Committee Reports::Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, 2006::01 April, 2007::Report


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TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

AN COMHCHOISTE UM GHNÓTHAÍ EACHTRACHA

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2006

agus

CLÁR OIBRE 2007

Aibréan 2007

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

ANNUAL REPORT 2006

and

WORK PROGRAMME 2007

April 2007

CONTENTS

	Foreword by the Chairman
	Members of the Joint Committee
1.	Content and Format of Report
2.	Establishment and functions
3.	Chairman, Vice Chairman, Convenors and Membership
4.	Establishment of sub-Committee
5.	Meetings, Attendance and Recording
6.	Number and Duration of Meetings
7.	Work of the Committee
8.	Groups and Individuals attending before Committee
9.	Reports
10.	Travel
11.	Functions and Powers
APPENDIX 1
Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee and Sub-Committees
APPENDIX 2
Members of the Joint Committee and Sub-Committees
APPENDIX 3
Meetings of the Joint Committee and Sub-Committees
APPENDIX 4
Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee
APPENDIX 5
Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee and Sub-Committees
APPENDIX 6
Informal meetings with Ambassadors and other distinguished visitors
APPENDIX 7
Conferences and meetings abroad attended by Members of the Joint Committee and sub-Committees
APPENDIX 8
Work Programme 2007

Chairman's Foreword

This is the fourth annual report of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and covers the activities of the Committee for the calendar year 2006. I have served as Chairman of the Joint Committee since my election to that post on 12 November 2002. The Vice-Chairman is Deputy Michael Mulcahy who was elected on 25 November 2004. The Committee has two Sub-Committees, one on Human Rights, chaired by Senator Paul Bradford and one on Development Cooperation chaired by Senator Micheál Kitt.

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, the Chairman, alone, or sometimes accompanied by other Members, meets informally with foreign dignitaries, ambassadors accredited to Ireland, or representatives of international organisations who may 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 unfolding in the country. The Joint Committee takes a special interest in Ireland's development cooperation programme and, as a consequence, undertakes visits to Ireland's Programme Countries as well as to other countries where Irish Aid is active. Visits are also undertaken to international organisations and as part of the normal inter-committee exchanges between national parliaments. Delegations from the Joint Committee also attend international conferences organised by the EU or the UN and other important meetings with a foreign policy dimension. In the period under review, visits ranged over a wide expanse of geographical locations and covered a variety of subjects.

The following are some of the visits abroad made by delegations from the Joint Committee in 2006: (i) Visit to Rwanda to participate in the parliamentary field visit organised by the World Bank and the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank, Rwanda. (ii) Visit to Vienna to attend the Conference of Chairpersons of the Foreign Affairs Committees of National Parliaments of the EU Member States (COFACC) organised by the Austrian Presidency of the EU. (iii) Visit to Washington to attend a high level seminar on aid and development organised by the Parliamentary Network of the theWorld Bank (PNoWB) (iv) Visit to The Hague to meet the Dutch Foreign Affairs Committee (v) Visit to Macedonia at the invitation of the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Macedonian Parliament. (vi) Visit to Ethiopia to view Ireland's aid programme in that country (vii) Visit to Cape Town to attend a conference on development cooperation sponsored by the Association of West European Parliamentarians for Africa (AWEPA). (viii) Visit to Helsinki to attend the Conference of Chairpersons of the Foreign Affairs Committees of National Parliaments of the EU Member States (COFACC) organised by the Finnish Presidency of the EU. (ix) Visit to New York to attend the annual Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations. (x) Delegations from the Committee visited the Irish abroad in the U.K. and in the U.S. Delegations were very well briefed and proactive in their interventions at these important meetings.

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.

Topics discussed by the Committee are frequently determined by international events such as the outbreak of a war or a civil war, the flaring up of local or regional conflict, a glaring violation of human rights, a famine, a humanitarian crisis or a severe natural disaster. Topics can arise as a result of requests from other Joint Committee members or from members of the public, particularly from NGOs. Visits to Ireland by foreign political or other dignitaries also provide opportunities for discussion at the Committee.

From this it can be seen that the work of the Joint Committee is driven primarily by international events and this is reflected in the Committee's agenda. Countries in conflict and issues of human rights are regular items for our discussions. In 2006, issues that came before the Committee included the Middle East, including the situation in Iraq. Other issues debated were the Israel/Palestinian conflict, the crises in Africa including famine and the situation in Ethiopia and especially developments in Darfur. Other important subjects debated and examined included the situations in Iran and East Timor, the humanitarian crisis in Chad, the issue of cluster munitions, the international arms trade and Irish relief efforts in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. One of our most distinguished guests before the Committee during 2006 was Dr. Hans Blix, the Chairman of the Commission on Weapons of Mass Destruction. Dr. Blix told us about the important report which has been prepared by his Commission.

The Irish Abroad

The Joint Committee remains deeply concerned about the position of the undocumented Irish in the U.S., particularly in light of the impact of recent legislative restrictions. The Committee looks forward to the introduction of comprehensive immigration reform legislation in the U.S. and will continue to liaise closely with Irish societies and with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) in the U.S.

Human Rights

The issue of human rights is a central focus of the work of the Joint Committee and it is a subject always to the forefront of our concerns and discussions. Members regularly raise their concerns about human rights when discussing developments or crisis in individual countries or when addressing regional conflicts. Human rights issues are always raised when a delegation from the Joint Committee visits a country where human rights are being violated or where there are genuine and well-documented reports of human rights abuses. Members take a pro-active position on human rights when attending international conferences where human rights issues are under debate.

Development Cooperation

Development cooperation is now a central plank of Ireland's foreign policy and this is an area which has the full support of the Irish public. The Joint Committee strongly supports Ireland's development cooperation policy and takes an active interest in its implementation. In addition, the Joint Committee supports the government in its efforts to promote enhanced development assistance at the European Union level. We also support and encourage more effective and better coordinated UN humanitarian and development assistance.

The publication of the first ever White Paper on Irish Aid made 2006 a landmark year in the history of Ireland's development cooperation programme. We fully share the Taoiseach's view that Irish Aid is an integral and an increasingly important part of our foreign policy and his belief that our aid programme is a practical expression of the values that help define what it means to be Irish at the beginning of the 21^st century. The Joint Committee fully supported the White Paper and welcomed the substantially increased financial commitments that Ireland will spend in its development aid in the coming years. We were particularly pleased that Mr. Conor Lenihan T. D. the Minister of State with responsibility for Ireland's aid programme, was able to come before the Committee shortly after its launch to outline the contents of the White Paper and to allow Committee members to discuss the White Paper with him.

The European Union

The Joint Committee regularly deals with EU issues which come within its remit (.i.e. Common Foreign and Security Policy (CSFP) and European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) either directly when, for instance, it may be discussing the issue of Cyprus, or indirectly on most other issues (e.g. the EU policy towards the Middle East or its intended involvement in Iraq).

The Joint Committee is 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 a strong 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 its security.

The United Nations

The activities of the United Nations features at many of the meetings of the Joint Committee. Reflecting Ireland's traditional interest, particularly in the area of international peace keeping and development issues, the Joint Committee pays special attention to the role of the United Nations in humanitarian crisis areas and conflict situations. The Joint Committee supports the goal of 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 are addressed and acted upon.

Concluding Comments

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs comprises both Government and Opposition members as well as members from the Seanad and the Dail. As a result, it provides a broad, robust and independent view on issues which arise in Ireland's foreign policy and in its international relations generally. Ireland's role and involvement in international affairs and our development cooperation programme have greatly increased in recent years. Consequently, the work of the Joint Committee has increased both in terms of the breadth and complexity of the issues that come before it for discussion but also in terms of the far greater geographical reach of the Committee's interests.

The work of the Joint Committee is greatly facilitated by the cooperation and assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs. We value and appreciate the excellent and highly professional support provided by Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D, Minister of State at the Department with responsibility for development cooperation, and Mr. Dermot Gallagher, Secretary General of the Department and his staff.

