Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Jul 2014

Vol. 846 No. 2

Other Questions

Foreign Conflicts

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

6. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the fact that the Horizon 2020 Agreement, which in principle includes the new EU guidelines that prevent any EU funding going to companies based in illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, and in view of the fact that it contains an appendix stating Israel does not recognise the new guidelines, if the Irish Government intends to oppose any such funding going to companies based in illegal Israeli settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28267/14]

The tragic killing of three Israeli teenagers in the settlement areas on the West Bank and the subsequent brutal response of the Israeli state and the killing of six Palestinians since the abduction has brought into sharp focus the issue of Israel's illegal settlements. Why are we allowing Israel to draw on the Horizon 2020 €70 billion research and innovation fund when it has stated that it does not accept the guidelines in that agreement that no business should be done with illegal Israeli settlements?

The Horizon 2020 Agreement, which was formally signed by the European Commission and by Israel last month, states clearly in article 6, paragraph one that the agreement does not apply to the territory occupied by Israel in 1967. The paragraph then goes on to state that this agreed provision is without prejudice to the position in principle of the two sides.

Essentially, the same points are made in the appendices to the agreement. The European Commission states it may continue to implement its existing guidelines on funding eligibility and Israel asserts its position of opposition to these guidelines. This is normal diplomatic language allowing one party or other to affirm a national position while in practice accepting an agreement which falls some way short of that position. In this case, the operative element is that both sides have agreed as in Article 6 that "this agreement shall not apply to the geographic areas that came under the administration of the State of Israel after 5 June 1967."

The position is thus quite clear that EU research grants may not be applied in the occupied territories. There are mechanisms provided, as is usual in such schemes, for reclaiming of funding improperly applied. Ireland fully supports this position. Ongoing implementation and oversight of the Horizon 2020 agreement with Israel is a matter principally for the Commission and the European Parliament. I have every confidence that the Commission will ensure that the agreement is properly applied.

This really gets to the heart of the double standards that occur. Russia is accused by Europe of unacceptable behaviour and incursions into Crimea in Ukraine. Immediately, sanctions are put in place and action is taken because Europe maintains that Russia's behaviour is unacceptable. Israel does it on an ongoing basis and is engaged in what everybody acknowledges is an illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and yet we involve it in an enormous innovation fund and will give its companies money. Even though we stipulate that this money cannot be used in the West Bank, Israel brazenly states that it does not accept these guidelines. Yet we still involve it in the agreement. That is extraordinary. Why is Israel treated differently even though it is involved in a routine, ongoing and brutal illegal occupation of Palestinian territory which week after week and day after day results in the most awful tragedies, the most recent of which we have just seen? We treat it with kid gloves.

Let us be absolutely clear about this. The European research funding under Horizon 2020 does not and will not apply in the occupied territories. That has been made very clear in the agreement and that is what is happening. In addition, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton has been working for some time now on the development of guidelines on the labelling of products from the occupied territories. The Government has been working on guidelines in respect of businesses and the occupied territories. I expect that we will publish those guidelines very shortly. We will do that in conjunction with a number of other member states. The position in respect of the occupied territories is absolutely clear.

I have issued a statement condemning the kidnapping and killing of the three Israeli teenagers. I also condemn the killing of Palestinian young people and the kidnapping earlier today of a Palestinian teenager. I am very concerned about the turn of events and believe there should be a pulling back from all violent activity in the Middle East and that efforts to get a lasting settlement be renewed and concentrated on.

Israel cannot be believed. That is the point. I do not understand how the Minister believes Israel when it states that it disregards the guidelines in the agreement. In the Dáil the other day, we listened to an Israeli soldier who is a member of Breaking the Silence. This is a large organisation of Israeli soldiers that has produced a book entitled Our Harsh Logic. The Tánaiste should read it. The soldier described how at the most senior military and political level on an ongoing basis, Israeli soldiers are told to go in and kill, harass, abuse and terrorise the Palestinian population on an arbitrary and random basis every day. That is what they are told to do. An Israeli soldier and an organisation of Israeli soldiers are saying this. Israel does not give a damn about our rules. We have signed an agreement and allowed Israel into an EU fund when it has said up-front that it does not accept the agreement's guidelines. I do not understand why the EU would accept that. A connection is often made between the US and Israel but the soldier from Breaking the Silence said that the EU is the largest supporter, sponsor and legitimiser of Israel.

Israel is free to state its position in respect of the guidelines for the funding of research. It can state its position as often, as loudly and in as large a print as it likes but it does not change the fact that EU money will not be spent on research in the occupied territories. That is the position agreed by the EU and that is what it is implementing. Regardless of whether Israel likes it or not, that is the EU position.

