Written Answers. - Parliamentary Debates - Houses of the Oireachtas

Questions— 14 February 2012. Written Answers
Ministerial Appointments
120. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if
he will list all appointments to State boards and agencies made by him since he came to power;
the persons appointed; the boards and agencies to which they were appointed; the remuneration
details of each appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7823/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore): There are
no State agencies, and consequently no State boards, under the aegis of my Department
Employment Rights
121. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if
the protocol section of his Department is currently in the process of drafting a protocol in
respect of protecting the rights and interests of domestic workers employed by diplomats currently
residing here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7936/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore): As stated in
my response to a similar question on 31 January, my Department is working with the Department
of Justice and Equality and other relevant Government Departments with a view to
implementing additional protections, including revised procedures related to entry requirements
for private domestic workers in diplomatic households consistent with its obligations
under the Vienna Convention. Revised procedures will be introduced as soon as this work has
been completed and agreement has been reached with the relevant Government Departments
on the measures to be implemented.
Northern Ireland Issues
122. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
if he has raised the issue of the non-implementation of paragraph 20 of the Weston Park
agreement in regard to a prisoner (details supplied) in Northern Ireland with the Northern
Ireland and British Authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7965/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore): I understand
that the prisoner in question has initiated legal proceedings which are currently before the
courts. It would not be appropriate for me to comment any further at this stage other than to
confirm that officials from my Department continue to monitor developments very closely.
123. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
the progress made on securing an independent all-Ireland inquiry into the Omagh bombing as
requested by families of the victims; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement
on the matter. [7982/12]
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Deputy Eamon Gilmore): The bombing
in Omagh in August 1998 was an atrocity which resulted in appalling loss of life and injury.
The search for closure by those who have been affected by this atrocity has not been an easy
or swift process. Criminal proceedings against those who undertook this terrible act have not
resulted in a successful prosecution and I understand that an appeal is currently underway
regarding the verdict of the landmark civil case taken by the families seeking compensation
against a group of men alleged to have been involved in the Omagh bombing. The Government
does not propose to establish an all-Ireland inquiry into the bombing. An Garda Síochána and
the Police Service of Northern Ireland maintain close contact regarding all matters of cross
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