Written Answers Nos. 1-30
7. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he is taking with his counterparts to address ongoing human rights violations in Burma, including the reported use of rape and sexual violence by armed forces there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23129/14]
View answerHuman rights have been a priority of successive Irish governments, and are a key dimension of our foreign policy. Ireland works bilaterally and through the EU and UN to ensure that human rights are respected in Myanmar/Burma. Earlier this month, EU Foreign Ministers approved the establishment of a formal EU-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue. The first such Dialogue took place in Myanmar on 20th May. It was co-chaired by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights and the Myanmar Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and covered major issues of concern with regard to human rights.
In March, the UN Human Rights Council, of which Ireland is currently a member, adopted an EU-led resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, and urged the Government of Myanmar to step up its efforts to put an end to such remaining human rights violations and abuses. The resolution reiterated the Council’s serious concern about the situation of the Rohingya and other minorities in Rakhine State. Also in March, the UN called on the Myanmar authorities to fully investigate current and historical human rights violations, and urged the government, with the support of the UN, to put in place a comprehensive protection and service response for survivors. In April, Ireland was involved in organising with several NGOs an event at UN Headquarters in New York that focused on sexual violence in Myanmar. It featured interventions from a Burmese woman human rights activist, Naw K’nyaw Paw, and Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the UN, David Donoghue.
Ireland and our international partners recognise that complex challenges remain in Myanmar and will continue to urge its government to address human rights abuses. We will press for the Myanmar government to implement its commitment to open a local country office of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights which would have a mandate for monitoring and reporting on human rights issues.
13. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date on resolving the issue of undocumented Irish in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23127/14]
View answer20. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contacts he has had with key players on Capitol Hill in the US regarding the possible passage of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23128/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 20 together.
As noted in a previous reply, this is an issue to which I accord a very high priority. I am conscious of the difficulties experienced by Irish citizens who are undocumented in the United States, and have met and spoken with many of them on my working visits there, and also with the various groups who lobby on their behalf. Immigration reform and the challenges faced by our undocumented remain central to our bilateral engagement with the United States. I raise the issue consistently in my meetings, telephone calls and written correspondence with senior US political contacts. I have instructed Ambassador Anderson and her team, working with the Irish-American lobby groups who have already put in such a great effort, to continue their lobbying of members of Congress to seize every opportunity to make immigration reform a reality.
The issue was also discussed extensively during the Taoiseach’s St Patrick’s Day visit to Washington DC in March. In addition to substantive discussion of the issues with President Obama and Vice President Biden, the Taoiseach also discussed the prospects for progress with a range of other members of Congress including Speaker John Boehner; Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee which has responsibility for immigration legislation in the House; Congressman Paul Ryan; the Congressional Friends of Ireland; and Senator Patrick Leahy, the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee that oversaw the passage of the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill last June. The Taoiseach called in the strongest possible terms for Congress to show leadership and deal with the immigration issue now.
While we have been encouraged by feedback from both Democrats and Republicans indicating that there is now a growing momentum for reform, it remains difficult to assess exactly when and how this might occur, not least in view of the upcoming mid-term U.S. Congressional elections. The most recent indications suggest that there may be some prospects for another push for immigration reform activity at House of Representatives level during the June/July period. However, the situation is continuously evolving and any predictions need to be made with caution.
In this context, I intend to travel to Washington DC next month for a series of further meetings with key contacts on Capitol Hill as well as with representatives of Irish-American lobby groups. Although much uncertainty still remains as to how events in the U.S. Congress will unfold, it is important that we continue to demonstrate at a high political level the importance we attach to progress being made on this vital issue and that we position ourselves to best advantage on behalf of Irish people and their families who are directly affected.
14. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the increasing tensions in Maghaberry Prison arising from the fact that the agreement which was to be implemented in relation to controlled movement, strip searching and other contentious issues, which gave rise to a 15-month dirty protest two years ago, has not been implemented; if he has conveyed to the Northern Ireland Justice Minister and British Government that these issues have major potential to lead to a destabilisation of the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23124/14]
View answer26. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will discuss with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Justice Minister the deteriorating morale in Maghaberry Prison due to unrest surrounding prison conditions; the wider impact this may have on the stability of communities in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23207/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 26 together.
