Written Answers Nos. 1-25
11. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recently released Human Rights Watch report which accuses the Burmese Government of crimes against humanity and not doing enough to stop ethnic violence in the country; and if he has discussed this issue with his European counterparts. [23223/13]
View answerI am aware of the report released by Human Rights Watch on 22 April concerning the ongoing situation in Rakhine State - also known as Arakan State - in Myanmar/Burma. I am deeply concerned by the reports of grave human rights violations, including allegations of crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. While the reform process in Myanmar/Burma has been moving in the right direction, and key members of the Government of Myanmar/Burma have expressed their commitment to the path of democracy, Ireland and its EU partners recognise that Myanmar/Burma still faces complex challenges, including in the areas of human rights and democratisation, economic development, peace and reconciliation.
On 21 March 2013, the UN Human Rights Council, of which Ireland is currently a member, adopted resolution 22/14 on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. The Irish Presidency of the European Union played a key role in the drafting and negotiation of the EU-led resolution, which expresses particular concern about the Rohingya minority in Rakhine/Arakan State and persisting inter-communal tension. The resolution urges the Government of Myanmar/Burma to take action to protect the human rights of the Rohingya, and to repeal and/or amend laws that deny the Rohingya the right to birth registration, the ability to marry and freedom of movement, including equal access to citizenship. The resolution also calls upon the Government to ensure that those responsible for violence in Rakhine/Arakan State are held to account and urges it to grant safe, timely, full and unhindered humanitarian access to all persons in need and to facilitate the voluntary return of individuals to their original communities. The resolution also extends for one year the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.
On 29 April, the Government of Myanmar/Burma released the report of an independent commission, tasked by the President of Myanmar, U Thein Sein, in mid-2012, with uncovering the root causes of sectarian violence in Rakhine/Arakan State. I welcome the various commitments made by the President since the release of the Commission’s report, including a commitment to take all necessary actions to ensure the basic human rights of Muslims in Rakhine/Arakan State, to uphold the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of speech and to address the humanitarian situation.
As the Deputy is aware, on 22 April 2013, at a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, the EU decided to lift all sanctions on Myanmar/Burma, with the exception of the arms embargo and an embargo on equipment which might be used for internal oppression. This decision was taken in the light of the broader political and economic reforms that have been taking place in Myanmar/Burma since 2011 as part of the process of democratisation, and further to the Council’s decision to suspend sanctions in April 2012.
In conjunction with the decision to lift sanctions, there was also a discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council on areas where further progress by Myanmar/Burma is expected, including issues related to ethnic conflict. Furthermore, the EU is providing development assistance amounting to €75m to Myanmar/Burma, including a €19m humanitarian programme, which largely responds to needs arising from ethnic violence and extremism.
Looking to the future, it is critical that the international community’s engagement with, and support to, Myanmar/Burma is carefully and comprehensively structured. Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Rakhine/Arakan State, including at the Human Rights Council.
12. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent arrest of eight young Basque political activists in Donostia San Sebastián and the consequences these political arrests could have on the peace process there and if he will raise the issue with the Spanish Government. [23215/13]
View answerI have closely followed developments in relation to the Basque Country, including the outcome of the San Sebastian Conference in October 2011 and the subsequent declaration by ETA on 20 October 2011 that the organisation had “decided on the definitive cessation of its armed activity”. As I have said previously, the Government supports any development that could lead to definitive peace in the Basque Country. The matter the Deputy is referring to relates to the arrest on 19 April of eight people in San Sebastian. Six of the individuals in question were arrested as a result of their conviction by the Supreme Court on 9 April of membership of an illegal armed organisation. A further two people were arrested for resisting the police during protests aimed at preventing the arrests of the six people convicted by the Supreme Court. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on these arrests nor to speculate on the possible impact that they might have.
13. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the bombing of targets in Damascus, Syria on 5 May 2013 by Israel’s air force; if he is concerned about this military attack and the possible consequences; and if he has discussed the issue with his European counterparts. [23219/13]
View answerI would refer the Deputy to my reply to the earlier Priority Question on this topic. Further to that reply, I would add that Israel has not confirmed it was involved in an attack on a target or targets in Syria, but this is widely believed. While we do not have a full and precise account, reports suggest, as they did in relation to an earlier episode in January, that a convoy delivering advanced weapons including missiles to Hezbollah in Lebanon was attacked. The missiles were said to have been supplied originally by Iran. A Syrian army base on the outskirts of Damascus seems also to have been hit: this is said to have been a staging or storage area for Hezbollah weapons, and may also have had a role in chemical weapons research or production for Syria.
