Written Answers Nos. 25-33
25. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has requested or his plans to request an unredacted version of the sections relevant to Shannon Airport in the recent US Senate intelligence committee report on CIA torture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2659/15]
View answerThe executive summary of the Senate Intelligence Committee’s report, which was released on 9 December 2014, does not identify specific countries where interrogation or detention took place, nor countries through which prisoners were transferred. Therefore, it is currently not possible to confirm whether the report makes any reference to Shannon Airport. I can confirm that, at my instruction, my officials are seeking further clarification in relation to this report from the US authorities.
26. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which, through the influence of the EU and UN, he will encourage the international community to progress towards peaceful co-existence between persons of different traditions and religious practices with a view to averting confrontations resulting in tragedy or conflict; if it may be found possible to encourage respect for one another's traditions as a means of promoting world peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2645/15]
View answerA dedicated unit of my Department has responsibility for Ireland’s efforts to resolve and prevent conflict. This Conflict Resolution Unit works closely with our Permanent Missions to the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe as well as with the relevant departments of those bodies to prevent and resolve conflicts, including many conflicts in which religion may be a factor.
I am strongly of the view, which I believe is widely shared in this house, that religion should be a factor in promoting peaceful co-existence and social harmony rather than a source of divisions. Ireland is a consistent supporter of freedom of religion and belief in international bodies and sees the legitimate exercise of such rights as a tool for the promotion of understanding and mutual respect.
27. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he supports Palestine’s application to join the International Criminal Court; and if he is concerned by Israel withholding customs revenues that it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Government. [2640/15]
View answerPalestine deposited its instrument of accession to the Rome Statute with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, acting in his capacity as depository, on 2 January, and the Secretary-General has informed states parties that the Rome Statute will enter into force in respect of Palestine on 1 April 2015, in accordance with Article 126(2) of the Statute. Ireland is, of course, a very strong supporter of the International Criminal Court and has always supported and encouraged universal adherence to the Rome Statute.
The main consideration for any state in acceding to the Statute should be a willingness to subject its own actions to the jurisdiction of the ICC. Israel has on a number of occasions withheld customs revenues collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, in order to demonstrate displeasure with actions of the Palestinian government and to exert pressure on it. This policy is unjustified and in breach of agreements, and is counterproductive. It is in no-one’s interest, including Israel’s, if the Palestinian administration is destabilised and unable to pay its own officials, including in the security services.
28. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if additional resources will be provided to US-based support groups for the undocumented to facilitate the maximum uptake of President Obama's executive action on immigration reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2537/15]
View answerThrough our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we are working closely with many individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond towards achieving some relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the United States.
Our diplomatic missions will continue to work in partnership with the excellent Irish immigration centres in the United States, whose work my Department supports. Since President Obama announced his reforms late last year, we have worked closely with them on ensuring maximum assistance and information being provided to Irish citizens via these centres. This work will continue as the immigration reforms proceed into implementation stage during 2015. Since 2003, the Irish Government has awarded nearly USD $27 million to Irish organisations in the US which provide vital support to our community. This funding is through the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) and it is a source of pride that despite the severe economic downturn of recent years, we maintained ESP funding at significant levels.
The Department has been a major supporter of the immigration centres and their umbrella body for many years.
During his visit to the US at the end of 2014, my colleague Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Diaspora, announced that for the year 2014-2015 funding in the amount of nearly USD$2.3 million would be granted to 34 organisations.
More generally, the announcement in October of €12.595 million in the 2015 estimates for supporting emigrants and engaging with the diaspora around the world means the level of ESP funding will be maintained, with an additional €1 million for new diaspora projects and initiatives.
US immigration reform measures should bring about some re-prioritisation of work and allocation of existing resources within the immigration centres. Any additional requests for funding would be contingent on a clear demonstration of need over and above existing supports provided by the Irish Government. If applications are received, requests for support would have to be considered within the current financial limits of the Emigrant Support Programme.
29. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding the impact of a UK exit from the European Union, particularly on Irish trade and the common travel area; and if this issue is being considered by his Department with a view to drawing up plans for use in the event of an exit. [2608/15]
View answerI set out the Government’s position on this question in a speech in London on 14 November. While the question remains for now a matter of speculation, pending a decision by a British Government to pursue negotiations with EU partners in advance of holding a referendum on UK membership of the Union, we want the UK to remain a full and integral member of the EU. We firmly believe this is good for Ireland and our economy and plays a key role in helping to maintain the excellent state of British-Irish relations. It is also our view that the EU is stronger for having the UK amongst its twenty-eight Member States. The Taoiseach has confirmed this approach, most recently in a speech he made on 13 January to my Department’s Conference in Dublin Castle.
