Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2006 > Committee on Foreign Affairs > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, 2005

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

AN COMHCHOISTE UM GHNÓTHAÍ EACHTRACHA

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2005

agus

CLÁR OIBRE 2006

Samhain 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

ANNUAL REPORT 2005

and

WORK PROGRAMME 2006

November 2006

CONTENTS

This is the third annual report of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. I was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 12 November 2002. The present Vice-Chairman is Deputy Michael Mulcahy who was elected on 25^th November 2004.

Meetings of the Joint Committee

The Joint Committee is a very active committee, meeting in public either in its full form or at sub-committee level, approximately once every week. In addition to these meetings the Chairman, alone or sometimes accompanied by some other Members, meets privately with foreign dignitaries or representatives of international organisations who visit the Oireachtas outside normal committee meeting times.

Visits Abroad

The Joint Committee undertakes visits abroad, to gather information on specific subjects, to gain a better understanding of the countries visited, to familiarise members with issues which were unfolding in the country or international organisation visited, and as part of the normal inter-committee exchanges between parliaments or to attend conferences and meetings. In the reporting period, visits ranged over a wide expanse of geographical locations and encompassed a variety of subjects.

The following are some of the visits made by delegations from this Joint Committee;

a) Visit to Israel and Palestine to see the situation on the ground in that region and to meet with parliamentary and Government colleagues on both sides. A full report of that visit is available on the Oireachtas Website. b) A visit to the United States of America (USA) to examine the situation of the Irish ‘undocumented’ immigrants there and the impact of new legislation on their lives. The Joint Committee has been particularly active this year on this subject, helping to raise awareness of the needs of the Irish undocumented in the Oireachtas and lobbying for better treatment for them in the USA. c) Visit to Hong Kong at the invitation of the Chief Executive, Dr Donald Tsang, d) Attendance at the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank Sixth Annual Conference in Helsinki, where we discussed development issues with colleagues in what has become the biggest forum for meeting and exchanging views with Parliamentarians from countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. e) A visit to London and Birmingham where we saw at first hand the great work being done by volunteers and community organisations amongst the elderly and destitute Irish in those cities. Much of this work is funded by the Dion Committee, which also funds work in other Irish overseas communities such as those in New York and Philadelphia. The Joint Committee also met representatives of those communities while in the USA on the visit mentioned at (b) over. (f) A visit to the UN in New York to observe the proceedings of the Mid-Term Review of the Non Proliferation Treaty which is so important for future prospects for world peace and stability. The Joint Committee returned to this subject later in 2005 and will continue to focus on this subject in 2006.

The Joint Committee acknowledges the personal cooperation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D. and Minister of State Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D. at the Department of Foreign Affairs and their staff in the Department, in assisting, planning and organising these visits and in briefing the Members prior to departure.

Focus of the Joint Committee

The Joint Committee, in general reflects the views and concerns of the Irish public. Broadly, the main issues for the Joint Committee are: the immediate cause and consequence of particular events; how Ireland, the EU or the UN can help; the human rights abuses which might have occurred; whether humanitarian assistance is needed and is forthcoming; the relationship of the particular country to Ireland; and the question of strengthening and enlarging our economic and political ties with the country concerned.

The topics are selected from major international political events, requests from other Joint Committee members or from the public, particularly from NGOs. They also arise through the opportunities offered by visits to Ireland of foreign political dignitaries.

The work of the Joint Committee is driven primarily by international events and this fact is normally reflected in its agenda. Countries in conflict and issues of human rights are constant themes. Once again in 2005, the Middle East, including the situation in Iraq and issues related to that conflict, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the crises in Africa including famine and political crisis in Ethiopia and Darfur were discussed. Other important subjects debated and examined included the situation in Iran and North Korea, the Asian Tsunami and Irish relief efforts in the aftermath, the political situation in Cyprus, UN reform for which 2005 was such an important but ultimately disappointing year.

The Committee devoted a considerable amount of time to detailed discussion of subjects with an Irish flavour including the Development Cooperation Ireland aid programme in Timor Leste (East Timor) which will be the subject of a report to be published by the Committee early in 2006 and the Government's plans to reach the UN targets for states' spending on development cooperation (0.7% of GDP). The Joint Committee threw its support behind early implementation of this commitment and was pleased to secure the Government's commitment to a timetable for achieving this important goal by 2012.

Other subjects included, the development of an appropriate pension system for Irish overseas missionaries (which would secure their old age and allow them if they so wished, to remain in the country where they have in many cases spent their lives and where they could continue to make a contribution to the community) and the impact on the poorest peoples of the world of the proposals for reform of world trade rules in the WTO talks in Hong Kong.

Major Issues

The major issues, which continually appear on the agenda of the Joint Committee are countries and regions in conflict and crisis, breaches of human rights, humanitarian disasters and development cooperation, issues pertaining to the EU, the UN and Northern Ireland.

Human Rights

The issue of human rights is one of the central themes of the Joint Committee. This is a principal focus for Members in their examination of many of the countries that come up for discussion. Questions on human rights always arise in respect of countries and regions in conflict or in crisis. In addition, the issue is always addressed when our delegations visit, or incoming delegations arrive from countries which are known to have breached human rights norms.

In recognition of this, a sub-Committee chaired by Senator Paul Bradford, has again been established to deal solely with this subject. The sub-Committee on Human Rights met on 9 occasions in 2005.

Development Cooperation

Development Cooperation has been a central plank of Ireland's foreign policy for a considerable amount of time. It is an area where the Irish public continues to show enormous interest and support. As I mentioned, the Government published in 2005 its plans for reaching the UN target of 0.7% of GDP on development assistance by 2012. The Joint Committee strongly approves of this decision. Government spending on development aid is now already greater than expenditure of all but the top six or seven Government Departments and will increase from €645 million in 2005 to around €1.5billion in 2012 on current projections.

The Joint Committee strongly supports the work of Development Cooperation Ireland, Ireland's official support for effective and enhanced EU development assistance, and its increased involvement in pushing for more effective and co-ordinated UN humanitarian and development assistance. It encourages the Government to expand its priority programmes and is thus very pleased with the addition in 2005 of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos as priority countries for Irish official development assistance.

The Joint Committee believes that the populations in the poorest countries will only be in a position to achieve sustainable development if these countries are democratic, respect the rule of law and human rights and are free from conflict and government corruption. However, it also believes that developed nations and international organisations must in their turn do everything possible to build capacity in these countries so that they will be in a position to take advantage of the opportunities offered by world trade.

In 2005 the Joint Committee undertook a survey of East Timor spanning several meetings and presentations from interested and expert groups. The report will carry recommendations for the next DCI (Irish Aid) country strategy for this country.

Because of the importance of this area of the Joint Committee's work, it too has been given a separate sub-Committee under the Chairmanship of Senator Michael Kitt and met at regular intervals during the year.

The EU

The Joint Committee regularly deals with EU issues which come within its remit (i.e. Common Foreign and Security Policy and European Security and Defence Policy) either directly, when for instance it is discussing Cyprus, or indirectly on most other issues (e.g. the EU policy on the Roadmap for the Middle East or its intended involvement in Iraq). The Joint Committee is also mindful of the negative result in the June 2001 referendum on the Nice Treaty and Members are of the view that the EU's involvement in external issues should be a matter of interest for the Oireachtas and the Irish Public. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs is an enthusiastic supporter of EU enlargement and it believes that, in addition to the benefits for the countries concerned as well as the Member States, enlargement will greatly strengthen Europe democratically, culturally, economically and in terms of security.

The UN

The UN also features in many of the debates at Joint Committee meetings. The discussions and negotiations leading towards the meeting in September on UN reform were the subject of several formal and informal meetings of the Committee. The Joint Committee was disappointed with much of the outcome of September's meeting, such as the failure to re-invigorate the Non-Proliferation Treaty, failure to agree on structural reform of the UN institutions and decision processes and a weak re-commitment to the Millennium Development Goals.