How will we police it?

It is very simple. One does not pay Israel. It is EU money. This is not complicated. The EU will not pay its taxpayers' money for research in the occupied territories. No matter what is stated in the agreements, what codicils are entered into or what statement of national positions exists, that is the control of it. We do not pay it. It is simple. The position we are working on in respect of products from settlement territories is in the same vein. The work we are doing in respect of the guidelines that will be issued to Irish businesses in line with what I believe will be done in quite a number of other EU member states will be the same. We act and if somebody does not like it, that is fine but we act because we do not believe that Israel should be occupying the occupied territories and we do not and will not support the type of actions that are being undertaken in the occupied territories.

Diplomatic Representation

Brendan Smith

Question:

7. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider re-opening the Irish embassy in Iran; if he will provide a breakdown in tabular form by year of the savings made by the decision to close the Iranian embassy; if he still supports EU sanctions against Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28224/14]

When the Tánaiste announced the opening of some consulates in January, there was an expectation that the embassy in Tehran would be re-opened. It is an important trading partner. I think the trade is worth €51.5 million on an annual basis. I know that on a successful visit by some members of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade to Iran, they got a very clear message that the Iranians want diplomatic relations between our two countries brought to a new level with opportunities to increase trade.

The configuration of the State's diplomatic and consular network is kept under ongoing review by the Government. A range of factors are taken into account in considering our diplomatic representation overseas, including our political, economic and trade priorities as well as the availability of resources. The deployment of resources is also being considered in the context of the review of Ireland's foreign policy and external relations that is underway in my Department.

I can confirm that consideration was given to re-opening the embassy in Tehran as part of the expansion of the missions' network recently decided on by Government. Based on previous experience, it is estimated that the cost of a small resident mission in Tehran would be of the order of €500,000 per annum. The Government is conscious of the political, economic and trade factors that might warrant the opening of resident diplomatic missions in Iran and several other countries.

However, current resource constraints do not allow us to have resident representation in all the locations that might objectively justify it having regard to the aforementioned factors.

EU and other sanctions against Iran have been a critical factor in bringing Iran to engage in the negotiations now under way to resolve the nuclear issue. Sanctions have been slightly eased as part of the interim agreement reached in November but otherwise remain in force. They can be removed if a comprehensive agreement is reached, as is now hoped. Until then, they must remain in place as their removal now would seriously damage the prospect of reaching agreement on this difficult issue.

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. I hope resolution of the nuclear issue can be advanced in the context of the Vienna talks. I am sure the new Iranian ambassador to this country has spoken to all political parties. He is very anxious that we move on and give added impetus to the diplomatic and the trade relations between both countries. I understand the Ceann Comhairle has an invitation to visit that country when he has an opportunity to do so.

The EU was Iran's main trading partner before sanctions were introduced in 2012. At that time, trade between the EU and Iran was €28 billion on an annual basis but it is now down to €6 billion. However, trade between Iran and China has risen to €40 billion on an annual basis and it is expected that within a short period of time, it will increase to €100 billion. There are obvious trade opportunities for all of us to try to maximise. It is important from the point of view of the Tánaiste's Department - the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - that we have the best possible diplomatic presence in the Middle East to assist many Irish companies which are doing business there and which want to increase their foot print there.

The sanctions were introduced in order to encourage Iran to participate in the talks on the nuclear issue. Participation in the talks is not just about being physically present at the talks but it is also about being fully engaged. Progress is being made. High Representative, Catherine Ashton, has briefed the Foreign Affairs Council on a number of occasions on her discussions and I want to express my support for the work she is doing.

Sanctions hurt not just the country against which they are targeted but they also hurt the countries applying them. I would like to see a situation where the sanctions can be lifted and where trade with Iran is normalised and grows again. The Deputy is right that is one of the contexts in which we will, in the future, consider the possibility of reopening a resident mission in Teheran and I hope we will be in a position to do that. As everybody knows, we had to cut our cloth to suit our measure in the past number of years as a result of the economic recession but now that we are coming out of the economic recession, it may be possible to consider the position of a mission in Teheran again.

From High Representative Ashton's presentations to the Foreign Affairs Council, is there any belief that conditions are improving in Iran and that it is making the effort to enable the European Union to reduce sanctions and to improve the trading relationship between both blocs and obviously deal with other issues as well as trade?

After nine years of what can only be described as stonewalling by Iran, the willingness of the new government there to engage seriously has been very welcome. The interim plan of action, which was agreed in November, was an important achievement and created a context in which this long running issue can be resolved. The hard work of converting it into an agreement and settling this issue is now underway and negotiations are at a critical stage.

