Written Answers Nos. 31-50
32. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the annual contribution from Ireland to the European Peace facility each year since it was established and the projected cost for the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57053/23]
View answer33. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has been providing military aid to Ukraine through the European Peace facility; if so, the total amount provided to date in financial terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57054/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 33 together.
The EU established the European Peace Facility (EPF) in 2021. The Facility has three main aims: First, it funds the common costs of the EU’s military missions and operations under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP); second, it helps to finance Peace Support Operations led by international and regional organisations, as well as partner countries around the world; and third, it strengthens the military and defence capacities of third states and international organisations on military and defence measures.
The current overall budget ceiling for the EPF for the period from 2021-2027 is approximately €12.04 billion (in current prices). In line with the Programme for Government, all of Ireland’s EPF contributions are directed solely towards non-lethal assistance. As is the case for all EU Member States, Ireland’s contributions to the EPF are calculated proportionally, based on a GNI key and spread across the life cycle of the EPF from 2021-2027.
Contributions under the EPF are shared between the Department of Foreign Affairs (Vote 28) and the Department of Defence (Vote 36). The Department of Foreign Affairs covers costs in respect of Assistance Measures and the Department of Defence covers costs in respect of the European Union’s Military CSDP Missions and Operations. Ireland’s contributions to date under the EPF are as follows:
|
Year |
Contribution in millions (Foreign Affairs) |
Contribution in millions (Defence) |
Total Annual Contribution in millions |
|
2021 |
2.078 |
1.895 |
30.008 |
|
2022 |
19.996 |
3.016 |
23.012 |
|
2023 |
28.113 |
6.242 |
8.32 |
|
Total |
€50.187 million |
€11.153 million |
€61.34 million |
For the remaining years of the EPF (2024-2027), the maximum projected costs to Ireland are currently calculated at approximately €219 million. The final amount payable will depend on the actual assistance measures and the financing for missions and operations agreed under the EPF; and on each Member State’s annually-recalculated GNI key.
With regard to Ukraine, Russia’s illegal invasion in February 2022 has led to the unprecedented mobilisation of the EPF to provide military assistance to Ukraine to defend itself in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
To date under the EPF, EU Member States have agreed approximately €5.6 billion (in current prices) to support Ukraine. This includes approximately €5.22 billion in lethal military assistance and €380 million in non-lethal military assistance. Ireland’s commitment – which is directed solely towards non-lethal assistance - now stands at approximately €122 million. This helps to supply items such as medical equipment, food, personal protective equipment and fuel. Of this €122 million, Ireland has disbursed approximately €25.493 million from the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Vote 28.
In addition to the €5.6 billion in support through assistance measures under the EPF, the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was established by the Foreign Affairs Council in October 2022. The Mission is providing specialised training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and coordinating Member State training activities. It has trained approximately 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers as of the end of 2023. The Government has approved the participation of up to 30 Irish Defence Forces’ personnel in EUMAM Ukraine. Ireland also provides a small number of staff positions. To date the Defence Forces have delivered training modules in tactical combat casualty care, demining/mine clearance, and drill instruction training.
As of the end of 2023, Ireland has disbursed €4.164 million from the Department of Defence’s Vote 36 under the EPF in relation to EUMAM Ukraine (to support the common costs of the Mission and the Mission’s non-lethal assistance measure).
34. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide a schedule of the personal and or person-specific data sets his Department holds that have been provided and/or shared with other Departments and/or Ministers and/or State bodies and/or agencies and/or local authorities in the past 20 years to date; if he will clarify if the transfer of data and/or records was in aggregated form or on an individual basis; and the reason the data and/or records were provided. [57211/23]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that an effective governance framework is in place to enable my Department to meet its obligations under data protection legislation. This governance framework was adopted in accordance with the Department’s obligations under the GDPR.
Sharing of personal data with other public sector bodies is for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes. Personal data is shared only where there is a lawful basis for sharing and the Department has deemed that the provision of such data is both necessary and proportionate.
The type of information shared only when necessary and in accordance with our official functions includes information authenticating identity or citizenship. The effective and efficient delivery of passport and consular services for Irish citizens is a central component of the Department's work and on occasion the sharing of personal data may be necessary. This includes the sharing of personal data for law enforcement purposes with competent authorities as defined under Section 69 of the Data Protection Act 2018.
A schedule of personal or person-specific data sets shared with other bodies set out in the Question is not available for the last twenty years.
