Written Answers Nos. 1212-1240
1213. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at all European Union Foreign Affairs Council meetings since mid July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34668/14]
View answerI have attended two European Union Foreign Affairs Council meetings since mid-July, as follows:
22 July, Brussels – scheduled Foreign Affairs Council meeting;
and 15 August, Brussels – extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.
Discussions at both meetings were dominated by the ongoing crises in the EU’s Southern and Eastern Neighbourhoods.
At the July Council meeting, there was a wide-ranging exchange of views on developments in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the downing of the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17, and the tragic loss of life that resulted. At the Council, Ministers observed a minute’s silence in tribute to the victims. Conclusions were adopted that called upon separatist groups to ensure full, immediate, safe and secure access to the crash site and the surrounding area. The Conclusions further supported the establishment of a full, transparent and independent international investigation into these events. In my intervention, I noted that Ireland strongly supported the call for a full investigation as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2166 and that this tragic incident underlined the pressing need to bring the conflict in Eastern Ukraine to an end.
The Council also agreed to accelerate the preparation of the expanded restrictive measures outlined by the European Council on 16 July, targeting individuals supporting or benefitting from Russian decision-makers responsible for the destabilisation of Eastern Ukraine. The Council also asked the Commission and the European External Action Service to present proposals for targeted sectoral measures against the Russian Federation on access to capital markets, defense, dual-use goods and sensitive technologies, including in the energy sector. Decisions based on these proposals were subsequently adopted and entered into force on 31 July. In addition, the Council established the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine.
At the July Council, we also had an extensive exchange on the recent developments in the Middle East. Ministers expressed their concern for the escalation of violence in Gaza and condemned the tragic loss of life on both sides. The discussion focussed on the prospects of securing a ceasefire and the need to get the broader peace process back on track. Along with my ministerial colleagues I called on the parties to resume meaningful negotiations with the aim of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement based on a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the 1967 borders.
An extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council was convened in August in response to the dramatically deteriorating situation on the ground in Iraq and Ukraine.
Ministers, joined by UN Special Representative Nikolay Mladenov, had an in-depth discussion on Iraq and strong Council Conclusions were agreed. These Conclusions articulated a commitment to Iraq’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as expressing deep concern both about the dire humanitarian situation, and the deteriorating security situation. I joined with my colleagues in condemning in the strongest possible terms the atrocities which had taken place in recent weeks, especially, though not exclusively, against vulnerable minority populations such as Christians and the Yazidi people. I further emphasised Ireland’s commitment to the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq.
A critical dimension of the discussions that took place was the issue of responding to the urgent requests by the Kurdish authorities for military support. Along with a number of other EU partners I intervened to ensure that the Council Conclusions which were agreed fully reflected and respected the individual legal and political positions of Member States in responding to such requests.
The situation in Gaza was also discussed. Council Conclusions expressing deep concern for the fragile situation on the ground were agreed. Through these Conclusions we also reiterated the EU’s full support for Egyptian efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire. In addition, I also called for a more active role on the part of the EU in working to promote the resumption of substantive peace negotiations and in supporting any comprehensive agreement that is eventually concluded.
On Ukraine, Ministers expressed their concern at the worsening crisis in the Eastern part of the country, and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The Council Conclusions agreed emphasised the need to find a politically sustainable solution to the crisis and encouraged the continuation of inclusive and comprehensive reforms in Ukraine. I along with my EU colleagues called for an immediate de-escalation and the resumption of dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the situation.
Regarding the targeted measures in place against the Russian Federation at that time, Ministers agreed that the grounds for these measures remained valid. It was also agreed that the EU would remain engaged in the assessment of these measures, with the option to consider further steps in light of the evolution of the situation on the ground. As the Deputy may be aware, enhanced sanctions were subsequently adopted and are now in force.
At the August Council meeting, Ministers also had a discussion on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, adopting short Conclusions. These Conclusions expressed, on behalf of the EU, our condolences to the African governments and people affected by the outbreak.
Finally, although not a formal Council formation, I met with my EU Foreign Minister counterparts in Milan at the end of August (29-30 August) for the bi-annual informal meeting (‘Gymnich’), hosted by the Italian Presidency. Although not a decision-making formation, the ‘Gymnich’ affords an invaluable opportunity for a strategic discussion on issues of current import. On this occasion, we had an in-depth exchange on Gaza and the Middle East Peace Process, on Iraq and Syria, and on the situation in Ukraine.
1214. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he put forward at recent meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in regard to the Ukrainian crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34669/14]
View answer1231. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings in relation to the crisis in the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34870/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1214 and 1231 together.
