Tuesday, 14 Jul 2015

Written Answers Nos. 107-129

Human Rights Issues

Questions (107)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

107. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his Department's most recent interventions on behalf of an Irish citizen (details supplied) who is imprisoned in Egypt; the interventions, representations or meetings he has had with members of the Egyptian Government or the Egyptian ambassador; if the Government is considering any public statements demanding the release of the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28398/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

My Department has a very clear strategy in place focussed on achieving a positive outcome at the earliest time possible. That strategy is based on two clear objectives: firstly to see this individual released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland and, secondly, to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.

Over the last year, I have intensively engaged with the Egyptian authorities, and with EU and international partners at a very high level on this case. I have spoken to my Egyptian counterpart directly on several occasions, and raised concerns with him about the length of time our citizen has been in detention without conviction. My officials are in ongoing contact with the Egyptian Embassy here in Dublin, and with the Egyptian authorities in Cairo.

At the hearing on 3 June, which was attended by Irish officials, a number of defence lawyers requested that no further hearings would take place during the Ramadan period. The judge agreed to this and scheduled the next hearing for 2 August, at which Embassy officials will also be present.

The Taoiseach and I last met the individual's family on 4 June. At that meeting we were informed that he had indicated he was considering embarking on a hunger strike. Noting that his welfare was of paramount concern we advised against this course of action, saying it was unlikely to serve any positive purpose in his trial and would be detrimental to his health.

Embassy officials last visited our citizen on Wednesday 24 June. During this visit he informed the officials that he had relaxed his hunger strike somewhat, and it would appear that he is now taking fluids and some food. This is a welcome development.

There is no doubt that prisons abroad can be places of fear and intimidation for any Irish citizen, and this creates stress and anxiety for them and their families. The welfare of any Irish citizen imprisoned abroad is a matter taken extremely seriously by the Government. Where allegations of mistreatment have been made, my Department has taken the appropriate action.

While our citizen remains in detention, I can assure the House that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are doing everything they can to protect his welfare, and to ensure that prison conditions for him are as good as they can be.

Since his arrest in August 2013, this citizen has been visited a total of 42 times by Embassy officials. This unprecedented level of consular visitation indicates clearly the priority we are placing on doing all that we can to carefully monitor his welfare in detention, and to advocate strongly on his behalf to the Egyptian authorities.

Human Rights Issues

Questions (108)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

108. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on representations made to the Egyptian authorities on the case of a person (details supplied). [28376/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 107 (28398/15).

My Department has a very clear strategy in place focussed on achieving a positive outcome at the earliest time possible. That strategy is based on two clear objectives: firstly to see this individual released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland and, secondly, to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention.

Over the last year, I have intensively engaged with the Egyptian authorities, and with EU and international partners at a very high level on this case. I have spoken to my Egyptian counterpart directly on several occasions, and raised concerns with him about the length of time our citizen has been in detention without conviction. My officials are in ongoing contact with the Egyptian Embassy here in Dublin, and with the Egyptian authorities in Cairo.

At the hearing on 3 June, which was attended by Irish officials, a number of defence lawyers requested that no further hearings would take place during the Ramadan period. The judge agreed to this and scheduled the next hearing for 2 August, at which Embassy officials will also be present.

The Taoiseach and I last met the individual's family on 4 June. At that meeting we were informed that he had indicated he was considering embarking on a hunger strike. Noting that his welfare was of paramount concern we advised against this course of action, saying it was unlikely to serve any positive purpose in his trial and would be detrimental to his health.

Embassy officials last visited our citizen on Wednesday 24 June. During this visit he informed the officials that he had relaxed his hunger strike somewhat, and it would appear that he is now taking fluids and some food. This is a welcome development.

There is no doubt that prisons abroad can be places of fear and intimidation for any Irish citizen, and this creates stress and anxiety for them and their families. The welfare of any Irish citizen imprisoned abroad is a matter taken extremely seriously by the Government. Where allegations of mistreatment have been made, my Department has taken the appropriate action.

While our citizen remains in detention, I can assure the House that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are doing everything they can to protect his welfare, and to ensure that prison conditions for him are as good as they can be.

Since his arrest in August 2013, this citizen has been visited a total of 42 times by Embassy officials. This unprecedented level of consular visitation indicates clearly the priority we are placing on doing all that we can to carefully monitor his welfare in detention, and to advocate strongly on his behalf to the Egyptian authorities.

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Questions (109)

Denis Naughten

Question:

109. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress to date in securing an E3 visa scheme between Ireland and the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28295/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US remains a priority for the Government in our contacts with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we continue to work closely with high level Government contacts and with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond. The aim of these contacts is to achieve relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US and to improve channels for legal migration between Ireland and America.

