Question No. 174 is in the name of Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan, but the Deputy is not present.
Other Questions
Question No. 174 replied to with Written Answers.
Middle East Issues
Seán Crowe
Question:175. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the comments of the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, in the run up to the recent elections, in which he stated that a Palestinian state would not be created during his time in office; that he also criticised Arab voters for their high polling turnout and that his Likud party won the election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15234/15]
The inflammatory comments of the Israeli Prime Minister during the recent election campaign were racist and whipped up hate, fear and negativity. He also highlighted that he has no intention of ensuring that a democratic two-state solution is ever established. In the face of this, I once again call on the Minister to respect the wishes of the vast majority of Irish people and of both Houses of the Oireachtas and to recognise officially the Palestinian state without delay.
The comments by the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Netanyahu, before the recent election regarding both the two-state solution and the turnout of Arab voters in that election were disappointing and unwelcome. Such statements are particularly regrettable in the tense and inflammatory situation in the Middle East. We know from our own peace process how words of supposed comfort to one side can have a disproportionately negative impact on the other side.
Regarding the two-state solution, I note that Mr. Netanyahu subsequently stated that his remarks meant only that conditions at present are not conducive to such an outcome. Following the election, Mr. Netanyahu also apologised publicly for his comments about Arab voters.
The international community has quickly reaffirmed its conviction that the two-state solution remains the only viable basis for a resolution of the conflict. The High Representative, Federica Mogherini, on behalf of the EU, President Obama and others have made that point directly to Mr. Netanyahu in the course of conversations following the election. What is most important is how the new government in Israel, which we expect Mr. Netanyahu to form, acts and what is set out in its programme for government.
The Irish Government remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. All of our actions and policies at EU and international level are designed to advance the goal of peace and to secure a comprehensive peace agreement at the earliest opportunity.
If we are waiting for positive actions from Mr. Netanyahu, we will be waiting a long time. However, I welcome the fact that the Minister signed a letter with other Foreign Ministers calling for the labelling of Israeli settlement goods. It is a welcome first step, but it does not go nearly far enough. Just last week the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that an Israeli Government can legally seize Palestinian lands in occupied east Jerusalem. This has become a tool for many right wing groups to increase the Jewish presence in east Jerusalem, which is against international law and an attempt to stop Jerusalem becoming the capital of a future Palestinian state. This will not be on any labels. Human Rights Watch released a 74 page report last week which states that Israeli settlement farms in the West Bank are using Palestinian child labour to grow, harvest and pack agricultural products, many of them for export. Again, that will not be on the labels. We need further action. I ask the Minister to push for a ban on settlement goods entering the EU market.
Yesterday, I attended a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, involving 28 EU members states, in Luxembourg. The High Representative, Federica Mogherini, has made it quite clear that she wants the Foreign Affairs Council to review the approach of the European Union to the Middle East peace process. I have strongly supported this view and I have raised the matter at Council level. I am pleased that, in response, the High Representative, Federica Mogherini, has indicated that this issue will form part of the agenda for the next Foreign Affairs Council in May.
I would like to acknowledge Deputy Crowe's comments regarding a recent letter, to which my name and the names of other EU Foreign Ministers were appended. The aim of the letter was to ensure a certain level of influence will be brought to bear regarding the settlements in the region. I had an opportunity to visit the area of the settlements which is under some legal dispute. I acknowledge the recent decision of the High Court in that regard. I assure Deputy Crowe that Ireland will continue to keep a close eye on the situation in the region.
People want some action. According to a recent report from the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in 2014 was the highest since 1967. The death toll in the occupied territories - some 2,314 Palestinians were killed in 2014, compared to 39 in 2013 - has been described by the UN co-ordinator as "devastating". Conditions are getting worse. We need action to ensure a Palestinian state is created. This should involve a democratic two-state peace process. The Minister needs to ensure the Government urgently recognises a Palestinian state. My biggest fear, and the fear of those who are concerned about what is happening in this region, is that conditions are getting worse and the proposed democratic two-state solution is getting further away.
I am conscious of the difficult and challenging situation in the region. I believe that as an important first step, Mr. Netanyahu should now proceed to form his Government. I expect that this will be finalised in the next few weeks. I have had an opportunity to visit the region and see at first hand the difficulties and challenges involved. I assure the Deputy that the Government's approach to the recognition of Palestine, as set out in detail during a debate in this Chamber before Christmas, involves achieving and recognising a Palestinian state. That has always been the objective of the Government and our policies are directed towards that aim. I would like to repeat what I have made clear on numerous occasions, which is that I have absolutely no difficulty in principle with the idea of recognition if I believe that can contribute to achieving a lasting settlement of the conflict. Indeed, I continue to reflect on what early recognition could mean for Palestine and for Ireland's influence in this critical and important issue.
