Written Answers Nos. 181-200
181. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any engagement with Iran in relation to its continued military support for Russia's war on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50162/23]
View answerThe European Union has made clear its concerns about Iran's supply of military equipment to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. These concerns were expressed most recently in the Conclusions of the European Council in October. They have also been raised in the context of discussions with Iran about certain EU sanctions in the military sector.
The Iranian Government is well aware of these concerns. Senior officials in my Department have engaged with Iranian counterparts on this question. Iran claims that Iranian weapons used by Russia in Ukraine were bought by Russia prior to its invasion of Ukraine. I am not confident that this is the case.
In recent weeks I have spoken twice to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in relation to the crisis in Gaza. I spoke to him of the necessity for an immediate ceasefire, of avoiding any escalation of the conflict around the region, and of humanitarian issues, particularly the release of hostages.
182. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a report on his recent discussions with the Chinese foreign minister in relation to Russia’s war on Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49944/23]
View answerIreland, along with our EU partners, has consistently called on China to use its influence on Russia to press them to bring an end to their illegal war in Ukraine.
During my visit to Beijing last week, I raised Russia's war in Ukraine with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Vice President Han and with Minister Liu Jianchao. I underlined the impacts of the conflict on Ukraine and its people, including the loss of many young lives, and our concerns for the winter ahead, as well as the impacts on Europe and beyond. I was clear that the crisis remains central to EU policy making discussions and that China's position is an important factor in EU-China relations.
During a lengthy exchange with Foreign Minister Wang, I reiterated Ireland’s commitment to the United Nations and to the wider multilateral system and underlined that any peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine must be based on the United Nations Charter and must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has a clear responsibility to defend and promote the Charter and the rules based international order, including in relation to the use of force and territorial integrity. I asked Foreign Minister Wang to ensure that China play a constructive and active role on Ukraine commensurate with its global position, and, in particular, that China use its influence on Russia to advocate for an immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. I noted Ireland’s desire that China engage with President Zelenskyy’s peace formula.
In our exchange, Foreign Minister Wang said that China wishes to see an end to the conflict, and that, in line with China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, published in February 2023, the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively upheld.
The EU and China will hold a Summit meeting in early December. Russia’s war in Ukraine is likely to be central to discussions during that meeting. Ireland will continue to urge China to engage constructively and on the basis of the United Nations Charter to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
185. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50047/23]
View answerI visited China from the 6th to 9th November.
In Beijing, I met with Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and held a courtesy call with Minister Liu Jianchao. Those meetings were an opportunity to communicate Ireland’s priorities for our relationship with China and to emphasise the values which underpin our engagement. We had frank and constructive exchanges both on areas where we agree and on those where our perspectives differ.
I stressed our interest in maintaining and strengthening our relationship, on the basis of the global multilateral trading system, with transparent, equitable and mutually agreed parameters and a level playing field. I made clear Ireland’s support for the common EU approach on ‘de-risking’ and our obligation to ensure that our economies and societies are resilient and avoid vulnerabilities and over dependence. I reiterated that de-risking is not de-coupling. I welcomed the forthcoming EU-China Summit.
I underlined the centrality of the UN Charter - and the institutions and bodies of the UN - to Ireland’s foreign policy. In my conversation with the Foreign Minister, I set out Ireland’s long held concerns on human rights in China, particularly around the National Security Law in Hong Kong, and the treatment of minorities in Xinjiang and elsewhere.
The visit was also an opportunity to discuss Ireland’s wider policy objectives on the global challenges faced by both of our countries, including on the situation in Ukraine and in the Middle East. I asked that China use its influence on Russia to end their illegal invasion of Ukraine and to withdraw their troops from Ukrainian territory. We also discussed the crisis in Israel and Palestine and agreed on the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the critical importance of regional de-escalation.
My meetings with political interlocutors underlined the essential role and value of diplomacy in discussing both areas of cooperation, and issues on which we disagree.