By the same logic, the Government’s view is that a British departure from the EU would have negative implications for Ireland. Assessing the likely full impact of such a complex scenario is impossible, not least given that much would depend on the terms and conditions of a future UK relationship with the EU. However, initial analysis co-ordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach and with the involvement of all Government Departments confirms that there is a very wide range of issues which could arise. For a start, the UK’s exit would deprive Ireland of a very important ally within the Union on such issues as trade and the deepening of the single market. It would also mean that by far our largest trading partner – with which we trade almost €1 billion worth of goods and services ever week – would be outside the EU. It could also have implications for Northern Ireland and for North-South cooperation.
The Government will continue to deepen its analysis and to monitor the situation extremely carefully in the time ahead. My Department will continue to co-operate very closely with the Department of the Taoiseach and other Departments. The reporting we receive from our Embassy in London and from Embassies elsewhere in the EU will continue to be a vital source of information and analysis.
Ireland is determined to play a constructive role in seeking to keep the UK within the EU. That is a priority for the Government. We will continue to work closely with the UK and other like-minded partners on those policy issues where we share the same interests and approach. We will also support any reasonable proposals for reform of the functioning of the Union, while at the same time making clear where we believe that specific proposals are undesirable or unachievable.
30. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the continued detention of Ibrahim Halawa, in particular the further postponement of his trial, and if he will report on the work of his Department on the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2665/15]
View answerI remain deeply concerned at this individual’s continued detention as well as the recent further postponement of his trial.
Previous PQs, including my response to question 19 today (2657/15), have set out my approach to this case in some details and the steps taken.
Most recently I discussed the case with EU High Representative Mogherini in Dublin on 12 January. She confirmed that the EU and its institutions would continue to assist in this case. I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that my officials will continue to provide consular assistance to this individual and his family, and will continue to work on this difficult case with a view to securing a review of the individual’s case, his release and return to his family.
31. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to recent Boko Haram attacks in northern Nigeria; that death tolls vary from hundreds to 2,000; and his views regarding the violent spread of Boko Haram throughout the region. [2642/15]
View answerI utterly condemn the outrageous acts of violence being perpetrated by the terrorist group Boko Haram. These include the recent killing of a large number of civilians in an attack by militants in the north-eastern state of Borno in Nigeria 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 Nigerian town of Chibok last April.
The spread of the insurgency into Nigeria’s neighbouring countries is deeply worrying. At the fifth Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja on 27 November 2014, both the EU and Nigeria expressed concern that the violence of Boko Haram was also affecting the wider region, including through refugee movements across borders, so that the livelihoods of several million people throughout the region are under threat. In this context, I welcome the recently enhanced regional collaboration between Nigeria and its neighbours, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, including a regional security conference held in Niamey, Niger, earlier this week.
While the overall security situation in Nigeria is complex and involves a diverse range of actors, Boko Haram is undoubtedly a very serious threat to political stability in the country and the region. It is the responsibility of the Nigerian Government, as well as of its military authorities, to create a secure environment in which civilians and their human rights are protected. The EU is committed to supporting ongoing security cooperation at country and regional level as well as to strengthening international efforts to combat Boko Haram and protecting innocent local communities.
32. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he has challenged authorities in any of the countries identified as the top ten for persecution of Christians in the World Watch List 2015 compiled by Open Doors International and has sought protection for Christians living in these countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2600/15]
View answerIreland condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion or belief, irrespective of where they occur or who are the victims, and attaches great importance to combating all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, and freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. Ireland is deeply concerned by the persecution of Christians, including in those countries identified in Open Doors International’s World Watch List 2015.
Where possible, Ireland raises the issue of the safety of Christians through its official bilateral contacts with the countries in question, stressing the responsibility of the government to protect all citizens and minorities. Irish diplomats work with governments and civil society organisations across the globe to protect fundamental rights, and engage with Christian communities in their regions, working with the leaders of these communities to discuss problems they experience and assist in bringing their concerns to the attention of national authorities. We consistently press for effective action to counter the persecution of minorities in all relevant international fora, including the EU and UN. I highlighted the issue when I addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on 29 September 2014. I also raised it during my meeting with UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon.