Conflict Resolution
Anthony Lawlor
Question:176. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland has identified countries with which it can share good practice from the peace process on this island; the extent to which such sharing takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15285/15]
I will wait for the Minister's response to this question.
Sharing the experience of peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland is identified as a priority in our foreign policy document, The Global Island, which was published earlier this year. Since its establishment in 2008, the conflict resolution unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has engaged in such work on an ongoing basis. Each conflict and each peace process is unique. There is no one model for reconciliation that will be successful in every context. Many parts of the world that have been affected by conflict look to Ireland for ideas, inspiration and advice. Experience has shown that Ireland can offer a useful lesson-sharing engagement. This practical sharing of good practice and experience needs to be tailored to the specifics of the particular conflict situation. At the same time, general insights and principles that may be applied in various contexts with the aim of building a sustainable peace need to be communicated.
The Department's lesson-sharing work has been largely undertaken in response to demand from international organisations working in a number of conflict situations in countries throughout the world. Since 2008, the conflict resolution unit has hosted delegations from Afghanistan, Moldova, Nepal, South Korea and the Middle East.
Already since the start of 2015, relevant lessons from Ireland’s experience of promoting peace support and post-conflict reconciliation have been shared in the contexts of conflicts and peace processes in Colombia, Ukraine, Turkey and the Middle East. Lesson-sharing has addressed a wide range of conflict resolution issues such as security sector support, human rights, the role of international third parties in peace processes, the participation of women and communities and the importance of confidence building and popular endorsement of agreements reached.
We will continue to undertake this valuable work in the context of the ongoing process of reconciliation and co-operation on this island. Two-way lesson-sharing allows the Government to nurture peace and reconciliation on this island while at the same time providing a positive model for other countries seeking to resolve conflict and build peace and harmony in communities.
I call Deputy Anthony Lawlor.
I thank the Acting Chairman. I like his white suit, which is obviously in recognition of the fact he is a Kildare man. One Kildare man will always recognise another.
It is part of the peace process, on a micro level.
There is a peace process in Kildare also because we see an awful lot of Mayo people in the county.
Would the Minister say his Department is being progressive in this matter? Are we taking a much more active role rather than waiting for people to come to us? Are we using Irish Aid, which has a budget of €660 million and which increased this year for the first time in seven years? Do we use Irish Aid to break down barriers, particularly in areas such as Mozambique where there is an ongoing conflict? Are we using the skills of Irish Aid and the Department to help in that area?
Do we use religious or civic agencies, particularly in conflict areas in Africa? Many religious organisations, particularly in Africa, have done tremendous work in highlighting the progressive nature of the Irish contribution.
I call on the Minister, white coat or not.
A white coat sounds better than a white flag. Coming from a man who wears the white jersey most Sundays, I suppose a white coat is entirely appropriate for a Kildare man.
I thank Deputy Lawlor for his question. I acknowledge the work of the many NGOs in this area and people from the religious sector, many of whom have enhanced the reputation of Ireland overseas, particularly in Africa, over a long number of years. I also acknowledge the work of the overseas aid unit. The Department obtains a measure of feedback from the many lesson-learning meetings and that feedback is almost uniformly positive. We look directly to the relevance of our experience in Northern Ireland and our own conflict situation and peace process.
Military Aircraft Landings
Mick Wallace
Question:177. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details on the purpose of the landing of the two foreign military aircraft (details supplied) that landed at Shannon Airport on 11 March 2015; if he will provide details of permits granted by his Department in respect of these two particular aeroplanes; if his Department was contacted by An Garda Síochána regarding a request from a member of the public to inspect the aeroplanes; if so, the action that was taken by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15177/15]
My question relates to two planes which landed on 11 March. It was unplanned by the sound of it. I do not know how the Government can believe they were not carrying weapons or munitions. The idea that they were not engaged in military operations or exercises, which are in breach of Irish neutrality, is beyond belief. How in God's name can the Minister still hold that we have a policy of neutrality when we allow such things to happen?
I can confirm that permission was granted by my Department for the landing of these two aircraft at Shannon Airport subject to the strict conditions which apply to all foreign military aircraft. These include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations. In seeking requests to my Department in respect of these aircraft, the United States Embassy indicated that the purpose of the landings was for crew rest. My Department has not received any information from An Garda Síochána in relation to these aircraft. Any questions relating to Garda matters should be directed to my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.