My Department is committed to fulfilling our obligations under the GDPR and Data Protection Acts 1988-2018, including providing information to the public where personal data is shared with other public bodies. Details about the data we share and the lawful basis for the sharing are set out in our Data Protection Information Notices which are published on our website.
In addition to this and as part of our ongoing compliance with data protection legislation, my Department was party in 2022 to a series of data sharing agreements with other public sector bodies, which were published for public consultation. These agreements were finalised in line with the full commencement of the Data Sharing and Governance Act (DSGA) 2019 which gave further effect to the GDPR and Data Protection Acts 1988-2018.
36. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will enact the Occupied Territories Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1000/24]
View answerAs 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.
The EU reiterated its overriding policy of differentiation at the EU-Israel Association Council in October 2022. All agreements between the State of Israel and the EU must unequivocally and explicitly indicate their inapplicability to the territory occupied by Israel in 1967. Ireland is vocal in ensuring that this policy is applied consistently across all sectors of cooperation.
As regards trade, EU law and guidelines on goods from settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, clearly differentiate between settlements on the one hand, and Israel, on the other. These guidelines were updated in May 2023, increasing the burden of proof on importers and economic operators involved in imports into the European Union of products originating in Israel.
These guidelines are an important part of the EU contribution to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and Ireland remains vigilant in ensuring full their full and consistent implementation.
Ireland applies a whole of Government approach to this policy of differentiation and my Department ensures that there is information available for the public and companies regarding Ireland's policy on settlements on its website.
38. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to visit Poland in the first quarter of 2024. [1075/24]
View answerIreland and Poland enjoy a strong bilateral relationship. Although I do not currently have a scheduled visit to Poland in the first quarter of this year, I look forward to engaging with my new Polish counterpart, Foreign Minister Sikorski, at meetings in Brussels and exploring further opportunities, including through visits, to further strengthen our bilateral relationship.
39. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he spoke with the UK Opposition Foreign Secretary during his visit to London before Christmas. [1076/24]
View answerI visited London on 13 December for a bilateral meeting with the UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron.
This was my first meeting with the British Foreign Secretary since his appointment in November 2023. As such, it represented an important opportunity to discuss relations between our countries, and to share views on a wide range of foreign policy issues including the crisis in the Middle East, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and international development aid.
I was also able to meet with the Chair and CEO of the London Irish Centre in Camden during my brief time in London. This was to announce Irish Government funding of €2.2 million towards the Centre’s redevelopment project. This is an important contribution to the Centre's fundraising efforts and signals the Government's strong ongoing commitment to supporting the Irish community in Britain.
I did not meet with the Shadow Foreign Secretary on this occasion; however, I am in contact with the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as part of my regular engagement with a range of UK political figures as I work to strengthen the British-Irish relationship.
40. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he spoke formally with his Singapore counterpart during 2023. [1144/24]
View answerUnder the Government’s Asia Pacific Strategy, my Department aims to further deepen bilateral relations with South East Asia, and particularly with Singapore in light of its significant global and regional role. The bilateral relationship between Singapore and Ireland is strong and growing. This year will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. As small, outward-looking countries committed to multilateralism and the rule of law, Ireland and Singapore are likeminded on many global issues. Singapore is Ireland’s largest trading partner in the sub-region and Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and Bord Bia all have offices in Ireland House in Singapore, co-located with Ireland's Embassy.
There were a number of other Ministerial-level engagements between Ireland and Singapore in 2023. Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, attended a reception of the Forum of Small States (FOSS) hosted by Minister Balakrishnan during the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week in September. In November, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, visited Singapore as part of an Enterprise Ireland trade mission and attended the Singapore Fintech Festival. During this visit, Minister Carroll MacNeill held a bilateral meeting with Senior Minister of State for National Development and for Communications and Information, H.E. Mr. Tan Kiat How.
As Taoiseach, I visited Singapore in July 2022 as part of a working visit to Asia. During this visit, I met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. At this meeting, we discussed global post-pandemic economic recovery, regional security and Russia's war in Ukraine. I also attended a FOSS reception hosted by Minister Balakrishnan during the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week in September 2022.
As well as bilateral engagement, we engage with Singapore through the Association of South East Asian States (ASEAN), the Small Advanced Economies Initiative, the Forum of Small States, the United Nations and through the European Union.