Reflecting Ireland's traditional interest, particularly in the area of international peacekeeping and development assistance, the Joint Committee pays special attention to the role of the UN in humanitarian crisis areas and conflict situations. The Joint Committee supports the goals of the UN reform including UN commitments such as the UN Millennium Development Goals and recognises the central role, which the UN must continue to play in international affairs. The Joint Committee is strongly of the view that the UN should remain the central organisation through which matters of international peace and security would be addressed and acted upon.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has the greatest resonance for the members of the Joint Committee. There is an ongoing desire to be kept informed of developments in relation to political progress. However, because of the political sensitivities, the Joint Committee refrains from engaging in public debate on the issue while negotiations are ongoing between the two Governments and the political parties in Northern Ireland. The Joint Committee, nevertheless, meets on occasions to discuss certain aspects of the Northern Ireland situation with a view to being helpful to the continuing peace process.

Concluding Comments

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs comprises both Government and Opposition Members. It therefore provides a broad and independent Oireachtas view on the key issues which arise in Ireland's international relations and foreign affairs. It has come under enormous pressure in recent years because of Ireland's greatly increased role in international affairs. Our historic involvement in Africa through our missionaries, NGOs, business, sporting and cultural interests and Departmental staffs has given us a special position from which to support and participate in economic and social developments in African states. This is true also in many other parts of the world. People see how Ireland has developed rapidly to rank among the wealthiest nations in the world and they want to emulate this achievement. We are pleased to assist them in whatever way possible in their own development.

We greatly appreciate the excellent and highly professional support provided to the Committee by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., his Minister of State for Development Cooperation, Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D., and the Secretary General, Mr. Dermot Gallagher and his staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs.

We would also like to record the Joint Committee's appreciation for the excellent and most valuable contribution of Mr. Ronan Murphy, Director General and his officials in Irish Aid in assisting us with our work. We are grateful to the many NGO's, Missionaries and others for their co-operation and assistance in the work of the Joint Committee.

We also acknowledge the hard work and dedication throughout the year of our own Committee secretariat staff.

In 2006 the Joint Committee will continue to focus its work on priority areas. We have included Africa and the UN/NPT and WTO among those. We expect 2006 to be another busy year as the pace of international change and exchange continues to increase and as Ireland continues its development of deeper relations with other countries around the world.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

21^st November 2006

Members of the Joint Committee

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 84 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Dáil Éireann) and Standing Order 69 (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 7^th February 2006, the Joint Committee agreed that all these items should be included in this annual report.

2. Establishment and Functions

The Dáil Select Committee was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 16 October 2002 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.

The Dáil Select Committee under the same Order was enjoined with a Select Committee of Seanad Éireann, established by Order of Seanad Éireann of 17 October 2002, 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.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Deputy Michael Woods was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 12 November 2002. The present Vice-Chairman is Deputy Michael Mulcahy who was elected on 25^th November 2004. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Tony Dempsey and Michael D. Higgins 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.

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.

1. The Joint Committee agreed at its meeting on 18 December 2002 to create a sub-Committee on Development Co-operation to consider such aspects of
   1. Ireland's relations with developing countries in the field of development co-operation, trade and debt;
   2. the Government's official Development Assistance Programme; and
   3. the role of the United Nations in the field of development co-operation

   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-Committee are set out in Appendix 1(A). The Members of the sub-Committee are set out in Appendix 2.1.

   
   

   At its first meeting on 13 February 2003, the sub-Committee elected Senator Michéal P. Kitt as Chairman.

   
   
2. The Joint Committee agreed at its meeting on 18 December 2002 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 from Dáil Éireann and 3 from Seanad Éireann. The Members of the sub-Committee are set out in Appendix 2.2. The Orders of Reference of the sub-Committee are set out in Appendix 1(B)

At its first meeting on 27 February 2003, the sub-Committee elected Senator Paul Bradford as Chairman and Senator Paschal Mooney as Vice-Chairman.

5. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee, Select Committee and sub-Committee(s) 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: 01-6183000, email:foreignaffairs@oireachtas.ie. A list of these reports is set out at Paragraph 9.

6. Number and Duration of Meetings

In 2005 the Joint Committee met on 23 occasions. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 35 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 3.

The sub-Committee on Development Co-operation met on 5 occasions during the year and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 3 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in Appendix 3.1.

The sub-Committee on Human Rights met on 9 occasions during the year and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 10 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in Appendix 3.2.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 2 occasions during 2005 and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 3 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in Appendix 4.

Minutes of the proceedings of the Joint Committee and its sub-Committees meetings held in public session are attached at Appendix 5.

7. Work of the Committee

7.1 Joint Committee

The Joint Committee met and it dealt with the following matters:

• Aid for the victims of the Tsunami of 26^th December 2004
• The Free the Miami Five campaign
• The Agreement on Agriculture and European Free Trade Areas Agreements (EPAs).
• The White Paper on Development Cooperation
• Ireland's role in UN Peacekeeping and Reform of the UN
• Relations between of Serbia & Montenegro and Ireland
• The Reform of the UN Security Council and the Non Proliferation Treaty
• Irish Missionaries abroad
• Irish people leaving in the UK.
• The Millennium Development Goals for ODA
• Social Welfare provisions and pension matters relating to returning Missionaries
• Overseas Development Aid matters
• Work Programme 2006
• Project Timor Leste
• Relations between the Faroe Islands and Ireland
• Relations between Ireland and Australia
• WTO Negotiations
• Relations between Ireland and Cyprus
• Motion on Iraq
• Non Proliferation Treaty
• Opposition by Mid-West Alliance against the War to the use of Shannon Airport by U.S. military.

A copy of the Joint Committee's Work Programme for 2006 is at Appendix 8.

7.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 2 occasions the Dáil Select Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• 2005 Revised Estimates for Public Services – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Co-operation).
• Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005.

7.3sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

On the 5 occasions that it met, the sub-Committee on Development Co-operation dealt with the following matters:-

• The White Paper on Overseas Development Aid
• Debt relief in the context of the institutions such as the IMF and World Bank
• World Debt and Development
• The work of “Friends of the people of Mongu”
• Global corruption

7.4 sub-Committee on Human Rights

On the 9 occasions that it met, the sub-Committee on Human Rights dealt with the following matters:-

• The work of the Irish Human Rights Commission and discussion of report ‘Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in Irish Society’
• The work of the Immigrant Council of Ireland and discussion of report ‘Voices of Immigrants – The Challenges of Inclusion’
• Presentation by Amnesty International on the Death penalty and Human Rights
• Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D., M.E.P. on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2004 and the EU's policy on the matter to the sub-Committee on Human Rights of the European Parliament.
• Issues relating to Mr. Roger Collins, prisoner on death row in Georgia, U.S.A
• Presentation by Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas
• Presentation by the Irish Centre for Human Rights
• Presentation by the Human Rights Consortium, Belfast
• Presentation by Dr. Maurice Manning, President of the Irish Human Rights Commission on their Annual Report for 2004

8. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

In 2005, the Joint Committee met with the following organisations, groups and individuals:

• Trocaire
• Concern
• GOAL
• Irish Red Cross
• Irish National Campaign seeking Justice for the Miami Five
• Comhlámh Action Network
• Mr. Conor Lenihan, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs
• President Marovic of Serbia & Montenegro
• Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D
• Irish Missionary Resource Service
• Federation of Irish Societies, UK.
• A delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Faroe Islands
• A delegation from the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade of the Australian Parliament
• Officials from Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
• Mr. Colin Roche of Oxfam and Trade Matters
• Officials from Department of Social and Family Affairs
• Irish Missionaries Union.
• President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Tassos Nikolaou Papadopoulos
• MAMA (the Midwest Alliance against the War)
• Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs

The sub-Committee on Development Co-operation met with the following groups and individuals –

• Officials from the Department of Finance
• Representatives of Debt and Development Coalition
• Mr. Alan Kerins of “Friends of the people of Mongu”
• Transparency International Ireland

The sub-Committee on Human Rights met with the following groups and individuals –

• Dr. Maurice Manning, President of Irish Human Rights Commission
• Ms Denise Charlton and Ms Catherine Cosgrove of the Immigrant Council of Ireland
• Amnesty International
• Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D., M.E.P.
• Mr. Billy Colbert and Mr. Aidan O'Leary (Mr. Roger Collins Death Penalty Case)
• Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas
• Irish Centre for Human Rights
• Mr. Noel Tracey T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs
• The Human Rights Consortium, Belfast

In addition to the formal meetings of the Joint Committee, the Chairman also had a series of meetings [over 30] on behalf of the Joint Committee during the year, including meetings with Ambassadors and other distinguished visitors, incoming delegations and individuals. Details are set out on Appendix 6.