We are particularly grateful to the officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs, at home and in our diplomatic missions overseas, for their assistance in helping in the planning and organising the foreign visits undertaken by the Committee and in briefing members prior to their departure.

We would like to record our thanks and appreciation to Mr. Ronan Murphy, Director General for Irish Aid, and his officials for their cooperation with the work of the Committee on development cooperation issues.

We are grateful to the many NGOs, missionaries and others for their co-operation and assistance with the Joint Committee. We are especially appreciative of the continuing interest of the Irish public in our work.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication throughout the year of the Committee's Secretariat staff.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D.

Chairman

30^th March 2007

Members of the Joint Committee

Dr. Michael Woods T.D. (FF)

(Chairman)

Michael Mulcahy

T.D. (FF)

(Vice Chairman)

Bernard Allen T.D.

(FG)

Pat Carey T.D.

(FF)

Joe Costello T.D.

(Lab)

Noel Davern T.D.

(FF)

Tony Dempsey T.D. (FF)

Bernard J. Durkan

T.D. (FG)

Tony Gregory T.D. (Ind)

Michael D .Higgins T.D. (Lab)

Liz O'Donnell T.D. (PD)

Senator Paul Bradford (FG)

Senator Michael Kitt (FF)

Senator Paschal Mooney (FF)

Senator David Norris, (Ind)

Senator Mary O'Rourke (FF)

Senator Brendan Ryan (Lab)

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.

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.
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 2006 the Joint Committee met on 25 occasions. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 40 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 3.

The sub-Committee on Development Co-operation met on 3 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 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 3.2.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 1 occasion during 2006 and the number of hours discussion involved in this meeting was in excess of 2 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:

Joint Committees Report “Project Timor Leste”
Draft work programme for 2006
The Current Situation in Ethiopia
Development fund in Education
The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres in the United States
Report – The Tsunami, Ireland and the Recovery effort
The current political situation in Palestine and Israel
The current situation in Iran
The Arms Trade
The ongoing situation in Liberia
Humanitarian Aid in Chad
Visas for non EU Students and the EFL Industry
Situation in Iraq “Overcoming Sectarian Division through Democracy”
The current situation in East Timor
The Text of the “Bolivarian Agreement for the Americas”
Iran and related matters
Relations between Ireland and Latvia
White Paper on Irish Aid
The current situation in Darfur
“Women in Afghanistan- Their Struggle for Equality”
Discussions on aid programmes
Alleged organ harvesting in China
Cluster Munitions
Joint Committee's Draft Report, “Project Vietnam”
Improving Access to Contributory Pensions for Missionaries & Volunteer Development Workers
The Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission Report WEAPONS OF TERROR Freeing the World of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Arms

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

7.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 1 occasion the Dáil Select Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

2006 Revised Estimates for Public Services – Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Co-operation).

7.3 Sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

On the 3 occasions that it met, the sub-Committee on Development Co-operation dealt with the following matters:-

Medical/Surgical collaborations between Albanian and Irish Hospitals
The Advisory Board to Irish Aid Annual Report for 2005
Irish Red Cross visit to Kenya and Ethiopia with a focus on Somalia
Aid to Ethiopia and Uganda
The Current Situation in Darfur

7.4 Sub-Committee on Human Rights

On the 5 occasions that it met, the sub-Committee on Human Rights dealt with the following matters:-

The murder of Mr. Patrick Finucane, Belfast solicitor, murdered in 1989
The work of Front Line, Human Rights Defenders
The murder of Mr. Joseph Rafferty, murdered in Dublin in April 2005
Trocaire and ABColombia, on their ongoing work and activities in Colombia

•Human Rights and Political situation in Ethiopia

Human Rights and Political situation in Western Sahara

8. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

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

Mr. John O'Shea of Goal
Mr. Noel McDonagh of Self Help Development International
Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs
Concern
Trocaire
World Vision Ireland
Ms. Sheila Gleeson of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres
Mr. Chris Flood, Government Special Envoy
Ms Tsehai Berhane-Selassie, Chairperson, Ethiopian National Congress
Christian Aid
B'Tselem
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
Arab Association of Human Rights
Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs
Amnesty International
Senator Franklin Siakor of Liberia
Wingspread International
MEI – RELSA
Cross-Party Delegation of Iraqi Parliamentarians
Mr. Tom Hyland
Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs
Dr. Hans Blix
Foreign Affairs Committee of the Latvian Parliament
Ms. Mary Akrami, Director of the Afghan Women's Skill Development Centre
Irish Aid
Action Aid Ireland
Plan Ireland
Mr. David Kilgour (former Secretary of State for the Asia Pacific Region of the Canadian House of Commons)
Falun Gong Group in Ireland
Mr. Tony D'Costa of Pax Christi
Officials from the Department of Social and Family Affairs

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

Friends of Albania
The Advisory Board to Irish Aid
Mr. David Andrews Chairperson of the Irish Red Cross
Mr. John O'Shea of GOAL

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

Members of the family of the late Mr. Patrick Finucane, Belfast solicitor, murdered in 1989
Front Line, Human Rights Defenders
Members of the family of Mr. Joseph Rafferty, murdered in Dublin in April 2005.
Trocaire
ABColombia
Oromo Liberation Front
Mr. Ali Salem Al Tamek, human rights defender

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:

Project Timor Leste

9.2 Work in Progress

The Committee has also agreed to undertake reports on Vietnam and Mozambique which will be published in 2007.

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. 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.
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, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select;
    
    Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993;
    
    Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body concerned or by the Minister for Foreign Affairs;
  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,
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.
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. 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.
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-

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.
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.
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.
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-

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.
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.
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.
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

Deputies

Pat Carey (FF)

Joe Costello (Lab)

Noel Davern (FF)

Tony Gregory (Ind)

Senators

Paul Bradford (FG) (Chairman)

Paschal Mooney (FF) (Vice Chair)

Mary O'Rourke (FF)

Appendix 3

Meetings of the Joint Committee of Foreign Affairs

Meeting	Date	Subject
01	24/01/06	Private Meeting
02	07/02/06	The Current Situation in Ethiopia: Discussion with Mr. John O'Shea of Goal, Mr. Noel McDonagh of Self Help Development International and Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
03	14/02/06	The Current Situation in Ethiopia: Discussion with Concern and Trocaire
04	21/02/06	Meeting with World Vision Ireland – Discussions on the role of the Development fund in Education. Meeting with Ms. Sheila Gleeson of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres
05	28/02/06	Meeting with Mr. Chris Flood, Government Special Envoy on his Report – The Tsunami, Ireland and the Recovery effort. Meeting with Ms Tsehai Berhane-Selassie, Chairperson, Ethiopian National Congress on the current situation in Ethiopia.
06	08/03/06	Discussion on the current political situation in Palestine and Israel with Representatives from three partner organisations of Christian Aid and Trocaire, including B'Tselem and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and the Arab Association of Human Rights.
07	21/03/06	Discussion with Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on (i) the Current situation in Palestine and Israel and (ii) the current situation in Iran.
08	11/04/06	Discussion with Amnesty International on the Arms Trade.
09	09/05/06	Discussion with Senator Franklin Siakor of Liberia regarding the ongoing situation in Liberia Discussion with Wingspread International regarding Humanitarian Aid in Chad
10	30/05/06	Discussion with MEI – RELSA Ireland regarding Visas for non EU Students and the EFL Industry
11	20/06/06	Discussion with a Cross-Party Delegation of Iraqi Parliamentarians: “Overcoming Sectarian Division through Democracy”.
12	27/06/06	Discussion with Mr. Tom Hyland to discuss the current situation in East Timor
13	04/07/06	Discussion Re. Text of the “Bolivarian Agreement for the Americas”
14	18/07/06	Discussion with Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs, on Iran and related matters.
15	02/08/06	Discussion on the current situation in the Middle East
16	12/09/06	The Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission Report, WEAPONS OF TERROR Freeing the World of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Arms- Discussion with Dr. Hans Blix, Chairman of the Commission.
17	19/09/06	Exchange of views with a delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Latvian Parliament.
18	10/10/06	Discussion on the White Paper on Irish Aidwith Conor Lenihan T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs.
19	24/10/06	The current situation in Darfur: Discussion with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs. “Women in Afghanistan- Their Struggle for Equality”,: Discussion with Ms. Mary Akrami, Director of the Afghan Women's Skill Development Centre
20	07/11/06	Discussion with Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs, on Iran and related matters.
21	21/11/06	Discussions on aid programmes in Vietnam with Irish Aid, Action Aid Ireland, and Plan Ireland.
22	23/11/06	Discussions with Mr. David Kilgour (former Secretary of State for the Asia Pacific Region of the Canadian House of Commons) and representatives of the Falun Gong Group in Ireland on alleged organ harvesting in China
23	05/12/06	Cluster Munitions: Discussion with Mr. Tony D'Costa of Pax Christi.
24	12/12/06	Private Meeting
25	19/12/06	Improving Access to Contributory Pensions for Missionaries & Volunteer Development Workers: Discussion with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and officials from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Appendix 3.1