The two airplanes in question were Hercules planes. One was numbered BD 5379 and is a US Navy Lockheed C-130T warplane operated by a VR-64 Condors' Fleet logistics support squadron from McGuire AFB. They are part of a team that is entrusted to safely execute effective, responsive C-130 Hercules air logistics missions in direct support of fleet and combatant commanders worldwide. These planes are engaged in military activity. Only this week, Dr. Edward Horgan, who was trying to get a flight from Shannon to London, saw four military planes parked on the runway at Shannon. There were as many military planes in the airport as there were civilian. This is a civilian airport.
When is the Government going to stop deceiving the public that we are not facilitating US military ambitions by allowing our airport to be used for military purposes? It was bad enough that the previous Government did it but this Government is supposed to be the party of law and order. Why can it not call the truth and admit that it has a supportive role in the US military position?
The issue of the apparent deception of the public is a recurring theme in respect of Question Time and Deputy Wallace. Could I make it clear to him that there is no question of deceiving the public? Deputy Wallace will be completely familiar with the arrangements for authorising the landing of US military aircraft at Irish airports, namely, the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order of 1952 and related arrangements. These arrangements apply to all foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft landing at Shannon. Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality involves non-participation in any military alliance. Ireland has not entered into any military alliance with the US or any other country or organisation.
The use of Shannon Airport by the US military is a long-standing practice and has been in place for over 50 years. Permitting the use of Shannon by the US military does not challenge or undermine Ireland's policy of military neutrality nor does it deceive anybody. The regulations are quite clear.
I beg to differ. In reply to Question No. 657 tabled recently by Deputy Clare Daly, the Minister said:
The US is granted blanket permission for overflights by unarmed military aircraft. The US Embassy provides my Department with post hoc monthly statistical returns on the total number of overflights by such aircraft. Its return for February 2015 states that there were 48 such overflights by transport, passenger and refuelling aircraft.
How in God's name can the Minister say that there are no arms or munitions on these planes going through our airspace? What are US assurances worth given the terrorist activities of that country and the torture programme it ran, which we facilitated by allowing rendition flights through Shannon?
Deputy Clare Daly and I are due back in court in Ennis tomorrow because we tried to inspect planes, something the Government refuses to allow the Defence Forces or gardaí to do. We are trying to keep the peace, not break it. We oppose war. The Government is supporting war and the arms industry. A total of 33.5 million people have been displaced because of conflict. This is why we have the trouble in the Mediterranean.
The Deputy is out of time.
(Interruptions).
I ask the Deputy to resume his seat and let the Minister reply. Deputy Wallace is out of order.
Deputy Wallace is confusing the matter of overflight with that of inspection of military aircraft. Indeed, he will be aware that-----
They are both issues.
The Minister to reply.
Deputy Wallace will be aware-----
The Chair is one-sided.
The Deputy will withdraw that remark.
It is blatant.
The Deputy must withdraw that remark or I will adjourn the House.
The Acting Chairman can do so if he wishes.
I am sorry; it is not the Deputy's prerogative to disrupt this House. We have heard those allegations before.
I am not disrupting the House, the Acting Chairman is doing so.
I propose to report the matter to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I call the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, to continue with his reply and ask that he do so in the shortest possible time.
In regard to the inspection of military aircraft, in accordance with international practice, foreign military aircraft passing through Ireland with the permission of the Government are not subject to routine searches or inspections. The principal of sovereign immunity applies automatically to foreign state or military aircraft, in the same way that it applies to Irish State or military aircraft abroad. Details supplied to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by diplomatic missions abroad are accepted in good faith as being accurate. Information provided to other states by Irish diplomatic missions seeking diplomatic clearance for flights undertaken by the Air Corps are similarly accepted by those countries to be accurate.
As I have already made clear, my Department has not received any information from An Garda Síochána in relation to the two aircraft which are the subject of the Deputy's question. Questions relating to Garda matters can, of course, be directed to my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald.
Departmental Strategy Statements
Terence Flanagan
Question:178. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his priorities for the remainder of this Government's term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15269/15]
Perhaps the Minister would list his priorities for the remainder of this Government's term in office.
The mission of my Department is to serve the Irish people, to promote their values and advance their prosperity abroad and to provide the Government with the capabilities, analysis and influence to ensure that Ireland derives the maximum benefit from all areas of its external engagement. My Department’s statement of strategy 2015-17, laid before this House on 14 April, outlines how we intend to achieve our high level goals in the coming years. These goals are rooted in the priority areas set out in the Government’s recent policy review, The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World. Our five goals are: to serve our people at home and abroad and to promote reconciliation and co-operation; to work for a fairer, more just, secure and sustainable world; to advance Ireland’s prosperity by promoting our economic interests internationally; to protect and advance Ireland’s values and interests in Europe; and to strengthen our influence and capacity to deliver our goals.