There are reports, from serious sources but again unconfirmed, that Israel has passed a message to Syria that it is not intervening in the Syrian conflict, but acting solely to prevent weapons reaching Hezbollah. Significant numbers of Hezbollah fighters are in turn reported fighting on the side of the Assad regime in Syria.
The growing complexity and danger of escalation of these events to engulf the wider region is clear, and I would expect that this will feature in discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council on 27 May which I will attend.
14. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions, if any, he has had with Commissioner Ashton or at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the Israeli/Palestine conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23194/13]
View answer86. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the Middle East peace process continues to remain in focus at EU and or UN level; the extent, if any, to which progress can be reported in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23618/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 86 together.
I have had regular discussions with High Commissioner Ashton and with my European Union colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the Israeli/Palestine conflict and the Middle East Peace Process. To date this year, the Middle East Peace Process has been discussed at both the January and February Councils and at the informal Ministerial meeting which I co-hosted in Dublin in March. It is expected that this issue will again be discussed at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting in May, although the agenda for this meeting has not yet been finalised.
Recent discussions have focused in particular on prospects for reviving the peace process following the elections in Israel and re-engagement by the new US Administration. The EU has always recognised that it would be very difficult to restart negotiations on the Middle East without the active engagement of the United States. We are therefore anxious to give all the support we can to renewed involvement by the US. The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, is treating the peace process as a personal priority and has made several visits to the region. President Obama’s decision to visit Israel in March, at the start of his second term, was also very welcome. His clear outreach to Israeli public opinion will hopefully help to add momentum to the process. I conveyed to Secretary Kerry the strong encouragement of the EU and discussed the prospects for making progress at a meeting which I had with him in Washington on 18 March, just before he left for Israel.
While the resumption of talks is a key priority, the EU has also become increasingly concerned that the relentless expansion of the Israeli settlement programme is fast approaching a point where it will be physically impossible to construct a viable Palestinian state on the ground. The EU has therefore pressed for changes in these policies and for action on a range of practical issues on the ground which are inhibiting the prospects for a viable peace process.
15. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the suspected use of chemical weapons by Government and opposition forces in Syria; and if he has discussed this with his European counterparts. [23227/13]
View answerI am aware of the allegations that chemical weapons have been used in Syria. Any use of chemical weapons would have appalling humanitarian consequences, is clearly contrary to international legal norms and must be utterly condemned. Initial information that chemical weapons may have been used in Syria came to light last December, and additional allegations emerged in March. British, French, US and Turkish intelligence sources have indicated that material they have recovered indicates the possible use of the nerve agent sarin. At the moment, the available evidence is neither categorical, nor can it give a clear picture of who used the gas, as allegations have been made against both the Syrian authorities and opposition forces. What is clear is that an extremely worrying picture is emerging.
The European Union has repeatedly called on the Syrian authorities never to use its chemical weapons and to store them securely pending destruction under independent verification. We have made the same calls in a national capacity. At the recent Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which took place only last month, the EU again expressed its grave concern at the allegations. The 188 States Party to the Convention agreed that ‘the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances would be reprehensible and completely contrary to the legal norms and standards of the international community’. Regrettably, Syria is not a party to this Convention but it is bound by the 1925 Geneva Protocol which prohibits the use of chemical weapons.
The EU has also written to the United Nations Secretary-General to insist that the investigation into allegations of use of chemical weapons in Syria which he is attempting to establish have unfettered access within Syria and that it must be comprehensive and investigate all serious allegations. While discussions on the subject are ongoing in New York, it has not proven possible so far for the investigation team to commence its work as the Syrian authorities have refused to agree to the Terms of Reference requested by the Secretary-General. The most recent information to emerge from Syria clearly makes it all the more urgent that this investigation be allowed to proceed without delay. I call on the Syrian authorities to agree the Terms of Reference immediately to enable the investigation to begin its important work.
16. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals, if any, he has to have further discussions with Members of the Northern Ireland Executive or with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State in relation to the need to finalise the funding provision for construction of the Narrow Water Bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23200/13]
View answer44. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland or Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the need to progress to construction stage the Narrow Water Bridge project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23199/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 44 together.
