Written answers

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

161. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent of the NTMA or other State bodies' investments in the defence industry; the nature of this investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16043/17]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The NTMA has informed me that the preliminary unaudited value of investments by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund in the aerospace and defence sub-industry as at 31 December 2016 is approximately €10.5 million.  The aerospace & defence sub-industry is the lowest level of sector breakdown available under the Global Classification and the Bloomberg Industry Classification System Standards and includes aircraft manufacturers. Whilst these companies may have a limited exposure to the armaments and defence industry, this level of detail is not available.

The specific exclusions from the ISIF are those that are mandated by legislation, specifically the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2008.  A listing of the 19 companies excluded on this basis is available at .

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

162. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent of the NTMA or other State bodies' investments in areas or projects in illegally occupied Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16044/17]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund ("ISIF") has a statutory mandate to invest on a commercial basis to support economic activity and employment in Ireland and is engaged in a strategy to sell its investments outside Ireland over time to fund Irish investment commitments as they arise.  The Fund's annual report for the year ended 31 December 2016, together with a full list of global holdings, will be published during the second quarter of 2017. 

The ISIF currently operates a Sustainable and Responsible Investment policy and is a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment.

On the basis of unaudited preliminary data, the fund has one legacy holding of 0.9 of one share, valued at €0.12 in Africa-Israel Investments.  Given the nominal value, sale of this holding is difficult however it will be sold at the next practicable opportunity.  Other than that, to best of the ISIF's knowledge, the fund does not have investments in areas or projects in Palestine. In the absence of a list of specific holdings which may be of concern to the Deputy, ISIF is not in a position to give a more detailed response at this time.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.