Dáil debates

Thursday, 21 April 2011

Other Questions

International Agreements

4:00 pm

Photo of Michael ColreavyMichael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 10: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plan to incorporate a recommendation as stated at the Irish Joint Consortium Annual Event in November 2010, that Ireland's NAP should include a strong monitoring plan that is implemented effectively and ambitiously particularly one that includes oversight by the Houses of the Oireachtas and allow for opposition members to hold the Government to account on this matter in his preparation to adopt Ireland's NAP for implementation of UNSCR 1325. [8787/11]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The recommendation referred to by the Deputy is one of a number of submissions received by my Department relating to the development of a national action plan, NAP, on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. As stated in my earlier reply to Question No. 2, the resolution calls for an increase in the participation of women in peacemaking and peace building processes, the protection of women and girls in armed conflict and the incorporation of a gender perspective into peacekeeping and peace building processes. In developing our NAP, a wide-ranging consultation process took place involving Departments and Government agencies, the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána, as well as representatives of civil society and academia. A comprehensive audit of Government activity in the areas covered by the resolution was conducted and civil society engaged in a consultative process with women affected by conflict in Ireland.

I agree with the Deputy that our NAP should include a monitoring and evaluation process that allows progress in implementing the plan to be tracked. I envisage recommending the establishment of a monitoring group whose membership would be reflective of all agencies working in the areas covered by the Security Council resolution, both in Government and civil society. Once the Oireachtas has completed the process of the establishment of its committees, my officials would then engage with the appropriate committee with a view to ensuring that the Oireachtas is informed on progress in implementing the NAP.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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I again thank the Tánaiste and note this issue was dealt with to some extent earlier. However, I seek some specific information from the Tánaiste. What level of organisation will the Department of Foreign Affairs commit to this? Overseeing the implementation of the plan across the areas required is a significant task. Will a full-time or part-time person be allocated? Regarding the role of parliamentarians in the accountability process, the Tánaiste referred to liaising with the committees following their establishment, but what will our function be and how regularly will the implementation of this matter be monitored by us?

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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We are considering these issues in the context of finalising the national action plan. As I indicated in my response to another question, we must strike a balance between our aspirations in the national action plan and what is practically feasible. The issues we are considering are the practical implications of the plan's implementation. I sought for and received the opinions of various Departments in this regard. After we finalise the plan, it will be brought to the Government and then made known. I envisage a monitoring and evaluation process, one in which the range of interests involved in the consultative process will be involved. I also envisage that the monitoring and evaluation will be subject to one of the Oireachtas committees after their establishment.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Tánaiste acknowledge that, when Ireland enters into international agreements like Security Council Resolution 1325 or our millennium goal targets on human rights and international justice, they should not be subject to the caveat that budget measures may change? They should be honoured, otherwise the international community and the UN will be undermined. These resolutions and agreements are pointless unless they are honoured.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I agree there should not be caveats. For this reason, I am taking care to ensure that the way in which we advance the national action plan in terms of the resolution can be honoured. I agree with the Deputy that we should not make commitments if we believe we will not be in a position to fulfil them, as that would undermine our standing internationally. I am taking some care to ensure the plan as agreed is implementable.