I refer the Deputies to my earlier reply to Priority Question No 3. I also refer the Deputies to the written answers I gave yesterday to Questions Nos. 55 and 64 in relation to these matters.
If the Deputies wish I can repeat my answer to that question:
Policing, prisons and overall criminal justice policy have been the responsibility of the Minister of Justice in Northern Ireland, David Ford MLA, since the devolution of Policing and Justice in 2010. The Irish Government has a close and excellent working relationship with Minister Ford and his Department and co-operation between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI to combat criminal and terrorist activity is excellent. As Minister for Foreign Affairs I very much value my engagement with Minister Ford and our exchanges cover a wide range of issues. Since 2010, the Irish Government’s primary responsibility is to ensure the justice systems which are in place are robust and consistent with the principles and values of the Good Friday Agreement and the other agreements for which we are co-guarantors.
Prison policy forms a central part of the Northern Ireland Department of Justice’s remit and an executive agency, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, implements prison policy in that jurisdiction. A Prisoner Ombudsman is also appointed by Minister Ford and the Ombudsman operates entirely independently of the Northern Ireland Prison Service. The Prisoner Ombudsman and his team investigate complaints from prisoners and visitors to prisoners in Northern Ireland as well as deaths in custody. I wholeheartedly agree with Minister Ford’s analysis that delivery of a reformed justice system has a major part to play in building a more positive future for Northern Ireland. I commend the work underway to give effect to the far reaching recommendations related to prison reform in Northern Ireland contained in Dame Anne Owers 2011 report. The Government’s position continues to be that the full implementation of all of the recommendations of the Owers Report remains the most effective way to ensure that conditions within all prisons in Northern Ireland are of an acceptable standard. Minister Ford and I have discussed this and are of one mind on this matter.
A central aspect of my engagement with Minister Ford is the Irish Government’s absolute support for the men and women of the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Prison service in their work to support the rule of law and a new beginning for justice in Northern Ireland. The men and women in these essential public services face persistent and severe threats to their lives and wellbeing from those who are enemies of the peace process. People who threaten and have acted to murder harm and threaten police and prison officers act in defiance of the criminal law. They also defy the sovereign will of the Irish people who freely endorsed the principles and values of Good Friday Agreement in an all island referendum just over 16 years ago on May 22 1998. I call on all the Irish republicans who try to justify threats against public servants to listen to the people. It is long since past time to end violence, the door is open to join the rest of us who seek change through dialogue, persuasion and the ballot box. The Irish people have chosen peace – you should heed their will.
As previously indicated in this House, the arrangements agreed for the devolution of Policing and Justice in 2010, include a role for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in national security matters. I am aware that such prisoner cases have had resonance historically in communities here and abroad. My officials in the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast continue to monitor prisoner cases which arise from the exercise of such competences. As the House will know, I have on a number of occasions raised the Government’s perspective on humanitarian issues in certain cases directly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Such issues are part of my regular and comprehensive discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, as we work together to guarantee that peace, policing and power sharing is supported by all of us, all of the time.
15. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the improvements that have accrued in processing times and overall customer service with the introduction of an appointments structure at the main Dublin Passports Office; and if, in the interests of regional balance, consideration will be given to the establishment of a passport office in County Galway for the western region. [23217/14]
View answerIn June 2013 the Passport Office in Molesworth Street moved to a service whereby customers book, via a simple web based system, guaranteed time slots before travelling into the office. The public have responded very well to this new arrangement and in particular are very welcoming of the fact that the many hours previously spent queuing in the office has been eliminated. Customers are now in and out having lodged their application in approximately 10 minutes. From the customer perspective, the change has removed the necessity to queue for many hours. Additionally the office has extended the public opening hours from 09.30-16.30 to 09.00 -17.00. Over 200 people per day avail of this service during our peak times.
A similar service commenced operation in Cork Office earlier this month. The primary purpose of these public offices is to accommodate those with urgent travel needs. However the vast majority of applications annually are made by Passport Express through some 1,000 post offices across the country and some 70 post offices in Northern Ireland. This means that no Irish citizen on the island need travel a significant distance to renew a passport. The attraction and popularity of this service is reflected in the fact that so far this year over 93% of all persons applying for their passports in the State have used Passport Express. I am satisfied that the range of service options meets the current demands of passport applicants.
16. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will use his diplomatic channels and membership of the Human Rights Council to persuade the Angolan Government urgently to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23181/14]
View answerAngola has experienced high economic growth rates in recent years, but continues to face drought-related humanitarian emergencies, and the aftermath of 27 years of conflict. In particular, the widespread use of landmines during the conflict has held back agricultural development in some areas. A drought during the 2012-2013 agricultural cycle continues to have an impact on Angola’s southern provinces. It is estimated that 1.8 million people in six provinces were affected. The effects of drought on food supplies have had a significant impact on the population’s nutritional health. Last month, the Government of Angola reported over 400,000 people affected in provinces in western areas.
I discussed the situation in Angola during a meeting with the Secretary of State for Cooperation, Ms. Angela Braganca, at the meeting of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation in Mexico on 17 May. The EU is working to develop long term solutions to assist Angola in diversifying its economy, especially its agriculture sector. Under the 10th European Development Fund, the EU allocated a total of €227.9 million to Angola, including funds for rural development, agriculture, food security and demining. Ireland has also made an important contribution. Between 2010 and 2013 just under €2.6 million was provided by Irish Aid to civil society organisations working in Angola, including Christian Aid Ireland, Trócaire and Concern.
We will continue to work with our partners at the EU, the UN and in all other appropriate fora to ensure that humanitarian needs of the Angolan people are addressed effectively.
17. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the most recent EU sanctions against Russia are sufficient; the further sanctions that will be considered pending the outcome of the presidential elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23125/14]
View answerThe Government remains deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and has emphasised the importance of seeking a negotiated political settlement. Let me begin by welcoming the holding of Presidential elections in Ukraine on Sunday and the election in the first round of Petro Poroshenko. While there were difficulties in holding the elections in Eastern Ukraine owing to the security situation, elsewhere millions of ordinary citizens exercised their democratic right in choosing the future direction of their country. I hope that this represents an important stage on the path towards the stabilisation of Ukraine and the consolidation of an inclusive, representative and peaceful future. This hope was reflected in the consideration of Ukraine at the informal meeting of Heads of State or Government held yesterday evening.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the constructive role played in the election in Ukraine by the 17 Irish observers who have been deployed under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. EU Heads of State and Government on 6 March set out a calibrated, three-phase roadmap in relation to targeted measures against the Russian Federation in the absence of steps to de-escalate the situation. They also endorsed the decision of Foreign Ministers on 3 March to suspend talks with Russia on visa matters and on a New Agreement, both stated priorities of the Russian Government.
Following the holding of the illegal referendum in Crimea on 16 March, the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) implemented the second phase of measures involving the imposition of travel restrictions and an asset freeze against 21 Russian and Ukrainian individuals involved in undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. That number has since been progressively increased to 61 individuals, both Russian and Ukrainian. At the last Foreign Affairs Council on 12 May, in the light of developments and in the absence of steps towards de-escalation, Ministers widened the criteria allowing individuals and entities to be subject to restrictive measures and imposed sanctions for the first time on two energy companies based in Crimea whose ownership has been transferred contrary to Ukrainian law. Ireland fully supports the carefully targeted and measured approach adopted by the EU and has taken the necessary internal steps to implement the sanctions.
The May Foreign Affairs Council noted that the preparatory work by the Commission and Member States is underway on possible targeted measures, known as Phase Three measures in the trade and economic spheres, as requested by the European Council in March, so that further steps can be taken should events require. In that regard, the European Union is paying particular attention to all parties’ attitude and behaviour towards the holding of free and fair Presidential elections when deciding about possible future measures. While I very much hope that we will not be faced with an escalation which would necessitate a move to Phase Three, the EU is committed to taking decisive action should it be required.
18. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way Irish Aid allocated to the crisis in Syria has been spent over the past two years; if he will provide an update on the situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23176/14]
View answerThe protracted and tragic crisis in Syria has resulted in unprecedented levels of humanitarian need, requiring a sustained response from the international community. The number of fatalities surpasses an estimated 150,000 people. There are now over 9.3 million people within Syria who are in need of immediate life-saving support, and a further 2.8 million Syrian refugees require assistance in neighbouring countries. The revised UN response plan for Syria and the refugee populations envisages US$6.5 billion dollars in total for operations in 2014, of which approximately 25% has been provided by the international community to date. This represents the largest humanitarian appeal in the history of the UN.