In both Beijing and Shanghai, I had significant engagement with Irish and Chinese businesses engaged in trade and investment. Economic links between Ireland and China remain strong and I was pleased to hear first-hand from those who are driving the relationship. I was also delighted to formally open Ireland House in Shanghai. Our new offices, which house our Consulate General and State Agencies, reflect Ireland’s commitment to enhancing our footprint in this strategically important region of China.
I also met with students and faculty at the Beijing Foreign Studies University, which hosts an Irish Studies Centre, as well as the China Europe International Business School in Shanghai. I had the opportunity, at both institutions, to communicate Ireland’s values and priorities for our relationship with China.
186. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a list of the ambassadors to Ireland that he has met with since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52083/23]
View answerDuring the course of my duties as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I meet with various representatives both at home and abroad on a regular basis to further enhance Ireland’s position and reputation in the world.
Since taking up this position, I have attended various meetings, conferences and events during which I interacted with multiple ambassadors.
As regards those ambassadors or heads of missions based in Ireland with whom I have met, I wish to inform the Deputy that I have met with the following twelve (12) ambassadors and one (1) representative/head of mission.
|
State |
Representative |
|
Algeria |
Mr. Mohammed Belaoura |
|
Antigua and Barbuda |
Ms. Karen Mae Hill |
|
Canada |
Ms. Nancy Smyth |
|
Egypt |
Mr. Mohamed Sarwat Selim |
|
Iran |
Dr. Masoud Eslami |
|
Israel |
Ms. Dana Erlich |
|
Kuwait |
Mr. Mohammad Al-Mohammad |
|
Morocco |
Dr. Lahcen Mahraoui |
|
Saudi Arabia |
Mr. Nail Al-Jubeir |
|
United Arab Emirates |
Mr. Mohammed Hmoud Hamad Rahma Alshamsi |
|
United Kingdom |
Mr. Paul Johnston |
|
United States |
Ms. Claire Cronin |
|
Palestinian Representative Authority |
Representative Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid |
These are important interactions that allow for and greatly facilitate a deeper understanding between the Irish State and each of the aforementioned nations.
187. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of Ireland's climate financing; if this will be distinguished from the loss and damage fund to be discussed at COP28; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52804/23]
View answerInternational climate finance is an important priority for the Government. Last year, the Department of Foreign Affairs led on a cross-governmental process to formulate Ireland’s International Climate Finance Roadmap. It sets out how Ireland will deliver on the target of providing at least €225 million annually in international climate finance by 2025, a commitment made by the then Taoiseach at COP26 in Glasgow. Meeting this commitment will represent a more than doubling of Ireland’s climate finance.
The Roadmap builds on Ireland's positive record on climate finance, maintaining a focus on adaptation in some of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The Roadmap expands our focus in key areas including ocean protection and biodiversity. It also asserts Ireland’s support for scaling up finance to respond to climate-induced Loss and Damage.
The issue of Loss and Damage is one of Ireland’s priorities for our work on climate change. This year, the Department of Foreign Affairs represented Ireland, sharing a seat with Germany, in the Transitional Committee negotiations on Loss and Damage. The final agreement on the new fund reflects several of the priorities Ireland worked hard to include, including a focus on vulnerability and a minimum percentage allocation for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
Supporting vulnerable developing countries to respond to the impact of climate change is clearly in line with our broader humanitarian and development policy goals. We are committed to mobilising finance for Loss and Damage, including through the new fund, as part of our overall climate finance strategy.
Over the past decade, Ireland has steadily increased its international climate finance. Preliminary figures show that in 2022, Ireland provided over €115 million in international climate finance – our highest spend to date. This represents a more than doubling of Ireland’s climate finance since 2015.
188. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent engagements with the Government of South Africa; and if he has sought to join its referral of the situation in Palestine to the International Criminal Court. [52836/23]
View answer204. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he believes the actions of the Israeli Government with regard to the onslaught in Gaza should be referred to the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50268/23]
View answer205. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he supports the State referring Israel to the International Criminal Court, as was previously done by Ireland in relation to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50266/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 188, 204 and 205 together.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the first permanent international court with the power to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. The purpose of a referral under Article 14 of the Rome Statute of the ICC is to request the Prosecutor to initiate an investigation into alleged crimes committed on the territory of a State Party or of a state that has accepted the Court’s jurisdiction by way of declaration, or committed by nationals of such a state.
