Written Answers Nos. 727-746
727. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the authorities in Northern Ireland on the implementation of the Stocktake report in Maghaberry Prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28423/15]
View answerPrison issues in Northern Ireland, in particular those which affect prisoners in separated accommodation, regularly feature in my discussions with Northern Ireland 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 representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross as the new, independent, chair of the Prison Forum should assist progress in this regard, which to date has not moved as quickly as one would wish. It is my understanding that representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross have been actively consulting with all parties to the Prison Forum over recent weeks, including republican and loyalist prisoners as well as prison management, to agree working methods.
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 actively 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 independent chair of the Prison Forum is seized of the importance of these issues.
728. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland's support for the European Union's Human Rights and Democracy Action Plan; his views that the plan does not prioritise the right to freedom of religion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28424/15]
View answerThe promotion and protection of human rights is a central objective of Ireland’s foreign policy. In the Government’s recent review of foreign policy, The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World, we re-affirmed our commitment to the universality, indivisibility and interrelatedness of all human rights, to accountability for human rights violations and abuses, and to the protection of those who are most vulnerable and marginalised. Ireland attaches great importance to combating all forms of discrimination, including that based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. It is of deep concern that freedom of religion and belief is in danger in many places worldwide. Members of minority religious communities, including those of Christian, Muslim and Baha’i faith, have been subjected to appalling levels of violence, discrimination, and harassment. The recent rise in the number of anti-Semitic attacks worldwide is also of serious concern. 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. They also elaborate an EU strategy on how to engage with third countries on the right to freedom of religion or belief, a strategy which we hope to see bear fruit as we assess the implementation of the Guidelines.
The EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy 2015-2019 will be adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on 20 July 2015. The Action Plan forms part of the EU Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy which was adopted by the FAC in June 2012. Its purpose is to improve the effectiveness and consistency of the EU’s policy and commits the EU to promoting human rights in all areas of its external action. Responsibility for the implementation of the Action Plan is shared between the EEAS, European Commission and EU Member States.
Within the EU, Ireland pressed for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief to be included in the Action Plan, and this is now reflected as a stand-alone point with the following actions:
Ensure that freedom of religion or belief remains high on the agenda of relations with third countries, as well as in multilateral fora, in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders; promote the exchange of best practices, and deepen awareness on the various components of freedom of religion or belief at Headquarters, EU delegations and Member State embassies.
Encourage and support relevant partner countries and other stakeholders’ initiatives on freedom of religion or belief in particular those aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities, enabling them to manifest their religion or belief without fear of violence, discrimination, political pressure, censorship or persecution.
Promote inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue and the role of religious and other leaders in ensuring freedom of religion or belief.
Ireland also raises the issue of the safety of religious minorities through its official bilateral contacts with the countries in question, stressing the responsibility of the government to protect all citizens and minorities. We consistently press for effective action to counter the persecution of minorities in all relevant international fora, including the EU and UN. I personally highlighted the issue when I addressed the UN General Assembly in New York on 29 September 2014. I also raised it during my meetings with the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, in September 2014 and June 2015.
I can assure the Deputy that Ireland will continue to actively support freedom of religion or belief across our foreign policy.
729. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will condemn the regime of Saudi Arabia for the blatant violation of human rights and for the use of public torture, with particular reference to a person (details supplied) who has suffered at the hand of the totalitarian Saudi Arabian regime for committing no crime other than advocating freedom of speech, free thinking, and equal rights; his views that it is hypocritical to support human rights worldwide, while still trading with a country that has no concern for the rights of its own people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28425/15]
View answerI share the Deputy’s serious ongoing concern about this case. My concern is both about the conviction of this individual for activities which would be widely regarded here as the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of opinion and expression, and about the nature of the sentence, which included corporal punishment. Concerns about this case 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 these calls 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 sincere hope that this individual will be pardoned.
Promotion of human rights and trade are important Irish foreign policy priorities pursued by the Government on behalf of our people. As with many countries, these are two aspects of a multi-faceted and positive relationship with Saudi Arabia. These economic exchanges and other contacts help create a context where we can get a hearing for our concerns. There are very many countries around the world with whom we would have serious human rights concerns.
Ireland does not shy away from addressing human rights concerns and is very active on these issues at the UN and within the EU. It is quite clear that we have the greatest impact on matters of foreign policy, including human rights, when 28 EU Member States speak with one voice.
730. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an assurance that the Government will ensure that the Orange hall in Newtowncunningham in County Donegal, which was destroyed in an arson attack in 2014, will be rebuilt, and that the necessary financial assistance will be provided. [28430/15]
View answerThe arson attack on Newtowncunningham Orange Hall in September 2014 was a despicable act and one that I strongly condemned. On 22nd November 2014, I met with members of Newtowncunningham Orange Lodge to hear first-hand the impact the attack, and the loss of the Hall, has had on their lives. During that meeting, I asked the members of the Lodge to keep my officials updated on developments in relation to their insurance claim and I know contact has been ongoing on this. My officials have advised Newtowncunningham Lodge that if they wish to apply to my Department’s Reconciliation Fund for a contribution to the cost of rebuilding the Hall, they should submit details of their insurance settlement, once received, and their estimates of the cost of rebuilding. Any such application will be given immediate and careful consideration.
731. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the Bosnian and Herzogovinian community in Ireland, following the massacre of 8,372 Bosnian men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995, and if he will join with them on this matter. [28737/15]
View answerOn the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, one of the most appalling atrocities ever to take place in Europe, we remember the more than 8,000 victims of this terrible massacre and our thoughts are with their families, friends and loved ones. We in Ireland have long been supporters of Bosnia, including on its path to European accession, and the Bosnian community in Ireland, many of whom settled here in the wake of the awful events of twenty years ago. We were pleased to be represented at the moving memorial held by members of the Bosnian diaspora outside Leinster house on 7 July. This took place ahead of the principal commemoration in Srebrenica on 11 July at which Ireland was represented by Ambassador Pat Kelly, who is accredited to Bosnia.
I issued a statement on 7 July in which I recalled the lasting impact of the events on the victims and their families, as well as on the wider international community.
I reiterated the need to challenge and condemn any attempts to minimise or deny the genocide that took place at Srebrenica, and my belief that we must redouble our efforts to promote tolerance and respect as fundamental values.
I reaffirmed Ireland’s ongoing support for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina on their path to accession to the European Union.
732. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties faced by the Circassian minority group in Syria; if he has raised the position of minority groups in Syria with his international counterparts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28784/15]
View answerThe rights of minority groups, including the Circassian community in Syria, as well as minorities in Iraq, are of major concern to the Government. Officials from my Department have met with representatives from a number of religious and ethnic minorities since the start of the Syrian conflict. Concerns for the well-being of religious and ethnic minorities, as well as women and members of the LGBTI community, have grown in light of ISIS’s campaigns, which pose a threat to the survival of ethnic and sectarian minorities. I raised these concerns during my address to the UN General Assembly in New York and condemned all forms of persecution or discrimination based on religion or belief, and specifically highlighted the persecution of religious minorities in the Middle East as well as the rise of anti-Semitic attacks in European countries. Ireland also condemned the threats to religious minorities in a recent Security Council debate at the UN.
While Ireland does offer resettlement to vulnerable persons though the UNHCR, asylum in Ireland or in Europe cannot provide the solution to this problem, because the numbers are too great, because there are others also at risk, and because this would bring the life of these ancient communities in their homeland to an irreversible end. We remain fully committed to the comprehensive protection of their rights in their countries of origin.
733. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide details of all bilateral meetings held between the Minister for State (details supplied) and any other person or group during a recent trip to the Mediterranean to visit the LE Eithne undertaken by the Minister of State, including the identity of all such groups or persons, and the purpose of each meeting; if he will provide details of the Minister of State's travel arrangements to and from the Mediterranean; including whether he travelled by commercial flight or using the official Government jet; if he will provide details of all staff who accompanied the Minister of State on the trip; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28798/15]
View answerThe Minister of State for Development, Trade Promotion and North-South cooperation, Mr. Seán Sherlock, T.D., together with the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Justice and Equality, last week visited Malta and met with the crew of the Naval Service patrol ship LÉ Eithne. The purpose of the visit was to recognise the important, ground-breaking, humanitarian work the crew had undertaken in rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean. The Minister of State also attended a working dinner on the evening of 6 July hosted by Mr. Carmelo Abela, Maltese Minister for Home Affairs and National Security. The discussion focused upon migration issues and explored areas of common interest and opportunity between Ireland and Malta. The Minister of State travelled to Malta on the evening of 6 July and departed the following morning. The delegation travelled on the Government Jet. No staff accompanied the Minister of State.
734. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his European Union colleagues continue to focus on various locations worldwide where basic human rights are being eroded persistently; if action will be taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28942/15]
View answerThe promotion and protection of human rights is a central objective of Ireland’s foreign policy. In the Government’s recent review of foreign policy, The Global Island: Ireland’s Foreign Policy for a Changing World, we re-affirmed our commitment to the universality, indivisibility and interrelatedness of all human rights, to accountability for human rights violations and abuses, and to the protection of those who are most vulnerable and marginalised. Together with our EU partners, Ireland closely monitors the human rights situations in many countries throughout the world. We do this on the basis of information obtained from a variety of sources including both official channels and non-governmental/civil society organisations. Where and when the situation warrants, we make known our concerns about human rights violations to the Governments in question. We do this bilaterally, through the EU or via the positions we take at the UN General Assembly and in the UN Human Rights Council. We support the use of the full UN human rights machinery in responding to human rights abuses. This includes support for the role of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring Bodies, the Special Procedure Mandate Holders and for the convening, where appropriate, of Special Sessions of the UN Human Rights Council. The EU regularly makes statements at these bodies on the human rights situations in individual countries and Ireland is fully associated with these statements. The EU also introduces or supports resolutions dealing with specific countries.
Since March 2006, when the UN Human Rights Council was formed, Ireland has engaged proactively with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism initiated by the Council. The UPR mechanism allows for the review of the domestic human rights records of all 193 UN Member States approximately every four and a half years, based on human rights obligations under UN human rights and other instruments. Any UN Member State can take part in the interactive dialogue (i.e. the actual examination of the State under review) and submit written questions in advance. Ireland was itself examined under the UPR process on 6 October 2011.
The process enables UN Member States to raise issues, some of which would have been identified by members of the public and civil society, and to make recommendations about the protection and promotion of human rights in the State concerned. Ireland has engaged fully with the UPR process and welcomes the open and constructive dialogue associated with it. We have also made numerous interventions during the UPR examination of other states, raising issues of concern such as gender-based violence, freedom of expression, religious freedom, freedom of assembly, and the protection of human rights defenders within the State under review.
The EU has adopted Common Positions on certain countries, which attach priority to promoting human rights, democracy, good governance and the rule of law. In addition, the EU conducts human rights dialogues with a number of countries and also raises human rights concerns as part of political dialogue meetings. In June 2012 the EU adopted a Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy.
Ireland and its EU partners have been strong and consistent supporters of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of combating impunity for the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The Court’s Prosecutor has opened investigations into a number of country situations and we will continue to monitor this work closely.
Ireland has also consistently taken the lead in negotiating resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly and in the Human Rights Council, of which we are a member for the period 2013 to 2015, on the promotion and protection of human rights defenders, as well as on the implementation of EU Guidelines in relation to human rights defenders in third countries, the aim being to ensure that the latter can operate in an environment free from hindrance and insecurity.
The promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms has always been a cornerstone of Ireland’s aid programme. Ireland’s new policy on international development, ‘One World One Future’, reaffirms the centrality of human rights to Ireland’s foreign policy and aid programme, and commits to ensuring that human rights principles and standards are promoted, protected and integrated in all of our development efforts. The Government’s development cooperation programme, Irish Aid, addresses the root causes of poverty and exclusion by focussing on the most vulnerable and promoting their participation, representation, and the means to realise their rights. This includes investing in the improvement and expansion of essential services, and support to organisations that promote human rights, governance, and democracy in developing countries, including civil society and the UN office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Mindful that the risk of human rights violations is greater where political, economic and administrative systems are weak, Irish Aid promotes access to justice and supports the strengthening of government institutions, parliaments, and independent media, and national human rights institutions.
The Government will continue to avail of all the above-mentioned mechanisms and instruments with a view to highlighting violations of human rights and furthering their protection.
735. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which humanitarian aid continues to be made available in the regions throughout the globe currently most affected by conflict; if adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of aid and-or the establishment of safe havens for civilians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28943/15]
View answerThe core objective of Ireland’s humanitarian assistance is to save and protect lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity, before, during and in the aftermath of humanitarian crises, including in regions affected by conflict. Ireland's humanitarian response is underpinned a strong commitment to the humanitarian principles of independence, neutrality, impartiality and humanity. The international community is currently challenged by an unprecedented scale of humanitarian need globally, with 80 per cent of those in need of humanitarian assistance living in situations of conflict. Ireland’s Official Development Assistance budget includes specific funding to enable Irish Aid to respond to emergencies. Last year, we dedicated €85 million to provide lifesaving humanitarian aid to vulnerable people across the world, including those affected by conflict. In March, Ireland pledged further funding of €12 million to help meet the urgent needs of those affected by the Syria conflict in 2015. This will bring the total value of the Government’s response to the crisis in Syria to over €41 million. This year we have also provided humanitarian funding in response to the needs of conflict-affected people Libya and Yemen. In addition, we are responding to the humanitarian situation in Northern Nigeria, where conflict has displaced civilian populations and has affected neighbouring countries, Chad and Cameroon. We will continue to respond to the effects of conflict in other regions, including South Sudan and Central African Republic.
At a global level, Ireland is a major supporter of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is often the best placed to provide assistance in conflict situations and where other organisations cannot operate, such as Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. Last year, Ireland provided over €9 million to the ICRC to support its global operations in conflict contexts and we intend to maintain this level of support in 2015.
On 2 July, I addressed the first ever Irish Humanitarian Summit, which took place in UCD and was opened by President Higgins. One of the key themes which emerged was the importance of serving the needs of people affected by conflict. Ireland will continue to highlight this issue in the lead up to the World Humanitarian Summit, an initiative of the UN Secretary General, which will be held in Istanbul in May 2016.
736. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts continue to be made to address issues of euroscepticism within the European Union, which if left unchecked will inevitably lead to a diminution of the influence of the European Union, with consequences for member states, and particularly the smaller member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28944/15]
View answerThe crisis from which the eurozone is now emerging has impacted significantly on citizens across the EU. In that context, it is unsurprising that public confidence in the EU should have fallen. This, of course, is a concern for those who support the European project and something which, alongside the Governments of fellow EU Member States and the leaders of the EU institutions, we are working to address. The growth of Euroscepticism must be taken seriously, but it should not be overstated. In last year’s European elections, the vast majority of the European electorate endorsed pro-European parties and candidates, while Eurosceptics recorded significant gains in several larger Member States they made little impact in many others, losing a share of the vote in several cases. Since the election, a new European Commission has been appointed, headed by President Jean Claude Juncker, as well as a new High Representative and a new President of the European Council. The ‘‘refresh’’ of the institutions has presented an opportunity to refocus the work of the EU and to strengthen engagement with the public. To date, the new institutions appear to be doing just that, with President Juncker making good on his commitment to develop a Commission which is ‘’more ambitious on big things and more modest on little things’’.
It is encouraging to note that the latest Eurobarometer surveys report public confidence and trust in the EU to be rising. It is particularly welcome that, according to the study, Ireland has registered the most significant increases in positive public assessment of the EU.
The Government is committed to building public understanding and knowledge about Ireland’s EU membership.
The Department of the Taoiseach’s Estimates include an allocation of €250,000 for supporting EU engagement. These funds support the activities of local community groups and non-governmental organisations through the Communicating Europe Initiative, contribute to the activities of European Movement Ireland and finance the very successful Blue Star EU Education Programme.
The Department also works closely with the Representation of the European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Information Office in Dublin to improve communications on EU issues in Ireland and promote greater understanding of the EU.
737. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in the Ukraine continues to feature in discussions at European Union level, with particular reference to the need to maximise efforts for lasting cease-fire and peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28945/15]
View answerAt the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 June, Ministers approved the roll-over of existing EU sanctions against Russia for a further six months to the end of January 2016. This was in line with the decision of the March European Council to link the duration of the EU sanctions to the complete implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Restrictive measures taken in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea have also been extended for another year, until June 2016. The package of measures agreed in Minsk remains the best opportunity for a sustainable and lasting peace. The EU continues to press for a genuine and complete ceasefire, the removal of heavy weapons and progress on the political elements of the Minsk Agreements, including arrangements for local elections in eastern Ukraine. The EU is also regularly informed of efforts by France and Germany within the Normandy format to secure progress in this regard, and we continue to closely monitor developments on the ground.
738. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which, through the influence of the European Union and the United Nations, 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. [28946/15]
View answerA dedicated unit in the Political Division 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. The Conflict Resolution Unit supports the work of a number of international non-governmental organisations dedicated to the promotion of peaceful co-existence of groups from different traditions, and to the resolution of conflicts in various parts of the world. The Unit is also committed to advancing the peaceful resolution of conflicts through the sharing of lessons learned from the experience of conflict resolution on the island of Ireland. An important element of such lesson-sharing is related to the experience of the Good Friday Agreement in promoting respect for different traditions as an essential element of fostering dialogue, tolerance and peace. 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.
739. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which trade continues to develop with various and new markets established through the efforts of his Department, embassies, and consulates worldwide; the most successful locations in this regard in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28947/15]
View answer741. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which new trading partners continue to be identified throughout the globe; the extent to which this continues to improve the position for Irish companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28949/15]
View answer742. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the network of Irish embassies abroad has developed its capacity in promoting increased trade between Ireland and the various countries with which diplomatic representation is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28950/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 739, 741 and 742 together.
The advancement of Ireland’s trade, tourism, investment and education promotion objectives is a central aspect of Ireland’s foreign policy and of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its Embassy network.
While the majority of Irish services and merchandise exports go to Europe and the US and we must continue to cultivate these markets, the Government is strongly focused on the further development of trading partnerships with other important emerging markets.
Following the launch of the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, ‘Trading and Investing in a Smart Economy, 2010 - 2015’ in September 2010, and based on State agency priorities, a list of 27 priority markets were identified. Local Market Teams were established in each of these, chaired by the local Ambassador and consisting of representatives of the Embassy and the relevant State agencies present on the ground. These market teams submit annual market plans that are reviewed by the Export Trade Council, which I chair, and which encourages cooperation between all Government Departments and State agencies that work on trade, tourism, investment and education promotion.
In the Review of the Government Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy, published in February last year, seven additional high potential and exploratory markets were identified as part of a ‘new market approach’, aimed at increasing our engagement with high growth markets in Asia, Latin America and Africa. The markets in question are as follows; Turkey, Indonesia, Nigeria, Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand and Chile.
Ireland now has a presence in all but one of the above markets. Guided by the Review, new Embassies have been opened in Bangkok (Thailand), Jakarta (Indonesia), Nairobi (Kenya) and Zagreb (Croatia), alongside the reopening of Ireland’s Embassy to the Holy See. Consulates-General have also been opened in Hong Kong (China), Austin (Texas, USA) and in Sao Paulo (Brazil). These new Embassies and Consulates will strengthen Ireland’s capacity to take advantage of emerging opportunities in these important markets, as well as complementing the existing trade promotion work of our Embassy network.
Notable examples of successful Local Market Teams’ efforts to push for greater international market access for Irish products include Ireland being granted access for its beef in both the US and Chinese markets. In the context of enhanced air access, my Department and the Embassy network was to the fore in delivering the recent announcement of Ethiopian Airlines’ new service from Addis Ababa to Los Angeles, via Dublin. This is the first direct flight between Ireland and the African continent and represents a significant opportunity for Ireland.
Both at home and abroad, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to work in cooperation with other Government Departments in promoting Ireland’s trade, tourism, investment and education efforts. In addition to supporting the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s 2025 Agrifood Strategy, my Department is also closely involved in the implementation of the International Financial Services Strategy, launched in March this year.
The Embassy network plays a crucial role in proactively addressing market access issues, supporting Irish businesses seeking to grow overseas, holding promotional events for, and in association with, State agencies and actively contributing to the organisation and conduct of Enterprise Ireland Ministerial-led trade missions and events overseas.
In terms of the level of Irish trade with overseas markets, the Central Statistics Office maintains a website, www.cso.ie, on which the most recent trade statistics are made available to the public.
740. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the European Union continues to support and monitor peaceful co-existence in the western Balkans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28948/15]
View answerIreland has been a long-standing supporter of the enlargement process, believing it to be one of the most successful foreign policies of the Union. We believe that the prospect of Union membership encourages countries to work together for a more prosperous and stable future, and helps to overcome the bitter legacies of past conflicts. The European Union has Delegations to the countries of the Western Balkans, and Member States receive regular updates from them on a variety of local and regional issues. The countries of the Western Balkans feature regularly on the agendas of the Council, and of its working groups. The annual Progress Reports produced by the European Commission in the early autumn provide an invaluable assessment of the progress within individual countries in respect of the aquis, and allow Member States an opportunity to examine in a systematic way the areas where greater work is needed, as well as where real progress has been demonstrated.
743. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which ongoing efforts remain to encourage re-engagement in the peace process in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28951/15]
View answer749. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to encourage efforts to restore the peace process in the Middle East; if due cognisance is taken of the consequences in the event of a prolonged period of stalemate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28958/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 749 together.
Following the breakdown of direct negotiations early last year, there has been no real expectation of an early resumption of talks, and the political process in the Middle East has effectively been at a standstill. The long Israeli election campaign was one factor in this hiatus, but the formation of a new Government in May has not imparted any new momentum.
It is only fair to recognise that the EU, and other international players, has been deeply engaged also in a succession of other crises in the Middle East and elsewhere. Nonetheless, I have argued consistently at EU level that we cannot leave the MEPP to one side: the situation is highly unstable and continuing to deteriorate on the ground, such that the very feasibility of the two state solution we have so long worked for is now in doubt. The destructive war in Gaza last summer illustrated clearly that a political vacuum will be filled by other, more dangerous forces.
I believe therefore that the international community needs again to press the parties to come together in a genuine process to end the conflict. To that end, starting at EU level, I have urged the EU to re-examine its policies on the MEPP and seek to make them more effective. That discussion began at the Foreign Affairs Council in May, but it needs to continue.
744. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community recognises the extent of the funding available to ISIS and the degree to which that is likely to be used in a negative way globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28952/15]
View answer746. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, in conjunction with his EU colleagues, can continue to combat the rise of ISIS in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28954/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 744 and 746 together.
There can be no complacency about the threat which ISIS and other extremists represent or about the need for urgent international action to confront this threat to us all. This requires a wide range of actions including security responses to deny ISIS the freedom to attack civilians, action by the Iraqi Government to promote inclusivity and ensure real Sunni representation within Iraq’s political system and Government, as well as achieving a political resolution to the Syrian conflict. Humanitarian relief is also a critical component of the response to mass displacement of civilians fleeing the threat from ISIS and other terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq.
Following a special meeting of the European Council in February 2015, EU Heads of State and Government set out a range of priorities to guide further work by the Foreign Affairs and Justice and Home Affairs Councils. These priorities were set out under three headings: ensuring the security of citizens, preventing radicalisation and safeguarding values, and cooperating with our international partners.
The approach being taken by the European Union is consistent with the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014) on foreign terrorist fighters which was adopted unanimously on 24 September 2014. Ireland co-sponsored the Resolution along with 103 other States, including all other EU member states.
UN Security Council Resolutions, including 1373, 2170 and 2178 provide a comprehensive framework of measures to address the threat of terrorism including through taking active steps to prevent travel by persons suspected of planning or intending to participate in terrorist acts; cooperation in exchanging information on actions and movement of terrorists; prevention of recruitment and radicalisation of possible members of such groups, and denying financial transfers to individual terrorists and terrorist groups.
Ireland supports the comprehensive approach being taken at UN and EU levels to preventing and countering terrorism. We support the need for measures to be human rights-compliant and in accordance with international law and have stressed the need to tackle underlying factors that contribute to radicalisation and terrorism and in particular the importance of the link between security and development.
Ireland will continue to support all international efforts, including by the EU and UN, to promote a political resolution of the current conflict in both Syria and Iraq. We will also continue to address the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and provide urgent assistance and support to the civilian populations within Syria and Iraq who have been displaced or suffered violations of their rights at the hands of ISIS and other extremists.
745. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, in conjunction with his European Union colleagues, may continue to encourage the installation of democratic structures in Libya, that has been the subject of regime change in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28953/15]
View answerSince the elections which took place little more than a year ago, Libya has descended into conflict. This has had a catastrophic impact on the people of Libya, with the number of internally displaced persons having doubled since September 2014. Libya has been discussed by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on eight occasions since the elections which took place in 2014. The EU has repeatedly called for all parties to end the conflict and give their support to the UN-led negotiations process led by Mr Bernardino Leon, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Libya. The EU has also addressed the serious humanitarian consequences of the conflict and its appalling impact on the Libyan people. While Leon has reported slow but steady progress in the talks process, a political deal remains elusive and violence continues to plague the country. Reports last week of escalating violence in the city of Benghazi are deeply concerning.
I reiterate Ireland’s full support for the UN brokered talks. I hope that, with the full participation of all relevant actors, these negotiations will lead to an agreement on a government of national unity and a sustainable ceasefire. I believe that such a political agreement achieved through dialogue is the best hope for restoring effective governance, and law and order to Libya.