9. Reports

9.1 Joint Committee Reports

During the year under report, the Joint Committee published the following reports:

• Report of the Conference of Chairpersons of Development Co-operation Committees of EU Parliaments and of the Candidate States
• Reaching United Nations 0.7% Target for Official Development Assistance by 2010
• EU Scrutiny Report Number 1.

9.2 Work in Progress

• The Committee has also agreed to undertake a report on Timor Leste which will be published in 2006.

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 7.

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 2006.

Appendix 1

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

ORDERS OF REFERENCE

Dáil Éireann on 16^th October 2002 ordered:

1. 1. 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 such -
      
      1. Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs;
      2. Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs; and
      3. Proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 157 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.

      
      
   2. For the purpose of its consideration of Bills and proposals under paragraphs (1)(a)(i) and (iii), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 81(1), (2) and (3).
   3. For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 90(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. 1. 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 -
      
      1. such public affairs administered by the Department Foreign Affairs as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that Department;
      2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Foreign Affairs is officially responsible as it may select;
      3. 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;
      4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
      5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 81(4);
      6. 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 the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
      7. such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 2(a)(i) and (iii), and the overall operational results, statemen ts 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;

         
         
      8. such aspects of Ireland's international relations as it may select; and
      9. 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 91 shall apply.

      
      
   2. 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.
   3. The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 81(1) to (9) inclusive.
   4. 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:
      1. Members of the European Parliament elected from constituencies in Ireland (including Northern Ireland);
      2. members of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; and
      3. at the invitation of the Joint Committee or of a sub-Committee, as appropriate, other Members of the European Parliament.
3. The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.”.

Seanad Éireann on 17^th October 2002 (*23 October 2002) ordered:

1. 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 –
      
      1. 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;
      2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Foreign Affairs is officially responsible as it may select;
      3. 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;
      4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
      5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 65(4);
      6. 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 the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
      7. such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 1(a)(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 Foreign Affairs;

      
      
      8. such aspects of Ireland's international relations as it may select; and
      9. 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 81 shall apply.

   
   
   2. 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.
   3. The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 65(1) to (9) inclusive.
   4. 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:
      
      1. Members of the European Parliament elected from constituencies in Ireland (including Northern Ireland);
      2. members of the Irish delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; and
      3. at the invitation of the Joint Committee or of a sub-Committee, as appropriate, other Members of the European Parliament.
2. The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.

Appendix 1(A)

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Order establishing the sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

Orders of Reference

Ordered on 18^th December 2002

“That-

1. A sub-Committee (to be called the sub-Committee on Development Co-Operation) be established to consider such aspects of
   
   1. Ireland's relations with developing countries in the field of development co-operation, trade and debt;
   2. the Government's official Development Assistance Programme; and
   3. the role of the United Nations in the field of development co-operation

   as the sub-Committee may select or as may be referred to it by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs.

   
   
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The sub-Committee shall have all the powers of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs namely, those contained in Standing Order 81 (Dáil) and in Standing Order 65 (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.”

Appendix 1(B)

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Order establishing the sub-Committee on Human Rights

ORDERS OF REFERENCE

Ordered on 18^th December 2002

“That-

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The sub-Committee shall have all the powers of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs namely, those contained in Standing Order 81 (Dáil) and in Standing Order 65 (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.”

Appendix 2

Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

List of Members

Deputies:

Michael Woods (Chairman) (FF)

Michael Mulcahy (Vice-Chairman) (FF)

Bernard Allen (FG)

Pat Carey (FF)

Joe Costello (Lab)

Noel Davern (FF)

Tony Dempsey (FF)

Bernard J Durkan (FG)

Tony Gregory (Ind)

Michael D. Higgins (Lab)

Liz O'Donnell (PD)

Senators:

Paul Bradford (FG)

Michael Kitt (FF)

Paschal Mooney (FF)

David Norris (Ind.)

Mary O'Rourke (FF)

Brendan Ryan (Lab)

Appendix 2.1

sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

List of Members

Deputies:

Bernard Allen (FG)

Tony Dempsey (FF)

Michael D. Higgins (Lab)

Michael Mulcahy (FF)

Liz O'Donnell (PD)

Senators:

Michael Kitt (FF) (Chairman)

Brendan Ryan (Lab)

Appendix 2.2

sub-Committee on Human Rights

List of Members

Appendix 3

Meetings of the Joint Committee of Foreign Affairs

Appendix 3.1

Meetings of the sub-Committee on Development Co-Operation

Appendix 3.2

Meetings of the sub-Committee on Human Rights

Appendix 4

Meeting of the Dáil Select Committee on Foreign Affairs

Appendix 5

Minutes of the Proceedings of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 18^th January 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.08 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Noel Davern, John Ellis*, Tony Dempsey, Bernard Durkan, Tony Gregory, Michael Mulcahy and Ruairí Quinn.

Senators Cyprian Brady**, Paul Bradford, Paul Coghlan***, Geraldine Feeney****, Paschal Mooney, David Norris and Mary O'Rourke.

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Allen, Michael D. Higgins, Liz O'Donnell and Senator Michael Kitt.

*In substitution for Deputy O'Donnell.

** In substitution for Senator Kitt.

*** In substitution for Senator Bradford for part of meeting

**** In substitution for Senator Mooney for part of meeting

Also in attendance Deputy Finian McGrath

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 December 2004 were agreed.

4.Discussion with representatives from Trocaire, Concern, GOAL and the Irish Red Cross in relation to aid for the victims of the Tsunami.

The Committee heard presentations from Mr. Tom Arnold and Mr. Howard Dalzell, Concern; Mr. Justin Kilcullen, Trócaire; Mr. John O'Shea, GOAL; and Mr. David Andrews and Ms Carmel Dunne, Irish Red Cross. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session with Committee members.

Arising from the presentations it was agreed to write to Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister of State, Department of Foreign Affairs to seek clarification on the status of funding for the Overseas Aid Budget in the wake of the Tsunami disaster.

In private session

The Joint Committee met in Private Session at 4.25 p.m.

5.Discussed in Private session

6.Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

1^st February 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 1^st February 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.02 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Noel Davern, Tony Dempsey, Bernard Durkan, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Liz O'Donnell.

Senators Paul Coghlan*, Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney, Terry Leyden** and David Norris.

Apologies were received from Deputy Ruairí Quinn

*In substitution for Senator Paul Bradford

** In substitution for Senator Mary O'Rourke

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 1^st February 2005 were agreed.

4. Discussed in Private session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

8. Discussed in Private session

9. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

15^th February 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 15^th February 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.00 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Bernard Durkan, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Liz O'Donnell.

Senators Paul Bradford, Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney, David Norris and Mary O'Rourke.

Apologies were received from Deputies Tony Dempsey, Michael Mulcahy and Ruairí Quinn.

Also in attendance Deputies Finian McGrath and Aengus O'Snodaigh.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 1^st February 2005 were agreed.

4. Presentation by Irish National Campaign seeking Justice for the Miami Five

The Chairman welcomed representatives of the Irish National Campaign seeking Justice for the Miami Five to the meeting. The delegation included Ms. Eleanor Lanigan, Chairperson, Mr. Simon McGuinness, Secretary and Mr. Mark McEvoy. Ms. Lanigan made some introductory remarks and Mr. McGuinness made a presentation to the Committee.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session with the members during which Mr. McGuinness, Ms. Lanigan and Mr. McEvoy answered members' questions. In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses on behalf of the Committee for the presentation and discussion.

In private session

The Joint Committee met in Private Session at 3.20 p.m.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

March 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 2^nd March 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 11.37 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Tony Dempsey, Tony Gregory.

Senators Paul Bradford, Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney, David Norris, Terry Leydon (in substitution for Mary O'Rourke), and Brendan Ryan.

Apologies were received from Deputies Michael D Higgins, Liz O Donnell and Ruairí Quinn.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 15^th February 2005 were agreed.

4. Discussed in Private session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

8. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

22^nd March 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 22^nd March 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.06 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Tony Dempsey, Bernard Durkan, Tony Gregory, and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Michael Kitt and Brendan Ryan.

