Brendan Smith
Question:169. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 19 January 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3165/15]
View answerEuropean Council Meetings
Questions (169)
Written answers
I attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 19 January. The agenda items for this FAC were Counter Terrorism, EU relations with Russia, and Climate Change Diplomacy.
The first issue discussed was Counter Terrorism, following recent events in France and Belgium. Ministers present re-affirmed the EU’s commitment to preventing and combating terrorism and discussed how our collective efforts, within the EU and in partnership with third countries and organisations in the Middle East and elsewhere, could be strengthened.
Our discussion in particular focused on how foreign policy initiatives can complement action being taken by Justice Ministers. At EU level, the need for the European Parliament to expedite approval of the Directive on Passenger Name Records was emphasised. Ministers agreed to enhance the EU's activities outside of Europe, including through improving our communication efforts, and to place experts in key EU embassies to work on counter terrorism.
It was also agreed that an overview of the EU Counter Terrorism and Foreign Fighters Strategy for Syria and Iraq be published. This strategy had been approved by the FAC in October 2014.
In the course of our discussions I highlighted Ireland’s support for a comprehensive, human rights compliant approach to countering terrorism. An effective approach requires actions such as tackling root causes, outreach to vulnerable communities, promoting a counter narrative, while at the same time necessarily strengthening legal and security measures.
Also in attendance at this discussion were Mr. Dimitris Avramopoulos, the EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, and Mr. Giles de Kerchove the EU's Counter Terrorism Coordinator.
The second item discussed at the FAC was relations between the EU and Russia. The crisis in Ukraine, following Russia's unacceptable actions there, has impacted in a profoundly negative way on EU Russian relations. A notable sense of common purpose and unity were present around the table in discussions. Our approach is to seek to change behaviour and in particular to secure a stronger commitment from Russia to the full implementation of the Minsk agreements. Sanctions remain a key element of the EU approach to the crisis in Ukraine. There can be no question of a return to normal business in the absence of a change in Russia's approach to the crisis in Ukraine.
There was a widespread view in discussion that there is merit in maintaining cooperation with Russia on important global and regional foreign policy issues such as Syria, Libya, Ebola and Iran. Russia is of course a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. It was emphasised that this engagement would be in the perspective of enhancing EU interests and positions. Engagement with Russia is desirable and indeed necessary if progress is to be made in tackling these major challenges. Unity and consistency has been vital to the EU response to the crisis in Ukraine. The European Council will review these matters in March. I believe it is important that we remain resolute and united in our strategic approach to Ukraine and in our efforts to create the conditions which can lead to a peaceful resolution to the crisis that we all wish to see.
Ministers had a working lunch at the FAC with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States (LAS), Dr Nabil Elaraby, and discussed cooperation between the EU and LAS, along with the situation in Europe’s southern neighbourhood, including Libya, Syria, and the Middle East Peace Process. Counter Terrorism was also discussed.
The FAC then discussed an action plan for Climate Change Diplomacy in 2015. The plan sets out proposed contacts with third countries to prepare for the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Paris in December 2015. The FAC agreed the proposed EU outreach action plan and the need for the coordination of efforts between the EU and Member States.
Council Conclusions were agreed on Tunisia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A proposed discussion by the Council on Libya was postponed by High Representative Mogherini and will now take place at the February FAC meeting.
Foreign Conflicts
Questions (170)
Bernard Durkan
Question:170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his EU-UN colleagues continue to monitor the ongoing situation in Ukraine with particular reference to the need to bring about the cessation of hostilities and the amelioration of continued hardship to civilians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3241/15]
View answerWritten answers
The EU remains at the forefront of international efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine. The situation in eastern Ukraine is extremely fragile at present, with a worrying escalation in hostilities and violence in recent days after a period of relative calm over the Christmas and New Year period.
I had the opportunity to discuss the crisis in Ukraine with High Representative Mogherini during her visit to Dublin last week. The issue was also considered by Foreign Ministers in the context of a broader discussion on the EU’s relations with Russia at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday.
It is crucial that progress is made as swiftly as possible in renewing the ceasefire agreements signed in Minsk last September. All sides must demonstrate a genuine commitment to implementing the agreements and securing a peaceful, negotiated end to this crisis. Work to help bring about the resumption of direct talks within the framework of the OSCE Trilateral Contact Group is ongoing and it is hoped that the parties re-engage with this process without delay.