While measures announced last November by President Obama, which could benefit thousands of undocumented Irish immigrants based in the US, were welcome I am conscious that they remain under legal challenge in US Federal Courts and that in any case legislation in Congress is still needed to build on what has been achieved in President Obama's announcement. We continue to express our desire to see a political way forward on this issue which would encourage progress on a comprehensive legislative package by Congress. For that reason the government and our Embassy have been working, and will continue to work, with the Administration and with Republican and Democratic political leaders in the area of immigration reform.

The objective of achieving an E3 visa agreement between Ireland and the United States remains a key element of Ireland's overall position on U.S. immigration reform and one which we regularly emphasise both in contacts with US interlocutors at Ministerial level and through the immigration reform activities of our Embassy in Washington, DC.

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to meet with John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and a number of his Congressional colleagues, when they visited Dublin. The Taoiseach also met with him and we both took the opportunity to re-emphasise our wish to see comprehensive legislative reform so as to provide relief for the undocumented Irish and a legal pathway to allow for future Irish immigration to the US.

The Government has also repeatedly raised the issue of immigration reform during other high level visits with US officials. During the Taoiseach's visit to Washington for St. Patrick's Day, he met with President Obama, Vice President Biden as well as other senior US Administration figures and key Congressional contacts from both sides of the aisle. These meetings provided an important opportunity to reiterate our concerns and aspirations in regard to immigration reform. I also raised these issues, including the possibility of immigration reform legislation, when I met with Vice President Biden in Boston on 30 March. I have also discussed these matters on a number of occasions recently with US Ambassador O'Malley.

The Government as a whole, including my Department in Dublin and our Embassy in Washington, will continue to actively follow up on all of the issues raised in recent contacts with the US Administration, with Congress, in particular with the Republican leadership, and with the US Embassy in Ireland. This includes preparing the ground for movement on an E3 visa arrangement when the opportunity for this arises.

Syrian Conflict

Questions (110)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

110. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will condemn the use of barrel bombs by the Assad regime in Syria, which is causing death and destruction to more and more civilians; and if he will support calls for a no-fly zone in Syria, as highlighted by many non-governmental organisations as being of utmost importance for reducing the death toll in the ongoing conflict. [28343/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have repeatedly condemned all violence against civilians in Syria by the Assad regime, militia forces and terrorist groups, including the abhorrent use of barrel bombs which are an indiscriminate weapon aimed primarily at terrorising the Syrian population.

I reiterate Ireland's support for the UN Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.

Any decision on the possible establishment of a no-fly zone in Syria is a matter which falls to the UN Security Council. Ireland has consistently supported greater engagement by the Security Council on tackling the crisis in Syria and co-sponsored a recent resolution on referral of the Syrian conflict to the International Criminal Court earlier this year.

Regrettably, the Security Council has in recent years repeatedly failed to agree on effective measures to tackle the political and security situation in Syria, with repeated vetoes on proposed action by permanent members of the Council. There is little prospect that any proposal for such a resolution will be approved by the Council at this time.

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (111)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

111. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, and with the Minister for Justice in the Northern Ireland Executive, Mr. David Ford, in relation to prison issues in Northern Ireland for segregated prisoners; in particular, if he raised the issues of detention for long periods in the custodial support unit in Her Majesty's Prison, Maghaberry, strip searching and controlled movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28216/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Prison issues in Northern Ireland, in particular those which affect prisoners in separated accommodation, regularly feature in my discussions with Minister for Justice, David Ford MLA, and, on non-devolved matters, with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers MP.

In my contacts, I emphasise the importance of building trust between separated prisoners and prison management in Maghaberry Prison, significantly damaged by the 2012 murder of prison officer David Black.

The way forward will be through the implementation of the recommendations of the September 2014 Stocktake Report of the Independent Assessment Team, which reviewed progress in implementing the August 2010 Maghaberry Prison Agreement.

Both the NI Prison Service and prisoners are agreed on the importance of implementing the Stocktake Report. The appointment of a new, independent, chair of the Prison Forum should assist progress on implementation, which to date has not moved as quickly as I would wish.

Strip searching, controlled movement, and detention in the Care and Supervision Unit (CSU) of Maghaberry Prison continue as points of difference and tension between prisoners and prison management. Balances are required to be found between vindicating the rights of prisoners in very restrictive imprisonment with the duty on management to ensure an environment where the health and safety of staff and inmates are protected. There are differences in emphasis between management and prisoners in where that balance lies, complicated by the differing responsibilities of the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Office on these matters.

The effective address of strip searching, controlled movement, and the vindication of the rights of those in the CSU features in my regular discussions with Minister Ford and Secretary of State Villiers. In addition, my officials follow-up with the relevant Departments, with the NI Prison Service, and with the Prisoner Ombudsman on these and other matters. I am aware also that the new independent chair of the Prison Forum is seized of the importance of these issues.

Consular Services Provision

Questions (112)

Mick Wallace

Question:

112. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any discussions with the Irish Consulate in Scotland regarding an Irish citizen (details supplied), who has been on trial at the High Court in Glasgow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28402/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Officials in my Department have been in recent contact with the mother of the person named and are working in conjunction with the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO) to provide her with appropriate assistance.