Deputy Barry Andrews attended in substitution for Deputy Pat Carey.

Apologies were received from Deputies Michael D. Higgins and Ruairí Quinn and Senators Paul Bradford and David Norris.

Also in attendance Deputy Eamonn Ryan

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd March 2005 were agreed.

4. Discussion with representatives from Comhlámh in relation to The WTO - 10 Years On, The Agreement on Agriculture and European Free Trade Areas Agreements (EPAs).

The Chairman welcomed representatives of Comhlámh to the meeting. The delegation included Mr. John Slattery, Mr. Conall O'Caoimh and Ms. Carol Doyle. Mr. Slattery and Mr. O'Caoimh made a presentation to the Committee.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session with the members during which Mr. Slattery, Mr. O'Caoimh and Ms. Doyle answered members' questions. In conclusion, the Chairman thanked the witnesses on behalf of the Committee for the presentation and discussion.

5. Any Other Business

Motion regarding the position of cases of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian trainee doctor under sentence of death in Libya.

The Chairman referred to a meeting he had with the Bulgarian Ambassador during which she had requested the Committee's support for the early release of five Bulgarian nurses who were convicted of deliberately infecting up to 400 Libyan children with the HIV Virus. The Committee agreed a motion of support. The text of the motion is appended to these minutes.

Visit of a Chinese Parliamentary delegation.

It was agreed to meet the delegation at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday 5^th April.

Awepa Parliamentary Conference on Peace in the Great Lakes Region, Nairobi from 14^th to 16^th April. It was agreed to send a delegation of up to two members.

EU Scrutiny – It was agreed to note the Correspondence.

6. Adjournment

As there was no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 3.18 p.m. until Tuesday 5^th April at 2.30 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

19^th April 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 19^th April 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.05 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Tony Dempsey, Michael Mulcahy and Liz O'Donnell.

Senators: Paul Bradford, Michael Kitt, David Norris, Brendan Ryan and Mary O'Rourke.

Apologies were received from Deputy Rúairí Quinn.

3. Discussed in Private session

4. Discussed in Private session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

April 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 26^th April 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.10 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Michael Mulcahy, and Liz O' Donnell.

Senators Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney, David Norris and Mary O'Rourke.

Apologies were received from Deputies Michael D. Higgins, Noel Davern, Bernard Durkan and Rúairí Quinn and Senator Paul Bradford.

3. Discussion with Mr. Conor Lenihan, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs on the White Paper on Development Co-operation.

The Chairman welcomed the Minister and his officials, Frank Sheridan, Ronan Murphy, Ronan Corvin, John Morohan and Brendan Rogers. The Chairman made brief introductory remarks on the subject matter under discussion. He then invited the Minister of State to make his presentation.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session with members during which, in response to questions, the Minister undertook to submit specified statistical projections from now to 2012. He also undertook to come back before the Committee following the Development Cluster meeting in May.

4. Discussed in Private session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

May 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 10^th May 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.05 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Tony Dempsey, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Paul Bradford, Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney and Mary O'Rourke.

Apologies were received from Deputies Noel Davern, Bernard Durkan and Rúairí Quinn.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 26^th April were agreed.

4. Discussion with Mr. John Deady, UN Director, Department of Foreign Affairs

The Chairman welcomed Mr. John Deady, UN Director, Department of Foreign Affairs to the meeting to bring the Members up to-date on Ireland's role in UN Peacekeeping and Reform of the UN.

Mr. Deady made a brief presentation which was followed by a question and answer session in which Mr. Deady answered members' questions.

In Private Session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

8. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

May 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 21^st June 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 11.09 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Durkan, Pat Carey.

Senator Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputies Michael D Higgins, Tony Dempsey, Liz O Donnell, and Senator David Norris.

3. Discussion with President Svetozar Marović of the Federal Government of Serbia & Montenegro and Mr. Predrag Ivanović, Minister for International Economic Relations

The Chairman welcomed President Marović and Minister Ivanović and following a brief introduction he invited the President to make an address to the Committee. Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions from Members.

The meeting continued in private session.

4. Discussed in Private session

5. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

June 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 28^th June 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.38 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Tony Dempsey, Deputies Michael D Higgins, Michael Mulcahy and Liz O Donnell.

Senators Michael Kitt, Mary O'Rourke, Paschal Mooney, David Norris and Brendan Ryan.

Apologies were received from Deputy Ruairí Quinn.

3. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 21 June 2005 were agreed.

4. Discussion with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., on the Reform of the UN Security Council and on the Non Proliferation Treaty

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Dermot Ahern TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and thanked him for addressing the Committee on the Reform of the UN Security Council and on the Non Proliferation Treaty.

He invited the Minister to make his presentation following which the Chairman invited questions from Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister.

In Private session

5.Discussed in Private session

6.Discussed in Private session

7.Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

June 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 12^th July 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.35 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Noel Davern, Tony Dempsey, Michael D Higgins, Michael Mulcahy and Liz O Donnell.

Senators Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney, David Norris, Mary O Rourke and Brendan Ryan.

Deputy Pat Breen attended in substitution for Deputy Bernard Durkan. Deputies Donie Cassidy and John McGuinness attended in part-substitution for Deputy Pat Carey and Noel Davern respectively.

Senator Paddy Burke attended in substitution for Senator Paul Bradford. Senators Terry Leyden and Kieran Phelan attended in part-substitution for Senators Michael Kitt and Paschal Mooney respectively.

Senator Timmy Dooley was also in attendance.

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Durkan and Ruairí Quinn.

3. Motion on Terror Bombings in London

The Chairman proposed the following motion.

‘The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the deceased and to those who were injured and to the British people, following the appalling terrorist bombings in London on Thursday 7^th July’

The motion was unanimously agreed.

4. Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 28^th June 2005 were agreed.

Arising from the Minutes it was agreed to request the Minister for Foreign Affairs to send a local Irish Representative to the forthcoming trial of Ezra Yizhak, in November, on assault related charges and that letters should be also sent to the Israeli Ambassador and the Israel Prosecution Service expressing the Committee's concern at the development.

The meeting continued in public session.

5. Presentation by the Irish Missionary Resource Service

The Chairman welcomed the delegation from the Irish Missionary Union, Mr. Mike Greally, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Séamus O' Gorman and Sr. Ursula Sharpe and from the Irish Missionary Resource Service, Fr. Joe Cantwell, Sr. Miriam Duggan and Sr. Rita Kelly to the meeting.

He invited Mr. Greally and Fr. Cantwell to make some opening comments following which the Chairman invited questions from Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the delegation.

The meeting suspended at 3.51 p.m. and resumed in public session at 3.57 p.m.

6. Presentation by the Federation of Irish Societies.

The Chairman welcomed the delegation from the Federation of Irish Societies. The delegation included Ms. Eithne Rynne, Director, Ms Ann Gould, Administrator and Ms. Marie Gaffney, Vice-Chair. The Chairman invited Ms. Rynne to make some opening comments following which the Chairman invited questions from Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the delegation.

The Joint Committee met in Private Session at 4.52 p.m.

7. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

19^th July 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 19^th July 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.35 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Noel Davern, Bernard Durkin, Tony Gregory, Michael D Higgins, Liz O'Donnell and John McGuinness (in substitution for Tony Dempsey).

Senators Michael Kitt, Paul Bradford, Mary O'Rourke and Francis O'Brien (in substitution for Paschal Mooney).

Deputy Finian McGrath and Senator Terry Leyden were also in attendance.

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Allen, Ruairí Quinn and Senator Paschal Mooney.

3. Minutes of the previous meeting

Before dealing with the minutes the Chairman proposed a motion expressing the sympathy of the Committee to the Whelan Family on the death of their daughter Tara as a result of the terrorist bombings in Kusadasi, Turkey. The proposal was agreed.

The minutes of the meeting of 12^th July were agreed.

Deputy Michael D. Higgins proposed that the Committee should call on the Government to use its influence with others and respond to the urgent position of the people of Niger who are threatened with famine. The proposal was agreed.

4. Report – Official development assistance target of 0.7% of GNP by 2010

The Chairman introduced a draft report for the Committee's consideration. The report called on the Government to commit to reaching the official development assistance target of 0.7% of GNP by 2010. Following discussions the report was agreed.