Israel is neither a party to the Rome Statute nor has it made a declaration accepting the Court’s jurisdiction. In these circumstances it is not open to Ireland or any other state party to refer Israel to the Prosecutor.
However, Palestine is a State Party to the Rome Statute. In 2018 Palestine itself referred alleged crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory to the Court. The Court confirmed that it has jurisdiction in the case and the Prosecutor then formally initiated an investigation into the situation in Palestine in 2021.
Unlike Palestine, Ukraine is not a party to the ICC Statute, but has made a declaration accepting the jurisdiction of the Court. In such cases prior authorisation of the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber is required before the Prosecutor can commence an investigation unless a State Party to the Statute separately refers the situation of the declaring state to the Prosecutor. The process of seeking prior authorisation from the Pre-trial Chamber is lengthy and the referral of the situation in Ukraine by Ireland and 42 other States Parties was for the purpose of avoiding this, enabling the Prosecutor to immediately begin his investigation into the alleged commission of international crimes in Ukraine.
On 17 November 2023, South Africa, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros and Djibouti made a referral of the Situation in Palestine to the International Criminal Court. This referral was legally unnecessary as the Prosecutor had already initiated his investigation. In responding to it, he issued a statement confirming that the situation in Palestine was already under investigation by his office and that the investigation covers Rome Statute crimes committed on the occupied Palestinian territory by the nationals of any state (including Israeli nationals) or by Palestinian nationals on Israeli territory, and includes all relevant events since October 7.
The Prosecutor also called on States Parties to the Rome Statute to provide the Court with the tools it needs to fulfil its mandate effectively across all situations and reiterated his request for additional resources. I have accordingly announced a voluntary contribution of an additional €3 million to the Court in support of its important work, in addition to our annual contribution, which was €1.4 million in 2023. Ireland has consistently promoted a budget that meets the needs of the Court and will continue to do so at the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in December. We must focus on practical steps that can make a difference.
189. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the recent meeting of the Hungarian Prime Minister with the Russian President; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49940/23]
View answerI was disappointed by Prime Minister Orbán’s decision to meet with Vladimir Putin in China on 17 October.
I do not believe that such outreach will serve to advance peace, but rather risks undermining the solidarity the EU has shown Ukraine in protecting its territorial integrity.
Now, more than ever, it is vital that the EU provides a strong signal of EU unity in terms of our continued commitment to Ukraine.
191. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the attention of his Department has been drawn to a case (details supplied); the steps that the Department has taken to assist the family in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50002/23]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the Irish citizen in this case and are continuing to provide consular assistance and guidance.
I met the citizen recently and I fully appreciate that the circumstances of this case are difficult for all concerned. I have engaged with my counterpart in the jurisdiction on the case and the Embassy of Ireland has also engaged with the relevant Ministry of Justice on the matter and has provided advice to the citizen accordingly.
Departmental and Embassy officials have advised the citizen, since the case began, to engage with a local lawyer to best advise on the laws as they pertain to the jurisdiction in question. The Embassy of Ireland has also liaised with other EU Embassies, whose citizens have been in similar circumstances, in the context of the consular advice being given to the citizen.
I understand that the citizen recently held an introductory meeting with a mediation committee to explore options on resolving their case. The committee has provided clear guidance on the options available to the citizen and I welcome this development. I would advise the citizen to consider these options and appoint a lawyer who can advocate on their behalf locally.
The Department of Foreign Affairs cannot interfere in legal or custodial matters but my officials will continue to provide consular assistance to the citizen where possible and appropriate.
192. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he used his visit to China to request that the Chinese government use its influence with Russia to deliver an immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49941/23]
View answerIreland, along with our EU partners, has consistently called on China to use its influence on Russia to press them to bring an end to their illegal war in Ukraine.