In our work with prisoners abroad, the Department must respect the wishes of each individual as to whether or not they wish to be provided with consular assistance.

As a first step, a visit to this person by the ICPO will be arranged in order to establish direct contact with them and to ascertain whether or not they wish to avail of the consular assistance my Department can provide. Our Consul General in Edinburgh will also directly correspond with the citizen.

Nuclear Disarmament Initiative

Questions (113)

Mick Wallace

Question:

113. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that Ireland is taking every action at its disposal to further the cause of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28403/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland's long track record in the area of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation dates back to the late 1950s when Ireland's efforts at the United Nations General Assembly led to the negotiation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). I addressed the NPT Review Conference in New York at its opening on 27 April this year in order to highlight Ireland's continuing strong commitment to nuclear disarmament. I also had the opportunity to meet with a number of delegations on that occasion.

It is a matter of great regret that, despite strenuous efforts, including by Ireland, the 2015 NPT Review Conference ended without an agreed outcome document. Both before and during the Conference, Ireland worked for concrete progress on creating an effective outcome document through our national efforts and also through the New Agenda Coalition (NAC), a cross-regional group of States, including Ireland, which are committed to promoting urgent progress on nuclear disarmament.

Right from the inception of the NPT, Ireland has emphasised - primarily for humanitarian reasons - the urgent need to pursue the effective measures for nuclear disarmament mandated by Article VI of the Treaty. It is clear that, in order to be effective, these measures need to be legally binding, and it is my view that work on elaborating them needs to begin immediately.

The need for urgent progress on nuclear disarmament has been given even greater impetus by the facts and research presented at three major recent conferences on the risks and consequences associated with nuclear weapons and the devastating humanitarian consequences of any nuclear detonation whether by accident or design. A statement endorsed at the Review Conference by 159 States, including Ireland, asserts that nuclear weapons must never be used again under any circumstances and that the only way of ensuring this is through their total elimination.

Ireland's final statement to the Review Conference recalled our commitment to nuclear disarmament and our belief that effective measures for the implementation of Article VI are required as a matter of urgency.

This has always been and remains Ireland's position, as was shown last year when Ireland was Coordinator of the New Agenda Coalition and contributed significantly to the debate at the Final Preparatory Committee meeting for the NPT Review Conference by presenting on behalf of the NAC a Working Paper with detailed proposals on the effective measures required by Article VI. This work was taken forward by the current NAC Coordinator, New Zealand, at the Review Conference itself. I can assure the Deputy that we will continue to work towards achieving a world without nuclear weapons, including by consulting closely with like-minded partners and by supporting South Africa, which assumed the role of Coordinator of the New Agenda Coalition on the 1 July 2015.

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (114)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

114. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made any representations to the Minister for Justice in Northern Ireland, Mr. David Ford, in respect of the implementation of the Stocktake report carried out in relation to the conditions in which segregated prisoners are held at Her Majesty's Prison, Maghaberry, in Northern Ireland; if he has requested a full implementation of its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28217/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This is a repeat of my answer to Question No. 111.

Prison issues in Northern Ireland, in particular those which affect prisoners in separated accommodation, regularly feature in my discussions with Minister for Justice, David Ford MLA, and, on non-devolved matters, with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers MP.

In my contacts, I emphasise the importance of building trust between separated prisoners and prison management in Maghaberry Prison, significantly damaged by the 2012 murder of prison officer David Black.

The way forward will be through the implementation of the recommendations of the September 2014 Stocktake Report of the Independent Assessment Team, which reviewed progress in implementing the August 2010 Maghaberry Prison Agreement.

Both the NI Prison Service and prisoners are agreed on the importance of implementing the Stocktake Report. The appointment of a new, independent, chair of the Prison Forum should assist progress on implementation, which to date has not moved as quickly as I would wish.

Strip searching, controlled movement, and detention in the Care and Supervision Unit (CSU) of Maghaberry Prison continue as points of difference and tension between prisoners and prison management. Balances are required to be found between vindicating the rights of prisoners in very restrictive imprisonment with the duty on management to ensure an environment where the health and safety of staff and inmates are protected. There are differences in emphasis between management and prisoners in where that balance lies, complicated by the differing responsibilities of the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Office on these matters.

The effective address of strip searching, controlled movement, and the vindication of the rights of those in the CSU features in my regular discussions with Minister Ford and Secretary of State Villiers. In addition, my officials follow-up with the relevant Departments, with the NI Prison Service, and with the Prisoner Ombudsman on these and other matters. I am aware also that the new independent chair of the Prison Forum is seized of the importance of these issues.