I attended a regularly scheduled meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 July, as well as an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council on 15 August, where the crisis in Ukraine was discussed. Conclusions were adopted at both meetings.
The July meeting took place in the aftermath of the tragic downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH 17 over Eastern Ukraine, while the intensification of fighting between the Ukrainian armed forces and pro-Russian separatists formed the backdrop to the August meeting. At both meetings, I supported the ongoing efforts of the EU to facilitate a negotiated and peaceful resolution to the crisis and underlined the need for an appropriate and effective EU response in light of the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Eastern Ukraine and the increased flow of arms, equipment and militants from across the border.
At the July Council, I joined with my EU colleagues in expressing shock and sadness at the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in Donetsk, with the loss of so many innocent lives. The Council emphasised the need for all parties to ensure immediate and safe access to the crash site, and supported the call of both the UN Security Council and the OSCE for a full, transparent and independent investigation.
The Council agreed to accelerate the preparation of the expanded restrictive measures outlined by the European Council on 16 July, targeting individuals supporting or benefitting from Russian decision-makers responsible for the destabilisation of Eastern Ukraine. The Council also asked the Commission and the European External Action Service to present proposals for targeted measures against the Russian Federation on access to capital markets, defense, dual-use goods and sensitive technologies, including in the energy sector.
The EU urged Russia to stop the flow of both weapons and militants across the border, and to bring about an immediate de-escalation of the crisis. I stressed in Brussels that Russia must demonstrate by deeds instead of words that it is committed to resolving the crisis.
At the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council convened in August, the crisis in Eastern Ukraine was again discussed in depth. Ministers made clear their deep concern at the worsening situation on the ground and, in particular, the impact on the civilian population.
The Council called on the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the United States and the OSCE to join the EU in finding a sustainable solution to the crisis, and underlined the importance of implementing President Poroshenko’s peace plan.
With regard to the humanitarian impact of ongoing events in Ukraine, the United Nations-led response plan for Ukraine was welcomed, as was the European Commission's decision to allocate an additional EUR 2.5 million to meet the most urgent needs of the local population.
The Council also reiterated its call of 22 July for all States and actors in the region to ensure immediate and unrestricted access to the crash site of MH17, to allow the investigation to proceed, and the repatriation of the remains and belongings of the victims still present at the site.
Regarding the targeted measures in place against the Russian Federation at that time, Ministers agreed that the grounds for these measures remained valid. It was also agreed that the EU would remain engaged in the assessment of these measures, with the option to consider further steps in light of the evolution of the situation on the ground. Enhanced sanctions were subsequently adopted and are now in force.
Ministers regretted the Russian Federation's announcement of measures targeting imports of certain agricultural products originating in the EU. The Council welcomed the Commission’s work in co-coordinating information and an appropriate response.
Finally, the Council extended support for the Commission's efforts to facilitate a resumption of the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia on the conditions of gas supply, and urged both sides to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
1217. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the humanitarian assistance provided to date in 2014 to persons in need in Iraq in view of the very difficult circumstances that have pertained there for some time; his plans to provide further assistance in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34672/14]
View answerThe situation in Iraq has deteriorated sharply in recent months, with the advance into large areas of northern and western Iraq by the Islamist militia, Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIS). As a result of the fighting, hundreds of thousands of people have made their way to Iraq’s Kurdistan region or to contested areas inside the Ninewah Governorate. Tens of thousands more are displaced within Al-Anbar province. Some have reportedly fled across the border into Syria, and from there, many have crossed back into Iraq’s Kurdistan region. It is estimated that there are now 1.8 million people displaced within the country, and many of them are at very significant risk. In particular, tens of thousands of people from minority communities have been forced from their homes, and are in urgent need of assistance.
As the crisis deepened during August, the Government provided immediate funding of €500,000 for communities suffering the serious humanitarian consequences of the rapidly deteriorating security situation. Our funding was channelled through UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which scaled up their humanitarian response in order to provide water, food, shelter, and medicine to people forced to leave their homes.
This funding is in addition to the assistance which Ireland was already providing for Iraq. Earlier this year, Ireland provided €160,000 to support the provision of protection services and assistance for female Syrian refugees and host communities in Iraq. In June, Ireland provided funding of €275,000 to the Irish NGOs, GOAL and Christian Aid, to support the provision of essential relief items to vulnerable families who have been displaced by fighting. In addition, we organised the airlifting of essential relief items, including blankets, kitchen sets, jerry cans and shelter supplies, worth €220,000 from our pre-positioned stocks in Dubai, to provide emergency relief to the most vulnerable displaced populations in Ninewa Governorate in Northern Iraq. So far in 2014, Ireland has given a total of €1.15 million in assistance to the Iraqi people, bringing our total support to Iraq since 2006 to more than €14 million. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and to review what further assistance Ireland might provide.