Ireland works within and alongside the EU to address the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, notably with the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Religion or Belief adopted during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2013. These Guidelines provide EU officials with an overview of the legal and policy framework within which the right to freedom of religion or belief is protected.
Ireland seeks protection for religious minorities, including Christians, through resolutions on freedom of religion or belief tabled at both the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, and the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, of which Ireland is currently a member. Ireland is an active participant in the negotiation of these resolutions. The EU-led resolutions on freedom of religion or belief were most recently successfully adopted without a vote by the Human Rights Council in March 2014, and by the UN General Assembly during its 69th session in December 2014. Ireland also raised concerns in relation to persecution on the basis of religion or belief in interactive dialogues with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion during the 69th session of the Third Committee in 2014.
The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique peer review mechanism whereby the human rights records of individual states are reviewed in the UN Human Rights Council. Ireland is an active participant in the UPR, and where applicable, raises concerns in relation to persecution on the basis of religion or belief during the dialogue with states under review. Ireland has raised the issue of freedom of religion or belief at the review sessions of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Pakistan and Eritrea, each of which feature on the above-referenced list.
Ireland is committed to ensuring that all human rights principles and standards are promoted, protected and integrated in all of our development efforts. Ireland’s policy for international development, One World, One Future reaffirms the centrality of human rights to Ireland’s aid programme. Irish Aid supports a number of NGOs working on human rights issues in Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea. Irish Aid supports the NGO UPR Info in its work in Eritrea, building the capacity of civil society organisations to engage with the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review process and to influence key decisions and policies. Irish Aid supports Concern Worldwide in its work in Somalia, which includes a focus on human rights, and the International Federation of Human Rights in Sudan in its work helping human rights defenders to access United Nations human rights mechanisms.
While the security situation in Nigeria is complex and involves a highly diverse range of actors (insurgents, militants, religious cultists, farmers and nomadic herdsmen, criminals, etc.), the Islamic insurgent group Boko Haram poses a continued threat to political stability in Nigeria. Thousands of civilians have been attacked, abducted or killed in the Borno and Yobe states of north-eastern Nigeria in a series of well-orchestrated, brutal attacks. Ireland’s position on Boko Haram is very clear and has been consistently re-stated; Ireland condemns unreservedly the violent activities of Boko Haram against all Nigerians, whether Christian, Muslim or otherwise, and urges the Nigerian authorities to take all appropriate steps to fulfil their obligations to protect their citizens and maintain law and order throughout Nigeria.
Recent months have seen a serious deterioration in the situation faced by minorities, including Christians, across the Middle East region which is cause for great concern. This is most obviously evident in the extreme brutality and lawlessness demonstrated by ISIS in Iraq and in Syria which is utterly abhorrent and unacceptable. Threats and violence aimed at minority communities, including Christians and Yazidis, are intolerable, wherever they occur. The descent of Syria into violence and disarray has left small Christian communities very exposed and sometimes subject to direct attack. The spread of violence and extremism in Iraq is a matter of very serious concern for the Iraqi people and for the security and stability of the region. The protection of fundamental rights for all communities in Syria, Iraq and across the wider Middle East, including Christian communities, many of whom are faced with rising intolerance and threats, is integral to Ireland’s engagement with these countries and societies.
Ireland raises the issue of the safety of Christians through its official bilateral contacts with the countries in question, stressing the responsibility of the government to protect minorities. The protection of Middle Eastern Christian communities is discussed in the relevant European and multilateral fora as well as in our bilateral relations with Middle Eastern states. Irish diplomats work with governments and civil society organisations to protect fundamental rights in the Middle East, and engage with Christian communities in the region, working with the leaders of these communities to discuss problems experienced by these communities and assist in bringing their concerns to the attention of national authorities. It should be noted that many of these groups request that any efforts made on their behalf be carried out very discreetly, as any special attention from western countries might increase their difficulties.
With respect to Iran, some Christian denominations are subject to persecution and this is a cause of continuing concern. This relates principally to some specific Christian groups, notably evangelicals. Some other religious minorities also face persecution. It should be acknowledged however that other Christian denominations, such as the substantial Armenian Christian community in Iran, are specifically tolerated and protected, to a certain extent, under the Iranian Constitution. The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran has estimated that there were, as of January 2014, 307 members of religious minorities in detention in Iran, of whom 50 were Christians. He details a worrying pattern of persecution faced by Christians and other religious minorities and suggests that converts from Muslim backgrounds are most commonly prosecuted. The UN Secretary General’s report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2014 on the subject of human rights in Iran noted there had been no improvements in the situation of religious minorities, who continue to face violations of their rights which are entrenched in law and in practice.