Meetings of the sub-Committee on Development Co-Operation

Meeting	Date	Subject
01	18/05/06	Presentation by Friends of Albania Re. Development of Medical/Surgical collaborations between Albanian and Irish Hospitals.
02	29/06/06	Presentation by The Advisory Board to Irish Aid to discuss their Annual Report for 2005. Presentation by Mr. David Andrews Chairperson of the Red Cross regarding an update on the Irish Red Cross recent visit to Kenya and Ethiopia with a focus on Somalia.
03	07/12/06	Aid to Ethiopia and Uganda The Current Situation in Darfur. Discussion with Mr. John O'Shea of GOAL.

Appendix 3.2

Meetings of the sub-Committee on Human Rights

Meeting	Date	Subject
01	09/02/06	Discussion with members of the family of the late Mr. Patrick Finucane, Belfast solicitor, murderedin 1989.
02	09/03/06	Presentation by Front Line, Human Rights Defenders, on their ongoing work and activities. Discussion with members of the family of Mr. Joseph Rafferty, murdered in Dublin in April 2005.
03	04/05/06	Presentation by Trocaire and ABColombia, on their ongoing work and activities in Colombia.
04	06/12/06	The Human Rights and Political situation in Ethiopia. Discussion with representatives of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)
05	20/12/06	The Human Rights and Political situation in Western Sahara. Discussion with Mr. Ali Salem Al Tamek, human rights defender.

Appendix 4

Meeting of the Dáil Select Committee on Foreign Affairs

Meeting

Date

Subject

16/05/06

Consideration of Revised Estimates of the Department of Foreign Affairs for the year ending 31 December 2006

Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs)
Vote 29 (International Co-operation)

Appendix 5 Minutes of the Proceedings of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 24^th January 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.35 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, Bernard Durkan, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

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

Senators Paul Coghlan attended in substitution for Senator Paul Bradford and Senators Don Lydon and Geraldine Feeney for Senator Paschal Mooney.

3. Minutes of the previous meetings

The minutes of the meeting of the 20^th December 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

10. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

14^th February 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 7^th February 2006

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

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

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

Senators Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney and David Norris.

Senator Mary Henry was also in attendance.

3. The Current Situation in Ethiopia: Discussion with Self Help Development International

The Chairman advised the meeting that Mr. John O'Shea of Goal had been invited to attend the meeting however Mr. O'Shea had to withdraw for personal reasons.

It was agreed that the Committee would hear from representatives of Trocaire and Concern at the next meeting.

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Noel McDonagh, Ms. Hilary McDonagh, CEO, Ms. Nancy Aburi, Head of Business Support, Mr. George Jacob, Communications Officer and Ms. Monica Gorman, Head of Programmes, all of Self Help Development International. The Chairman invited Mr. Noel McDonagh to make his presentation.

Following the presentation the chairman invited questions from Members and in conclusion he thanked the visiting delegation.

The Committee suspended at 3.17 p.m. until 3.19 p.m.

4. The Current Situation in Ethiopia, discussion with Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

The meeting resumed at 3.19 and the Chairman welcomed Minister of State, Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D. and his officials, Mr. Ronan Murphy, Mr. Conor O'Riordan and Pauline Conway. He then invited the minister of State to make his presentation.

During his presentation the Minister of State undertook to provide additional details of EU Benchmarking to Members. He also proposed that the Committee should make a formal visit to Ethiopia in the near future and he said that his Department would fund the visit.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister of State.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

14^th February 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 14^th February 2006

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.33 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, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins, Michael Mulcahy and Liz O'Donnell.

Senators Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney and David Norris.

Senators Paul Coghlan and Terry Leyden in substitution for Senators Bradford and O'Rourke.

Senators Camillus Glynn, Peter Callanane attended in part-substitution for Senators Kitt and Mooney.

Apologies were received from Senator Paul Bradford.

3. Minutes of previous meetings.

The minutes of the meetings of 24^th January and 7^th February were agreed.

4. The Current Situation in Ethiopia: Discussions with Concern, Trocaire and the Chargé d'Affaires, Ethiopian Embassy.

The Chairman welcomed from Concern, Mr Tom Arnold, CEO and Ms Angela O'Neill, Regional Director for the Horn of Africa, and from Trocaire, Mr. Mike Williams, Head of the International Department and Seamus Collins, Programme Manager – Africa. He also welcomed Mr. Goitom Kahsay, Chargé d'Affaires and Mrs. Tsehay Feleke, Second Secretary of the Ethiopian Embassy.

He then invited Mr. Tom Arnold and Ms. Angela O'Neill to make their presentation on behalf of Concern. Following the presentations he invited questions.

When the presentation was concluded the Chairman invited Mr. Mike Williams, Head of the International Department and Mr. Seamus Collins, Programme Manager – Africa, to make their presentation on behalf of Trocaire.

When the presentations were concluded the Chairman invited questions and in conclusion he thanked the delegations.

The Chairman then invited Mr. Goitom Kahsay, Chargé d'Affaires to make his presentation. When the presentation was concluded he invited questions.

During the course of the discussion the issue of a leak attributed to a member of the EU Observer mission was raised. It was agreed that a further brief from the Department of Foreign Affairs would be sought on this issue.

In conclusion he thanked the witnesses

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

21^st February 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 21^st February 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.32 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, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

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

Senators Paul Coghlan in substitution for Senators Bradford.

Senator Camillus Glynn attended in substitution for Senator Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputy Liz O'Donnell and Senator Paul Bradford.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meetings of 14^th February were agreed.

4. Presentation from World Vision Ireland

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Helen Keogh, Ms. Sheila Garry (Programme Director) Ms. Eileen Morrow (Programme Officer) of World Vision Ireland. Ms. Morrow made a presentation and along with Ms. Keogh and Ms. Garry answered Members' questions.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses.

5. Discussion with Ms. Sheila Gleeson, Executive Director of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Sheila Gleeson to the Committee. He informed Members that Ms.Gleeson is a leading activist on behalf of the undocumented Irish living in the US.

Ms. Gleeson made an opening statement and answered Members' questions. In conclusion the Chairman thanked Ms. Gleeson.

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

8. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

28^th February 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 28^th February 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.36 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, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins, Liz O'Donnell and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Michael Kitt and Brendan Ryan.

Senator Paddy Burke in substitution for Senator Bradford, Senator Eamonn Scanlon attended in substitution for Senator Mooney and Senator's Anne Ormonde and Terry Leyden for Senator Mary O'Rourke.

Apologies were received from Deputy Quinn and Senators Paul Bradford and David Norris.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meetings of 21st February were agreed.

4. Presentation from Mr. Chris Flood, Government's Special Envoy on the Tsunami

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Chris Flood, Mary Sutton and Anne Holmes to the meeting and thanked them for the material submitted in advance.