1218. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason additional charges by way of administration fees for passports are applied in addition to the standard passport charges; the reason the additional charges amount to an effective surcharge of 56% on the cost of a child’s passport; if these additional charges can be avoided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34799/14]
View answerApplications submitted through the public counters incur an additional fee of €15, which is €5.50 more expensive than those applications submitted through Passport Express, allowing for the Post Office charge of €9.50. The new fee was brought into effect by the Statutory Instrument 47 of 2011, which was advertised in the national press before its implementation on 11 April 2011. The difference in the fees charged is designed to encourage people to submit their applications through the Passport Express Service. The logging of the application by the Post Office enables the Passport Service to provide a much more efficient service of registration, tracking and production than applications submitted through the public counter. However, it is ultimately the choice of the customer which service they select.
1219. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way the reconfiguration of passport services has affected the range of services available at the passport office in County Cork and the improvements in the processing times for passports achieved by reorganisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34800/14]
View answerI can confirm that there has been no reconfiguration of services in the Cork Passport Office. Accordingly, all services which had been available in that office at the start of the year continue to be provided. However, earlier this year, the Passport Service introduced an appointment system for quick turnaround at the Passport Office in Cork. This system, which had already been running successfully in Dublin, allows customers to book, via a simple web based system, guaranteed time slots before travelling into the Passport Office. The priority in the system is given to those with urgent travel needs and all others are encouraged to use the passport express service. This is a customer-orientated service removing the necessity for the public to queue in the passport office as they have an allocated time in the office for their passport application submissions.
1220. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposals to discuss with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and-or the British Foreign Secretary the motions passed unanimously by Dáil Éireann requesting the British Government to release the papers and/or files pertaining to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34822/14]
View answerThe 40th anniversary of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings on 17 May this year was a reminder to us all of the painful legacy of that terrible day, and of the questions that remain unanswered. This year, in support of the families of the Dublin Monaghan families and of other victims of the Troubles in this jurisdiction, my Department will provide €48,000 for Justice for the Forgotten.
The Taoiseach participated in a memorial event which took place on Talbot Street on 17 May and my Department was represented at a wreath-laying ceremony in Monaghan on 18 May. I welcome the continued all-party support for the campaign on behalf of the Dublin/Monaghan families.
I raised the issue of the British Government granting access to these documents when I met with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers in Belfast on 30 July. She assured me that she would reflect afresh on what the British Government can do to respond. She confirmed that there was ongoing work within their system on what it may be possible to do but she was not in a position to provide a definitive response at that stage. In the course of a telephone conversation this morning, I again raised the issue with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Officials from my Department will continue to pursue this issue and I will continue to raise it at ministerial level.
1221. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposals to increase the budget for official development assistance for 2015 in view of the reduction in this budget below 0.5% of GNP since 2011 to an estimated 0.43% of GNP in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34823/14]
View answerThe Government is strongly committed to Ireland’s overseas aid programme, which is at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy on International Development, “One World, One Future”, clearly states our commitment to achieving the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) for Official Development Assistance (ODA), when economic circumstances permit.
Over the past three years, and in the context of the very difficult budgetary and fiscal circumstances facing the country, the Government successfully stabilised the budget for development assistance. This is a very significant achievement, and a clear demonstration of our support and commitment to the aid programme.
In 2011 we allocated € 657 million to ODA, in 2012 €629 million and in 2013 €637 million, a decrease of just 3% over the three-year period. For 2014 we will spend some €600 million on ODA. These are very substantial allocations of public funds and are clear evidence of a consolidation of the development assistance budget. They also represent a genuine investment on behalf of the Irish people in assisting those less fortunate than ourselves.
The estimates process for 2015 is now well advanced. The allocations for ODA, as with allocations to all Government Departments, must be framed in the context of the overall budgetary circumstances we face. They will ultimately be a decision for Government. Nonetheless, I can assure the Deputy, that I and the Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade will make the strongest case possible for the development assistance programme in the Budget to be announced by the Minister for Finance on 14 October.