Ireland has been to the fore in the international efforts to help alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and is one of the most generous contributors to the humanitarian response on a per capita basis. In view of the immense needs in Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees, I announced Ireland’s pledge of a further €12 million in humanitarian assistance at the Second International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria and region in Kuwait on January 15th 2014. This additional pledge brings Ireland’s overall funding commitment in the period 2011 to 2014 to €26.011 million. I have already approved the release of €9 million towards our pledge, bringing our contribution to over €23 million.
Ireland has focused our humanitarian aid through trusted NGO partners, as well as to key UN partners and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement - agencies capable of delivering impartial assistance to large numbers of beneficiaries. These agencies also play a key role in supporting the host governments in neighbouring countries to provide assistance to the refugee populations. This funding has supported the provision of water, food, shelter and vital medicines to internally displaced persons within Syria and also to refugees and host communities in neighbouring countries, particularly Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. We will continue to provide assistance, within our means and as the situation evolves.
Ireland has consistently matched our material humanitarian contribution with concrete support to international efforts to find a sustainable political solution to the crisis, and to advocate for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access. We have called for all parties to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian law and to refrain from the targeting of civilians. Ireland is firmly of the view that Syria’s neighbouring states cannot and should not be shouldering the burden of hosting the influx of Syrian refugees alone. It is for this reason that much of our support has been targeted at supporting both citizens displaced within Syria and refugees across the wider region, as well as to assist the communities hosting refugees in neighbouring states. Ireland will continue to advocate at all relevant international fora for increased support to the humanitarian relief, as well as for the full and immediate implementation by all parties to the conflict of UN Security Council Resolution 2139 on humanitarian assistance in Syria.
19. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the abduction by the terrorist group Boko Haram of 276 girls from their school in Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria; if he has made the case at European level to provide assistance in recovering the students; the way the State, through the EU, will tackle the continued targeting of schools in northern Nigeria by Boko Haram, among its other activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23126/14]
View answer27. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has held discussions with the Nigerian ambassador to Ireland on the issue of abduction of young girls within Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23130/14]
View answer33. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the support and assistance his Department is providing to the Nigerian Government in its attempts to rescue the hundreds of schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram; if he has discussed the issue with his European counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23182/14]
View answer34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he directly and through the aegis of the EU and UN has found it possible to motivate the international community with a view to addressing the issue created by the Boko Haram in the context of its abduction of several hundred girls with the intention of trafficking; if the international community is sufficiently focused on the seriousness of the issues; if adequate resources have been committed to search and pursuit; if adequate efforts are being made to combat and prevent such activity in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23205/14]
View answer36. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community has contributed to efforts to locate the schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram; if adequate resources have been made available for a search and rescue operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23489/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 27, 33, 34 and 36 together.
I have strongly condemned the abduction by the terrorist organisation, Boko Haram, of more than 200 schoolgirls from the northern Nigerian town of Chibok on 14 April. I am also appalled by the reported abduction of a further 11 girls on 4 May. Through our development policies and programmes, Ireland is a strong supporter of the rights of women and girls, and in particular the right of girls to education.
I have given my full support to the demands of the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, and the High Representative of the European Union, Catherine Ashton, that the girls be released and that those responsible be brought to justice. I welcome the support now being provided to the Nigerian authorities from a number of our EU partners and from the US, to help find the missing schoolgirls. I also welcome the decision on 22 May by the UN Security Council Al Qaida Sanctions Committee to impose financial sanctions and an arms embargo on Boko Haram. The primary responsibility to secure the safe release of the school girls rests with the Nigerian authorities. I urge the Government of Nigeria to take all appropriate steps to protect their citizens and to ensure that the girls can return safely to their families, and to education.