He invited Mr. Flood to make his presentation and following the presentation he opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman congratulated Mr. Flood and his staff for their work on the report

5. Discussion with Ms. Tsehai Berhane-Selassie, Chairperson, Ethiopian National Congress

The Chairman welcomed Ms Tsehai Berhane-Selassie and her husband Mr. Peter Esmonde to the meeting and made some brief introductory remarks. He then invited the witness to make her presentation.

Following the presentation he invited contributions from Members.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked Ms Berhane-Selassie .

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

8^th March 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 8^th March 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 5.10 p.m. in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

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

Senators Michael Kitt and David Norris.

Apologies were received from Deputy Quinn.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meetings of 28^th February were agreed.

4. Discussion on the current political situation in Palestine and Israel with Representatives from three partner organisations of Christian Aid and Trocaire, including B'Tselem, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and the Arab Association of Human Rights

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Justin Kilcullen (Trocaire, Director), Ms. Niamh Garvey (Christian Aid, Policy and Advocacy Officer), Ms. Sarit Michaeli (B'Tselem, Israel) and Mr. Hamdi Shaqqura (the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, Gaza).

The Chairman invited the witnesses to make presentations in turn. Following the presentations he opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

The Committee adjourned at 6.25 p.m. until Tuesday 21^st March at 2.30 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

21^st March 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 21^st March 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.36 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 and David Norris.

Apologies were received from Deputy Quinn.

Senator Terry Leyden attended in substitution for Senator Mary O'Rourke.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meetings of 8^th March were agreed.

4. Discussion with Officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on (i) the Current situation in Palestine and Israel and (ii) the current situation in Iran

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Rory Montgomery and Mr. Michael Gaffey of the Department of Foreign Affairs to the meeting.

He invited the witnesses to make presentations on the current situation in Palestine and Israel following which he invited questions.

The Chairman then invited the witnesses to make a presentation on the current situation in Iran following which he invited questions.

During the course of the discussion the witnesses undertook to provide further information on the current situation of the Bahai people of Iran as well as an update on Irish Aid funding for Bethlehem University.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

11^th April 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 11^th April 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.41 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

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

Senators Michael Kitt

Apologies were received from Deputies Allen, Higgins, O'Donnell and Quinn and Senators Bradford and Norris.

Senator Paul Coghlan attended in substitution for Senator Bradford.

Senator Terry Leyden attended in substitution for Senator Mary O'Rourke.

Senator Eamonn Scanlon attended in substitution for Senator Mooney.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meetings of 21^st March were agreed.

4. Discussion with Amnesty International on the Arms Trade

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Jim Loughran, Campaigns & Communications Manager and Ms. Kathy Joyce, Co-ordinator Amnesty International, Arms Trade Working Group to the meeting.

He invited the witnesses to make a presentation and following the presentation he opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

The Committee adjourned at 3.50 p.m. until Tuesday 9^th May 2006

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

9^th May 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 9^th May 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.14 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, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Michael Kitt and Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputy Quinn and Senators Bradford and Norris.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meetings of 11^th April were agreed.

4. Matters Arising

Deputy Mulcahy requested an update on a possible visit to Iran and an invite to a delegation from Iran to appear in front of the Committee. It was agreed to put the matter down on the agenda for the next meeting.

Deputy Higgins requested briefing on the “Club of London” and the “NPT agreement between the US and India for the next meeting.

Senator Kitt enquired about the question of Pensions for Missionaries.

5. Discussion with Senator Franklin Siakor of Liberia on the current situation in Liberia

The Chairman welcomed Senator Franklin Siakor of Liberia and Mr. Joe Manning, Honorary Consul of Sierra Leone to Ireland to the meeting.

He invited the witnesses to make a presentation and following the presentation he opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

The Committee suspended at 2.59 p.m. for 2 minutes

6. Discussion with Mr. Brendan Nolan, founder of Wingspread on Humanitarian Aid in Chad

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Brendan Nolan, founder of Wingspread to the meeting.

The Chairman invited the witness to make a presentation and following the presentation he opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked Mr. Nolan for attending.

7. Discussed in Private session

8. Discussed in Private session

The Committee adjourned at 4.15 p.m. until Tuesday 9^th May 2006

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

30^th May 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 30^th May 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Private session at 2.38 p.m. in Committee Room 1, 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.

Senator Michael Kitt

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meeting of 9^th May were agreed.

4. Discussed in Private session

The Committee met in Public Session at 2.48 p.m.

The Chairman on behalf of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs recorded its deepest sympathies to those who have lost their lives or were injured following the earthquake on the island of Java on 27^th May.

5. Discussion with MEI – RELSA Ireland regarding Visas for non EU Students and the EFL Industry

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Bid O'Connor, Chairperson of the Board of MEI/RELSA, Mr. Brian Burns, Director MEI/RELSA and Mr. Justin Quinn, Board member of MEI/RELSA to the meeting.

The Chairman invited the witnesses to make a presentation and following the presentation he opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

The Committee adjourned at 3.52 p.m. sine die.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

20^th June 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 20^th June 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session at 2.09 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Joe Costello, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

Deputies Jimmy Deenihan and Charlie O'Connor attended in substitution for Deputies Bernard Allen and Tony Dempsey respectively.

Senators Paul Bradford, Michael Kitt and Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Allen, Bernard Durkan, Liz O'Donnell and Senator David Norris.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meeting of 30^thMay were agreed.

4. Discussion with a cross-party delegation of Iraqi Parliamentarians and the International Republican Institute to discuss overcoming conflict and sectarian division through democracy

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Brendan Fitzgibbon, Mr. Alan Silverleib of the IRI to the meeting and Khaled Mamood Ahmed (interpreter). Mr. Silvereib made an opening presentation and introduced the following members of the Iraqi Parliament Adnan Pachachi, Nawzad S. Rifat, Luay Abdullah Al-Saidy, Hashim Yehya Ahmed, Redha Jawad Taki, Saedi I.A. Barzinji, Muhammad Ahmed Mahmood, Walid Al-Shahib to the meeting.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

The Committee adjourned at 4.03 p.m. until Tuesday 27^th June 2006.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

27^th June 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 27^th June2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session at 2.09 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, Joe Costello, Tony Dempsey, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins, Michael Mulcahy and Liz O'Donnell.

Senator David Norris.

Apologies were received from Senator Michael Kitt.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meeting of 20^th June were agreed.

Prior to the meeting proceeding there was an objection raised by Senator Norris to the earlier starting time of 2pm which would lead to a clash with the Order of Business in the Seanad. Chairman Woods pointed out that this was due to a carryover of Private Business from the previous meeting and room allocation difficulties.

4. Discussion with a Mr. Tom Hyland on the current situation in East Timor.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Tom Hyland to update members on the current situation in East Timor.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Mr. Hyland for attending.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

As there was no other business to discuss the meeting was adjourned and the next meeting was scheduled to take place at 2.30pm on Tuesday July 4^th.

The Committee adjourned at 3.50 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

4^th July 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 4^th July 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session at 2.41 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, Bernard Durkan, Tony Gregory, and Michael D. Higgins.

Senators Paul Bradford and Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Senator Michael Kitt & David Norris.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meeting of 27^th June were agreed.

Prior to the meeting proceeding Deputy Pat Carey and Senator Paschal Mooney questioned whether it had been previously agreed that the recent paper received on the London Irish Centre would be included on the agenda. It was agreed to get a briefing note on this for the next meeting. Senator Mooney also requested a briefing note on the current legislative position on the undocumented Irish in America.

4. Discussion on the Bolivarian Transition and the text of the Bolivarian Agreement for the Americas.

The Chairman invited Deputy Higgins to open discussion on the above matter. Following Deputy Higgins' presentation, the Chairman opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the members for their contributions.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

As there was no other business to discuss the meeting was adjourned.

The Committee adjourned at 3.34 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

18^th July 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 18^th July 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session at 11.06 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Joe Costello, Noel Davern, Tony Dempsey, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Paul Bradford Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney and David Norris

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Allen, Bernard Durkan, Liz O'Donnell and Senator Mary O'Rourke.

Senator Terry Leyden attended in substitution for Senator Mary O'Rourke.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meetings of 4^th July were agreed.

