The list is indicative only and should not be regarded as final.





8. INCOMING PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATIONS



The Joint Committee will meet with incoming Parliamentary Delegations, as required.





9. DÁIL SELECT COMMITTEE – ORDERS OF REFERENCE



Those Members of Dáil Éireann who are Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

also constitute the Membership of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs. In accordance

with paragraph 1(a) of the Order of Dáil Éireann, the Select Committee is appointed to

consider –





“(i) such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department

of Foreign Affairs;





(ii) such Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Foreign

Affairs; and





(iii) such proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the

meaning of Standing Order 159 concerning the approval by the Dáil of

international agreements involving a charge on public funds,

as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.”



The matters referred to the Select Committee will be considered in tandem with the ongoing

work of the Joint Committee but may have a practical effect on the capacity of the Joint

Committee to complete its consideration of the items identified in the Work Programme.







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10. NUMBER AND FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS



Taking account of the resources and facilities available to the Joint Committee on Foreign





Affairs and the commitments of Members, it is anticipated that the Joint Committee will

meet, on average, fortnightly in the course of 2009. The Sub-Committees on Development

Co-operation and Human Rights expect to meet bi-monthly during the course of the year.





In view of the specific functions of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, it is not

possible to anticipate the number of meetings required over the coming 12 months. It is likely

that a minimum of 2 meetings will be required to consider Estimates for the Public Service

relating to the Department of Foreign Affairs.





11. AGREEMENT OF WORK PROGRAMME



This Work Programme for 2009 of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Select

Committee on Foreign Affairs was agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 4th March

2009. In accordance with Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann, it was

agreed that the Work Programme be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas







_______________________

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

4th March 2009.









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ADDENDUM





Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs



 Advisory Board for Irish Aid



 The Development Education Advisory Committee (DEAC)



 Díon Committee



 Ireland-United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright

Commission)









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APPENDIX 1



Possible Travel proposals 1



Egypt Ongoing Invitation from HE Mr. Amr Helmy, Ambassador of Arab

Republic and Egypt





Vietnam Study of the Irish Aid Programme for which a report has been

prepared by the Committee





Czech Republic EU Presidency meeting – Conference of Chairman of Foreign Affairs

Committees (March 2009)





Sweden EU Presidency meeting – Conference of Chairman of Foreign Affairs

Committees (Sept 2009)





United States US-Ireland relations. Possible meetings with Members of the new US

Administration.



Kenya Invitation received from HE Ms. Catherine Muigai Mwangi, Kenyan

Ambassador









1

Travel commitments as at 18th March 2009, subject to change









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