During my visit to Beijing earlier this month, I raised Russia's war in Ukraine with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Vice President Han, and with Minister Liu Jianchao. I underlined the impacts of the conflict on Ukraine and its people, including the loss of many young lives, and our concerns for the winter ahead, as well as the impacts on Europe and beyond. I was clear that the crisis remains central to EU policy making discussions and that China's position is an important factor in EU-China relations.
During a lengthy exchange with Foreign Minister Wang, I reiterated Ireland’s commitment to the United Nations and to the wider multilateral system and underlined that any peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine must be based on the United Nations Charter and must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has a clear responsibility to defend and promote the Charter and the rules based international order, including in relation to the use of force and territorial integrity. I asked Foreign Minister Wang to ensure that China play a constructive and active role on Ukraine commensurate with its global position, and, in particular, that China use its influence on Russia to advocate for an immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. I noted Ireland’s desire that China engage with President Zelenskyy’s peace formula.
In our exchange, Foreign Minister Wang said that China wishes to see an end to the conflict, and that, in line with China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, published in February 2023, the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively upheld.
The EU and China will hold a Summit meeting in early December. Russia’s war in Ukraine is likely to be central to discussions during that meeting. Ireland will continue to urge China to engage constructively and on the basis of the United Nations Charter to bring an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
193. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his support for the work of the International Criminal Court and his response to Russian attempts to undermine its international mandate and functioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49693/23]
View answerThe International Criminal Court (ICC) was established as the first permanent international court to end impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes. By its very existence the Court not only promotes and upholds the rule of law but also provides a means of bringing to account the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. In this way it contributes in a fundamental way to the cause of international peace and justice.
I am extremely concerned by the criminal proceedings issued against a number of judges at the ICC and the ICC Prosecutor by Russian authorities in retaliation for arrest warrants issued by the Court against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova. I also condemn the recent serious cybersecurity attack against the Court.
These acts are attacks against the independence and impartiality of the Court, and are an affront to the rule of law. The Government reiterates its unwavering support for the ICC in the face of these threats and calls for the criminal proceedings against all Court officials to be withdrawn by Russia. We will continue to publicly support and promote the Court in all relevant international fora, including at the recent United Nations General Assembly debate on the ICC in October.
In addition to political support for the Court, Ireland strongly believes that the ICC should have sufficient resources to meet its many operational challenges. We have consistently promoted a budget that meets its needs and will continue to do so at the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC Statute in December. Furthermore, in 2022 Ireland made a voluntary contribution of €3 million to the ICC, to assist its work across all investigations, prosecutions and victim assistance programmes.
194. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland is taking with European partners in relation to Russia continuing to weaponise food and undermine global food security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50059/23]
View answerRussia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine exacerbated an existing global food and nutrition security crisis. Ireland has long championed efforts to combat hunger, famine and malnutrition – and we continue to scale up our response.
We have been unequivocal in our support for the people and Government of Ukraine. We commend Ukraine’s efforts to ensure that countries most affected by food insecurity can continue to access the critical supplies they need. In September, as part of a package of direct Irish support to Ukraine of €26 million, we announced €2 million in assistance for the Grain from Ukraine initiative launched by President Zelenskyy to provide grain to at least 5 million people in developing countries..
This year, the Government is providing €75 million to address humanitarian and other needs in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries, and the growing food security and nutrition crisis in vulnerable countries. This year, through our international development programme, Ireland will provide a total of €284 million on food, agriculture and nutrition programmes globally.
We were deeply concerned when Russia announced In July that it would not agree to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which facilitated the export of grain and other foodstuffs from Ukrainian ports.
Ireland has strongly supported EU efforts to alleviate food insecurity, most notably through the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes. More broadlly, we have continued to underscore the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 2417 which acknowledges the link between conflict and food insecurity, and condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.
196. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what action Ireland is taking with European partners to support the Republic of Moldova in addressing the challenges it faces as a consequence of the Russian aggression against Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50060/23]
View answerTogether with our EU partners, Ireland remains steadfast in our support for Moldova, which has demonstrated a firm commitment to its ambitious reform agenda and to realising its EU membership ambitions. This commitment is particularly laudable in light of the significant challenges that Moldova faces, not least in light of Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.
As you will be aware, Ireland is a strong supporter of EU enlargement. This strategic priority has assumed heightened importance in the current context of ongoing Russian military aggression against Ukraine, which continues to have implications for Moldova and the wider region.
In its report of 8 November, the European Commission recommends to the European Council that EU accession talks are opened with Moldova in light of the progress that the country has made to date, provided certain key measures are adopted. This decision is set to be taken by the EU Member States at the December European Council and there must be unanimous agreement. Ireland’s position will be informed by the report’s assessment, which is currently under close review.
On 17 October, at the 4th meeting of the Moldova Support Platform (MSP) in Chisinau, Minister Burke, on behalf of Ireland, pledged €2 million in funding for Moldova to assist the Government in making critical investments and strengthening institutions in the context of its EU membership perspective and the challenges it faces as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The €2 million in funding will be channelled through the World Bank. It follows the €5 million provided by Ireland to Moldova in budgetary support last year, also via a World Bank Trust Fund, towards mitigating the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, supporting the provision of essential public services, costs associated with hosting refugees, and efforts to increase resilience in the energy sector.
Irish support compliments broader EU support to Moldova. The EU is the largest provider of financial assistance to Moldova. For 2021-2024, EU funding for Moldova is expected to amount to €260 million to support Moldova’s reform agenda as well as key investments in the economy, energy security and climate resilience. Other EU support to Moldova includes: the sanctions framework introduced at Moldova’s request to combat actions aimed at destabilising the country; the assistance measures provided under the European Peace Facility (EPF), and; the establishment of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Partnership Mission (EUPM Moldova) to enhance the resilience of the country’s security sector in the areas of crisis management and hybrid threats.
In the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression, Ireland will remain unwavering in our support for Moldova as the country continues to make strides towards realising its EU membership ambitions.
197. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline Ireland's position on the recent crisis involving Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, and what steps he has taken in international forums, such as the EC and the UN, to seek to reverse the exodus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50231/23]
View answerAzerbaijan’s military escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh in September resulted in the mass exodus of an estimated 100,000 Karabakh Armenians from the region. The welfare of those who fled, as well as the small number that remain, is our primary concern. Together with our partners, Ireland has been active at European Union level, at the Council of Europe, at the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and at the UN in advocating for their right to live in their homes in dignity, without intimidation or discrimination, as well as to create the conditions for their voluntary, safe, and dignified return.
Azerbaijan has stated that Karabakh Armenians are welcome to return to the region. Ireland has been clear that Azerbaijan bears the responsibility for their rights and security. This includes the effective protection and guarantee of their cultural heritage and property rights. At the recent meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, we discussed a range of possible further options to support Armenia in light of the influx of Karabakh Armenians which would complement the significant assistance that the EU has provided to date.
Since the outbreak of the crisis, the EU has allocated over €12 million in humanitarian assistance and €15 million in budget support to Armenia, as well as significant non-financial support. Ireland has also provided assistance on a bilateral basis through the Start Fund and People in Need on the ground assisting vulnerable people displaced by the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. We are also providing significant core funding to UNHCR and the ICRC, which are playing an important role in the humanitarian response.
Ireland remains fully supportive of the EU’s role in facilitating negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan with a view to reaching a sustainable over-arching peace agreement that will resolve outstanding issues. I hope that talks at leader-level can take place as soon as possible and Ireland fully supports the efforts of the EU in this regard.
198. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the direction his Department is giving to the Irish Embassy at the UN in relation to drafting of the pact for the future document for the UN summit of the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52864/23]
View answerFollowing the UN Secretary General’s Our Common Agenda (OCA) proposals in 2021, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution to hold the Summit of the Future in September 2024. Practical consultations on preparations for the Summit began in February 2023 and a Ministerial meeting took place in September during UNGA High Level Week.
