Written Answers Nos. 89 to 119
89. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any engagement or discussions with his Slovakian counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20585/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI regularly engage with my Slovak counterpart, Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Juraj Blanár, on a wide range of issues, particularly at meetings of EU Foreign Ministers in the Foreign Affairs Council.
Ireland and Slovakia enjoy positive relations, both bilaterally and as members of the European Union.
I look forward to continue to work with Minister Blanár on the many global challenges we are confronted with as members of the EU, and not least countering Russian aggression against Ukraine.
90. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the timeframe in which the newly announced consulate in Melbourne will become operational; and if he will assess the need to open additional consulates in Australia. [20780/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlanning for the opening of a Consulate General in Melbourne is underway following the Government's approval of the opening of five new diplomatic and consular missions on 5 March. As set out in the Government's announcement in relation to the new missions, they are due to open by 2026.
I am pleased that we will open a Consulate General in Melbourne. In addition to being an important commercial centre, Melbourne is home to a large and thriving Irish community. A presence on the ground will assist the Government to deepen Ireland's engagement here, build political relationships, support Irish business and engage with Irish citizens and the vibrant Irish diaspora. This decision underlines the importance the Government attaches to strengthening our relationship with Australia as a whole, building on the important work of the Embassy in Canberra, the Consulate General in Sydney, our Honorary Consul in Perth and the offices of the State Agencies.
The opening of the Consulate General in Melbourne will significantly bolster our presence in Australia and the Government will continue to keep the resourcing of the mission network under review.
92. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had discussions with his EU counterparts on what can be done to intensify the provision of humanitarian and civil protection assistance to Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20575/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has been steadfast in our support for the people and Government of Ukraine. We will continue to work closely with our EU partners to ensure Ukraine gets the support it needs to continue to defend itself against Russian aggression, and to address the humanitarian consequences.
The European Council in March again confirmed the European Union’s unwavering commitment to provide comprehensive and multifaceted support to Ukraine and its people, including through the recently agreed Ukraine Facility which commits €50 billion in grants and loans. The EU collectively has provided some €85 billion in support to Ukraine.
Ireland has provided over €90 million in stabilisation and humanitarian support for Ukraine since February 2022, with commitments to date of some €250 million in non-lethal military assistance under the European Peace Facility. Our humanitarian assistance has focused on those most vulnerable and targets critical needs.
Ireland has also provided significant in-kind assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), including support to the health and energy sectors which are vital in the face of repeated Russian attacks on this critical infrastructure. This is the largest UCPM operation to date with the Commission and Member States providing in kind assistance of over EUR 796 million.
We remain committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. This year, we plan to provide over €20 million in humanitarian assistance, with additional funding to be allocated to support development and recovery efforts.
93. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the assessment of the Moldovan foreign minister that if Ukraine falls to Russia, Moldova will be the next target for Russian aggression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20738/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMoldova has been significantly impacted by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In addition to taking in the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita in Europe, there is ongoing evidence that Moldova has been systematically targeted with hybrid attacks by the Russian Federation, with the aim of destabilising Moldova’s democracy and derailing its EU membership path.
Ireland and the EU continue to monitor developments in Transnistria, which continues to host a Russian military presence within Moldova’s internationally recognised borders, further adding to tensions in the region. It is clear that Moldova has been subject to foreign interference and disinformation efforts in an attempt to sow discord and undermine democratic processes.
In response, the EU has provided Moldova with significant financial and political support over the past two years. Last year, Ireland supported the creation of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova to enhance resilience in the security sector against hybrid threats, and supported the decision to adopt a new sanctions regime, targeting individuals who seek to destabilise Moldova. To date, 11 such individuals have been sanctioned.
Ireland supports the EU’s increased cooperation with and assistance to Moldova and we continue to engage bilaterally with our Moldovan counterparts on these issues. I personally met with Foreign Minister Popsoi during the Munich Security Conference to discuss the challenges Moldova is facing. Ireland announced €2 million in support to Moldova at the Moldova Support Platform in October last year, in addition to €5 million previously committed. Minister Carroll MacNeill also met with Deputy Prime Minister Cristina Gherasimov on 30 April in Brussels to discuss Moldova’s EU accession process and ongoing reform efforts.