Ireland has repeatedly addressed the human rights situation in its bilateral contacts with Iran and in the relevant international fora. In September 2014, at the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland expressed concerns about the persecution of some Christian and other religious minorities and our hope that the stated intention of Iran to improve human rights protection, an intention which we welcomed, will include these minority groups. These concerns are also relayed directly to the Iranian Ambassador and Embassy on all appropriate occasions. In addition, my Department participated in the recent Universal Periodic Review of Iran which took place at the Human Rights Council in October 2014, where we voiced our concerns in relation to the situation of religious minorities.
The report of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 2014 details an appalling array of human rights abuses, including an almost complete denial of the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. The Commission found that the State considers the spread of Christianity a particularly serious threat, and that, apart from the few organised State-controlled churches, Christians are prohibited from practising their religion and are persecuted. On the basis of this report, the EU and Japan led a landmark resolution at the UN General Assembly in late 2014 which calls for the Security Council to refer DPRK to the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity. The resolution was adopted by a strong majority of the UN General Assembly. Ireland supported this UN resolution.
Ireland supports continuing efforts to develop Afghanistan into a peaceful, democratic nation, based on respect for fundamental human rights, including the rights of Afghan women, and respect for the rule of law. Afghanistan has been and remains beset by huge security and economic challenges, which has impacted on the domestic human rights situation, including the situation of Christians, who are in a small minority. The EU has expressed concern at the UN Human Rights Council over the notable gaps and challenges in the situation of human rights in Afghanistan.
During the past decade Ireland has contributed to international efforts aimed at assisting Afghanistan in realising its ambition of building a stable, democratic and prosperous society for all of the Afghan population. Over the years we have provided police, military and civilian experts to the international peace support missions. As the focus of international engagement has now moved from military to civilian-led engagement, Ireland’s contribution to building a secure and stable environment will focus on training, capacity-building initiatives and support for civilian policing. Ireland has also provided consistent support for humanitarian and development programmes in Afghanistan, including €47 million in funding since 2005.
Ireland’s diplomatic relations with Pakistan are maintained by secondary accreditation via our Embassy in Ankara. The Ambassador of Ireland accredited to Pakistan has conveyed the concerns of the Irish people about the persecution of Christians in Pakistan to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on a number of occasions, most recently in November 2014. Officials in my Department have also raised our concerns regarding the blasphemy laws and persecution of Christians generally, with the Embassy of Pakistan in Dublin.
The EU adopted a 5 year engagement plan with Pakistan in 2012. This plan aims to build a strategic EU-Pakistan relationship by forging a partnership for peace and development rooted in shared values, principles and commitments. The EU engages in regular dialogue with Pakistan on human rights and democratic principles, and has called on the Pakistani authorities, at the highest level, to adopt measures to protect individual and minority rights in line with its Constitution and with international human rights standards and conventions. The fifth meeting of the EU-Pakistan Joint Commission, which reviews EU-Pakistan bilateral relations annually, met in Islamabad on 24 June 2014. The EU, while acknowledging efforts of the Government of Pakistan to strengthen human rights infrastructure in the country, expressed its concern on a number of human rights issues including freedom of the media, freedom of religion and belief and the situation of women. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights (EUSR), Mr Stavros Lambrinidis, paid an official visit to Pakistan from 26 to 29 October 2014. This visit provided opportunities for in-depth dialogue between the EU and Pakistan on key human rights issues. The EUSR discussed the importance of implementing domestic laws to address major human rights challenges, including freedom of religion and belief and applications and misuse of blasphemy laws.
I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to actively support freedom of religion or belief across our foreign policy and monitor the situation of Christians worldwide.
33. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to change existing arrangements between his Department and the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Defence in respect of the monitoring of foreign military aircraft on Irish territory in order to ensure our neutrality is not breached. [2660/15]
View answerUnder the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, all foreign military aircraft require the permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to overfly or land in the State. Requests for permission are considered in consultation with relevant Government Departments and agencies, including the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Defence, and procedures relating to these requests are kept under review.
In cases where permission is granted, this is subject to strict conditions including that aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives, and must not engage in intelligence gathering and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations.
I am satisfied that these longstanding arrangements are fully consistent with Ireland’s policies and legal requirements, including our long-established policy of military neutrality.