A Pact for the Future will be endorsed by Heads of State/Government as the outcome document of the Summit, pointing the way for the innovations and reforms required over the coming years. The Pact for the Future will be organised into five chapters: sustainable development and financing for development; international peace and security; science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation; youth and future generations; and Transforming global governance.
Ireland has strongly supported the UN Secretary General’s work in this area, including through reflecting OCA elements in the recently adopted SDG Summit Political Declaration, which Ireland co-facilitated. During the consultations and negotiations on the Pact for the Future, Ireland will work to ensure that the SDG Political Declaration is well reflected and built upon.
Ensuring the success of the Summit of the Future will require Member States to be brave in their ambition, with a genuine sense of ownership and commitment to achieving its goals. Ireland will therefore engage with stakeholders in EU and international fora to encourage meaningful consideration of a plurality of views and priorities from across the world, and work to ensure these are reflected in the finished product.
Beyond the important specific themes addressed clearly in each of the chapters, Ireland will be focused on ensuring key cross-cutting issues, such as gender and human rights, are reflected meaningfully throughout the Pact for the Future.
199. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on passport provision to applicants from County Carlow to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50035/23]
View answerThe Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports and has issued over 900,000 passports to date in 2023. Between 2,000 and 3,000 passports are being issued every day. All turnaround times are at or ahead of target and there are no backlogs. More than half of simple adult renewals issue within two working days or less.
The Passport Online service offers Irish citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that consistently offers processing times up to 4 times faster than paper-based passport renewal applications. Over 90% of all passport applications are made through Passport Online which is now available to 99.9% of all applicants across the world
Currently, 100% of calls to the Customer Service Hub are being answered and customers can easily access the information they need through the Hub. The Customer Service Hub responds to an average of 10,000 queries per week.
The Passport Service was recently placed 18th out of 150 public-facing organisations in a survey conducted by the Customer Experience (CX) group. This ranking recognised the Passport Service as the best customer service brand in the public sector. In addition, the Customer Service Hub in the Passport Service was shortlisted for the “Best Customer Service Team” award at the 2023 Customer Experience Awards. The nomination recognised the ability of the Passport Service to deal with the high volume of calls and webchats received to date in 2023, while also ensuring high levels of customer service.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage your constituents to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service.
The numbers of applications received, online and by post, passports and passport cards issued from the Passport Service for County Carlow to date in 2023 are outlined below in tabular form.
|
Carlow |
Online |
Paper |
Card |
Total |
|
Applications received |
7,713 |
931 |
122 |
8,766 |
|
Passports dispatched |
7,207 |
797 |
106 |
8,110 |
200. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether prospective new member states of the EU have made significant progress to date in reaching the milestones for membership; what changes in the operation of the EU are under consideration to accommodate wider membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50242/23]
View answerOn 08 November 2023, the European Commission published its annual package of enlargement reports, which assess the progress made by candidate countries to date in reaching the required milestones for EU membership. Based on the progress made to date in fulfilling the key recommendations set out by the Commission in the relevant Opinions, the Commission has recommended that the Council: opens accession negotiations with both Ukraine and Moldova; grants Georgia the status of candidate country on the understanding that a number of steps are taken; and opens accession negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina once the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria is achieved.
The Commission has stated that it stands ready to report to Council by March 2024 on the progress made in relation to these recommendations.
While these recommendations carry significant influence, the decision to open negotiating frameworks with Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia Herzegovina, and grant candidate status to Georgia, must be taken unanimously by all 27 Member States. It is expected that Council Conclusions on enlargement will be endorsed at the European Council meeting in December.
We recognise that in order to accommodate an enlarged EU, we must consider what institutional and policy changes are likely to prove necessary. Ireland favours those which can be implemented within the existing legal and Treaty framework. The intention of the Commission to undertake a series of pre-enlargement policy reviews is welcome, to see how the EU’s policies, budgets and institutions may need to be adapted to a larger Union. This will be an important exercise to inform this future discussion.