4. Discussion on Iran and related issues with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs to the meeting. Prior to engaging in the subject matter of Iran and related issues, the Minister made an opening statement on the current situation in the Middle East vis-á-vis Israel and Lebanon. Discussion was then opened to members. Given the importance of this subject, the Minister agreed to devote the entire meeting to the matter and undertook to appear in front of the Committee at a later stage to discuss Iran and related issues.

Following discussion, the members agreed the following resolution unanimously:-

“The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs condemns absolutely the use of violence for political ends especially against civilian targets and calls on all sides in the current conflict to cease all acts of violence.”

The Committee adjourned at 12.35 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday 2^nd August 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public session at 11.35 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Joe Costello, Tony Dempsey, Bernard Durkan, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Liz O'Donnell.

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

Apologies were received from Deputies Pat Carey, Noel Davern and Michael Mulcahy.

Deputies Dan Wallace and John Dennehy attended in substitution for Deputies Pat Carey and Michael Mulcahy respectively.

Deputy Aengus O'Snodaigh and Senators Jim Walsh and Mary White also attended.

Senators Paddy Burke and Paul Coghlan attended in substitution for Senators Paul Bradford and Brendan Ryan respectively.

Senators Don Lydon and Terry Leyden attended in substitution for Senators Paschal Mooney and Mary O'Rourke for part of the meeting respectively.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

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

4. Discussion on the Current situation in the Middle East

The Chairman explained that the meeting was convened, following a written request from Deputy Higgins, asking that the Committee should meet to discuss the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and specifically the deterioration in the situation vis-a-vis Israel and Lebanon.

Following discussion, the members agreed a unanimous statement. The statement is attached as an appendix to the minutes.

5. Discussed in Private session

The Committee agreed to consider this correspondence at a future meeting.

There been no other business the Committee adjourned at 1.53 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

12^th September 2006.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 12^th September 2006

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 Michael Woods (in the Chair), Pat Carey, Noel Davern, Tony Dempsey, Bernard Durkan, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Senator Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Allen and Michael Mulcahy and Senators David Norris and Mary O'Rourke.

Deputy Ned O'Keefe attended in substitution for Michael Mulcahy and Senator Terry Leyden attended in substitution for Senator Mary O'Rourke. Senator Peter Callanan attended in substitution for Senator Paschal Mooney for part of the meeting

Deputy Finian McGrath and Senator Anne Ormonde were also in attendance.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meeting of 2^nd August were agreed.

4. Discussion with Dr. Hans Blix on the WMD Commission Report “WEAPONS OF TERROR – Freeing the World of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Arms

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Hans Blix to the meeting to discuss the Commission's Report. Dr. Blix was accompanied by the Swedish Ambassador H.E. Mr. Nils Daag.

The Chairman invited Dr. Blix to make a presentation and following the presentation he opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman congratulated Dr. Blix and the Commission for their work on the report.

There been no other business the Committee adjourned at 4.00 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

19^th September 2006.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 19^th September 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.15 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, Bernard Durkan, Tony Gregory and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Michael Kitt and Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputy Michael D. Higgins and Senators David Norris and Mary O'Rourke.

Deputies John McGuinness and Ned O'Keefe attended in part-substitution for Deputies Noel Davern and Michael Mulcahy respectively. Senators Terry Leyden and Michael Finucane attended in substitution for Senators Mary O'Rourke and Paul Bradford respectively. Senators Geraldine Feeney and Camillus Glynn attended in part substitution for Senators Michael Kitt and Paschal Mooney respectively.

3. Minutes of previous meeting

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

Prior to commencing the meeting the Chairman welcomed Mr. Michael Baylor, new Policy Advisor to the Joint Committee and recorded the Committee's gratitude to Dermot O'Mahony for his contribution to the work of the Committee in recent years.

4. Discussion with members of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Committee.

The Chairman welcomed the delegation of members of the Latvian Foreign Affairs Committee to the meeting. Ms Vaira Paegle - Chairperson, Mr Leopolds Ozolins - Deputy Chairperson, Mr Igors Solovjovs a member of the Committee and Secretary, Mr Oskars Kastens member of the Committee (also Chairman of the European Affairs Committee), the Latvian Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Mr. Indulis Abelis and staff members :- Mr Arturs Jefimovs (Adviser) and Ms Sintija Strikauska (Interpreter).

The Chairman invited Ms. Paegle to make a presentation and following the presentation he opened the discussion to the floor.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the delegation for attending and for a very useful exchange of views.

5. Discussed in Private session

There been no other business the Committee adjourned at 3.35 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

10^th October 2006.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 10^th October 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.31 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, Tony Gregory, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

Senator's Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney and David Norris.

Apologies were received from Senators Paul Bradford and Mary O'Rourke.

Senators Paul Coghlan and Terry Leyden attended in substitution for Senators Paul Bradford and Mary O'Rourke respectively.

3. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meetings of 19^th September were agreed.

4. Discussion with Minister of State, Conor Lenihan T.D., on the White Paper on Irish Aid.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and his officials Mr. Ronan Murphy, Director General of Irish Aid and Mr. Rory Coveney also from Irish Aid.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister and his officials for attending and congratulated the Minister and Irish Aid on the White Paper.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 4.41 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

24^th October 2006.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 24^th October 2006

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

Senator's Paul Bradford, Michael Kitt and David Norris.

Senator Camillus Glynn attended in substitution for Paschal Mooney and

Senators Paul Coghlan attended in part-substitution for Senator Paul Bradford.

Senator Mary Henry also attended.

3. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 10^th October were agreed.

4. Discussion with Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs on the current situation in Darfur

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Rory Montgomery, Political Director with Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Ciara O'Brien, Deputy Director with Irish Aid, and Ms. Pauline Conway, Head of the Department's Africa Section.

Mr. Montgomery made a presentation to the Committee and he and the other officials answered members' questions.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the officials for attending.

5. “Women in Afghanistan- Their Struggle for Equality”,: Discussion with Ms. Mary Akrami, Director of the Afghan Women's Skill Development Centre

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Mary Akrami who is Director of the Afghan Women's Skills Development Centre who was accompanied by Mr. Terence O'Malley and Mr. Brian Hamilton-Rodgers from the organisation “SAFE”, a NGO which focuses its work on Afghanistan.

Ms. Akrami made a presentation to the Committee and she and other members of the delegation answered members' questions.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 5.00 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

7^th November 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 7^th November 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.17 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, Tony Gregory and Michael Mulcahy.

Senators Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney and David Norris.

Deputy Emmet Stagg attended in substitution for Deputy Michael D. Higgins.

Senator Paul Coghlan attended in substitution for Senator Paul Bradford.

Senator Terry Leyden attended in substitution for Mary O'Rourke.

Apologies were received from Deputies Michael D. Higgins and Liz O'Donnell.

3. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 24^th October were agreed.

4. Discussion with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., on Iran and related nuclear issues

The Chairman welcomed the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern TD and Mr. Adrian McDaid, Director of the Disarmament Section to the meeting.

The Minister made a presentation to the Committee and he answered members' questions.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the Minister and his official for attending.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 3.42 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

21^st November 2006.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 21^st November 2006

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

Senators Michael Kitt, David Norris and Brendan Ryan.

Senator Eamon Scanlon attended substitution for Senator Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputy Liz O'Donnell.

3. Minutes of previous meetings

The minutes of the meetings of 7^th November were agreed.

4. Discussion on Ireland's Aid Programme in Vietnam with Irish Aid, Action Aid Ireland, and Plan Ireland

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Noel White and Mr. Damien Boyle from Irish Aid and Mr. Conleth Brady from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the meeting. Mr. White made a presentation to the Committee and he and Mr. Boyle answered members' questions.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the officials for attending.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Mary O'Mahony and Ms. Olga McDonogh from Action Aid Ireland and Ms. Sabrina Brett and Mr. Colin Lee from Plan Ireland to the meeting. Ms. McDonagh and Ms. Brett made presentations to the Committee and they and Mr. Lee answered members' questions.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

5. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 3.45 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

23^rd November 2006.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday 23rd November 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 10.12p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Michael Woods (in the Chair), Bernard Allen, Joe Costello and Michael D. Higgins.