International Terrorism

Questions (115)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

115. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with Tunisian authorities regarding the recent terrorist attack that occurred in their country and which resulted in the loss of three Irish lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28219/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

We have all been deeply shocked and saddened by the recent event at Sousse in Tunisia, where three Irish citizens lost their lives in a terrible tragedy. I condemn unreservedly these terrorist attacks, and other recent attacks elsewhere, and would like to take this opportunity to again convey my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families of the three Irish citizens who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Ireland's Ambassador has held discussions with the Tunisian authorities concerning the welfare of the survivors of the attack and support for the families of the deceased.

I will be discussing how the EU can provide effective support to the Tunisian authorities with my EU colleagues and the Tunisian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. We will discuss ways in which the EU can provide further support to Tunisia in political, socio-economic and security fields including the fight against terrorism. The discussion will also touch upon the broader regional situation.

EU Issues

Questions (116)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his European Union colleagues have contemplated the potential effects of Brexit or Grexit, with particular reference to the need for a rediscovery of a vision for the European Union among all existing member states and the European Union's institutions; how it is expected to reconcile the extra powers and influence conferred on the European Parliament and on national parliaments with a growing tendency towards Euroscepticism and the failure to recognise the need for national parliaments and the European Parliament to work together for the greater good; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28345/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The EU-UK question is a strategic priority for our Government. That is because we believe that UK membership of the Union is hugely important to Ireland's interests, and to the interests of the EU as a whole. Of course, work has been underway for some time to ensure we best understand the various issues at stake and to examine the potential implications for Ireland of a possible British exit from the Union. However the focus of our work remains helping to keep the UK in the EU, rather than mitigating the effects of UK withdrawal.

In relation to Greece, the Taoiseach has made it clear that we understand and sympathise with the difficult situation in which the Greek people find themselves. We want to find a way forward that takes account of the realities of the situation and the political priorities of the Greek Government, while also respecting existing commitments. Our focus remains very much on finding a broadly acceptable and sustainable solution that is in the interests of Greece, the Euro area and the European Union as a whole.

These issues and the financial and economic crisis from which Europe is emerging have naturally impacted on the confidence of citizens across the EU. It is therefore unsurprising that support for parties that question the European project should increase. However, despite the difficult circumstance in which last year's European Parliament elections were held, a substantial majority of the electorate endorsed pro-EU parties and candidates.

The Government will, of course, continue to work alongside the Governments of fellow EU Member States and the EU institutions, including the European Parliament, to try to resolve difficulties that emerge and to address the concerns of European citizens.

The Lisbon Treaty introduced a range of measures to reinforce democracy and accountability in the EU, including by strengthening the role of the European Parliament as a co-legislator with the Council of Ministers and by allocating national parliaments specific responsibility for enforcing the subsidiarity principle.

Given these responsibilities, it is important that national parliaments engage effectively with one another and with the European Parliament, as well as with other EU institutions. In that context, I welcome the particular priority which the European Commission, led by President Juncker, has afforded to engagement with national parliaments and the work which has been taken forward by national parliaments themselves to enhance coordination structures through COSAC, helping to bring EU decision-making closer to our citizens. There is also regular and significant contact between MEPs and the Oireachtas, both between individual members and at committee level.

Naval Service Operations

Questions (117)

Mick Wallace

Question:

117. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on developments at the May and June 2015 European Union Foreign Affairs Councils in relation to the European Union Naval Force Operation - Mediterranean Mission, and since; if there are any related common security and defence policy measures he is opposed to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28404/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In May, the Foreign Affairs Council agreed to establish an EU CSDP mission, EU NAVFOR MED, the aim of which is to disrupt the business model of people smugglers and traffickers who ruthlessly exploit vulnerable people for profit, and place their lives at risk. This mission was subsequently launched at the June Foreign Affairs Council.

The mission will be conducted in strict accordance with international law and vessels assigned to it will be ready and equipped to perform search and rescue operations as necessary.

The mission will implement its mandate in phases, working initially to detect and monitor migration networks in the Mediterranean. The EU Political and Security Committee, acting under the responsibility of the Council of Ministers, will decide on when to make the transition between the different phases, taking into account any applicable UN Security Council Resolution and consent by the coastal states concerned.

The LÉ Eithne, and the LÉ Niamh which is taking over from it, are not part of this Mission, but has been involved in separate search and rescue activities. Minister Coveney has indicated that consideration of participation by members of the Irish Defence Forces in EUNAVFOR MED will only occur if there is a UN Security Council Resolution and provided that the applicable national statutory requirements are met.

The EUNAVFOR Med Mission is but one strand of the comprehensive approach being pursued by the EU to addressing the migration crisis in all aspects, including by tackling the root causes in source countries through development cooperation programmes and conflict prevention efforts.

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Questions (118)

Denis Naughten

Question:

118. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress to date in securing a visa waiver for the undocumented Irish in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28294/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants and improving channels for legal migration between Ireland and the US continue to be priorities for the Government. Here in Ireland and through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we continue to work closely with high level Government contacts and with many other individuals and groups.