The Government has also decided to open a resident embassy in Chisinau in 2025, which reflects our commitment to EU enlargement and to the further development of bilateral relations with Moldova.
95. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his attendance at the recent British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20770/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris, I co-chaired a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in London on 29 April.
The BIIGC warmly welcomed the return of the Executive, Assembly and North South Ministerial Council. I have had the opportunity to engage directly with the new Executive since they took up their positions, as indeed as the Taoiseach including in his recent visit to Belfast. This Government remains committed to working all three Strands of the Agreement to the collective benefit of the people of these islands.
Legacy issues were a particular focus of the meeting. Deputies will be aware that the meeting took place just days before key elements of the UK’s Legacy Act came into force, and specific avenues to justice were shut down by the Act. The British Government can have under no illusions about our firm conviction that closing down of inquests and investigations from 1 May is a profoundly retrograde step which will damage reconciliation.
I also took the opportunity to raise with the Secretary of State a number of individual cases that are well known to this House, including those of Pat Finucane, Seán Browne and the Dublin Monaghan bombings. We also discussed the Omagh Inquiry set up by the British Government and which will begin its work in the months ahead. The Government is fully committed to assisting the Inquiry, as it has done in relation to a number of historical inquiries. We want to ensure that there is nothing unanswered in our jurisdiction at the end of the UK inquiry.
Migration and asylum issues were not on the agenda of the meeting but on the margins of the BIIGC, I had the opportunity to discuss recent reporting on the issue with the Secretary of State. I also subsequently had a constructive call with the Secretary of State on 01 May. We agreed on the importance of our two governments continuing to work together at political and official level on the many operational aspects that safeguard the Common Travel Area.
Finally, deputies will wish to be aware that we discussed ongoing security cooperation, including issues related to tackling terrorism, paramilitarism and associated criminality.
I look forward to the next meeting of the Conference to make further progress on key issues of bilateral importance under this valuable structure established by the Good Friday Agreement.
96. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what further action is being taken with regard to the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20581/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the up-to-date position regarding the possibility of the EU liquidating frozen Russian assets; the position Ireland takes on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20889/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 105 together.
In February 2024, the EU reached agreement clarifying the legal status of the extraordinary revenue generated from the immobilised Central Bank of Russia revenues and ensuring that such revenue is held separately from the assets themselves.
It is estimated that more than €200 billion of immobilised assets of the Central Bank of Russia are held in the EU as a result of sanctions. Irish institutions do not hold any assets of the Central Bank of Russia.
Since then, Ireland has been actively engaging in ongoing EU discussions on how this revenue can now be transferred and used to support Ukraine, including with a view to addressing its most immediate military needs, notably through the European Peace Facility.
This process has been coordinated with international partners, with consideration given to the complex legal and economic questions involved.
I welcome the progress that has been made on these proposals to date and would like to see agreement finalised as soon as possible. I have repeatedly emphasised that Russia should be held accountable for the appalling damage caused by its illegal invasion in Ukraine.
In addition to this, as a result of the restrictive measures adopted in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, approximately €21.5 billion in assets have been frozen as the EU. This includes over €1.9 billion of Russian funds frozen in Irish financial institutions. These funds relate to asset freeze measures for listed individuals and entities. As with all EU sanctions regimes, the measures introduced in response to Russia’s illegal aggression in Ukraine provide for the freezing of the assets for the duration of the sanctions regime rather than the seizure or confiscation of the assets.
98. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on any action being taken to ensure the accountability of the Russian Federation for its actions in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20580/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has been consistent in the pursuit of accountability for Russia’s illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. As the first permanent international court with the power to prosecute international crimes, the International Criminal Court (ICC), has a crucial role to play fighting impunity for international crimes that have been committed in Ukraine. In March 2022, Ireland was one of 43 states to refer the situation in Ukraine to the ICC in order to enable the ICC Prosecutor to immediately start an investigation.