The Government strongly supports the INTEREG IVA Narrow Water Bridge project. The bridge would open up the cross-border Cooley, Mournes, and Gullion region to many more visitors, making it much easier for residents, businesses and tourists to travel and to interconnect.
As well as the long-term tourism and infrastructural benefits that the bridge would undoubtedly bring to the area, there would also be a very valuable economic spin-off during the construction phase of the project, with a boost to employment.
I am conscious that concerns have been expressed about the delay in giving the project final approval. I and my colleagues in government have relayed these concerns to our colleagues in the Northern Ireland executive. I discussed the issue with First Minister Peter Robinson, on the occasion of the NSMC Institutional meeting in Belfast on 29 April last.
I was pleased to note that at a meeting of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) on 10 May last, which was chaired by the Northern Ireland Minister for Finance and Personnel, Sammy Wilson MP MLA, Ministers noted that it was important that the small number of projects still outstanding must be approved in a timely manner by the accountable Departments, so as to ensure that they can be implemented within the relevant EU deadline.
The project is currently going through the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) Accountable Department approval process. DFP has indicated that it is fully aware of the high level of interest in the project, that it is conscious of the urgent timelines involved, and that it is working to complete all necessary processes as quickly as possible.
The Government is keeping this matter under very close consideration.
18. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the injuries sustained by a person (details supplied) who was wounded by a rubber-coated steel bullet fired by the Israeli military while he filmed a protest in Palestine; and if he has raised the case with the Israeli Government.. [23218/13]
View answerI am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. The Irish Embassy in Tel Aviv has carefully monitored this case, and has been in contact with the person in question on a number of occasions. The Embassy is handling the case in accordance with the wishes expressed by the person.
19. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent upsurge in violence in Nigeria between the Government and Boko Haram; and if he has discussed this issue with his European counterparts. [23231/13]
View answerThe Government, along with our EU partners, shares the widespread concern about the security situation in Nigeria, including the ongoing campaign of violence by the group, Boko Haram. We monitor developments in Nigeria closely through our Ambassador and his staff in Abuja, in close consultation with EU and other international partners. We have consistently condemned the violence in Nigeria, and the acts of terror Boko Haram have been perpetrating.
The EU also maintains a strong dialogue with the Nigerian authorities on the political and security situation and on issues related to the Nigerian Government’s response to terrorism. Indeed, Minister of State Joe Costello is today representing the European Union at the EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue meeting, a regular forum for high-level exchange between the EU and Nigeria on issues of mutual interest and concern. The political and security situation in will be discussed, as well as economic and development issues and shared regional and global challenges.
The position of Ireland and the European Union is clear. We support the Nigerian authorities in their efforts to confront terrorism and bring those responsible to justice while maintaining the rule of law and observing and protecting human rights for all citizens of the country. The armed group Boko Haram must end their campaign of violence, lay down their weapons and pursue any policies or grievances they have through peaceful means and dialogue.
In April, the President of Nigeria established a 'Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North'. It has been tasked with considering a 60-day timeframe for dialogue with members of Boko Haram and disarmament. More recently, it appears that this timeframe has been extended to 90 days.
The EU will continue to support equitable and inclusive social and economic development in Nigeria, with special emphasis on addressing the root causes of marginalisation and conflict.
20. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recently released UNCTAD report entitled The Palestinian Economy in East Jerusalem: Enduring Annexation, Isolation and Disintegration; which found that Israeli segregation policies have ensured that 82% of Palestinian children in east Jerusalem are living in poverty; and if he has discussed it with his European counterparts. [23230/13]
View answerThe Palestinian community in East Jerusalem experience many of the personal and economic difficulties which are suffered by their compatriots elsewhere in the West Bank.
In addition, however, they experience complications and problems due to Israel’s insistence that their home has been annexed to Israel while they have become not citizens of Israel but residents, whose residency status can be threatened in a number of ways. The Israeli and Palestinian populations of Jerusalem are treated very differently in administrative and legal terms. Israeli Government policy is explicitly aimed at reducing the Palestinian proportion of the population, leading in practice to measures which make life difficult for Palestinians and put them under pressure to leave and move elsewhere in the Occupied Territory. UNCTAD, the UN Conference on Trade and Development, has just published (9 May) a report on “The Palestinian Economy in East Jerusalem”. This substantial report, which my Department is studying with interest, will, I believe, be very helpful in supporting the case made by Ireland for some time that it is necessary to focus on the many practical difficulties which affect the lives of Palestinians and which are aimed – I regret to say deliberately – at pressurising them into abandoning their existing communities. The report details the very small proportion of state and municipal revenues spent proportionately in Palestinian communities in Jerusalem in welfare, education and health and the movement and other restrictions which greatly hinder daily life and economic activity for Palestinians. The Deputy correctly notes that a major result of this situation is a markedly higher level of poverty, including among children, in the Palestinian community. To extract just one indicator among many, it is reported that spending on education in Jewish communities in West Jerusalem is more than four times higher per capita than in Palestinian areas of East Jerusalem.