Deputy Catherine Murphy attended in substitution for Deputy Tony Gregory.

Senator's Paul Bradford and David Norris

Senator Joe O'Toole also attended.

3. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meetings of 21^st November were agreed.

4. Discussion with Mr. David Kilgour and members of the Irish Falun Gong Group on the alleged Organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners

The Chairman welcomed Mr. David Kilgour, a former Secretary of State (Asia Pacific region) in the Canadian Government, Ms. Dongxue Dai, a member of the Falun Gong group in Ireland, Mr. Feng Liu and Dr. Zhang Guoyan to the meeting.

Mr. Kilgour and Ms. Dai made presentations to the Committee and they and Mr. Liu answered members' questions.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 11.47 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

5^th December 2006.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 5^th December 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.11 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

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

Senators Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney and David Norris.

Senator Paul Coghlan attended in substitution for Senator Paul Bradford.

3. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meetings of 23^rd November were agreed.

4. Discussion with Mr. Tony d'Costa of Pax Christie Ireland on Cluster Munitions

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Tony d'Costa Secretary General of Pax Christi Ireland to the meeting to discuss the issue of Cluster Munitions.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for attending.

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business the Committee adjourned at 3.18 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

12^th December 2006.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 12^th December 2006

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

Senators Michael Kitt, Paschal Mooney and David Norris.

3. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meeting of 5^th December were agreed.

4. Discussed in Private session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

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

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

19^th December 2006.

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 19^th December 2006

1. The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 4.07 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, Bernard Durkan, Michael D. Higgins and Michael Mulcahy.

Senator Michael Kitt.

Senator Paul Coghlan attended in substitution for Senator Paul Bradford.

Senator Terry Leyden attended in substitution for Senator Mary O'Rourke.

3. Minutes of previous meeting

The minutes of the meetings of 12^th December were agreed.

4. Discussion with Officials from the Department of Family & Social Affairs and from the Department of Foreign Affairs on “Improving Access to Contributory Pensions for Missionaries and Volunteer Development Workers.”

The Chairman welcomed from Ms. Anne Vaughan, Ms. Siobhan Lawlor and Mr. Paul Cunningham from the Department of Social and Family Affairs and from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Irish Aid Mr. Frank Flood, and Ms. Kate Boylan to discuss the draft report on pension arrangements for missionaries and development workers.

Ms. Vaughan made a presentation to the Committee regarding the Draft Report and she and the other officials answered members' queries.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witness for attending.

The Committee met in Private Session at 5.18 p.m.

5. Discussed in Private Session

6. Discussed in Private Session

There been no other business the Committee adjourned at 5.42 p.m.

Dr. Michael Woods T.D

Chairman

18^th January 2007.

Sub-Committee on Development Co-Operation

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

Thursday, 18^th May 2006

1. The Sub-Committee met in public session at 12.16 p.m. a.m. in Committee Room 4, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Senator Michael Kitt (in the Chair), Deputies Michael Mulcahy and Michael D. Higgins.

Deputy Sean Haughey in substitution for Deputy Tony Dempsey.

Deputy Joe Callanan and Senator Terry Leyden were also in attendance.

Apologies were received from Deputies Bernard Allen, Tony Dempsey and Liz O'Donnell.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 12^th October 2005 were agreed.

4. Presentation by Friends of Albania

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Michael Gannon and Mr. Jack McCann 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 Committee agreed the following resolution “That Ireland Aid and the Department of Foreign Affairs treat the new application for funding from Friends of Albania with urgency and with a recommendation for its expansion.”

The Chairman thanked the delegation for attending.

5. Any other Business

As there was no other business the meeting was adjourned at 12.48 p.m. sine die.

Senator Michael Kitt

Chairman

29^th June 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Development Co-Operation

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

Thursday, 29^th June 2006

1. The Sub-Committee met in public session at 11.11 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

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

Deputies Charlie O'Connor and Paudge Connolly and Senator Terry Leyden also attended.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 18^th May 2006 were agreed.

4. Presentation by the Advisory Board for Irish Aid

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Chris Flood, Chairman of the Advisory Board for Irish Aid and three other members of the Advisory Board, Mr. David Begg, Mr. Gerry O'Connor and Ms. Maura Quinn 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. Presentation by the Irish Red Cross (Mr. David Andrews)

The Chairman welcomed Mr. David Andrews, Chairman of the Irish Red Cross Society and Mr. Noel Wardwick, Head of the Irish Red Cross International Department 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.

6. Any other Business

As there was no other business the meeting was adjourned at 12.30 p.m. sine die.

Senator Michael Kitt

Chairman

7^th December 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Development Co-Operation

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

Thursday, 7^th December 2006

1. The Sub-Committee met in public session at 11.06 a.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

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

Senator Brendan Ryan.

Deputy Joe Callanan attended in substitution for Deputy Michael Mulcahy.

Senator Terry Leyden and Mary White also attended.

3. Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 29^th June 2006 were agreed.

4. Discussion with Mr. John O'Shea, Chief Executive of GOAL on Irish Aid to Ethiopia, Somalia and Uganda and the current situation in Darfur

The Chairman welcomed Mr. John O'Shea, Chief Executive of Goal.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion and invited questions from Members. The Chairman thanked Mr. O'Shea for attending.

5. Any other Business

As there was no other business the meeting was adjourned at 12.22 p.m. sine die.

Senator Michael Kitt

Chairman

January 2007

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

9^th February 2006

1. The Sub-Committee met at 12.07 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 and Senator Paschal Mooney.

Apologies were received from Deputies Ruairí Quinn and Noel Davern.

Also in attendance were Deputy Michael D. Higgins and Senators Paul Coghlan, and Terry Leyden.

Senator Mary White attended in substitution for Senator Mary O'Rourke.

3. Minutes of meeting of 14 December 2005

Minutes of the meeting held on 14 December were agreed.

4. Meeting with Mr. Michael Finucane, son of the late Mr. Patrick Finucane, Belfast solicitor murdered in February 1989, Mr. Peter Madden of Madden & Finucane Solicitors and Mr. Dermot Finucane, Patrick's brother. (Mrs. Geraldine Finucane was ill and unable to travel).

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Michael and Mr. Dermot Finucane and Mr. Madden to Leinster House to discuss the Finucane family's concerns regarding the issues surrounding Patrick's death in February 1989.

Following some introductory remarks the witnesses made their presentation. Following their presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members.

Deputy Higgins, through the Chair, proposed (seconded by Deputy Carey) and it was agreed, that the Sub-Committee would prepare and submit a motion for consideration by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to request that the Government should, as a matter of urgency, take the strongest possible action in raising this matter again with the British Prime Minister to reiterate the urgent need for a public inquiry to be set up in the case and for a review of the new Inquiries Act 2005 which repealed the 1921 Act.

Deputy Carey and Senator Mooney agreed to raise the matter with their British colleagues at the Plenary Session of the British-Irish

Inter-Parliamentary Body in Killarney in April 2006. It was agreed that the Clerk would arrange for contact details for that Body to be given to Michael Finucane.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their presentation.

In 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 13.01.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

March 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

9^th March 2006

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 Ruairí Quinn.

Also in attendance was Deputy Michael D. Higgins.

Senator Mary White attended in substitution for Senator Mary O'Rourke.

3. Minutes of meeting of 9 February 2006

Minutes of the meeting held on 9 February were agreed.

4. Meeting with Front Line, Human Rights Defenders

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Mary Lawlor, Director of Front Line, The International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, to discuss their ongoing work and activities.

Following some introductory remarks the witness made her presentation.

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

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witness for her presentation.

The meeting was suspended at 12.28 p.m.

The meeting resumed at 12.32 p.m.