1222. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposals to meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the party leaders in Northern Ireland in relation to the need to progress the Haass talks to a successful conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34835/14]
View answer1223. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State or with members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to outstanding aspects of the Good Friday Agreement which need to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34836/14]
View answer1225. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues of concern he has expressed to Sinn Féin and the DUP in relation to the workings of the Assembly and the Executive in Northern Ireland; if he has put particular proposals to the First Minister and to the Deputy First Minister in relation to the commitments made in the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrew's Agreement and the need to make progress on the outstanding aspects of both Agreements; the response he has received from the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34838/14]
View answer1226. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when all-party talks will recommence on the Haass proposals; if both Governments will be participants in such talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34839/14]
View answer1227. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific barriers that are preventing agreement in Northern Ireland in relation to the issues surrounding flags, parades and dealing with the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34840/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1222, 1223 and 1225 to 1227, inclusive, together.
On the evening of my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I spoke by telephone with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers. Our conversation largely focused on the prospects for the 12 July parades, which were taking place the following day, but also touched upon the need to resume political dialogue on the legacy issues which formed part of the earlier Haass talks. I also had conversations that evening with the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, and the Leader of the SDLP, Dr. Alasdair McDonnell. I also spoke subsequently by phone to First Minister, Peter Robinson, and other party leaders.
I visited Belfast on 30 July last for a comprehensive programme which included meetings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the First Minister and deputy First Minister, Northern Ireland party leaders, and a range of civil society and community representatives. The visit was an important opportunity to reiterate the Government’s support for effective partnership government in Northern Ireland and our steadfast commitment to the full implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrew’s Agreements.
Given the worrying political drift in recent months, it is crucial that momentum and confidence is restored to the political process in Northern Ireland. In that regard, I would wish to see political talks taking place in a comprehensive and balanced framework; these talks should address the key issues including flags, parades, and dealing with the past and other pressing outstanding matters that impact on the functioning of the devolved institutions. Such complex and contentious issues require leadership and constructive engagement.
I have noted carefully the views expressed recently by the First Minister regarding the issues he believes need to be addressed in a talks process. In charting a way forward, I believe it is important that the views of other Northern Ireland parties are taken into account. I am currently engaging closely with those parties, as well as with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with a view to establishing how progress might be made.
1224. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the arrangements that have been made to hold the next North-South Ministerial Council Meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34837/14]
View answerThe meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in plenary format which was scheduled to take place in Dublin Castle on Friday, 4 July 2014 was postponed on account of political developments in Northern Ireland. A date for the rescheduled Plenary meeting has been proposed; discussions about the matter are continuing and we hope that it will be confirmed in the near future. In the meantime the work of the North South Ministerial Council is continuing as it deals with important issues, such as job creation and economic development, which are of benefit to people across this island.
1228. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposals put forward at recent EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings in relation to the need for a lifting of the blockade on Gaza and a full return to peace negotiations with the aim of establishing a two state solution based on pre-1967 borders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34842/14]
View answerRecent Foreign Affairs Council discussions on the Middle East have been focussed on the concurrent crises in Iraq and Gaza. In relation to Gaza, the Council principally emphasised, as did Ireland nationally, the urgent need to end the fighting and restore the ceasefire, so as to bring an end to the dreadful violence being suffered by the population. However the Council also emphasised, in Conclusions on both 22 July and 15 August, that a return to the status quo ante in Gaza was unacceptable, and that there had to be a process leading to the lifting of the closure restrictions, and an improvement in the living conditions of the people in Gaza. Ireland has long advocated at EU level for greater concerted international efforts to bring about an end to the unjust blockade of Gaza.
The Egyptian Government is seeking to further develop the understandings with both Israel and Hamas which led to the renewed ceasefire on 26 August last, with a view to beginning a process in which the closure would be substantially relaxed. The prospects for these discussions, and the engagement of each side to find a different way forward, have yet to become clear.
The EU has also offered any help it can to bring about fundamental improvement to the current situation and conditions in Gaza, including the possible reactivation of the EU’s border assistance mission at Rafah, and measures to assist the Palestinian Authority in re-establishing its presence as a governing authority in Gaza. The Council will continue to consider options in this regard.
In relation to the broader peace process, Ireland has argued in recent months that following the indefinite ending of the US-facilitated direct negotiations process in April, the EU needs to begin a reflection on its overall policy in relation to seeking a two state solution to the conflict. Notwithstanding the focus on Gaza, and indeed recognising that Gaza is an integral element of the overall problem, Ireland and other member States successfully pressed for the July Council Conclusions to include also a substantive re-iteration of the basic principles and parameters on which a comprehensive solution to the conflict must be based. I will be looking for forthcoming Council meetings to consider further the options open to the EU in support of these objectives.