These are issues which Ireland has already been pressing, particularly at EU level, and I am sure that this important report will feed usefully into those discussions.
21. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details about what was discussed at the Investing in Agriculture for Nutrition event in Washington, that was co-hosted by Minister for Development and Trade, Joe Costello. [23220/13]
View answerGood nutrition and food security are important pathways out of poverty. If investments in agriculture are designed to enhance nutrition outcomes, we can help stop the devastating and irreversible consequences of under-nutrition on child development and we can increase the economic potential of nations. It is estimated that eliminating under-nutrition in very young children could add up to 11 per cent to GDP growth in countries in Africa.
My Department hosted a major international conference on hunger-nutrition-climate justice, in partnership with the Mary Robinson Foundation-Climate Justice, on 15-16 April in Dublin Castle. A significant proportion of those who participated in the conference were representatives of local communities from the developing world who are most affected by these linked challenges. During that conference I heard from smallholder farmers who shared their experiences of trying to grow diverse and nutritious food in a world impacted by climate change. I committed to bringing their messages to international policy discussions.
To that end I hosted an event with my Canadian counterpart on ‘Investing in Agriculture for Nutrition’ during the Spring Meetings of the World Bank in Washington DC on 19 April.
The event brought together key policy makers within the World Bank, along with the President of the Global Development Programme at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The discussions highlighted the courses of action that could help to incentivise efforts to leverage agricultural investment to improve nutrition. I shared the key messages from the Dublin conference, including in particular, the importance of empowering poor households and communities to engage in decision making. I strongly advocated that our response to these global challenges must be based on the needs and views of the people most directly involved.
I was delighted that Ireland and Canada were able to partner together in this way to advance the importance of allocating resources for nutrition and leveraging investments in other sectors, particularly agriculture. I was impressed by the progress that has been made by the World Bank in shaping its policies to be more nutrition focussed. This approach is key to achieving better nutritional outcomes. It will not just help children to grow and develop to their full potential, but with a better nourished workforce, developing countries will be able to further their own economic growth and development.
22. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding the findings of a distinguished legal research and advocacy panel from the Constitution Project that the United States had practised torture on prisoners. [23100/13]
View answerThe report to which the Deputy refers is a detailed document of more than 600 pages, produced by an organisation that aims to influence policy in the United States.
The report's conclusion that certain actions conducted under the authority of the United States Government were contrary to international humanitarian law and human rights law is fully consistent with the views of successive Irish Governments, as well as with those of our partners in the European Union.
The Deputy will be aware that in 2006 the US military, in its Field Manual, prohibited the use of a number of interrogation techniques, including waterboarding and sexual humiliation. In early 2009, by an Executive Order, President Obama required all US Government agencies to implement this Field Manual.
23. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline any discussions he has had with his EU counterparts and other Foreign Ministers with regard to military action in Mali; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23184/13]
View answerMali has been the subject of ongoing discussion by EU Foreign Ministers since March 2012 when there was an army coup and armed groups seized control of the north of the country. The situation was discussed most recently at the Foreign Affairs Council which I attended in Brussels on 11 March. In February the Council adopted comprehensive Conclusions which reaffirmed the EU’s support for international efforts to support stabilisation and counter the threat of terrorism in Mali, including the French-led Operation Serval and the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA). The Council also discussed the establishment and launch of an EU Training Mission in Mali, which is now working to support the strengthening and reform of the Malian army, including through important training in the area of human rights. Ireland is contributing six trainers and two HQ personnel for the EU Training Mission. The EU recognises that the situation in Mali cannot be addressed by military means alone. The Council has emphasised the importance of progress on the political track and especially the implementation of the transition roadmap which has been agreed by the Malian Government and Parliament. We have underlined in particular the preparations for free and fair elections scheduled to take place in the coming months, implementation of a meaningful national dialogue and reconciliation process, and the need to ensure full respect for human rights for all of Mali’s citizens.