Ireland's Embassy in Singapore engages both bilaterally and in conjunction with the EU Delegation to advance the EU and Ireland’s interests and to advocate on human rights and political issues of interest. Singapore remains a key partner in the region and I look forward to continued high-level engagement in the period to come.
41. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the post of Irish Honorary Consul in Malaga has been filled; and if not, when he expects this post to be filled. [1145/24]
View answerIreland currently has over 80 Honorary Consuls operating in more than 50 countries across the globe. Our global network of Honorary Consuls offers key support to the Government across a range of priorities, including providing a means of meeting the needs of Irish citizens and the Government in regions where we do not have a resident diplomatic Mission. These appointments are honorary in nature - unsalaried and non-pensionable.
At present, Ireland has a network of nine Honorary Consuls operating in Spain, managed by our Embassy in Madrid. Mr. José de la Torre y Morín, who served as Honorary Consul of Ireland in Málaga, sadly passed away in October 2022. Throughout his over 40 years of service, the Honorary Consul provided key support to the Embassy, particularly in the context of the provision of assistance to Irish citizens visiting or residing in the region.
The consular needs of Irish citizens in the Málaga region continue to be met through the Embassy of Ireland in Madrid and our wider diplomatic network in Spain, including through a new Temporary Consular Office in Marbella which opened to the public in August 2023. The question of how best to provide consular services and assistance to Irish citizens in the Málaga region on a long-term basis is under active consideration. A decision will be made shortly.
42. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications currently with the Passport Office from persons based in County Meath. [1169/24]
View answerThe Passport Service is successfully meeting high demand for passports with turnaround times at or well-ahead of target, and no backlogs. The majority of online adult renewal applications issue within two working days.
In 2023, over 1 million applications were received and over 950,000 passports were issued. So far in 2024, the Passport Service has issued over 33,000 passports.
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 passport applications from applicants resident in County Meath are outlined below in tabular form.
|
Co. Meath as of 15 January 2024 |
ONLINE |
PAPER |
Total |
|
With Applicant for further action |
913 |
442 |
1,355 |
|
With Passport Service for processing |
1,163 |
225 |
1,388 |
|
Total |
2,076 |
667 |
2,743 |
43. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs with regard to the increasingly urgent conflict situation in Sudan what supports his Department can provide or if he plans to introduce supports that will assist Sudanese/Irish citizens who are at risk. [1223/24]
View answerI am deeply concerned by the severe humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan caused by the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since hostilities began in April last year, over 7.2 million people have fled their homes. Almost 25 million people are now in need of humanitarian aid and protection assistance.
A ceasefire is urgently needed. In late 2023, the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide warned that the risk of genocide was high, particularly in Darfur.
Ireland continues to offer practical support to the people of Sudan, and to engage with diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict.
Following the outbreak of the conflict, the Government deployed an Emergency Civil Assistance Team (ECAT) mission to augment the consular support being provided to Irish citizens, and support evacuation operations led by international partners. More than 350 Irish citizens and their dependents have been assisted to leave Sudan. We continue to provide consular assistance through the Irish Embassy in Kenya, accredited to Sudan.
In 2023, Ireland provided over €7.9 million in humanitarian funding to partners operating in Sudan, in addition to assistance for Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries. In December 2023, Ireland announced a further €2million contribution for the UNHCR Sudan Regional Refugee Response. Ireland also provides annual funding to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) which in 2023 allocated over $60 million to Sudan.
We have consistently emphasised the need for humanitarian access, a cessation of hostilities, and a clear role for civil society in Sudan's political future. At meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council during 2023, the Tánaiste highlighted the heavy toll which the conflict was taking on civilians and called for consideration of additional sanctions. New EU sanctions were agreed in October 2023 targeting in particular those who attack civilians and obstruct humanitarian access.
We will continue to work with partners to help facilitate a democratic and peaceful future for Sudan and its people.
44. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives his Department's embassies are undertaking to gain international recognition of St. Brigid's day with a particular reference to the 1500th anniversary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1302/24]
View answerIreland's embassies and consulates undertake a wide range of diplomatic activities as part of their work to maintain Ireland's positive international profile and to support issues and initiatives which are of particular interest to us.
In that context, Ireland's diplomatic network has been to the fore in efforts in recent years to raise awareness of St. Brigid's Day and to establish the day as an international celebration of Irish women's achievements.
In February 2018, to mark St. Brigid's Day, the Embassy of Ireland in London hosted a celebration of the creativity and achievements of Irish women, which was a resounding success. In the years since, St. Brigid's Day has been celebrated across Ireland's diplomatic network, developing into what is now an annual global programme.