At its meeting in Brussels on 12 May, the EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted Conclusions expressing the EU’s concern at the recent terrorist attacks in northern Nigeria and the suffering caused to the population. The Council strongly condemned the abduction of the schoolgirls and called for their immediate and unconditional release. It underlined the EU’s readiness to support the Nigerian authorities in the resolution of this despicable crime and their ongoing efforts to defeat terrorism in all its forms, in full respect of human rights. The EU is already supporting the Nigerian authorities to strengthen their capacity to provide security and combat terrorism. An EU support programme to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of terrorist suspects will begin later this month. It will include EU technical assistance to counter violent extremism and radicalisation.
Our Embassy in Abuja is working closely with our EU partners and others on the ground and maintaining contact with the Nigerian authorities in their efforts to locate and free the missing schoolgirls. Officials from my Department have also been in contact with the Nigerian Embassy in Dublin to express concern at the ongoing situation and to request regular updates on the actions by the Nigerian authorities to recover the abducted schoolgirls.
At the most recent session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2014, Ireland highlighted attacks by Boko Haram during discussions with the UN Special Representatives for Violence against Children and Children and Armed Conflict. Our objective was to draw attention to the ongoing trend of attacks on education around the world and to highlight the importance of ensuring that the right of children to education is upheld during and after conflict.
21. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department has received any complaints relating to the operation of Irish embassies or consulates abroad from Irish citizens or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23175/14]
View answerI would like to assure the Deputy that Quality Customer Service is a priority for my Department and for all our offices, at home and abroad. My Department does receive a small number of complaints from members of the public concerning the services provided by our 70-plus embassies and consulates abroad. All complaints are investigated and a response is issued as soon as possible. Where additional assistance can be provided, this is done. Where errors are identified, these are acknowledged and remedied.
While we would never comment on individual cases, we are conscious that when Irish citizens seek assistance at an embassy or consulate abroad, it is often due to challenging or sensitive personal circumstances, to which the staff of my Department seek to respond in a courteous, professional and diligent manner. In this regard, I would like to assure the Deputy that more letters of thanks and appreciation are received from the public than letters of complaint and it is gratifying and heartening to receive such acknowledgement for the range of services provided to our citizens by the hardworking staff of my Department.
22. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the latest report by Defence for Children International - Palestine, published on 12 May 2014, which details the alarming rise in numbers of Palestinians being subjected to solitary confinement; his views on whether solitary confinement solely for interrogation purposes amounts to torture; if he will condemn Israel's use of solitary confinement against Palestinian children; if he will make representations to the Israeli Government, which is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention Against Torture, in order to raise this issue and press Israeli authorities to cease this degrading treatment of Palestinian children held in Israeli custody; if he will call for the release of the imprisoned members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, including Marwan Barghouti; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23179/14]
View answerI am aware of the report in question, which details a number of disturbing practices in relation to detention of Palestinian children. The report indicates a 2% rise in cases of minors held in solitary confinement, which is clearly unwelcome. Children in custody should be allowed to be accompanied by adult family members. I have paid particular attention to the incidence and conditions of detention of Palestinian children. My view is quite simple: Palestinian children should enjoy the same protections under the law which Israel rightly considers appropriate for Israeli children, and in conformity with international standards.
Ireland has repeatedly drawn attention to concerns with regard to the treatment of Palestinian prisoners, including minors. At the Universal Peer Review of Israel at the UN Human Rights Council in October 2013, Ireland recommended, inter alia, that Israel end night arrests of children, the admissibility in evidence in military courts of written confessions in Hebrew signed by Palestinian children, the use of solitary confinement against minors, and the denial of access to family members or to legal representation. These serious concerns were also among those raised by Ireland in its statement under agenda item 7 on ‘the human rights situation in Palestine’ at the 25th session of the Human Rights Council in March. In addition Ireland raises its concerns bilaterally, both with the Israeli Embassy in Dublin and with the Israeli authorities in Israel, at every appropriate opportunity. Finally, Ireland provides financial support to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs who are active in bringing these issues to light. We have seen some improvements in treatment of minors in detention, but much more remains to be done.
It is right that Israel should be held to appropriate standards in dealing with civilians under its military occupation, especially minors. However, it is only right also to note that Israel is not alone in giving rise to such concerns. Similar or worse treatment of persons in detention could be reported from many other countries in the region and elsewhere.
The position of Marwan Barghouti is a separate issue. I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 27 (15397/14) on 3 April last.
23. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with the Egyptian authorities in order to secure the release of an Irish citizen (details supplied); if he has been in contact with this person's family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23174/14]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that I have raised my concerns at this continued detention without trial with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmy, on 11 November and 23 December 2013. The Embassy of Ireland in Cairo has been in sustained and direct contact with the Egyptian authorities in relation to the case. Our Ambassador Isolde Moylan and her colleagues in Egypt have met with senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Justice, and the office of the Prosecutor General. Consular officials in Dublin met with family representatives on 17 August, 19 September, 24 October and 16 December 2013, 16 January, 6 March and on 1 and 21 May 2014. Consular visits were made to this individual on 24 August, 8 September, 15 September, 10 October, 24 October, 30 October, 10 November, 21 November, 3 December and 18 December 2013 and 8 January, 26 January, 13 February, 23 March, 9 April and 7 May 2014.
In March 2014, the Minister for Justice wrote to the Egyptian Minister for Justice Abdel-Moneim Othman, raising the Government’s concerns at the individual’s continued detention and requesting the opportunity to speak about this case as soon as possible. I wrote to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Catherine Ashton, on 9 May 2014, asking that she raise her concerns on this individual’s case in her contacts with the Egyptian authorities. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis raised this case with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil Fahmy, and the Prosecutor General, Hisham Barakat, during his visit to Cairo in February 2014.
However the individual named is still before the judicial system in Egypt and we are precluded from getting involved in the judicial process. The Irish Embassy and the Consular Assistance Section at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to give all appropriate consular assistance.
24. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made any approaches to acquire the Boston tapes archives from Boston College and secure them under a confidentiality and embargoed agreement in order to protect an important part of our history. [23123/14]
View answerIn March 2011 the British Government, acting on behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, initiated proceedings with the US Department of Justice under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between the two countries for the release of selected archived interviews held in Boston College. The archives are part of the Belfast Project, an oral history of Republican and Loyalist former paramilitaries compiled by Mr Anthony McIntyre and Mr Ed Moloney and deposited in the College. Some of those whose testimony is included in the project have since died.
Legal challenges were launched by Boston College, and separately by Mr McIntyre and Mr Moloney, to prevent the release of the material. In December 2011, these challenges were dismissed by US District Court Judge William Young. A further legal challenge was made by Mr McIntyre and Mr Moloney. On 6 July 2013, the US Federal Court of Appeal turned down their appeal. In accordance with the court ruling, archived material was handed over by Boston College to the US authorities for onward transmission to their British counterparts.
Issues arising from this matter are currently the subject of legal proceedings and in these circumstances I do not wish to comment any further.
25. 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 Ukrainian crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23172/14]
View answer30. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the escalating crisis in eastern Ukraine; and if he is concerned that the violence will escalate with the upcoming presidential elections. [23185/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 30 together.
Let me begin by welcoming the holding of Presidential elections in Ukraine on Sunday and the election in the first round of Petro Poroshenko. While there were difficulties in holding the elections in Eastern Ukraine owing to the security situation, elsewhere millions of ordinary citizens exercised their democratic right in choosing the future direction of their country. I hope that this represents an important stage on the path towards the stabilisation of Ukraine and the consolidation of an inclusive, representative and peaceful future. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the role played by the 17 Irish observers who have been deployed under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
From the outset, the European Union has played an important role in efforts to facilitate a resolution to the crisis in Ukraine. In addition to its scheduled meetings, the EU Foreign Affairs Council has met twice in extraordinary session to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the EU Heads of State and Government also have discussed Ukraine in extraordinary session as well as during the regular meetings of the European Council. The Heads of State and Government discussed the crisis again yesterday evening and considered prospects for progress following Sunday’s elections.
For its part, the European Commission has also been actively engaged. On 13 May, President Barroso and members of the Commission met with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk and members of the Ukrainian government in Brussels. As the President of the Commission stated, the joint meeting is part of the EU’s continued support for a stable, sovereign, democratic and peaceful Ukraine. President Barroso and the Prime Minister signed a new “State Building Contract” programme worth €355 million, plus €10 million to support civil society, which will help the government to address short-term economic stabilisation needs and implement governance reforms aimed at promoting inclusive socio-economic development. The joint meeting in Brussels was followed up with a visit to Kiev by Commissioner Fule on 16 May.