The Council has emphasised the importance of progress on the political track and especially the implementation of the transition roadmap which has been agreed by the Malian Government and Parliament. We have underlined in particular the preparations for free and fair elections scheduled to take place in the coming months, implementation of a meaningful national dialogue and reconciliation process, and the need to ensure full respect for human rights for all of Mali’s citizens. All of these issues were discussed in detail yesterday, 15 May, at a major international Donor Conference on Mali, jointly hosted by the EU and France in Brussels. Ireland was represented at the conference by the Minister of State for Trade and Development, Mr. Joe Costello T.D., who reiterated the Government’s support for the EU’s comprehensive approach in Mali. He also noted our support for the series of UN Security Council Resolutions on the situation in Mali, including Resolution 2100, adopted on 25 April, which authorises the establishment of the new UN Peacekeeping Operation for Mali, MINUSMA. It will take over from AFISMA on 1 July. The UN Mission has been given a mandate to use all necessary means to carry out its tasks, which include the stabilisation of key population centres and the re-establishment of State authority throughout the country; support for the implementation of the transitional roadmap, and the promotion and protection of human rights. MINUSMA will comprise 11,200 troops and 1,440 police.
At the conference yesterday, Minister of State Costello announced that Ireland will provide a further €2.5 million to respond to continuing humanitarian needs and to support the recovery of Mali. Already in 2013, Ireland has provided humanitarian assistance of over €1.8 million. Last year, the Government provided €1.35 million for relief in Mali and €9.25 million for the humanitarian crisis across the Sahel region.
24. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the most recent discussions held at EU Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the ongoing conflict in the Congo; if funding has been allocated this year for humanitarian aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23206/13]
View answerThe continuing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is discussed regularly at all levels within the EU, including at meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council.
I have joined with our EU partners in welcoming the recent progress in efforts to secure a durable solution to the crisis in the DRC. In particular, I have strongly welcomed the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the DRC and the Region, which was concluded in Addis Ababa on 24 February. The adoption of the Agreement was welcomed on behalf of the EU in a joint statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Development Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs, which called on all sides to continue negotiating in good faith and to refrain from violence. This important regional Agreement was reached by the Government of the DRC and ten neighbouring and regional countries. The co-guarantors of the Agreement are the African Union, the Southern African Development Community, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the United Nations.
In the UN Secretary General’s own words, a lasting solution in the DRC must have a number of essential elements. It must be anchored in the political will of the leaders of all countries in the region. It must address the structural causes fuelling instability in the DRC itself. It must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and legitimate concerns and interests of all concerned countries. It also demands the commitment and long-term support of the international community. Lasting peace can only be secured in the DRC if the Agreement is implemented in full and the opportunity it presents is now grasped by all parties involved.
I have welcomed the appointment of Mary Robinson by the UN Secretary General as his Special Envoy for the region, to support the implementation of the Agreement. I have assured her of the full support of Government, and of the European Union. The Secretary General is also proposing the establishment of an Intervention Brigade to address security aspects of the crisis more comprehensively.
Ireland is also responding to the appalling humanitarian consequences of the crisis in the DRC. Since 2009, the Government has provided €42.8 million for the victims of this humanitarian crisis. Last year, we provided over €10 Million in emergency and longer-term development funding to the DRC. In April, I announced a further €3.8 million in funding for UN agencies and NGOs working in the DRC. Of this €3.8 million, some €2 million has been channelled through the Common Humanitarian Fund for the DRC. This is a multi-donor pooled funding mechanism under the direction of the Humanitarian Coordinator for the DRC. It provides quick and flexible funding to UN humanitarian agencies and international and national NGOs on the basis of the needs on the ground. The UN’s Humanitarian Action Plan for the DRC for 2013 provides overall strategic guidance for the Common Humanitarian Fund in order to enable aid organisations to reach nearly 4 million people with urgently-needed food, water, shelter, healthcare and education.
The remaining €1.8 million is being provided to Irish Aid NGO partners working in the DRC. €450,000 is being provided to Christian Aid, €450.000 to Concern, €300,000 to Trócaire and €580,000 to Oxfam (€580,000). It will be used to provide emergency food, water, health and protection to some of the most vulnerable people in the DRC.