On 2 April 2024, then Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Peter Burke TD underlined Ireland’s commitment to accountability at the Restoring Justice for Ukraine Conference in The Hague, by announcing a €1 million voluntary contribution to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC. This funding forms part of Ireland’s overall €3 million voluntary contribution to the ICC announced in November 2023 for all situations before the Court, including Ukraine and Palestine. This is in addition to the €3 million voluntary contribution to the ICC made in 2022 and to Ireland’s annual assessed contribution, which was €1.5 million in 2024.
The Government also supports efforts to ensure accountability of the Russian leadership responsible for the crime of aggression. Ireland is one of 40 states, plus the EU, in the Core Group for the Establishment of a Special Tribunal to Prosecute the Crime of Aggression in Ukraine. Ireland participates in regular meetings of the Core Group to address the complex legal and practical issues that arise in trying to establish a credible, legitimate and effective tribunal to deal with this crime.
Ireland, is also a founding participant of the Register of Damage, which will serve as a record of evidence and information on claims of damage, loss or injury caused by Russia’s actions in or against Ukraine. The Register launched its claims submission process on 2 April 2024. The Government view the Register as an important first step towards the creation of an international compensation mechanism to hold Russia accountable to victims of its aggression.
100. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of Ireland’s request to the European Commission that a review be conducted of Israel’s compliance with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. [20778/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 71 of 7 March 2024, the details of his engagement at EU level to seek a review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU Israel Association Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20840/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 118 together.
As the Deputy is aware, then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission on 14 February of this year, requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Furthermore, the letter requested that the Commission propose appropriate measures for the consideration of the Council, should it find that Israel is in breach of its obligations.
This request was followed up at senior official level with the Cabinet of President von der Leyen on 12 March. It was also discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 March. While this initiative does not enjoy the support of all EU partners, it remains my firm view that the European Commission should respond in a meaningful manner to the Irish-Spanish request. This was further emphasised by the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, when he met with President von der Leyen on 11 April.
Ireland’s position on the EU-Israel Association Agreement is just one element our efforts to shape EU policy in the context of the current crisis. It is also consistent with our overall approach, which is grounded in respect for international law. The European Union can and should do much more to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel. This will remain a priority for my continuing engagement at EU level. The importance of Ireland’s intensive efforts through bilateral diplomatic channels; coordination with like-minded partners; leadership within the European Union; and our clear and principled voice at the United Nations, are fully understood and appreciated by our Palestinian and international partners.
101. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to detail his engagements with European counterparts on efforts to increase the level of humanitarian aid into Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20572/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on the proposed air dropping of aid in Gaza. [20749/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 111 together.
The Tánaiste has engaged actively on Gaza at every Foreign Affairs Council in the last six months. The need for an immediate ceasefire and access for humanitarian assistance have also featured prominently in our regular bilateral contacts with EU partners. Furthermore, there are numerous channels at official level, attended by the Department of Foreign Affairs, through which the EU and member states coordinate and share information on ongoing humanitarian crises such as that in Gaza.
The Tánaiste’s recent visit to the Rafah crossing, on the Egyptian side, highlighted Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian access, which have prevented life-saving aid from reaching people in Gaza. We are extremely concerned by reports that Israel has begun large-scale military strikes in Rafah and that the current Israeli military operation has resulted in the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt being closed.
The protection of civilians is an obligation under international humanitarian law and the international community has made it very clear that an Israeli military operation in Rafah will inevitably lead to disastrous humanitarian consequences and the deaths of large numbers of innocent civilians. We also condemn the Hamas attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers. This has resulted in the closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is vital for the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Ireland’s response to the crisis has included the provision of in-kind assistance in addition to significant humanitarian funding. We have provided €40 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the suffering caused by the conflict in Gaza since last October. This includes €20 million provided in February in immediate core funding for 2024 for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). UNRWA is mandated to provide life-saving essential services for 5.7 million Palestinian refugees, across the region. We have also supported other agencies which have the experience and capacity to deliver assistance, to the extent possible in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
Ireland is also using our well-established partnership with the UN Humanitarian Response Depot to deliver aid supplies to Gaza. As this involves humanitarian supplies which we have already pre-positioned in the region, there has been no requirement for the use of airdrops. Under Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative, family tents and tarpaulins from Irish stocks worth approximately €250,000 were distributed in Rafah in December. An additional consignment worth approximately €300,000 is currently in Amman, awaiting entry to Gaza.