Internal reform aimed at modernising the economy, strengthening of the rule of law and stepping up the fight against corruption must also be central to any strategy to overcome the crisis. The EU has established an Advisory Mission on the Rule of Law to support the Ukrainian authorities in their efforts to reform the civilian security sector. My Department is funding the participation of two Irish members of this Mission.
I am also acutely aware of the heavy toll the crisis continues to have on the civilian population in eastern Ukraine. The European Commission has allocated €10.8 million in humanitarian aid since August 2014, and a further € 4.5 million has been mobilised specifically to meet Internally Displaced Persons recovery and integration needs. The possibilities for further humanitarian assistance are being actively discussed within the EU as we seek to support as effectively as possible the Ukrainian people in this time of great hardship.
Overseas Development Aid Provision
Questions (171)
Bernard Durkan
Question:171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community has managed to come to grips with the outbreak of Ebola in the various African states; the extent to which progress is recorded in the context of reduction in the number of cases reported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3242/15]
View answerWritten answers
The Ebola epidemic in West Africa is continuing to have a devastating impact on the worst-affected countries, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Through the work on the ground of our Embassy in Sierra Leone and our significant financial support, Ireland is playing a strong role in the international response. It is clear that progress is at last being made. Each of the three countries has now strengthened capacity to isolate and treat patients, and the incidence of cases is beginning to show signs of decline. Earlier this week, Mali was declared Ebola free after 42 days without any new cases being recorded.
While case incidence continues to fluctuate in Guinea, the authorities have recently reported the lowest weekly total of new confirmed cases in the country since mid-August. The numbers of new cases remain low in Liberia, and Sierra Leone has reported a decline in case incidence for the second week running.
This slow-down in the incidence of cases of Ebola in recent weeks is very welcome. However, the uneven geographical distribution of beds and cases, and the under-reporting of cases, means that in several areas not all cases are being isolated. There are also concerns that complacency could lead to a relapse as people are reportedly reverting to unsafe practices. It is therefore essential that the international community maintains its resolve to defeat the epidemic and not lose momentum.
The international response to the outbreak has improved steadily under UN coordination. The EU and its Member States have so far committed over €1.2 billion to the Ebola response. In 2014, Ireland provided over €18 million, directly and through NGOs, to the most affected countries. This included some €10 million through our annual development programmes in our partner countries – Sierra Leone and Liberia – which have a particular focus on strengthening the national health systems. We have provided over €5.6 million specifically for Ebola treatment facilities and for work on contact-tracing, community mobilisation and child nutrition programmes, among other activities.
Ireland will maintain a strong focus on tackling Ebola in 2015. We will continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure that the spread of Ebola is arrested and lives saved. We will also turn our attention to combating the longer term effects of the crisis, especially in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and work with them on their road to recovery.
Humanitarian Aid Provision
Questions (172)
Bernard Durkan
Question:172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which international aid promised following the natural disaster in the Philippines has materialised; the countries that have to date honoured such commitment; the counties that have not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3243/15]
View answerWritten answers
Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms ever recorded, made landfall across the central Philippines on 8 November 2013. It is estimated that it affected more than 14 million people, with almost 4 million displaced, including some 1.5 million children. Over 6,000 lives are known to have been lost with more than 28,000 injured and 1000 people missing. No official pledging conference took place in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan but according to the UN’s Financial Tracking Service, as of 19 January 2015, more than US$844 million has been contributed by the international community in response to UN appeals.
Of this total, $468 million was contributed for the Typhoon Haiyan Action Plan by over 80 entities including donor countries, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, multilateral institutions, private companies and individuals.
The European Commission has provided €40 million in humanitarian assistance to help those affected by Haiyan. Together with assistance from EU Member States, the total EU aid in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan amounts to over €180 million.
Ireland was one of the first countries to respond to this natural disaster and our contribution to date stands at over €7.1 million. This includes immediate life-saving emergency response and longer-term recovery and reconstruction support.
An enormous amount has been achieved over the past twelve months. I am pleased that a delegation from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, led by Chairman, Mr Pat Breen, T.D., had the opportunity last November to visit Irish Aid-supported programmes for communities recovering from Typhoon Haiyan in and around Tacloban. The delegation saw at first hand the positive impact that these shelter reconstruction, education and livelihoods programmes are continuing to have on the local communities and in support of the Philippines Government.
We are currently considering how Ireland can best respond to the need for additional assistance in 2015, while remaining mindful of the huge needs of people affected by other humanitarian crises, in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere.