I know that the Deputy has a particular interest in the prosperity goal. I am sure he will agree that the vital work of restoring our international reputation, promoting our economic recovery and the creation of jobs must be at the heart of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with our embassy network playing a particularly crucial role. These goals are intertwined and support one another. I look forward to leading my Department in continuing to deliver on them for the Irish people.
I thank the Minister for his response. On the overseas aid budget of 0.7% of GDP, as committed to by Government in the programme for Government, when is that target expected to be achieved and what strategy has been put in place by Government to ensure it is achieved? In regard to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's One-China policy, is it proposed to review that policy in regard to Taiwan, considering it is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and on the basis that Ireland already has a great relationship with Taiwan via an Oireachtas friendship group? Also, in regard to the Syrian civil war, how many refugees arising out of that crisis will be taken into Ireland?
We do not intend to make any changes to the One-China policy. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work closely with my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the State agencies to lead the Export Trade Council to maximise the economic benefits of our relationship with China and other states in the region.
On the matter of overseas aid, in the context of a most challenging and difficult economic time, with the country on the verge of bankruptcy in 2010-2011, over the past three years we have continued to maintain the overseas aid budget in such a way as to ensure maximum influence abroad, with particular reference to the developing world. As the Deputy will be aware, we are a neutral country. We are not involved in any military alliance or military organisation. With that in mind, we place particular emphasis on the need to provide humanitarian aid. Overseas development aid is top of our priorities. Indeed, our international reputation demonstrates the level of influence that we have in that area.
I thank the Minister for his response.
In working towards achieving that goal of 0.7% of GDP, in light of the upswing in the economy, will the Minister make it his business to ensure that more funding is allocated to the overseas budget? In addition, is he happy and satisfied that every red cent of taxpayers' money is being spent in the most appropriate manner and that there are full checks and balances in place to ensure that the funding is being received by those on the ground who need humanitarian help?
Regarding Syria, has the Minister any comment to make on whether Ireland could take more refugees into the country to help them get on with their lives? There has been considerable persecution out there of Palestinian refugees. The Christian community has been terrorised as well.
My Department monitors closely, and on a regular basis, all funds in respect of overseas development aid.
With regard to whether I am happy or satisfied, I am neither. However, I am anxious to ensure that all our goals are realised at the earliest opportunity. We are heading towards the fifth budget of this Government and I am anxious that in the course of that budget we have an opportunity to increase our commitment in the form of overseas aid in order to help those who are unable to help themselves in the developing regions of the world, with particular reference to Africa, where our reputation is particularly strong. It would be my wish, as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, that we continue to increase the budget until such time as we reach an acceptable international target.
Foreign Conflicts
Seán Crowe
Question:179. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the United Nations crisis conference on Syria which took place on 31 March 2015; whether he is aware that it is over four years since the war started and that the humanitarian crisis is deepening, that the situation in the Yarmouk refugee camp has seriously deteriorated, and that donors committed €3.5 billion to tackle the humanitarian crisis at the conference; and if his Department will commit to this pledge. [15181/15]
The refugee crisis in Syria involves 4 million people, and between 200,000 and 300,000 have died. There are a couple of matters. There was a UN conference on 31 March on the issue. Can the Minister detail whether his Department has pledged money to this appeal and what provisions are in place to ensure that countries that pledge money pay up?
My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, represented Ireland at the international pledging conference for Syria which was held in Kuwait on 31 March. He announced that in 2015 Ireland would provide a further €12 million in humanitarian assistance for those suffering as a result of the conflict. In total, the international community pledged some €3.5 billion in humanitarian assistance at the conference.
The crisis in Syria and the region has now entered its fifth year. The human impact of the violence and displacement of communities has been devastating. Some 220,000 Syrians have been killed, and almost 4 million have fled as refugees to neighbouring countries.
Ireland has been one of the most generous international contributors to the Syrian humanitarian response on a per capita basis. Our pledge for 2015 will bring the Government's overall response to €41 million. I recognise that this can only address the humanitarian crisis and that international efforts must be strengthened towards a long-term political solution in Syria and the region.
I remain extremely concerned about the appalling suffering visited upon the Syrian people, and especially by recent reports about the situation of the remaining population of the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp on the outskirts of Damascus.
There are now 18,000 civilians remaining in that camp, including 3,500 children. The Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, specifically raised Ireland's concerns about the camp with the Commissioner General of the UN Relief and Works Agency when they met at the Syria pledging conference. I call on all parties to cease armed activity in the camp and to provide unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.