Following further discussion the following motion was proposed:

‘That the Joint Committee

1. formally adopts the report entitled ‘Reaching United Nations 0.7% Target for Official Development Assistance by 2010’;
2. Endorses its recommendations and conclusions;
3. Calls on the Government to reach the UN target of 0.7% by 2010 as outlined in the report and the date to be announced by the Taoiseach at the forthcoming review summit;
4. Requests the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs to provide a considered response to all matters raised in the report; and
5. Calls on the Government to set aside sufficient time on the resumption of both Houses to allow for a debate on the report in each House.’

The motion was put and unanimously agreed.

5. Discussion on Social Welfare provisions for returning Missionaries

The Chairman reminded Members of earlier discussions on this issue and proposed to invite Officials of the Department of Social and Family Affairs to address the Committee on resumption of the Committee following the summer break. The proposal was agreed.

The meeting continued in private session.

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

20^th September 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 20^th September 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.03 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Noel Davern, Tony Dempsey, Tony Gregory and Liz O Donnell.

Senators Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney and Mary O'Rourke.

Deputy Pat Breen attended in substitution for Deputy Bernard Allen.

Senator Geraldine Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Mooney for part of the meeting.

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Allen, Michael D. Higgins, Ruairí Quinn and Senator David Norris.

3. Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 19^th July were agreed.

Arising from the minutes it was agreed to invite officials of the Department of Social and Family Affairs to address the Committee in November on the question of pension entitlements for returning missionaries.

The Chairman paid tribute to Mr Simon Wiesenthal who had passed away on 19^th September.

4. Report of the visit to Palestine and Israel

The draft Report of the visit to Palestine and Israel was circulated to members. Following a brief discussion it was agreed that Members would submit any amendments in advance of the next meeting at which time the final report would be submitted for agreement.

5. Discussion on Overseas Development Aid

The Chairman introduced this item. He reminded the meeting of the Committee's report which had been sent to Government in July. He broadly welcomed the new Government commitment.

Following discussion there was general consensus in favour of the revised targets and it was agreed to meet with the Minister of State as early as possible.

6. Discussion on the Committees Work Programme

It was agreed to meet with officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs to discuss Timor Leste and also to meet with a delegation of Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Faroe Islands at the next Committee meeting.

It was also agreed to seek a meeting with the Department to discuss the five year review of the Non-Proliferation treaty.

It was agreed that the Committee should look at the development programme in Vietnam and Laos in the new year.

In Private Session – The meeting continued in private session at 2.47 p.m.

7. Discussed in Private session

8. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

27^th September 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 27^th September 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.05 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Tony Dempsey and Tony Gregory.

Senators Michael Kitt and Paschal Mooney.

Deputy Olivia Mitchell attended in substitution for Deputy Bernard Durkan.

Senator Terry Leyden attended in substitution for Senator Mary O'Rourke. Senator Geraldine Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Mooney for part of the meeting.

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Durkan, Michael D. Higgins, Ruairí Quinn and Senator David Norris.

3. Minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting of 20^th September were agreed. There were no matters arising.

4. Discussion with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs re. draft report on Project Timor Leste

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Noel White, Counsellor with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Damien Boyle, James McIntyre and Michelle Ryan to the meeting to discuss the development programme for Timor Leste.

Mr. White made a presentation to the Committee. Following the presentation the Chairman invited questions from Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the officials.

The meeting continued in private session at 2.53 p.m.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

8. Discussed in Private session

The Joint Committee resumed in public session at 3.04 p.m.

9. Discussion with a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Faroe Islands

The Chairman welcomed Members of the Faroe Islands Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mr Johan Dahl, Chairman, Mr Óli Breckmann, Vice Chairman, Mr John Johannessen, Mr Kristian Magnusssen, Mr. Hergeir Nielsen and Mr Jenis av Rana and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Fisheries and Industry Mr. Alfred Olsen, Vice Chairman, Mr. Tórbjørn Jacobsen and Ms. Heidi Petersen.

Following a discussion the Chairman thanked the delegation.

10. Any other business

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 4.00 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

18^th October 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 18^th October 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.00 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins, Michael Mulcahy, Liz O'Donnell and Rúairí Quinn

Senators Michael Kitt and Mary O'Rourke

Deputy Olivia Mitchell attended in substitution for Deputy Bernard Durkan

Senator Paul Coghlan attended in substitution for Senator Paul Bradford and Senator Don Lydon attended in substitution for Senator Mooney.

Apologies were received from Senators Paul Bradford, Paschal Mooney and David Norris.

3. Revised Agenda.

The Chairman explained that the Committee had been scheduled to meet with Mr. Conor Lenihan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs. However, an extraordinary meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels was called at short notice to discuss the forthcoming WTO round in Hong Kong and the crisis in Pakistan and Kashmir following the recent earthquake. The Minister of State sent his apologies and said he would be available to the Committee at the next available opportunity.

4. Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 27^th September were agreed. There were no matters arising.

5. Motion on the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Corruption

A motion, tabled by Deputy Michael D. Higgins on the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Corruption was formally moved by Deputy Higgins and seconded by Deputy Ruairí Quinn.

The text of the motion read as follows:

“That the Foreign Affairs Committee urge the Irish Government to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Corruption, to prepare the necessary legislation for its implementation at home, and to give support towards the implementation of the Convention as an international legal instrument as early as possible in view of the urgency that attaches to this matter and its central role in Development Policy“

Deputy Higgins spoke on the motion followed by other Committee Members. The Motion was unanimously agreed. The Committee agreed that copies of the motion would be laid before the Houses and a copy will be forwarded to the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Justice Equality and Law Reform for their response.

The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.40 p.m.

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 2.50 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman.

25^th October 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 25^th October 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 3.08 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Michael D. Higgins, Michael Mulcahy and Liz O'Donnell.

Senators Paul Bradford and Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputy Ruairí Quinn.

3. Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 18^th October were agreed.

Matters arising: Deputy Michael D. Higgins advised the Committee that the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Corruption, which it had been understood required EU ratification prior to individual member state ratification was now superseded in that France and Hungary had ratified the Convention in advance of the EU. Accordingly, there was no impediment to Irish ratification and it understood that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will bring forward proposals to this effect.

The Committee suspended at 3.10 p.m. until 3.14 p.m.

4. Discussion with a delegation from the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade of the Australian Parliament.

The Chairman welcomed the delegation from the Australian Parliament, Senator Alan Ferguson – Committee Chairman, Mr. Kerry Bartlett, M.P., Senator Andrew Bartlett, Senator Ursula Stephens, Senator Gavin Marshall, Mr. Philip Barresi, M.P. and Mr. Elton Humphrey, Secretary to the Delegation. Following a discussion with Committee members the Chairman thanked the delegation.

5. Any other business

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 4.16 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

8^th November 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 8^th November 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 3.06 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney, David Norris and Mary O'Rourke.

Senator Geraldine Feeney attended in substitution for Senator Paschal Mooney for part of the meeting.

Apologies were received from Deputies Noel Davern, Liz O'Donnell and Rúairí Quinn.

3. Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 25^th October were agreed. There were no matters arising.

4. Discussion with Concern on their work in Timor Leste

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Pete Baynard-Smith, Concern's Regional Director in Asia to the meeting. The meeting was informed that the Committee wrote to Concern in September asking for details of Concern's work in Timor Leste and had received a response in October. The Chairman thanked Mr. Baynard-Smith on behalf of the Committee for this response. The purpose of the discussion was to explore the response and to enquire whether there are any matters which Concern believes could be addressed by the Joint Committee in the context of the Committee's report on Timor Leste which is under preparation. Mr. Baynard-Smith made a brief presentation following which he answered Members' questions.

5. Millennium Development Goals: Discussion with Mr. Conor Lenihan TD Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Chairman welcomed Minister of State Conor Lenihan and his officials Mr. George Harnett, Brendan Rogers, John Morohan, Noel Purcell-O'Byrne and Gerard Considine to the meeting.

Before commencing his presentation the Minister of State read a statement concerning the recent unrest in Ethiopia.

In addition to the planned discussion on overseas development aid the Minister of State also addressed the Committee on the forthcoming 6^th WTO Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong.