Humanitarian Aid Provision
Questions (173)
Bernard Durkan
Question:173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which commitments entered into in the wake of the natural disaster in Haiti have been honoured to date; the number of countries that have already contributed to the extent indicated; the countries that have not; the extent of reconstruction/recovery recorded to date in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3244/15]
View answerWritten answers
On 12 January 2010, Haiti was struck by one of the most devastating earthquakes in recent history, causing some 230,000 deaths and 300,000 injuries. The earthquake destroyed much of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas, left about 1.5 million people homeless and caused losses and damage estimated at approximately €5.9 billion.
Two months after the earthquake, an international donor conference was held in New York, at which US $4.5 billion worth of assistance was pledged by the international community over two years in response to a UN appeal for $1.5 billion. UN figures indicate that, by the end of 2012, $2.38 billion of this had been disbursed, and $3.52 billion by the end of 2014.
Since 2010, the European Commission has provided €248 million to address humanitarian needs such as basic services and protection to those living in camps. In addition, cholera treatment and prevention measures were delivered through water, sanitation and hygiene activities complementing Haitian institutions’ efforts.
Ireland has met its commitments to the people of Haiti. By the end of 2012, Ireland’s pledge of €13 million had been honoured and exceeded, with support totalling almost €14 million.
In addition to this humanitarian support, Irish Aid works to provide longer-term development assistance to the Haitian people through Concern Worldwide and the missionary organisation, Misean Cara. Since 2012 almost €1.65 million of Irish Aid funding has been channelled through civil society organisations for long-term development work in Haiti.
Ireland has a proud record of meeting our pledges and will continue to use all opportunities to urge our fellow donors to ensure that they meet their humanitarian commitments in full. In order to promote the importance of ensuring that donor aid pledges are credible, achievable, and properly monitored, the OECD has published a ‘Recommendation on Good Pledging Practice’. This comprises a set of principles relating to pledging practice for financial undertakings to developing countries and is designed to serve as a benchmark to help OECD Member States frame future aid pledges in terms that are clear, practical, realistic, and capable of being monitored. Ireland is fully supportive of this important initiative.
Five years on from the devastating earthquake, most of the 1.5 million people who were displaced by the earthquake and who found themselves living in makeshift tents now live in acceptable housing. Haiti’s reconstruction programme is fully under way and massive infrastructure programmes are visible including roads, bridges and social housing.
The efforts of the Haitian people and their partners in the international community are yielding promising results, including four consecutive years of positive GDP growth, rising agricultural exports, and increasing tourist numbers. There is still much more to be done to create the capacity for long-term development that relies less on foreign aid and more on the talent, enterprise, and resilience of the Haitian people.
International Terrorism
Questions (174)
Bernard Durkan
Question:174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community remains totally united in efforts to curtail the activities of ISIS-al-Qaeda and their associates; the extent to which particular jurisdictions harbour or assist such persons carrying out atrocities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3245/15]
View answerWritten answers
I participated in the discussions on Counter-Terrorism at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 19 January, following the brutal murders in France and the violence in Belgium.
Together with my colleagues, we re-affirmed the EU’s commitment to preventing and combating terrorism and discussed how our collective efforts, within the EU and in partnership with third countries and organisations in the Middle East and elsewhere, could be strengthened.
Recognising that the increasingly complex nature of the terrorist threat requires complementary internal and external strategies, our discussion focused in particular on how foreign policy initiatives can complement action being taken by Justice Ministers.
At EU level, the need for the European Parliament to expedite approval of the Directive on Passenger Name Records was emphasised. Foreign Ministers agreed to enhance the EU's activities outside of Europe, including through improving our communication efforts, and to place experts in key EU embassies to work on counter terrorism. The EU will henceforth focus its efforts on a small number of key countries and on working with regional groupings, including the League of Arab States and the Islamic Conference. It was also acknowledged that greater EU engagement in resolving crises in the Middle East and arising from the spread of Boko Haram in Africa could contribute to the Counter Terrorism effort.
It was also agreed that an overview of the EU Counter Terrorism and Foreign Fighters Strategy for Syria and Iraq would be published. This strategy had been approved by the FAC in October 2014.
In the course of our discussions I highlighted Ireland’s support for a comprehensive, human rights compliant approach to countering terrorism. An effective approach requires actions such as tackling root causes, outreach to vulnerable communities, promoting a counter narrative, while at the same time necessarily strengthening legal and security measures.
These measures at EU level are consistent with the approach set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014) which 104 States, including Ireland, co-sponsored last September in New York.