As part of these contacts, we have highlighted the issue of those amongst the Irish undocumented who might be eligible for visas, but who would be required to return to Ireland for their issuance and hence would require waivers for their prior period of undocumented residence.

The Government has repeatedly raised the issue of immigration reform during high level visits with US officials in the first half of this year. During the Taoiseach's visit to Washington for St. Patrick's Day, he met with President Obama, Vice President Biden as well as other senior US Administration figures and key Congressional contacts from both sides of the aisle. These meetings provided an important opportunity to reiterate our concerns in regard to the position of the undocumented Irish, to seek further information on the detail of President Obama's executive action, to raise the question of visa waivers and to encourage progress on a comprehensive legislative package by Congress. I also raised immigration reform issues, including the possibility of immigration reform legislation and the question of visa waivers, when I met with Vice President Biden in Boston on 30 March. I have also discussed these matters on a number of occasions recently with US Ambassador O'Malley.

Measures announced last November by President Obama, which could benefit thousands of undocumented Irish immigrants based in the US, were very welcome. However, I am conscious that they remain under legal challenge in US Federal Courts and that, as President Obama correctly emphasised at the time of his announcement, legislation in Congress is still needed to ensure reform which is fully comprehensive.

We continue to push for a political way forward on this issue which would encourage progress on a legislative package by Congress. For that reason, the Government and our Embassy continue to work with the Administration and with Republican and Democratic political leaders in the area of immigration reform.

The high level contacts continue on a regular basis. Most recently, in the past fortnight I had the opportunity to meet with John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and a number of his Congressional colleagues, when they visited Dublin. The Taoiseach also met with him and we both took the opportunity to re-emphasise our wish to see comprehensive legislative reform take place so as to provide relief for the undocumented Irish and a legal pathway to allow for future Irish immigration to the US.

The Government as a whole, including my Department in Dublin and our Embassy in Washington, will continue to actively follow up with the US Administration, with Congress and with the US Embassy in Ireland.

Human Rights Issues

Questions (119)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

119. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied), an imprisoned Saudi Arabian blogger and activist, who has been handed a sentence of 1,000 lashes and ten years in prison for insulting Islam; if he agrees this is an extremely cruel, inhuman and unjust sentence for starting an Internet discussion group and that the right to freedom of expression should be respected; if he is aware that this person's lawyer, who is also a human rights activist, is still in jail; and if he will raise the case with his Saudi Arabian counterpart. [28360/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the cases raised.

I share the Deputy's serious ongoing concern about this case. My concern is both about the conviction for activities which would be widely regarded here as the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of opinion and expression, and the nature of the sentence, which included corporal punishment.

Concerns about both of these cases have been raised by the European Union on behalf of its Member States, including Ireland, with the Saudi authorities. They have also been conveyed directly to representatives of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia by my Department, most recently in June of this year.

The spokesperson of EU High Representative Mogherini issued a statement on this case in January 2015. This called on the Saudi authorities to suspend the flogging of this individual, a call which was echoed later in January by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein.

I have repeatedly expressed my hope that the Saudi Authorities will answer the High Commissioner's call for this individual to be pardoned and for this harsh form of punishment to be urgently reviewed. While the flogging of this individual has thankfully not recommenced, the reports in June that his punishment has been confirmed by the Supreme Court are worrying. It remains my hope that both individuals will be pardoned.

Consular Services Provision

Questions (120)

Clare Daly

Question:

120. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has been briefed on a case (details supplied) and the trial currently under way in Glasgow in Scotland; if consular assistance has been offered to the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28221/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 112, Ref No: 28402/15.

Officials in my Department have been in recent contact with the mother of the person named and are working in conjunction with the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO) to provide her with appropriate assistance.

In our work with prisoners abroad, the Department must respect the wishes of each individual as to whether or not they wish to be provided with consular assistance.

As a first step, a visit to this person by the ICPO will be arranged in order to establish direct contact with them and to ascertain whether or not they wish to avail of the consular assistance my Department can provide. Our Consul General in Edinburgh will also directly correspond with the citizen.

Undocumented Irish in the USA

Questions (121)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

121. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on his discussions with officials of the United States of America in relation to immigration reform and, in particular, the plight of undocumented Irish citizens in the United States of America; his plans to meet with officials of the United States of America in the near future to discuss this further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28336/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This is a repeat of my answer to Question No. 100.

Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US remains a priority for the Government in our contacts with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., we continue to work closely on this agenda with high level Government contacts and with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond. The aim of these contacts is to achieve relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US and to improve channels for legal migration between Ireland and America.

The administrative measures announced last November by President Obama, which could benefit thousands of undocumented Irish immigrants based in the US, were very welcome. I am conscious however that they remain under legal challenge in US Federal Courts and that in any case legislation in Congress is still needed to build on what has been promised in President Obama's announcement. For that reason, the Government and our Embassy continue to avail of all contacts with the Administration and with Republican and Democratic political leaders to make the case for comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

To that end, I recently met with John Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and a number of his Congressional colleagues, when they visited Dublin. The Taoiseach also met with him and we both took the opportunity to re-emphasise the Government's wish to see comprehensive legislative reform so as to provide relief for the undocumented Irish and a legal pathway to allow for future Irish immigration to the US.