6. Motion on the Non Proliferation Treaty

The Chairman called on Deputy Mulcahy to speak on the submitted motion. Deputy Mulcahy did not move the motion but addressed the issues set out in it. In conclusion it was agreed to seek a meeting with the Minister and to obtain a detailed brief on the specific issues raised in the motion. It was agreed to revisit this as early as possible before Christmas.

The Joint Committee met in private session at 5.40 p.m.

7. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 5.36 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

15^th November2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 15^th November 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.16 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins, Michael Mulcahy and Liz O'Donnell.

Senators Paschal Mooney and David Norris.

Deputy Charlie O'Connor attended in substitution for Deputy Noel Davern.

Apologies were received from Deputy Bernard Allen and Senators Paul Bradford and Michael Kitt.

3. Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 8^th November were agreed. There were no matters arising.

4. Discussion with Officials of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment on the forthcoming 6^th WTO Ministerial meeting

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Tony Joyce and Mr. Frank Doheny of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the meeting and thanked them for submitting a comprehensive brief. Mr. Joyce made a brief presentation following which he and Mr. Doheny answered Members' questions. The Chairman thanked the witnesses.

The Committee suspended at 3.10 p.m. for 1 minute and resumed in Public Session

5. Discussion with Mr. Colin Roche of Oxfam and Trade Matters

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Colin Roche (of Oxfam), Ms. Maeve Taylor, (of Banulacht), Mr. Conall O'Caoimh, (of Comhlamh) who represent ‘Trade Matters’ a coalition of development NGOs and Trade Unions. Mr. Roche made a brief presentation following which he, along with Ms. Taylor and Mr. O'Caoimh answered Members' questions. The Chairman thanked the witnesses.

At the conclusion of the debate it was agreed to write to Minister Micheál Martin and to Minister Dermot Ahern asking that they make efforts to ensure that the development agenda is prioritised in the Irish negotiating position during the Hong Kong talks.

The Joint Committee met in private session at 4.04 p.m.

6. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 4.08 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

22^nd November 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 22^nd November 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.12 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Tony Dempsey, Bernard Durkan, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Michael Kitt and David Norris.

Senator Don Lydon attended in substitution for Senator Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Senator Paul Bradford.

3. Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 15^th November were agreed subject to an amendment to the attendance list to record the apologies of Deputy Bernard Allen. There were no matters arising.

4. Discussion with Officials of the Department of Social and Family Affairs on the provision of Pensions for Returning Missionaries.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Anne Vaughan, Ms. Siobhan Lawlor, Mr. Tom Whelan and Mr. Paul Cunningham from the Department. Following introductions the Chairman invited Ms. Vaughan to make a presentation.

Following the presentations the Chairman opened the discussion to the Members.

In conclusion it was agreed to establish a working group to examine the issue further. It was agreed that the working group would consist of selected Members of the Committee as well as officials of the Department of Social and Family affairs and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

5. Discussion with representatives of the Irish Missionaries Union.

The Chairman welcomed Fr. Gerry Murphy of the Missionaries of Africa (M. Africa) and Sr. Margaret Quinn of the Medical Missionaries of Mary. Both witnesses made introductory remarks and the Chairman invited questions from Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses.

The Committee met in Private session at 3.40 p.m.

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

The Committee adjourned at 3.46 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

6^th December 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 30^th November 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 11.50 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Dr. Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Noel Davern, Tony Dempsey, Bernard Durkan and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Paul Bradford, David Norris and Brendan Ryan

Deputy Charlie O'Connor also attended the meeting.

3. Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 22^nd November were agreed.

4. Discussed in Private session

The Committee adjourned at 12.34 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

6^th December 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 6^th December 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 1.08 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

Deputy Charlie O'Connor attended in substitution for Deputy Tony Dempsey.

Senators Michael Kitt and David Norris.

Senators Joe McHugh and Eamon Scanlon attended in substitution for Senators Paul Bradford and Paschal Mooney respectively.

Apologies were received from Deputy Noel Davern and Senator Mary O'Rourke.

3. Minutes of the previous meetings

The minutes of the meeting of the 22^nd and 30^th November were agreed.

4. Motion on Iraq

The motion, in the names of Senator Norris and Deputy Higgins was moved by Senator Norris.

An amendment was moved by Deputy Michael Mulcahy.

Following discussion the Committee suspended at 2.19 pm. On resumption the Committee agreed the text of a further amendment and the Motion as amended was agreed.

The text of the motion, as amended, is attached to the minutes.

5. Non Proliferation Treaty: Meeting with Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Rory Montgomery, Political Director and Mr. Adrian McDaid, Director of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Section. Mr. Montgomery made introductory remarks and the Chairman invited questions from Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses.

(private session)

The Committee met in Private session at 3.18 p.m.

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

The Committee adjourned at 3.25 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

6^th December 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 13^th December 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.12 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Tony Dempsey and Bernard Durkan.

Senator Michael Kitt.

Apologies were received from Deputies Michael D. Higgins, Ruairí Quinn and Senator David Norris.

3. Minutes of the previous meetings

The minutes of the meeting of the 6^th December were agreed.

4. Discussion with representatives of Trocaire in relation to Timor Leste.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Sarah McCann of Trocaire to the meeting and invited her to make a presentation. Ms. McCann made introductory remarks and the Chairman invited questions from Members. In conclusion the Chairman thanked Ms. McCann.

(private session)

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

The Committee adjourned at 3.16 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

20^th December 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 20^th December 2005

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 11.34 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Pat Carey, Tony Dempsey, Bernard Durkan, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Paschal Mooney, David Norris and Mary O'Rourke.

Senators Michael Finucane and Kieran Phelan attended in substitution for Senators Paul Bradford and Michael Kitt respectively.

3. Minutes of the previous meetings

The minutes of the meeting of the 13^th December were agreed.

4. Discussion with MAMA (the Midwest Alliance against the War), on Shannon Airport

The Chairman welcomed Ms Mary Kelly, Mr Tim Hourigan, Ms Deirdre Morgan and Mr Edward Horgan to the meeting and invited the group to make a presentation. Mr. Horgan made introductory remarks following which other members of the delegation made contributions. The Chairman then invited questions from Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses.

The Committee met in Private session at 1.45 p.m.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

The Committee adjourned at 1.53 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

24^th January 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

Thursday, 13^th January 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met in private session at 2.05 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Michael Kitt (in the chair), Deputies John McGuinness* and Michael Mulcahy**.

*In substitution for Deputy Tony Dempsey.

**In substitution for Deputy Liz O'Donnell.

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Allen, Tony Dempsey, Michael D. Higgins, Liz O'Donnell and Senator Brendan Ryan.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 4th November 2004 were agreed.

4. Discussion on a contribution to the White Paper on Overseas Development Aid

On foot of the decision of the Joint Committee to request the Sub-Committee to coordinate a contribution to the White Paper on Overseas Development Aid, members were circulated with a copy of a draft schedule for the completion of the White Paper.

It was agreed to discuss the matter once the advertisement was published and to consider making a submission at that time. It was also agreed to look at the possibility of appointing a rapporteur from within the Sub-Committee to assist in compiling a submission.

5. Work Programme for 2005

The work programme was agreed with one amendment. It was agreed that the Sub-Committee closely monitors the delivery of the aid programme to those worse affected by the Tsunami.

6. Any other Business

The meeting was adjourned at 2.08 p.m. sine die.

Senator Michael Kitt

Chairman

10^th February 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

Thursday, 10^th February 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met in public session at 12.04 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputy Tony Dempsey (in the chair), Deputies Charlie O'Connor*, Michael D. Higgins and Senator Brendan Ryan.

*In substitution for Deputy Michael Mulcahy.

Apologies were received from Deputy Bernard Allen and Senator Michael Kitt.

Deputy Dempsey chaired the meeting, as Senator Kitt was unable to attend due to a family bereavement. Deputy Dempsey and the other members present extended their sympathies to Senator Kitt.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2005 were agreed.

4.Discussion re debt relief in the context of the institutions such as the IMF and World Bank with Department of Finance Officials

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Bob Bradshaw of the Department of Finance and Ms Paula Slattery of the Department of Foreign Affairs to the meeting. The Committee heard a presentation from Mr. Bradshaw. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session with the members during which Mr. Bradshaw answered members' questions.

Following this the Chairman invited Ms. Slattery to make a brief presentation which was followed by a further question and answer session with the members.