Deputy Crowe raised the point about how to ensure the various pledges are honoured. Recently, I attended a Gaza reconstruction conference in Cairo and I had the opportunity of pledging funds for the reconstruction of Gaza again. Regrettably, the reconstruction work in Gaza did not take place in the manner hoped for at the conference and thereafter. I am calling on our international colleagues to ensure the pledges are complied with. However, this is contingent upon works taking place in the region in the form of house construction and infrastructural developments on an ongoing basis.
The Minister might give me a more detailed written response on the matter at some stage. The Yarmouk camp has been described as hell on earth. Has there been additional funding from the Government for this particular situation? One of the difficulties in the Syrian war relates to people trying to flee Syria. We have seen several occurrences recently of boats sinking in the Mediterranean and so on. The number of drownings is 50 times greater than last year. Does the Minister believe there should be an EU response on the matter? What is the Government's view on the strengthening search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean?
One of the most difficult features of the crisis in Syria is that many of those who are most in need are beyond the reach of humanitarian workers. Vulnerable groups, such as women and children and the elderly, are particularly affected. Ireland continues to advocate for the full implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions on humanitarian access in Syria. Opposition-controlled areas are particularly insecure and volatile and access has continued to decline in Syrian Government-controlled areas. While challenges of an immense nature remain there has been some provision of cross-border relief from Jordan and Turkey. As of the end of March, a total of 91 consignments from Turkey and Jordan were delivered to Syria under UN Security Council resolutions 2165 and 2191. This has had the effect of ensuring 1.5 million people have received food assistance, over 700,000 have received medical or health supplies, over 400,000 were helped with water, sanitation and hygiene support and over 1 million were assisted with essential humanitarian supplies.
Easter Rising Commemorations
Brendan Smith
Question:180. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the actions his Department will take to promote the celebration of the centenary of the 1916 Rising throughout the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15260/15]
As we know, the centenary of the 1916 Rising is the most important commemorative event of this generation and should be celebrated in an appropriate fashion. The celebrations belong to the people and not to any organisation or group. Will the Minister outline the nature of the international events that have been planned to celebrate the international significance of the 1916 Rising?
The Government launched the Ireland 2016 commemorative programme on 31 March. The programme features seven strands, including a global and diaspora programme. Through its embassy and consulate network, my Department has been engaging, and will continue to engage, with the Irish diaspora, community groups and our international partners throughout the world to plan and support events commemorating the centenary of the Rising. The programme provides an opportunity to reflect on the national and international dimensions of the Rising, explore the influence of the diaspora on the Rising and celebrate our continued close ties with Irish communities abroad and with our international friends and partners.
The global programme fund will be available to ensure a series of events in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and further afield. The fund is of the order of €500,000. A wide range of events, including film screenings, artistic and cultural programmes, seminars and community events are already included in the Ireland 2016 global programme and many more are planned.
Ireland 2016 is an opportunity to present Ireland to the world and celebrate our achievements over the past century, including our people, our long-standing programme of humanitarian assistance, our peacekeeping record, ongoing efforts to support peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland as well as the progress that has been made on Ireland's economic recovery.
Together with Culture Ireland, my Department and its missions overseas will work to highlight the best of Irish arts worldwide throughout 2016 in a programme that focuses on contemporary artists and influences while reflecting on Ireland's cultural journey over the past 100 years.
I thank the Minister for his reply. Will he ensure the reach of the Department's work with the diaspora is as great as possible to ensure that many of the Irish people who may not attend events organised by the embassy or other Irish representative organisations can participate? Will the Minister outline if it has yet been decided whether there will be representation by foreign states at our State commemoration events?
It is unlikely there will be representatives of foreign states at our national events in Dublin. A wide range of international events from Paris to Brasilia and from Boston to Buenos Aires are being planned. Deputy Smith spoke of the regions. In the United States, where five of the seven signatories of the Proclamation spent periods of time, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, in partnership with the Irish Embassy, will host a flagship three week festival of Irish arts and culture. In France the first International Beckett Paris Festival will take place in 2016. A number of academic events are taking place next year in South America, including an exhibition on Roger Casement in Brasilia and an international conference on 1916 in Argentina in association with the University of El Salvador and the Irish Argentine community.
The Irish language also features in the global programme. Glór na nGael and the Consulate General of Ireland in Boston will hold a conference in 2016 bringing together Irish language groups from throughout the United States. Many of these events have been agreed upon while others are in the course of preparation. They will ensure that the events of 1916 and the centenary will be commemorated worldwide.