At its most recent meeting earlier this month, the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) reaffirmed the European Union’s support for Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and called upon the Russian Federation to do likewise. The Council reiterated the EU’s strong condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in March and regretted the presence of President Putin at the military parade in Sevastopol on 9 May. The FAC reconfirmed the EU’s full commitment to the Geneva Joint Statement of 17 April on initial concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all. In light of the recent developments and in the absence of any steps towards de-escalation, the Council agreed to expand the criteria allowing individuals and entities to be subject to restrictive measures and moved to impose sanctions against a further thirteen named individuals as well as two energy companies in Crimea.
The EU has expressed alarm at the continued efforts by pro-Russian separatists to destabilise Eastern and Southern Ukraine and has been clear that it will not recognise the illegitimate and illegal “referenda” in Donetsk and Luhansk. The FAC conclusions call for a thorough investigation into the tragic events in Odessa on 2 May and for all those responsible to be brought to justice. The EU encourages the Ukrainian authorities to maintain their measured approach in pursuing law and order operations and calls on all sides to the conflict to contribute further to reducing tensions. Ireland regrets the loss of all life in Ukraine.
I strongly welcome the beginning of direct intra-Ukrainian talks in the framework of Ukraine’s ‘national dialogue’. The first round table took place in Kiev on 14 May with a second round on 17 May in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv. The series of round tables brings together national lawmakers, government figures and regional officials and is in line with the ‘roadmap’ proposed by the Swiss Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE. In common with our EU partners, Ireland hopes that the roundtables can serve to build confidence and lead to a stabilisation of the situation allowing for a negotiated, peaceful and inclusive settlement to the crisis.
28. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports that South Sudan is at risk of a famine unless the conflict there is resolved, amid reports of a deadly cholera outbreak; and the assistance or support his Department is providing to South Sudan. [23183/14]
View answerSince the outbreak of the conflict in South Sudan in mid-December 2013, more than 1.2 million people have been forced from their homes and an estimated five million people are in urgent need of assistance. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), there is a serious risk of famine later this year unless adequate humanitarian assistance can be delivered to those most in need. This unthinkable prospect can still be avoided providing humanitarian agencies are allowed access before it is too late. It is absolutely critical to stop the fighting and remove any obstacles preventing the delivery of life-saving assistance.
Since the South Sudanese Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak on 15 May in Juba, Central Equatoria, the reported cholera caseload has doubled every day. New cases have been reported in recent days in two additional States, Jonglei and Upper Nile. After the first case was confirmed in Juba, more than 130 additional cases are now being treated. There are three confirmed deaths with dozens of children among the affected. In response to the cholera outbreak, UNICEF has supported the establishment of a Cholera Treatment Centre at the Juba Teaching Hospital. It is also providing life-saving supplies, including medicines, protective gear and equipment, and is expanding preventive measures to halt further spread across the country.
At the recent South Sudan pledging conference in Oslo, Ireland pledged €2 million to support life saving work of UN and NGO partners in the country. Given the seriousness of the crisis and the urgent needs of innocent civilians, Ireland is providing €1.36 million to our NGO partners in South Sudan to provide healthcare and protection to vulnerable women and children. In addition, Ireland is also providing €500,000 to support the WFP’s work in South Sudan and €200,000 to assist South Sudanese refugees who have fled to Uganda. This funding of over €2 million brings our total contribution this year to approximately €5 million. This assistance is saving lives.
Ireland will continue to advocate at all relevant international fora for increased support to the humanitarian relief effort both within South Sudan and for South Sudanese refugees and host communities in neighbouring countries. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance, within our means and as the situation evolves.
29. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU and-or UN have co-operated in identifying the ten most serious locations worldwide wherein serious abuse of human rights, genocide, ethnic cleansing and imprisonment continue to take place; if adequate efforts are being made to combat such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23206/14]
View answerConsiderable ongoing efforts are being made by the international community, in which Ireland is actively engaged, to resolve, and where possible prevent, conflicts, human rights abuses, genocide, ethnic cleansing and imprisonment. The international community, including the EU and UN are using all the available instruments to foster constructive dialogue and to encourage peaceful, negotiated solutions to political differences. There is no general agreement however on the situations which give rise to greatest concern globally.