The Chairman thanked the witnesses on behalf of the Committee for a very useful briefing and discussion.

5.Any other Business

There been no other business the meeting was adjourned at 1.31p.m. sine die.

Senator Michael Kitt

Chairman

April 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

Thursday, 28^th April 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met in public session at 12.11 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Michael Kitt (in the chair), Deputy Bernard Allen and Senator Brendan Ryan.

Apologies were received from Deputy Tony Dempsey.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2005 were agreed.

4. Discussion with representatives of the Debt and Development Coalition

The Chairman welcomed Ms Jean Summers and Mr. Michael O Sullivan of the Debt and Development Coalition and invited them to make their presentations. The two presentations focused on debt issues including proposals on Ireland's role, as well as Ireland's Participation in the IMF and the World Bank.

Following the presentations the Chairman opened the discussion and invited questions from Members.

5. Any other Business

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

Senator Michael Kitt

Chairman

June 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

Thursday, 22^nd June 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met in public session at 12.19 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Michael Kitt (in the chair), Deputies Tony Dempsey and Michael D. Higgins.

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Allen, Michael Mulcahy and Liz O'Donnell.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 28^th June 2005 were agreed.

4. Discussion with Mr Alan Kerins of ‘Friends of Mongu’.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Alan Kerins to the Sub Committee to talk to us about his work with the ‘Friends of Mongu’

The Committee suspended at 12.41 p.m. until 1.27 p.m. due to a vote in the Dáil Chamber.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion and invited questions from Members.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Kerins for his presentation.

5. Any other Business

As there was no other business the meeting was adjourned at 1.43 p.m. sine die.

Senator Michael Kitt

Chairman

12^th October 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

Thursday, 12^th October 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met in private session at 10.05 a.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000.

The Sub-Committee met in public session at 10.08 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Michael Kitt (in the chair), Deputies Bernard Allen, Tony Dempsey and Michael D. Higgins.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd June 2005 were agreed.

4. Presentation by Transparency International.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. David Murray, Deputy Chairman of Transparency International UK and Mr. John Devitt, Acting Chief Executive of Transparency International (Ireland) to the meeting and invited the group to make a presentation.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion and invited questions from Members.

The Chairman thanked the delegation for attending.

5. Any other Business

As there was no other business the meeting was adjourned at 11.05 a.m. sine die.

Senator Michael Kitt

Chairman

12^th October 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

Wednesday, 23^rd February 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met at 12.20 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000 (the meeting was delayed due to a vote in the Dáil).

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Paul Bradford (in the Chair) Deputies Pat Carey, Noel Davern, Tony Gregory, Ruairí Quinn and Senator Paschal Mooney.

PUBLIC SESSION

3. Minutes of meeting of 24 November 2004

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 November were agreed.

4. Presentation on the Irish Human Rights Commission by Dr. Maurice Manning, President of the Commission

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Maurice Manning, President of the Commission, Prof. William Binchy, Commissioner and Dr. Alpha Connelly, Chief Executive.

Dr. Manning introduced the other members of the delegation and made a short presentation. Prof. Binchy followed and Dr. Connelly concluded.

The Chairman invited questions from the Members.

The Sub-Committee expressed its support for the Irish Human Rights Commission's proposal for a change in legislation regarding their reporting responsibilities.

After the question and answer session the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

PRIVATE SESSION

The Sub-Committee met at 1.08 p.m. in Private Session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

8. Discussed in Private session

9. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1.27 p.m. until Thursday 24 March.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

March 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

Thursday, 24^th March 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met at 12.05 p.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Paul Bradford (in the Chair), Deputy Pat Carey and Senator Paschal Mooney.

3. Minutes of meeting of 23 February 2005

Minutes of the meeting held on 23 February were agreed.

4. Presentation by Ms. Denise Charlton and Ms. Catherine Cosgrove, Immigrant Council of Ireland

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Denise Charlton and Ms. Catherine Cosgrove of the Immigrant Council of Ireland. Following some introductory remarks the witnesses made presentations to the Committee.

Following the presentations the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their presentations.

The meeting continued in private session.

Private Session.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1.20 p.m.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

April 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee –

Thursday, 21^st April 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met at 2.34 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Paul Bradford (in the Chair) Deputies Pat Carey and Tony Gregory.

Deputies Michael Ring and Paul McGrath also attended.

Apologies were received from Deputy Ruairí Quinn and Senators Paschal Mooney and Mary O'Rourke.

Public Session

3. Minutes of meeting of 24 March 2005

Minutes of the meeting held on 24 March were agreed.

4. Presentation by Mr. Jim Loughran of Amnesty Ireland

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Jim Loughran. Following some introductory remarks the witness made a presentation to the Committee.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witness for his presentation.

The meeting continued in private session.

Private Session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

8. Discussed in Private session

9. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 3.20 p.m.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

May 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee –

Thursday, 19^th May 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met at 12.50 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Paul Bradford (in the Chair), Deputies Pat Carey, Tony Gregory and Senator Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputies Noel Davern and Ruairí Quinn and Senator Mary O'Rourke.

Public Session

3. Minutes of meeting of 21 April 2005

Minutes of the meeting held on 21 April were agreed.

4. Meeting with Mr. Simon Coveney, TD, MEP

The Chairman welcomed Deputy Coveney. Following some introductory remarks the witness made a presentation to the Committee on his report on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2004 and the EU's policy on the matter drafted for the European Parliament.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witness for his presentation.

The meeting was suspended at 13.21 for a vote in the Dáil and resumed at 13.35.

5. Meeting with Mr. Billy Colbert and Mr. Aidan O'Leary.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Colbert and Mr. O'Leary. Following some introductory remarks Mr. Colbert made a presentation to the Committee on the death penalty and the issues surrounding a prisoner on death row in Georgia, U.S.A., Mr. Roger Collins.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members.

In relation to the issue of the prisoner on death row, Senator Mooney, through the Chair, suggested and it was agreed, that the Sub-Committee should again write to the Governor of Georgia requesting clemency in this case and to the U.S. Ambassador seeking his support.

The Sub-Committee agreed to contact Mr. Colbert and Mr. O'Leary again when the letters have issued and if any response is received.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witness for his presentation.

6. Next meeting

It was agreed that the next full meeting of the Sub-Committee would take place on Thursday 16 June 2005.

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 14.34

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

June 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee –

Thursday, 16^th June 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met at 12.05 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Paul Bradford (in the Chair), Deputies Pat Carey, Tony Gregory and Noel Davern and Senator Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputy Ruairí Quinn.

Also in attendance were Deputies Emmet Stagg and Dan Neville and Senators Michael Finucane and John Paul Phelan.

3. Minutes of meeting of 19 May 2005

Minutes of the meeting held on 19 May were agreed.

4. Meeting with the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Gráinne Prior, Co-ordinator, Fr. Gerry McFlynn, Director of the London Office and Fr. Alan Hilliard, Director of the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants. Following some introductory remarks the witnesses made their presentation. Following their presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members. In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their presentation.

Private Session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 13.20.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

July 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee –

Wednesday, 13^th July 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met at 11.32 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Paul Bradford (in the Chair), Deputies Pat Carey and Noel Davern and Senator Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputies Ruairí Quinn and Tony Gregory and Senator Mary O'Rourke.

Also in attendance were Deputy Michael D. Higgins and Senator Terry Leyden.

Public Session

3. Minutes of meeting of 16 June 2005.

Minutes of the meeting held on 16 June were agreed.

Deputy Michael D. Higgins requested details of the US Ambassador's letter of 2 June 2005 to the Sub-Committee regarding the Roger Collins Death Row case in Georgia, U.S.A. and the Chairman gave a brief resumé of its contents. A copy of the letter would be sent to Deputy Higgins after the meeting for his information.

4. Meeting with the Irish Centre for Human Rights.

The Chairman welcomed Professor William Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights along with his colleagues Dr. Ray Murphy and Mr. Peter Fitzmaurice. Following some introductory remarks the witnesses made their presentation.

Following their presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their presentation and mentioned that there was a possibility that the main Committee would meet with them later in the year.

Private Session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12.35 p.m.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

October 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee –

Thursday, 20^th October 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met at 12.02 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Paul Bradford (in the Chair) and Deputy Pat Carey.