Ireland is open to considering the option of airdrops of humanitarian assistance and this featured in discussions during the Tánaiste's recent visit to Jordan. Our Embassy in Amman is maintaining contact with the relevant authorities on the possibility of providing food supplies for future airdrops. However, we are agreed that such initiatives must not distract from the urgent need to dramatically scale up the level of humanitarian assistance entering Gaza.
103. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking with his EU counterparts to ensure that multifaceted support to Ukraine remains relevant, sufficient and strategic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20576/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU response to Russia's unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has been unprecedented in its unity, firmness and determination.
Collectively, the EU and its Member States have provided approximately €98 billion in financial, humanitarian, emergency, budgetary and military support to Ukraine since February 2022.
I continue to engage with my EU counterparts, both bilaterally and at the Foreign Affairs Council, most recently on 22 April, to ensure that Ukraine continues to get the support it needs. Recent European Councils have demonstrated the EU’s continued steadfast support for Ukraine via the adoption of the €50 billion “Ukraine Facility” and the €5 billion Ukraine Assistance Fund, which respectively will strengthen the macro-financial stability of Ukraine over the coming years and ensure the continued provision of military assistance as it exercises its legitimate right to self defence.
Bilaterally Ireland has committed approximately €250 million in non-lethal military assistance to date under the European Peace Facility. We are committed to providing further support in a manner that reflects Ukrainian needs. This has been demonstrated by Ireland joining the Lithuanian and Icelandic-led demining coalition under the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which has been formed as a direct response to the Ukrainian need for the clearance of landmines from vast areas of its territory.
Ireland has also worked with EU partners to ensure that Russia is held accountable for its actions in Ukraine. The 13 packages of targeted sanctions adopted by the EU are the most expansive and hard-hitting in EU history. Over 2,000 individuals and entities are now subject to travel bans and asset freeze measures. The EU has been working with third countries to stop battlefield goods and technology reaching Russia and to combat sanctions circumvention. Ireland fully supports these efforts, which are being led by the EU Sanctions Envoy, David O’Sullivan.
Ireland has been a strong advocate for Ukraine's European membership aspirations at EU level and welcomed the recent decision by the European Council to launch accession negotiations. I believe that EU membership will be the greatest long-term guarantee of Ukraine’s future security and prosperity. Ireland has always been a strong supporter of EU enlargement and we will stand ready to continue to support Ukraine as it progresses on its European path.
106. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens that remain in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20573/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the start of this crisis, my Department has worked with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exit from Gaza of those Irish citizens, and immediate dependents, who have expressed a wish to leave. We continue to advocate with the authorities in relation to those Irish citizens and dependents who have not yet been permitted to leave.
Since the Rafah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt first reopened in November, my Department, working through our Embassies in the region, has been able to assist over 100 Irish citizens and dependents to leave to date.
There remains a very small number of Irish citizens in Gaza, with four Irish citizens currently having made themselves known to us. There is also a small number of dependents of Irish citizens remaining in Gaza. My Department is continuing to advocate on behalf of both Irish citizens and dependents, and we continue to provide support where possible.
108. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the ruling earlier this year by the High Court in Belfast in relation to the UK government’s legacy legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20769/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have noted the judgment of the High Court of Northern Ireland in the matter of Re Dillon and Others, delivered on 28 February 2024. I understand that the appeal in this case is due to be heard in the Court of Appeal in the near future.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has lodged an inter-state application against the United Kingdom with the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. The Government considers that certain provisions of that Act are incompatible with the United Kingdom’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, and in particular Article 2 (right to life), Article 3 (prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment), Article 6 (right to fair trial), Article 13 (right to an effective remedy), and Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination) of the Convention.