The Government has also repeatedly raised the issue of immigration reform during other high level visits with US officials. During the Taoiseach's visit to Washington for St. Patrick's Day, he met with President Obama, Vice President Biden as well as other senior US Administration figures and key Congressional contacts from both sides of the aisle. These meetings provided an important opportunity to reiterate our concerns in regard to the position of the undocumented Irish, to seek further information on the detail of President Obama's executive action and to encourage progress on a comprehensive legislative package by Congress.

I raised immigration reform issues when I met with Vice President Biden in Boston on 30 March. I have also discussed these matters on a number of occasions recently with US Ambassador O'Malley.

The Government as a whole, including my Department in Dublin and our Embassy in Washington, will continue to actively follow up on all of the issues raised in recent contacts with the US Administration, with Congress, in particular with the Republican leadership, and with the US Embassy in Ireland.

Northern Ireland Issues

Questions (122)

Brendan Smith

Question:

122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions his Department is taking to ensure the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28339/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement remains a priority of this Government and continues to be a key focus in contacts with the Northern Ireland Executive and with the British Government. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Cameron discussed implementation of the Agreement at their meeting in London on 18 June, underlining the collective benefit of full implementation.

To continue to take forward this work, Minister of State Seán Sherlock and I attended an Implementation and Review meeting of the Stormont House Agreement in Belfast on 25 June. This was an important opportunity to take stock of progress, including in the context of the ongoing political impasse in relation to welfare reform and wider budgetary issues. The meeting considered and approved for publication a progress report which outlines overall implementation of the Agreement, including work towards establishing new mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the past.

In addition, the Government and NI Executive continue to progress our work on North-South priorities as set out in the Stormont House Agreement; and the Government has already fulfilled many of its financial commitments under the Agreement, including the allocation of €5 million to the International Fund for Ireland and the disbursement of over €1.5 million from my Department's Reconciliation Fund.

While good progress has been made across many of the Agreement's work streams, a way forward needs to be found in relation to the ongoing impasse on welfare reform and wider budgetary issues. There is currently a limited window of opportunity resolve to address these issues. It is essential that the political leaders in Northern Ireland face up to their responsibility to find a sustainable resolution to the issues at hand, and intensify their efforts on delivering the Agreement as a whole. The Irish Government will continue to support this collective effort.

Easter Rising Commemorations

Questions (123)

Brendan Smith

Question:

123. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the key events being organised by his Department to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising abroad; the budget allocation that has been made from his Department for those commemorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28340/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

On 29 June, together with the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ms Heather Humphreys T.D., I launched the Ireland 2016 Global and Diaspora Programme, one of the seven strands of the overall Ireland 2016 Programme, which was launched by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste earlier this year.

The Global and Diaspora Programme, which includes events around the world organised by Ireland's Embassy network and by Culture Ireland, will see the Irish diaspora, international friends, partners and local communities engage in a range of commemorative, community and creative activities to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising, including its international dimensions. The Programme will also be an opportunity to present the best of Irish arts and culture to the world.

The Programme includes a number of flagship events. In Washington D.C., the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in partnership with the Embassy of Ireland, will host a three-week festival of Irish arts and culture entitled 'Ireland 100: Celebrating a Century of Irish Arts and Culture', from 16 May to 5 June 2016, while in London, a concert featuring Irish classical musicians and singers will take place at the world-renowned Wigmore Hall, in April 2016.

The Programme also engages with young people and local communities. In Argentina, for example, the Irish Embassy in Buenos Aires will hold schools' essay and art competitions, which will encourage participants to reflect on themes that include the Easter Rising and Irish-Argentine relations. In addition, the importance of the Irish language to our communities abroad is reflected in the Programme. In June 2016, Glór na nGael and our Consulate General in Boston will hold a conference bringing together Irish language groups from across the United States.

Film screenings, artistic and cultural programmes, seminars and commemorative and community events from Paris to Dubai, and from San Francisco to Tokyo, are already included in the Programme and many more are being planned. I have arranged that up to €500,000 be set aside from within existing resources in my Department to support these initiatives.

The current iteration of the Global and Diaspora Programme, which is being updated on a regular basis, can be viewed on my Department's website, www.dfa.ie.