International Terrorism
Questions (175, 176)
Bernard Durkan
Question:175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community-African Union is committed to combating the activities of Boko Haram with particular reference to the continued kidnapping, imprisonment and abuse of a physical and sexual nature of girls and women throughout the continent of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3246/15]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community can take any action to restrict-impede the progress of Boko Haram and like organisations from pursuit of their policies of imprisonment and abuse of women and children; if means may be found to restrict their access to funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3247/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
I have strongly condemned the appalling acts of violence being perpetrated in Nigeria and the neighbouring region by the terrorist group Boko Haram. These include the recent killings of a large number of civilians in an attack in the north-eastern state of Borno, and the kidnappings in recent days in Cameroon. I am appalled by reports of the use of innocent young children to carry primed explosives. I have previously also condemned the abduction of more than 200 young girls from a school in the town of Chibok. Violence against women and children is particularly reprehensible.
The recent attacks have been widely condemned by the international community, including by the EU, the UN and the African Union. The UN Secretary General has pledged assistance to the Nigerian Government and affected neighbouring States in order to bring an end to the violence. The African Union has underlined its full solidarity with the people and Government of Nigeria and reiterated its commitment to continue working with Nigeria and other countries in the region to combat Boko Haram. In this context, I welcome the recently enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and its neighbours, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, including a regional security conference which was held in Niamey, Niger, earlier this week, with the participation of the EU.
Last May, the UN Security Council Al Qaida Sanctions Committee added Boko Haram to its sanctions and arms embargo list. This requires that all States freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of Boko Haram, as well as ensure that neither these, nor any other funds, are made available, directly or indirectly, to the organisation by their nationals or by persons within their territory.
At the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday, Ministers endorsed a statement made on behalf of the European Union by the High Representative, Federica Mogherini, condemning the recent attacks. I fully support the commitment given by the High Representative that the EU will continue to provide a comprehensive range of political, counter-terrorism and development support measures to Nigeria and its neighbours, while also continuing to disburse humanitarian assistance to the populations affected by the crisis. The Foreign Affairs Council will hold a further discussion on the security situation in Nigeria on 9 February.
Foreign Conflicts
Questions (177)
Bernard Durkan
Question:177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the top ten locations worldwide currently in the throes of warfare, genocide, victimisation, starvation and abuse continue to receive attention-assistance from the EU and UN; the extent to which positive intervention-action continues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3248/15]
View answerWritten answers
The locations currently experiencing warfare, victimisation, starvation and abuse, remain a constant concern to the EU, UN and wider global community.
Promoting stability and supporting efforts towards peace and security in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East continue to require and receive major international attention. UN-authorised peacekeeping missions have a major role in stabilising former and current conflict zones throughout both regions, and in protecting vulnerable populations.
Currently, there are 16 peacekeeping operations led by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations. As of 31 December 2014, the UN’s workforce in the field consisted of 89,607 serving troops and military observers, 12,436 police personnel, 5,325 international civilian personnel, 11,762 local civilian staff and 1,844 UN Volunteers.
Ireland has a strong tradition of contributing to UN and EU peace-support missions. Ireland currently participates in seven UN peacekeeping missions. The majority of the 371 Irish peacekeepers currently deployed overseas are serving at the three UN missions in the Middle East while smaller numbers are deployed to missions in Africa and Eastern Europe.
The EU also takes a leading role in peacekeeping operations, conflict prevention and in the strengthening of international security in support of the United Nations, through the Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Civilian crisis management missions are established under the CSDP in order to prevent the initiation or renewal of conflict and to help societies or fragile states to recover from violent conflict. At present, the EU operates 11 civilian CSDP missions across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Ireland has been a strong supporter of the Common Security and Defence Policy since its inception. To date, we have deployed both military and civilian personnel to a total of 17 CSDP missions across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade currently seconds nine experts to six civilian CSDP missions, with numbers expected to increase later in the year as new posts are filled.
The Government is committed to the promotion of full observance of universal human rights standards. Active participation in multilateral organisations, including the EU and the UN, provides us with an opportunity to voice our concerns regarding human rights abuses. Through these organisations, international pressure can be brought to bear on those responsible for violations of human rights. Ireland will continue to use these mechanisms as a means of highlighting violations of human rights and furthering the protection of civilians.
In terms of promoting development and the fight against hunger and starvation, both the EU and UN play a vital role in working with governments, civil society and other partners to support the achievement of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. Ireland has been appointed as one of the two co-facilitators for the negotiations on the Sustainable Development Goals to guide the course of development policy post-2015 and, in this capacity, will continue to seek to shape the realisation of an ambitious agenda in the lead up to the Special Summit on Sustainable Development which will take place in New York in September 2015.