All I can say is that the Iranian side has continued to engage seriously and with a will to reach agreement but we do not yet know if Iran will be able to accept the essential compromises to reach an agreement and we know that the E3+3 side is very open to an agreement. We also know that there are elements in Iran which may be unwilling to reach an agreement, so we and our EU partners are doing what we can to encourage Iran to continue on the new course and to reach agreement.

Global Economic Forum

Seán Kyne

Question:

8. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the progress of the Global Irish Network since its creation; his Department's interaction and participation with this initiative; if a date for the next Global Irish Economic Forum has been set; and if the forum will continue and consolidate its regional events in view of the potential benefits for regional development. [28192/14]

I wish to ask the Tánaiste if he will report on the progress of the Global Irish Network since its creation and on his Department's interaction with it and state if a date has been set for the next gathering and if regional events will continue as occurred in 2013.

The Global Irish Network, comprising more than 300 of the most influential Irish and Irish-connected people in almost 40 countries, was established in 2010 following a recommendation of the first Global Irish Economic Forum held in Farmleigh in September 2009.

This network was established at a time when the country was in crisis and our international reputation had been severely damaged. The work of the network has been important in restoring the trust in our reputation necessary for a small open economy to compete in international markets. The Taoiseach and I communicate regularly with network members to keep them informed of developments in the economy and other topical issues in Ireland to enable them to speak knowledgeably on the progress that has been made.

Since its establishment, most members of the network have participated in the forums held in 2011 and 2013, both of which had a strong focus on economic recovery, reputation and job creation. Network members give their time to attend the forum and travel here at their own expense. Many of the outcomes from these forums have been included in the Action Plans for Jobs - the 2014 plan, for example, includes the year of Irish design in 2015, the placement of origin green ambassadors in overseas companies and smart ageing initiatives. No date has yet been set for a fourth forum.

Network members are involved with our embassies and the State agencies in the preparation and execution of high level visits, trade missions and St. Patrick's Day events around the globe. In addition, a number of regional or sectoral Global Irish Network meetings have been held internationally, including in London, Paris, Singapore, New York, Berlin and, most recently, San Francisco during the Taoiseach's visit there last month. These meetings allow the participants to work together as a network and to share with each other and with the Government their thoughts and ideas across a wide range of areas.

One innovation of the last Global Irish Economic Forum was the holding of regional network events around Ireland in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and third level institutions. These events in Cork, Galway and Belfast were considered a huge success by network members, Enterprise Ireland clients and the local participants at each venue. In addition, in parallel with the forum, a mentoring event was organised by Enterprise Ireland and my Department, bringing network members together with Irish SMEs to share experience and expertise.

I thank Tánaiste for his response and concur with him on the important work of the network in terms of the rationale behind it being to enhance our economic recovery. No date has been set for the next forum but I presume there will be further forums and that we will continue with the very important work of the network.

I refer to the various regional meetings. The Tánaiste mentioned meetings in Berlin and San Francisco. I presume these meetings will also continue. Is the Tánaiste confident that they are yielding results?

As the Deputy said, no date has yet been set for another forum. An advisory committee was established following the 2011 forum which meets regularly with me and discusses the way in which the forum's work should be carried forward. That group is considering what form another forum might take. It might not necessarily take the same form as the previous forums. The practice up to now has been to convene the forum every two years, so I suppose, logically, it would not be due until 2015. It is not anticipated that there will be a forum this year.

The network meets in various regional settings, generally in conjunction with high level visits. The Taoiseach meets with network members during visits as do I. Some of those meetings are obviously in conjunction with St. Patrick's Day events but they are also organised in conjunction with key business events and investment attraction events. Sometimes they are tailor made. I recall, for example, meetings with network members who work in the financial services sector in New York which has been very helpful in restoring confidence to our financial sector.

The Tánaiste mentioned the Action Plan for Jobs. The advisory group is engaging with the Department on the Action Plan for Jobs and presumably seeking results and progress on the initiatives.

Reference was also made to St. Patrick's Day, which is a hugely important date for Ireland and for engagement with the diaspora. Is the Minister confident that full use is being made of all the resources at such a key time for this country in terms of the international profile?

We are very fortunate in this country to have a national day which has such resonance throughout the world and which offers us huge opportunities to promote Ireland. One could not possibly buy the international advertising, goodwill and promotion that St. Patrick's Day gives to us. That is now organised in a much more co-ordinated way involving members of the global Irish network.

Arising from the previous forum, a number of initiatives are being taken forward, one of which is the idea of a year of design in 2015. Network members are involved in that. The second idea was this country becoming a model for smart ageing, bringing together technologies, medicines and elder care. A group is working on that. I met one of the members of the group, Susan Davis, in Washington when I was there in mid-June. She has taken a particular interest in the development of the smart ageing initiative. The concept of smart ageing has been made part of the Action Plan for Jobs. There is huge potential in that regard and it is something I would like to see developed in the period ahead.