This year is a very special year, being the 1,500th anniversary of the death of St. Brigid, and that will I am sure be reflected in the celebratory events being organised by our missions. While my Department provides funding, missions themselves, often working with State agencies and other local partners, devise the events, missions being best placed to judge what is most suitable in their host countries.
So far this year, my Department has confirmed funding for over forty events, hosted by thirty-five of our missions, with others expected to be added to that list in the run up to St. Brigid's Day. Included in those events are panel discussions, cultural performances, mentoring sessions and exhibitions, to name just a few.
The list of participating missions confirmed to date is:
Abuja, Beijing, Brussels, Canberra, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Holy See, Jakarta, Miami, Rabat, Tokyo, Vienna, Wellington, Boston, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, The Hague, Brasilia, Riga, Prague, Warsaw, Nairobi, Valetta, Mumbai, Madrid, Luxembourg, London, Addis Ababa, Chicago, Hong Kong, Nicosia, Sydney, Atlanta, and Lisbon. More events are expected.
45. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in the history of the State, diplomatic status has even been given to representatives of a political movement (such as the African National Congress or Palestine Liberation Organization), as opposed to the more standard diplomatic status for representatives of a State; and if this has not been granted, if he could explain how relations between the State and the ANC prior to the fall of Apartheid, or relations between the State and the PLO prior to the establishment of the Mission of Palestine in Dublin, were coordinated. [1559/24]
View answerArticle 2 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, provides that: “The establishment of diplomatic relations between States, and of permanent diplomatic missions, takes place by mutual consent.”
Ireland became a state party to the Vienna Convention in 1967 and its provisions were given the force of law in the State by the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act, 1967. Accordingly, the immunities and privileges set out in the Vienna Convention apply here by law to the accredited diplomats and the diplomatic missions of states with which Ireland has established diplomatic relations. Only states may become parties to the Vienna Convention and therefore under the 1967 Act, the immunities and privileges set out in the Convention can only apply to diplomatic representatives and missions of states. On this basis, the question of granting diplomatic status in Ireland to representatives of political movements, such as the African National Congress (ANC) or the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) did not arise.
A Palestinian Information Office operated in Dublin from 1985 until 1991. From checks of accessible records from the period concerned, it appears that any contacts or exchanges which took place between the Government and the Palestinian side prior to the establishment of the Palestinian Mission in Dublin, or with ANC representatives prior to the fall of apartheid, did so informally.
The establishment of the Delegation of Palestine in Dublin took place in December 1993 by decision of the Government on an administrative basis and involved the granting of certain functional privileges as a courtesy. By further decision in January 2011, and in line with similar decisions by other EU partners, the Government agreed to upgrade the status of the Delegation to its current “Palestinian Mission” title and that of its Delegate-General to “Ambassador-Head of Mission.”
Full diplomatic relations were established between Ireland and South Africa in 1993 and the South African Embassy in Dublin opened in 1995.
46. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if additional harsher sanctions will be discussed to be applied to North Korea due to their involvement in the war against Ukraine at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. [1627/24]
View answerIreland implements United Nations sanctions, as adopted by the United Nations Security Council, and EU restrictive measures adopted as part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The sanctions adopted in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Overall, the sanctions measures introduced include extensive import and export bans, travel bans, asset freezes, transport bans and media restrictions. In December 2023, Ireland welcomed the adoption of the EU’s 12th sanctions package against Russia, which focused on addressing circumvention and strengthening implementation.
On 9 January 2024, Ireland joined an EU joint statement strongly condemning DPRK export and Russia’s procurement of DPRK ballistic missiles, as well as Russia’s use of these missiles against Ukraine on December 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024.
The United Nations Security Council has adopted a number of sanctions Resolutions relating to DPRK, targeting its nuclear-related, other weapons of mass destruction-related, and ballistic missile-related programmes; most recently UNSCR 2270 (2016) . In addition to applying UN sanctions, the EU has also put in place additional autonomous measures.
The current restrictive measures regime related to the DPRK includes a range of export and import restrictions including on arms and related materiel of all types; all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology, which could contribute to the DPRK's nuclear-related, ballistic-missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction-related programs; key components for the ballistic-missile sector; any other item that could contribute to the development of the operational capabilities of the DPRK's armed forces. Related financial assistance, technical training, advice, services, assistance or brokering services, or other intermediary services are also prohibited. Further details on the range of restrictions on DPRK established under current EU measures can be found here: www.sanctionsmap.eu/
Ireland supports the continued use of EU sanctions to maintain pressure on Russia and DPRK.
47. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs given the European Court of Justice ruling in 2022 to bar public transparency on beneficial ownership and the international consortium of investigative journalists findings from their “Cyprus Confidential” investigations showing clear evidence of money laundering and EU sanction evasions by Russian oligarchs in Cyprus, the initiatives envisaged at a European Union-level to counteract this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1646/24]
View answerEU sanctions have a direct effect in all Member States of the EU, and are legally binding on all natural and legal persons. Ireland has strongly supported sanctions in response to Russia’s unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, while also consistently emphasising the importance of effective implementation. Twelve packages of sanctions have been agreed by the EU to date. Recent measures have had a strong focus on combatting circumvention.
In response to the findings of the ‘Cyprus Confidential’ report, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has launched a probe into the investigation’s findings, in addition to its on-going work to establish an independent body to investigate financial crimes and sanctions evasion.
Under the EU’s Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive, EU Member States are required to create centralised registers of Beneficial Ownership information – that is, information on those who ultimately own or control corporate and other legal entities and trusts. This requirement has been met by the establishment of a number of registers in Ireland including:
• Register of Beneficial Ownership of Companies and Industrial and Provident Societies
• Central Register of Beneficial Ownership of Trusts, operated by Revenue
• Register of Beneficial Ownership of Certain Financial Vehicles, operated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
There are a variety of degrees of access to the information held on the Registers, with competent authorities and law enforcement officials granted the widest access, while ‘designated persons’ (i.e. those having anti-money laundering obligations) may access information when conducting customer due diligence. Access by members of the general public is based upon having a demonstrable ‘legitimate interest’.
Those subject to these filing obligations are also obliged to hold this beneficial ownership information locally and make it available to competent authorities and law enforcement agencies and to ‘designated persons’ when conducting customer due diligence.
In addition, the Ireland Safe Deposit Box, Bank and Payment Accounts Register (ISBAR), operated by the Central Bank of Ireland, commenced collection of information from credit institutions in 2023. This register holds information on the ownership of accounts identifiable by IBAN and on safe deposit boxes held by credit institution.
Access to this Register is limited to the following agencies from May 2023:
• The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of An Garda Síochána;
• Other officers of An Garda Síochána engaged in the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of a serious criminal offence or supporting a criminal investigation concerning a serious criminal offence;
• The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB); and
• The Revenue Commissioners, for the purposes of fulfilling their obligations on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation.
Of relevance also is new draft EU anti-money laundering legislation, work on which has taken place between EU Member States, the European Parliament and European Commission throughout 2023. This legislation includes revisions to the beneficial ownership obligations outlined above. Agreement on the remaining elements is expected to be reached in the first half of 2024.
50. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of reports of human rights abuses in Balochistan, Pakistan; if he has taken the matter up with the Government of Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1863/24]
View answerI am aware of reports of unrest in parts of Pakistan, including the south-western province of Balochistan, which has witnessed violent insurgencies and ethnic conflict in recent years.
Ireland engages regularly with Pakistan on political and human rights issues in the country, at both bilateral and multilateral level. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs held bilateral and political consultations with the Pakistani Foreign Ministry in Islamabad on 18 May 2023, during which the domestic political situation and human rights issues were discussed in detail.
In January 2023, Ireland made an intervention during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the 42nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. We recommended that Pakistan amend blasphemy legislation to avoid unjustly targeting or discriminating against any religious minority. We also recommended that Pakistan establish an independent inquiry into all suspected cases of enforced disappearance, and hold alleged perpetrators to account. Ireland will continue to support Pakistan’s efforts to advance human rights through this UN Human Rights Council mechanism, acknowledging progress where appropriate.
The promotion and protection of universal human rights is a cornerstone of Irish foreign policy, including the freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom to participate in the political process. Human rights is also an important part of the EU-Pakistan dialogue and various concerns were raised at the EU-Pakistan Sub-Group on Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights during the 13th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission on 22 June 2023.
The Embassy of Ireland in Türkiye, which is accredited to Pakistan, continues to closely monitor the political and human rights situation in Pakistan, in close consultation with the EU Delegation in Islamabad, pending the opening of an Embassy of Ireland in Islamabad later this year.