Humanitarian Aid

Questions (124)

Seán Kyne

Question:

124. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade following the first Irish Humanitarian Summit, if he will detail the Irish Aid humanitarian funding provided in 2014; if this funding amount will be increased in the context of improving State finances; and the efforts being made at European Council level to address the conflicts which are resulting in the unprecedented displacement of persons. [28344/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I was very pleased to participate in the first Irish Humanitarian Summit on 2 July in UCD, which was opened by President Michael D. Higgins. My Department took the initiative to instigate a consultation process with the Irish humanitarian community in response to the UN Secretary General's initiative to convene a World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May next year. It will address the challenges, and the suffering, posed by the unprecedented number of humanitarian crises across the world. The Irish Summit involved the public and private sectors, civil society and diaspora and academic communities in Ireland.

At the Summit, I underlined the Government's strong commitment to providing humanitarian aid that is neutral, independent, impartial and based on need. The outcomes of the Summit and the emerging recommendations from the ten-month consultations which preceded it will inform Ireland's engagement in the UN World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul.

One of the key challenges is how to meet the needs of those living in and displaced by conflict. Nearly 60 million people are now displaced around the world, the highest number since World War II. Displacement caused by protracted conflict has a devastating impact on families who have had to flee their homes and communities. The Irish Naval Service, through the work of the L.É. Eithne has already made a huge contribution in rescuing thousands of migrants in the Mediterranean. We must also, of course, address the root causes of displacement. Ireland has strongly engaged in the EU to promote a political resolution to ongoing conflicts across the world. Through the Irish Aid programme, we are making a significant contribution to addressing the root causes of displacement in countries of origin, notably through our humanitarian and development assistance in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and other regions of Africa.

The demands on humanitarian funding have grown steeply in the past three years. While donor funding has increased, there are substantial gaps in the funding required. I am proud to say that in 2014 Ireland was in the top ten of donors per capita, in our provision of humanitarian assistance. A total of €85 million in Irish Aid funding was allocated for humanitarian crises in 2014. Through this funding, Ireland responded to emergencies in the Philippines, South Sudan, Syria, Central African Republic and to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. In keeping with Ireland's policy commitment to protracted and underfunded crises, significant support was directed to crises in Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Chad, Somalia and Ethiopia. In addition, eight airlifts transported 269 tonnes of essential supplies to affected populations and 32 highly-skilled members of Ireland's Rapid Response Corps were deployed to work as surge capacity with Ireland's UN Stand-by Partners in a number of emergency response operations.

The Government is strongly committed to Ireland's overseas aid programme, which funds our humanitarian assistance, and has managed to stabilise the ODA budget despite the very difficult economic circumstances facing the country in recent years. I will be making the strongest case possible for the aid budget in the upcoming budgetary process.

International Relations

Questions (125)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

125. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on whether he plans to strengthen Ireland's ties with Cuba; and on the current diplomatic, political and economic relationship of Cuba and Ireland. [28214/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland's positive relationship with Cuba has developed steadily since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in 1999, and I am keen to see our bilateral relations develop further.

For this purpose, the Secretary General of my Department visited Havana in April this year for bilateral consultations and to meet a range of contacts, including Cubans and diplomatic representatives. In his official level meetings, the Secretary General discussed issues relating to Cuba's reform process and human rights, US-Cuban relations, bilateral trade and cultural ties. The consultations took place in a constructive atmosphere and provide a good basis for further progress in strengthening our relationship with Cuba.

During his visit, the Secretary General signed a 'Memorandum on the Establishment of a Mechanism for Political Consultations'. This initiative will promote political dialogue between Ireland and Cuba. It is intended to develop mutual contacts and to deepen bilateral relations on the basis of the principles, and with respect for, the provisions of the United Nations Charter. The agreement provides a basis for regular discussion with Cuba on international and bilateral relations at a senior level, and is a welcome development in our relationship.

Officials of my Department are also in discussion with the Cuban side on a Memorandum of Cooperation between our two countries. This will provide an important basis for cooperation across various areas of interest, including economic and cultural interaction and engagement in the areas of investment, scientific and research collaboration.

As regards bilateral trade in goods, this was valued at €1.35 million in 2014, consolidating the increase of the previous year. We hope that, as the process of economic reform proceeds, and as Cuba's relations with the US are normalised, it will be possible to develop our trade relationship further.

In the context of the European Union, I am pleased that negotiations are underway on an EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement. This agreement, which the EU is seeking to conclude before the end of the year, will strengthen the EU-Cuba relationship and provide an improved framework for political dialogue, economic relations and cooperation in the period ahead. The EU is Cuba's second most important trading partner, accounting for 20% of total Cuban trade. The EU is also Cuba's biggest external investor and approximately one third of all tourists visiting the island every year come from countries of the European Union.

Israeli Settlements

Questions (126)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

126. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware that at the beginning of May 2015, the Israeli High Court ruled that officials could carry out demolition orders on the entire village of Susiya in the southern West Bank; that, if these demolitions go ahead, over 250 persons will be evicted from the place in which they have lived since before the occupation of the West Bank in 1967; and if he will inform the Israeli Government of Ireland's opposition to its plans to demolish the entire village of Susiya. [28357/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland has consistently condemned the dispossession and eviction of Palestinian people in order to clear land for Israeli settlements. This is clearly contrary to international law. I have expressed these concerns in public statements, in contacts with the Israeli Embassy here, and directly to the Israeli Foreign Minister when I visited in February.