5. Meeting with representatives of the family of Mr. Joseph Rafferty

The Chairman welcomed Joseph Rafferty's sister, Ms. Esther Rafferty, Mr. Bart Little, who is married to Joseph's sister, Sandra Rafferty and Councillor Garry Keegan, to discuss the Rafferty's family's campaign for justice following the death of their brother Joseph, who was murdered in Dublin on 12 April 2005.

Following some introductory remarks the witnesses made their presentation.

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

It was unanimously agreed that the Sub-Committee would write to the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Deputy Michael Woods, immediately after the meeting, to request that he urgently raise the matter of the family's invitation to visit the White House on St. Patrick's Day with the Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. James C. Kenny, given his close working relationship with the Ambassador.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their presentation.

In Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

7. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 13.03 sine die.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

May 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

4^th May 2006

1. The Sub-Committee met at 12.12 p.m. in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputy Noel Davern (in the Chair) and Deputy Tony Gregory.

Apologies were received from the Chairman, Senator Paul Bradford, Senator Paschal Mooney and Deputies Ruairí Quinn and Pat Carey.

Deputy Charlie O'Connor attended in substitution for Deputy Pat Carey. Deputy Michael D. Higgins attended in substitution for Deputy Ruairí Quinn. Senator Mary White attended in substitution for Senator Paschal Mooney.

3. Minutes of meeting of 9 March 2006

Minutes of the meeting held on 9 March were agreed.

4. Meeting with Trócaire and ABColombia.

The Chairman welcomed Ms. Patricia Abozaglo, Trócaire's Latin America Programme Officer and Mr. James Lupton, Advocacy Officer for the ABColombia group (which Trócaire supports and is part of) to discuss their ongoing work and activities in Colmobia. Following some introductory remarks the witnesses made their presentation.

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

Deputy Higgins, through the Chair, proposed (seconded by Senator White) and it was agreed, that the Sub-Committee should pass a resolution and submit a motion for consideration by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to request that the Government should urge the United Nations to continue its high profile mandate in Colombia.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked the witnesses for their presentation.

In Private Session

5. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12.48 p.m. sine die.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

December 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

6^th December 2006

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 Joe Costello and Senator Paschal Mooney.

Also in attendance was Senator Paul Coghlan.

Deputy Michael D. Higgins attended in substitution for Deputy Joe Costello.

3. Minutes of meeting of 4 May 2006

Minutes of the meeting held on 4 May were agreed.

4. Meeting with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) to discuss the current Human Rights and Political situation in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The Chairman welcomed Dr. Shigut Gelata, OLF's Foreign Relation Officer for the Europe Regional Zone, Dr. Trevor Trueman, a Human Rights Advocator and Mr. Sebastien Vanderschaeve, a Journalist (not affiliated to any particular Agency), to discuss their ongoing work and activities including their efforts in searching for peace in Ethiopia. It was noted that the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) is one of the strongest opposition movements to the Ethiopian Government. The matter had been referred to the Sub-Committee for their consideration following a meeting of the full Committee on 10 October 2006.

Following some introductory remarks the witnesses made their presentation.

Following the presentation the Chairman opened the discussion to other Members. In conclusion the Chairman thanked Dr. Gelata, Dr. Trueman and Mr. Vanderschaeve for their presentation.

In Private Session

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12.50 p.m. sine die.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

December 2006

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

Proceedings of the Sub-Committee

20^th December 2006

1. The Sub-Committee met at 2.33 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 (substituted by Deputy John McGuinness for a portion of the meeting), Senator Paschal Mooney and Deputy Michael D. Higgins (in substitution for Deputy Joe Costello).

Apologies were received from Deputy Tony Gregory.

3. Minutes of meeting of 6 December 2006

Minutes of the meeting held on 6 December were agreed.

4. Meeting with Mr. Ali Salem Al Tamek, Human Rights Defender, to discuss the current Human Rights and Political situation in Western Sahara

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Ali Salem Al Tamek, Human Rights Defender, his interpreter Mr. Ray Mesoud and Ms. Orlagh McCann from Frontline (the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders) to discuss his ongoing work and activities in Western Sahara.

It was noted that Mr. Al Timek is a founding member of the Western Sahara branch of the Forum for Truth and Justice, an organization that campaigns for the rights of victims and families of victims of torture.

Following some introductory remarks the witnesses made their presentation.

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

Deputy Higgins, through the Chair, proposed (seconded by Senator Mooney) and it was agreed, that the Sub-Committee, through the Clerk, should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs to seek clarification of the Government's position (as outlined in the briefing note) regarding its recognition of the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic, as the Sub-Committee were of the opinion that the country is ‘de facto’ recognised by at least 80 countries, following the adoption of a UN Resolution in the early 1980's by the late Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Brian Lenihan, T.D.

The Sub-Committee also agreed to write to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to request her support in bringing urgent attention in this case to the appropriate authorities in the Moroccan Government to ensure that Mr.

Al Timek is not re-arrested on his return to Laayoune (El Aaiún) in Western Sahara.

In conclusion the Chairman thanked Mr. Al Tamek (through his interpreter, Mr. Mesoud) for his presentation.

In 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 3.20 p.m. sine die.

Senator Paul Bradford

Chairman

February 2007

APPENDIX 6

Informal meetings with Ambassadors and other distinguished visitors

Number

Date

Name of Delegation/Individual

1

12^th January

HE Mr. Zhang Xinsen, Ambassador of China

2

7^th March

HE Daniel Megiddo, Ambassador of Israel

3

8^th March

HE Mr Stylianos Mallicourtis Ambassador of Greece

4

13^th March

HE Ms. Cecilia Jaber Breceda Ambassador of Mexico

5

21^st March

Mr. George Iacovou, Foreign Minister of Cyprus

6

7^th April

HE Mr. Antono Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil

7

11^th May

HE Dr. Sami Khiyami Ambassador of Syria

8

12^th May

Mr. Jack Dunford, Director, Thailand Burma Border Consortium.

9

22^nd May

Mr. Kadar Asmal, former South African MP

10

31^st May

Meeting with Iranian Chargé d'Affaires

11

7^th June

HE Mr. Zerihun Retta Shumye, Ambassador of Ethiopia

12

14^th June

Ambassador of Chile,

13

28^th June

HE Daniel Megiddo, Ambassador of Israel

14

24^th July

Bahraini Minister for Industry and Commerce

15

21^st September

Mr. Martin Gallagher MP,New Zealand

16

17^th November

Madame Ninh, Vice-Chair Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Committee

17

18^th October

Mr. Shyam Saran, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of India

18

21^st November

Mr. Petras Vaitieknas, Foreign Minister of Lithuania

19

21st November

Chinese Ambassador

20

22^nd November

Indian Ambassador

21

29^th November

Mr. Leon Diaz, Angola

22

12^th December

Korean MPs

23

13^th December

Ethiopian Ambassador

Informal meetings with other groups.

1

7^th March

Comhlamh

APPENDIX 7

JOINT COMMITTEE AND SUB-COMMITTEES

CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS ABROAD ATTENDED BY MEMBERS

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Visit Number

Date

Destination

Meeting / Conference

Delegates

01

28^th January – 3^rdFebruary 2006

Rwanda

Visit by the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to Rwanda to participate in the Parliamentary Field Visit organized by the World Bank and the Parliamentary Network of WorldBank Rwanda

Dr Michael Woods, T.D., Chairman

02

27^th– 28^th March 2006

Vienna

Attendance by the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs at a Conference of the Chairpersons of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the National Parliaments of the EU Member States, of the European Parliament and of the EU accession candidate countries which will take place on Monday March 27 and Tuesday March 28 2006 in the Austrian Parliament building in Vienna

Dr. Michael Woods, T.D., Chairman

03

28^th– 31^st March 2006

Washington

Attendance at a high level seminar on aid and development organised by the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank (PNoWB)

Dr. Michael Woods, T.D. Chairman

Mr. Michael Mulcahy T.D.

Mr. Bernard Allen T.D.

Mr. Michael D. Higgins T.D.

Ms. Liz O'Donnell T.D.