Foreign Conflicts

Brendan Smith

Question:

9. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the EU’s engagement in the Iraqi crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28223/14]

Yesterday marked another very difficult day in Iraq when Sunnis and Kurds walked out of the first session of the Iraqi Parliament, which impeded the formation of a new government. I understand that following a recess there were not enough lawmakers present in the parliament to form a quorum and there has been charge and counter-charge. Is it likely that High Representative Ashton, on behalf of the European Union, will make efforts to talk to some of the main players on the need to form an inclusive government as quickly as possible? We must all be concerned at the terrible loss of life.

The dramatically deteriorating situation in Iraq is a matter of very serious concern, both for the Iraqi people and for the international community as a whole. The al-Qaeda linked Islamist militia known as ISIS, with allied Sunni groupings, has captured large parts of northern and western Iraq, including the major city of Mosul. It is also targeting key installations such as the country’s largest oil refinery. The Government has previously warned of failings and inattention on the part of the current Iraqi Government in actively promoting reconciliation with the minority Sunni community. These concerns have now been shown to be wholly justified. The ISIS advance has been concentrated in Sunni-dominated areas and has only been possible because disaffected local Sunni forces, many of whom had earlier fought al-Qaeda during the US-led surge in 2006, decided to joined forces with it. The Tánaiste discussed the crisis in Iraq with EU colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June. The Council agreed conclusions condemning the recent attacks by ISIS, and reports of horrific atrocities. The Council emphasised that a security solution alone cannot resolve the current crisis, but must be combined with a sustainable political solution through outreach by the Iraqi Government to local communities and Iraqi society as a whole. Following the elections on 30 April, the Council also called on Iraq’s political leaders to negotiate as soon as possible the formation of a government representative of all Iraqi communities in society. Similar messages were also set out in the joint declaration of EU and Arab League Foreign Ministers meeting in Athens on 11 June, which I attended.

The Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June also expressed its serious concern at the humanitarian situation amid a further massive civilian displacement of some 500,000 people arising from the current emergency. The EU has increased its humanitarian assistance to Iraq to a total of €12 million this year. Ireland, for its part, is sending an airlift, worth €220,000, to be distributed by GOAL, which recently also received €200,000 to support its emergency response in northern Iraq. A further allocation of €75,000 to another Irish Aid NGO partner, Christian Aid Ireland, brings the Government’s total humanitarian assistance to Iraq in 2014 to €655,000.

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I welcome also the announcement in recent days by the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, of humanitarian assistance, which is badly needed. I hope the European Union can provide additional assistance, as well as the Government. It is frightening that the United Nations announced that June had been the deadliest month in Iraq for many years. The violent death toll in Iraq, excepting the Anbar province, was 2,417, which is four times higher than the number of casualties in May. Unfortunately, the crisis is escalating.

I am sure the Minister of State will take every opportunity at Foreign Affairs Council meetings to ensure the European Union engages on a consistent and constant basis with other major political blocs in trying to bring the message to the terrorists that terrorism must end, that an inclusive government is needed in Iraq, and that it must be formed as soon as possible.

I assure the Deputy that is the case. The Tánaiste, the Minister of State, Deputy Costello, and I raise the situation in the Middle East at every opportunity. As the Deputy suggested, this is not just a crisis in Iraq; it has far wider consequences for the region. It touches directly on and in some cases originates from what is happening in Syria. The long-term consequences of the crisis that is now unfolding in Iraq are not confined within the borders of Iraq but would have profound consequences for elsewhere.

To directly answer the Deputy's earlier question, I have already outlined the humanitarian assistance the Government has provided, and will continue to provide during the year. Within the Foreign Affairs Council and in other fora that are available to us, the Government is prominent in calling for continued attention and focus on what is happening in the Middle East, Syria, in the peace talks to which the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade referred, and in calling for an inclusive government within Iraq that recognises the various communities and religions within the country.

The time for parliamentary questions has expired. As this is the last occasion on which the Tánaiste will take foreign affairs questions-----

How do you know that, a Cheann Comhairle?

According to rumour, that is the case. If it is, it has always been a pleasure to chair foreign affairs Question Time with the Tánaiste as the lead Minister. I wish him every success in whatever he does.

Thank you very much, a Cheann Comhairle.

Perhaps the Tánaiste will be back with us. Who am I to speculate? I just read the newspapers like everyone else.

Thank you very much.

I say that also as a constituency colleague.

Written Answers follow Adjournment.
Top
Share