The Government’s inter-state application is currently pending before the European Court of Human Rights, and will be examined by the Court in due course.
113. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to outline the distinct actions his Department is taking to ensure the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill 2018, given the all-out slaughter taking place in Gaza, the harassment and assassination of Palestinians by settlers, the raids by security forces on communities across the occupied West Bank and the blocking of medical services for critically-injured people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20883/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have stated on several occasions in this House, the Occupied Territories Bill would not be compatible with EU law, and would not be implementable. This is the clear legal advice on this matter. The Government will therefore not be taking it forward.
Ireland’s resolute opposition to illegal Israeli settlements is firmly grounded in international law. To adopt a unilateral approach that runs contrary to legal advice would undermine Ireland’s clear and principled stance on this issue, as well as our broader promotion of compliance with international law at the UN and other international organisations.
Addressing the dire situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory has been a key priority of mine since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict. The catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza is man-made and is on an unprecedented and inhumane scale. Ireland, alongside the international community, has made it crystal clear that this must end. We need an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and a massive and sustained surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza.
115. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to recent events in Georgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20584/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland welcomed the decision of the European Council to grant candidate status to Georgia in December 2023, on the basis that nine further steps, detailed in the European Commission’s Enlargement Report, are undertaken by the Georgian government.
However, I am concerned by ongoing political polarisation in Georgia and particularly by the actions taken by the Georgian government that are not in line with European norms and values, and which run contrary to Georgia’s stated European aspirations.
The reintroduction of the Foreign Agents law, as well the announcement that legislation targeting the LGBTQI+ population will be introduced, are very concerning developments, and are not compatible with Georgia’s wish for membership of the European Union.
Ireland has made clear our concerns at the reintroduction of this legislation. In a statement on 23 April, the Department of Foreign Affairs publicly expressed concern at the reintroduction of the draft law, and urged Georgia to return to the path of European integration.
In a further statement on 1 May, Ireland echoed concerns shared by the European Union and condemned the disproportionate use of force by the Georgian authorities against protesters peacefully demonstrating against the reintroduction of the bill. Freedom of expression, and of peaceful assembly, must be respected.
At a meeting on the margins of the General Affairs Council last week, Ireland, along with our European partners also made clear our concerns directly to Georgia.
The European Union is a union based on values. The best way to secure Georgia’s progress towards European Union membership is by demonstrating a genuine commitment to European values and to the human rights of all citizens. It is clear that the majority of Georgian people support Georgia’s path towards further European integration. Ireland will continue to urge the Georgian government to respect their views, and to fully align with EU standards and values.
116. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the up-to-date position on challenging the provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 in the context of the European Convention on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20730/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 17 January 2024 the Government filed an inter-State case against the United Kingdom with the European Court of Human Rights. In its application, the Government argues that certain provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 are incompatible with the United Kingdom’s obligations under the Convention, including Article 2 (right to life), Article 3 (the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment), Article 6(1) (the right of access to a court), Article 13 (right to an effective remedy), and Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination).
The inter-state application has been communicated by the Court to the Government of the United Kingdom.
The 12-week period within which third parties may seek leave to intervene in this case commenced on 9 February 2024. The Court will make its decision in respect of any such leave requests following the expiry of the relevant deadline.
The parties will be informed in due course of the composition of the Chamber of the Court which will examine this case, and will be consulted with a view to fixing the written procedure. The Court will examine the admissibility of the inter-state application in the first instance.
As I have said numerous times, the decision to initiate an inter-State case was not taken lightly, but it was the only viable course of action. We profoundly regret that we found ourselves in a position where such a decision had to be made.
The Government’s application highlights the strong opposition to the Legacy Act within Northern Ireland, including by almost all groups representing victims, survivors, and their families since it was first introduced.
It is now a matter for the European Court of Human Rights to examine the Government’s application and to determine whether the Legacy Act violates the United Kingdom’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.
There are also a number of cases challenging the Act being taken by individuals in courts in Northern Ireland. These are separate and distinct from the case being taken by the Government.