04

12^th– 13^th April 2006

The Hague

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs were invited to an informal meeting by the Dutch Foreign Affairs Committee to exchange views on matters of common interest.

Dr. Michael Woods, T.D. Chairman

Mr. Tony Dempsey T.D.

Senator Brendan Ryan

05

25^th- 27^th April 2006

Macedonia

Visit by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to Macedonia at the invitation of the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Macedonia.

Dr. Michael Woods, T.D. Chairman

Mr. Bernard Allen T.D.

Mr. Tony Dempsey T.D.

Senator Michael Kitt

06

1^st– 5^th May 2006

Ethiopia

Visit by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to Ethiopia from 1-5 May to view the aid programmes sponsored by Ireland Aid and to oversee the work undertaken by Ireland Aid in Ethiopia

Dr. Michael Woods, T.D. Chairman

Mr. Pat Carey T.D.

Mr. Tony Dempsey T.D

Senator Brendan Ryan

07

25^th -26^th May 2006

Capetown

Visit by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to the Conference of Development Chairmen to South Africa, 25-26 May 2006.

Dr. Michael Woods, T.D. Chairman

Mr. Bernard Allen T.D.

Mr. Tony Dempsey T.D.

Senator Michael Kitt

08

28^th– 29^th September 2006

Helsinki

Visit by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs to the COFACC in Helsinki, 28-29 September 2006.

Dr. Michael Woods, T.D. Chairman

09

3^rd- 4^th October 2006

Brussels

Attendance at Joint Committee Meeting on European Development Policies at the European Parliament Hemicycle, Brussels Wednesday 4 October 2006

Mr. Michael D. Higgins T.D.

10

12^th– 15^th November 2006

UN New York

Visit to by Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs on 12-15 November 2006

Attendance at 2006 Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations

Dr. Michael Woods T.D. Chairman, Mr. Michael D. Higgins T.D.

Senator Paschal Mooney

APPENDIX 8

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Work Programme 2007

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

WORK PROGRAMME

2007

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—

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;

such matters of policy for which the Minister for Foreign Affairs is officially responsible as it may select;

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;

such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;

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);

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;

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;

such aspects of Ireland's international relations as it may select; and

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 2007 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 (viz. 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 situation in Iraq

The ongoing situation in Iran

The ongoing situation in Darfur/Sudan

The ongoing situation in Ethiopia & Somalia

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 ongoing situation in Lebanon

The plight of Irish Emigrants abroad, particularly in the UK and the US

Continuous monitoring of the Official Development Aid budget, the achievement of objectives as set out in the White Paper on Irish Aid and the expansion of the Irish Aid programme in general;

Monitoring progress towards achieving the development target of 0.7% by 2012;

Corruption: its elimination, particularly as it affects 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 Malawi, Lesotho and Mozambique and the development of the African Union and NEPAD;

Examination of the Irish Aid programme in Vietnam

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 Missionaries and Development Workers abroad.

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 2007, it would adopt the following thematic priorities:

The plight of Irish citizens abroad.

The undocumented Irish in the United States of America

The Irish in the United Kingdom.

Irish Development Aid and the achievement of objectives set out in the White Paper on Irish Aid.

The United Nations

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

United Nations reform

The situation in Iran

The situation in the Middle East.

The situation in South America, with particular reference to the current political and economic changes taking place there.

In addition, the Joint Committee or its appropriate Sub Committee will examine, as it deems appropriate, areas of specific concern under the following headings.

Development Co-operation

Monitoring the Development Co-operation Ireland programme, including the recent addition of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, Mozambique and Malawi to the Government's priority countries for aid; EU development and humanitarian assistance and relevant United Nations humanitarian and development programmes and agencies

Hearing submissions from Non-Governmental Organisations, their umbrella body Dochas, 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

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.

Northern Ireland

Ireland/UK relations, including further discussion with Co-operation Ireland.

Monitoring of NI peace process.

Cross Border Co-operation

Ireland/US relations

Ireland/US political and cultural relations

US/EU relations

International Affairs

Co-operation with International Political institutions.

International Security – efforts to combat international terrorism

Monitoring of progress towards the Millennium Development Goals

International arms trade and anti-personnel mines

International Criminal Court

North and South America, Central America

Middle East

Iraq

Afghanistan

India & Pakistan

North Korea

South Korea

Indonesia/East Timor

Tibet

Burma/Myanmar

Africa: South Africa, Great Lakes Region, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi

Cuba

Canada

China

Russian Federation

Liberia

Nigeria

East Timor, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

International relations in general

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 –

such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs;

such Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs; and

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, on average, fortnightly in the course of 2007. The Sub-Committees on Development Co-operation and Human Rights expect to meet bi-monthly during the course of the year.

In view of the specific functions of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs, it is not possible to anticipate the number of meetings required over the coming 12 months. It is likely that a minimum of 2 meetings will be required to consider Estimates for the Public Service relating to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

11. AGREEMENT OF WORK PROGRAMME

This Work Programme for 2007 of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs was agreed by the Committee at its meeting on ** February 2007. 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

18 January 2007.

ADDENDUM

Bodies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs

Advisory Board for Irish Aid

The Development Education Advisory Committee (DEAC)

Díon Committee

Ireland-United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission)

APPENDIX I

Travel proposals¹

Liberia/Sierra Leone

Examination of the Security arrangements in which Irish personnel are involved

South Africa

Parliamentary Network of the World Bank Conference (Capetown) 16/19 March

Vietnam

Study of the DCI programme for which a report has been prepared by the Committee

Timor Leste

Study of the DCI Programme for which a report has been prepared by the Committee.

Germany

Presidency meeting Conference of Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committees 26/27 February

Germany

Presidency meeting Conference of Chairman of Development Committees date to be advised

Portugal

Presidency meeting Conference of Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committees date to be advised

India

Invitation from HE Saurabh Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Ireland February.

New York

UN Parliamentary meeting September

Iran

Possible visit

Cyprus/Turkey

Possible Visit

¹ Travel commitments as at ** January 2007, subject to change

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

Chairman's Foreword

Meetings of the Joint Committee

Visits Abroad

Focus of the Joint Committee

The Irish Abroad

Human Rights

Development Cooperation

The European Union

The United Nations

Concluding Comments

Members of the Joint Committee

1. Content and Format of Report

2. Establishment and Functions

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

4. Establishment of sub-Committees

5. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

6. Number and Duration of Meetings

7. Work of the Committee

7.1 Joint Committee

7.2 Dáil Select Committee

7.3 Sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

7.4 Sub-Committee on Human Rights

8. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

9. Reports

9.1 Joint Committee Reports

9.2 Work in Progress

10. Travel

11. Functions and Powers

Appendix 1

COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

ORDERS OF REFERENCE

Dáil Éireann on 16th October 2002 ordered:

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

Appendix 1(A)

JOINT COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Order establishing the sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

Orders of Reference

Appendix 1(B)

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Order establishing the sub-Committee on Human Rights

ORDERS OF REFERENCE

Appendix 2

Members of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

List of Members

Deputies:

Senators:

Appendix 2.1

Sub-Committee on Development Co-operation

List of Members

Deputies:

Senators:

Appendix 2.2

Sub-Committee on Human Rights

List of Members

Appendix 3

Appendix 3.1

Appendix 3.2

Appendix 4

Appendix 5

Minutes of the Proceedings of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 24th January 2006

2. Attendance

3. Minutes of the previous meetings

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

10. Discussed in Private session

Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday 7th February 2006

2. Attendance

3. The Current Situation in Ethiopia: Discussion with Self Help Development International

4. The Current Situation in Ethiopia, discussion with Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs

5. Discussed in Private session

6. Discussed in Private session

**Dáil Éireann on 16^th October 2002 ordered:**

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

Tuesday 24^th January 2006

Tuesday 7^th February 2006

Tuesday 14^th February 2006

Tuesday 21^st February 2006

Tuesday 28^th February 2006

Wednesday 8^th March 2006

Tuesday 21^st March 2006

Tuesday 11^th April 2006

Tuesday 9^th May 2006