Apologies were received from Deputy Ruairí Quinn and Senator Paschal Mooney.

Also in attendance were Deputy Michael D. Higgins and Senator David Norris.

Public Session

3. Minutes of meeting of 13 July 2005.

Minutes of the meeting held on 13 July were agreed.

It had originally been planned to hold a meeting of the Sub-Committee on

29 September 2005 but this had to be postponed.

4. Senator David Norris.

The Chairman welcomed Senator Norris who had recently sent correspondence to the Sub-Committee regarding the execution of two young men in Iran in July 2005 (which was circulated along with a written answer to a Parliamentary Question on the same matter, put down by Deputy John Gormley on 28 September 2005). The Senator had requested that he be afforded the opportunity to address the Sub-Committee about the situation.

Following some introductory remarks the Senator made his presentation on the background to the case as he understood it.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members.

Deputy Higgins and Deputy Carey, through the Chair, suggested and it was agreed, that the Sub-Committee should write to the Iranian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Seyed Hossein Mirfakhar to convey the Sub-Committee's deep concern regarding the executions of these two young men in Iran and to invite him to attend the next meeting of the Sub-Committee to discuss the matter.

The Sub-Committee also agreed to keep Senator Norris informed. In conclusion the Chairman thanked Senator Norris for his presentation.

5. Meeting with Mr. Noel Treacy, TD, Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs, regarding the issue of Irish Prisoners Overseas

The Chairman welcomed the Minister of State and his officials. Following some introductory remarks the Minister of State made his presentation.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister of State (and his officials) for his very informative presentation.

Private Session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

8. Discussed in Private session

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

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

November 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee –

Thursday, 17^th November 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met at 12.03 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Paul Bradford (in the Chair), Deputy Pat Carey and Senator Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputies Noel Davern and Ruairí Quinn and Senator Mary O'Rourke.

Also in attendance was Deputy Michael D. Higgins.

Public Session

3. Minutes of meeting of 20 October 2005.

Minutes of the meeting held on 20 October were agreed.

4. Meeting with the Human Rights Consortium, Belfast.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Aideen Gilmore (formerly of the Dept. of Foreign Affairs), and now the Research and Policy Officer with C.A.J. (the Committee on the Administration of Justice) which is one of the

Co-convenors of the Human Rights Consortium and Mr. Alan Sheeran, Campaigns Manager of Mencap which is also a member of the Consortium.

Following some introductory remarks the witnesses made their presentation.

Following their presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members.

Senator Mooney and Deputy Higgins, through the Chair, proposed and it was agreed, that the Sub-Committee should write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs to request that he makes arrangements to meet with the Human Rights Consortium as soon as possible in relation to the issues highlighted.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their presentation.

Private Session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12.43 p.m.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

December 2005

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee –

Thursday, 14^th December 2005

1. The Sub-Committee met at 12.14 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Paul Bradford (in the Chair) and Deputy Pat Carey.

Apologies were received from Deputies Ruairí Quinn and Noel Davern and Senator Paschal Mooney.

Also in attendance was Deputy Michael D. Higgins.

3. Minutes of meeting of 17 November 2005

Minutes of the meeting held on 17 November were agreed.

4. Meeting with Dr. Maurice Manning, President of the Human Rights Commission

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Manning back to Leinster House to discuss the Commission's Annual Report for 2004 which was launched in October 2005.

Following some introductory remarks the witness made his presentation.

Following his presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witness for his presentation.

Private Session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 13.09 sine die.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

February 2006

APPENDIX 6

Informal meetings with Ambassadors and other distinguished visitors

Informal meetings with other groups.

APPENDIX 7

JOINT COMMITTEE AND SUB-COMMITTEES

CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS ABROAD ATTENDED BY MEMBERS

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub- Committee on Development Co-operation

Sub- Committee on Human Rights

APPENDIX 8

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Work Programme 2006

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

WORK PROGRAMME 2006

1. BACKGROUND

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs was established following an order of the Dáil on 16^th October 2002 and of the Seanad on 17^th October 2002. Standing Orders of both Houses require that

“As soon as may be following its appointment and thereafter at annual interval, each Select Committee shall prepare a work programme and shall lay such programme before Dáil/Seanad Éireann” (S.O. 84(4) [Dáil] and S.O. 69(4)[Seanad]).

2. ORDERS OF REFERENCE

Paragraph (2) (a) of the Order of Dáil Éireann of 16^th October 2002 and paragraph (1) (a) of the Order of Seanad Éireann of 17^th November 2002, empowers the Joint Committee to consider—

1. 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;
2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Foreign Affairs is officially responsible as it may select;
3. 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;
4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 81(4);
6. 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 the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
7. 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(a)(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 or by the Minister for Foreign Affairs;

   
   
8. such aspects of Ireland's international relations as it may select; and
9. 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 91 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.

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 2006 to consider an item detailed in this Work Programme, it may include it in next year's 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 Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny.

Pre-General Affairs and External Relations Council and pre-European Council consultations with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, where appropriate and where the Committee so decide, bearing in mind the need to avoid overlap with the Joint Committee on European Affairs.

(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, 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.

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 29^th Dáil.

In so far as it is possible, the Joint committee, in conjunction with the sub-Committees on development Co-operation and human Rights, hopes to focus its efforts on the following selected items -

• The ongoing situations in Iraq and Iran;
• The ongoing situations in Liberia and Sierra Leone;
• The continuing humanitarian situation in Pakistan and Kashmir following the earthquake;
• The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Asia following the 2004 tsunami;
• The quest for a peaceful, secure and satisfactory political solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine;
• The plight of Irish Emigrants in the UK and the US (including follow-up visits);
• Continuous monitoring of the Official Development Aid budget and the expansion of the Development Co-operation Ireland programme;
• Monitoring progress towards achieving the development target of 0.7% by 2012;
• Corruption relating to 3^rd World Countries;
• Aid/Trade/Debt and the least developed countries;
• Ireland's role in UN Peacekeeping;
• Reform of the UN;
• Human rights;
• The humanitarian situation in Africa, with particular reference to Lesotho and Mozambique and the development of the African Union and NEPAD;
• Non-proliferation and control of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction;
• Ongoing work of the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank (PNoWB) and other international Inter-parliamentary groups;
• Pension provisions for returning missionaries;

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 2006, it would adopt the following thematic priorities:

1. The plight of Irish citizens abroad.
   1. The undocumented Irish in the United States of America
   2. The Irish in the United Kingdom.
2. Irish Development Aid
3. The United Nations
   1. The nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
   2. The Reform of the United Nations
   3. The Situation in Iran
4. The situation in the Middle East.

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. Development Co-operation

• Monitoring the Development Co-operation Ireland programme, including the recent addition of East Timor, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to the Government's priority countries for aid; EU development and humanitarian assistance and relevant United Nations humanitarian and development programmes and agencies
• Hearing submissions from non-governmental organisations 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
• 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, including further discussion with Co-operation Ireland.
• Monitoring of NI peace process.
• Cross Border Co-operation

D. Ireland/US relations

• Ireland/US political and cultural relations
• US/EU relations

E. 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
• Indonesia/East Timor
• Tibet
• Burma
• Africa: South Africa, Great Lakes Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Uganda
• Cuba
• Canada
• China
• Russian Federation
• Liberia
• Nigeria
• East Timor, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia
• International relations in general

F. European

• The external relations of the EU and the EU Security and Defence Policy
• Implications of the European Constitution
• Relations with the acceding and candidate States
• Balkans
• Cyprus/Turkey

7. TRAVEL

Subject to Standing Order 81(9) [Dáil Éireann] and Standing Order 65(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 –

1. such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs;
2. such Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs; and
3. such proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 157 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.

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 fortnightly in the course of 2006. The Sub-Committees on Development Co-operation and Human Rights expect to meet once a month 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 2006 of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs was agreed by the Committee at its meeting on 24^th January 2006. 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

February 2006

ADDENDUM

Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs

• Advisory Board for Development Co-operation Ireland
• The Development Education Advisory Committee (DEAC)
• Díon Committee
• Ireland-United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission)

APPENDIX I

Travel proposals¹

¹ Travel commitments as at 24 January 2006.

^* by the substitution of ‘6 members’ for ‘4 members’