We have also consistently made this clear at EU level. The EU has consistently condemned these policies, most recently in the Conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council in November 2014. I have urged the EU and the international community to take stronger action to oppose this policy.

The villagers of Susiya have been under threat of eviction for some years, and indeed many of them have been evicted from other homes in the area on previous occasions, in some cases more than once. The apparent intention of the authorities is to force them off the land altogether and into the already crowded cities under Palestinian government administration, in order to clear the land for settlements and other purposes. I note the UN Secretary General's view that, should it proceed, this may amount to forcible transfer contrary to the Fourth Geneva Convention, and I share that assessment.

The Irish Representative in Ramallah has visited Susiya twice in recent weeks to show our support for the villagers, including a visit in June as part of a delegation of EU Heads of Mission, accompanying the Palestinian Prime Minister. Irish Aid has also helped provide practical assistance to threatened villages in the area, including solar power and water equipment. Ireland has also supported local NGOs fighting these eviction orders through the courts.

I repeat today my condemnation of these eviction plans, and I call for them to be set aside.

I had the opportunity to discuss this case more fully with the Deputy and others in my meeting last week with the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Deputy might also wish to see the remarks on this issue delivered on my behalf in the Seanad by Minister of State Murphy, on the same day.

Middle East Issues

Questions (127)

Brendan Smith

Question:

127. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to the Report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict; if he has met with the Israeli and Palestinian ambassadors regarding the findings of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28341/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry (established by the UN Human Rights Council) into last summer's violence in Gaza and Israel was released on 22nd June.

The Report is a serious and considered piece of work. While the members of the Commission had to deal with a lack of co-operation from various sources and lack of access to Gaza, they made a clear effort to ensure balance, on the basis of publicly available information in addition to information from witnesses.

Ireland's initial response to the draft report was in the formal dialogue with the Commission in Geneva on 29 June. Ireland's Ambassador commended the Commission on their work and stated that “the report asks serious questions of all the parties to the conflict”. The Ambassador also stated that “It is particularly important that the report addresses not just the conduct of individuals, but the policies they were instructed to carry out, and the lack of real and credible accountability among all concerned”.

Subsequent to that dialogue, the Palestinian delegation tabled a draft resolution which they wished to see adopted by the Human Rights Council. As is normal in the context of the Human Rights Council, there were negotiations on the text tabled by the Palestinians, including on the part of the European Union.

On 3 July, the draft resolution tabled by the Palestinians was adopted by the Human Rights Council. Ireland and the other EU Member States who are members of the Human Rights Council voted in favour of it.

Ireland voted for it as we saw it as a well balanced text.

I stayed in close touch with developments in Geneva as the discussions around the Report of the Commission of Inquiry progressed.

Sustainable Development Strategy

Questions (128)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

128. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the priorities for Ireland as it attends the Financing for Development Conference in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia; and if Ireland will support the call for international tax matters to be under a United Nations intergovernmental body. [28342/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

This year we are working for global agreement in three major international conferences on sustainable development. The Conferences are interlinked. They are on Financing for Development, this week in Addis Ababa, on a new framework for global development at the UN in New York in September and on a new climate change agreement in Paris in December. The aim is to deliver a new and transformative sustainable development agenda, with Sustainable Development Goals, up to 2030.

The Addis Conference will seek to unlock the range of financing sources required to implement the new universal Goals. These include domestic resource mobilisation, private sector contributions, as well as Official Development Assistance (ODA), which remains critical for the poorest countries. The Government remains firmly committed to reaching the 0.7% target for ODA and to making further progress towards it as our economic recovery consolidates. Ireland is a world leader in the proportion of our aid which goes to the Least Developed Countries and we also strongly support the UN target of providing 0.15 – 0.2% of GNI for the Least Developed Countries, which we already exceed.

Issues of taxation will be central to the financing of sustainable development. We believe the most effective way to deal with global tax issues is through the OECD. In this regard upgrading the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters to intergovernmental status could result in competing processes rather than fostering more cooperation.

In an effort to ensure the involvement of the developing world in these processes, the Minister for Finance has previously called at the OECD for all countries to undertake spill-over analyses of the impact of their taxation regimes on the developing world, similar to the analysis already commissioned by the Department of Finance in respect of Ireland.

Military Aircraft Landings

Questions (129)

Mick Wallace

Question:

129. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has any concerns regarding the use of Shannon Airport by the United States of America military under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952; if it poses a security risk to Shannon and to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28401/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft, in Ireland. My Department considers requests for permission for foreign military aircraft to transit Irish airports or airspace in consultation with relevant Departments and agencies.

Security arrangements at Irish airports do not come under the remit of my Department. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has primary responsibility for that matter while issues relating to national security are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality.