Written Answers Nos. 879-896
879. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for details of the rent allowances paid to public servants and officials of his Department if placed on assignment in the United Kingdom and in mainland Europe; and the way in which these rates for living accommodation are calculated or benchmarked. [37900/15]
View answerOfficials serving the State abroad are assigned a rent allowance to enable them to rent suitable accommodation in which to live. The Department uses an independent advisory service to provide information on the setting of suitable rent ceilings in all Mission locations, including in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. In setting rent ceilings, the Department also takes into account the size of the officer’s family.
The choice of accommodation is subject to inspection and vetting with regard to its suitability, adequacy, and value for money and to the officers’ and their families’ security needs.
These rent ceilings are normally fixed for the duration of the Officer’s assignment abroad, apart from increases such as consumer price index increases which are provided for in the original lease.
Officers are personally responsible for all payments in respect of beneficial services such as heating, water, lighting, gas, telephone, TV, refuse collection, maintenance of central heating and any other such charges that would normally be paid by an officer resident in Ireland.
Details of the total rent paid in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe in 2014 are included below.
Rent paid in the UK and mainland Europe by DFAT for posted officers in 2014:
|
- |
Total expenditure in - € |
Total number of officers covered (the majority of whom would be accompanied by family) |
|
UK |
1,181,000 |
33 |
|
Mainland Europe |
2,784,000 |
115 |
880. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of military personnel who have passed through Shannon Airport since the start of 2015 on military and State aircraft, including crew; if any of them were armed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37920/15]
View answerThe Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland. Arrangements under which permission is granted for foreign military aircraft to land at Irish airports are governed by strict conditions, including that the aircraft must carry no arms, ammunition or explosives. Following consultation with other relevant Departments, a small number of requests were approved for the carriage of weapons by personal protection officers on VIP flights passing through Shannon in 2015. In examining requests for landings of foreign military aircraft at Shannon Airport, passenger numbers are not routinely sought by my Department. The vast majority of military personnel who transit through Shannon Airport do so on civil aircraft. Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, the carriage of weapons on commercial aircraft through Irish airspace and airports is prohibited unless an exemption has been obtained in advance from the Minister for Transport.
881. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of complaints from citizens living in rural areas who are having difficulty in getting their passport forms signed by a member of An Garda Síochána due to the closure of Garda Síochána stations or a reduction in their hours of opening; and his plans to change the passport application system to reflect this new reality, and to make the application process easier for these citizens. [37923/15]
View answerThe current system of Gardaí witnessing passport application forms has been a vital element of the identity verification for the Passport Service, as it provides initial assurance that the person in the photograph is the same person presenting to submit the passport application form. Also in the case of an application for a minor it provides evidence that both parents give consent for a passport to be issued to the child and reduces the risk of abduction. I am aware of the difficulties which witnessing of forms places on Garda resources and on citizens who do not have a Garda station in their immediate locality. However this requirement must remain for the moment to mitigate against fraudulent passport applications or identity theft and to maintain the integrity of the Irish Passport for our citizens travelling and residing abroad. The Passport Service is currently scoping a project to redevelop the passport application process as part of the Passport Reform Programme. It is anticipated that the Garda witnessing requirement for adults renewing their passports will be reviewed as part of this process. The reform programme will also introduce a number of new identity verification and anti-fraud measures to ensure that the integrity of the Irish Passport is maintained.
883. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the six United States of America Marine Corps F18 Hornet fighter aircraft which were making the journey from the Middle East back to the United States of America via the United Kingdom on 21 October 2015, when one of them crashed in Cambridgeshire in England, had been given permission to overfly Irish airspace; if they had been granted permission to overfly on their outward journey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38039/15]
View answerI can confirm that no request was made to my Department to date in 2015 to permit overflight or landing by the type of aircraft to which the Deputy refers.
885. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider the appointment of persons (details supplied) as goodwill ambassadors to San Diego in the United States of America, based on their outstanding work with the Irish community there, and the recognition that they have received from that community and the Mayor of San Diego; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38066/15]
View answerWhile the State does not provide for appointments of goodwill ambassadors of this nature, I am pleased to hear of this manifestation of the vibrancy of the Irish community in San Diego, and the great work being done by members of this community to support their fellow citizens in the Bay Area. Their work is very much appreciated and I have asked my Department to draw the attention of our Consulate General in San Francisco to the persons referred to by the Deputy.
886. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the possible revocation of Jerusalem residency of Palestinian communities on the outskirts of East Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38097/15]
View answerI have seen reports of ideas floated by some Israeli leaders for security measures which might be taken in response to the present crisis in Jerusalem, including revocation of residency. I would repeat first of all my view that, while security measures to prevent violent attacks may be necessary, an attempt to deal with this crisis just through security measures will not succeed, or will at best gain a short respite only for the trouble to quickly re-emerge. Secondly, any response must be consistent with international law, including the prohibition on the forcible transfer of individuals and populations, as provided for in Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
I would be seriously concerned at any attempt to revoke the residency of East Jerusalemites.
887. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the devastating floods which have hit Sahrawi refugee camps in south-west Algeria; that the camps provide shelter to 90,000 persons; that the flooding has caused a humanitarian crisis; and if he will consider providing support and aid to the affected refugees and organisations working there. [38109/15]
View answerI am aware of the difficult position of refugees in Tindouf, most of whom have been living there for up to forty years. The climate in this region is extremely harsh. Access to basic resources such as food, water, healthcare, housing and education, and opportunities for employment are very limited. This year, the EU has provided €10 million to improve the living conditions of the Sahrawi refugees. Ireland has raised concerns regarding the situation in Western Sahara on an ongoing basis, including through the Moroccan Embassy in Dublin, and in Geneva at Morocco’s Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council. Last month, heavy rains and flooding in south western Algeria caused widespread damage to five camps providing shelter to some 90,000 Sahrawi refugees in the Tindouf region. UNHCR is playing a leading role in the humanitarian response to the recent flooding, working with the Sahrawi refugee population, as well as the World Food Programme, UNICEF and other partners. UNHCR and its partners have begun to assist some 25,000 people whose homes and food supplies were damaged or destroyed. Ireland provides un-earmarked core funding to all of these agencies to allow swift response to crises as they occur. In addition, the International Federation of the Red Cross plans to allocate approximately €200,000 through its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to assist the Algerian Red Crescent in its work to assist the victims of the floods. My Department provided €1.1 million to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund this year. I believe that our core support to these agencies, who are well placed to respond rapidly to such crises, is the most effective way in which Ireland can support those affected by these floods.
888. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if and when passports will issue to persons (details supplied) who were born in Ireland, whose parents are European Union nationals, and who have been living and working in Ireland since 1998; the additional documentation requested in this case, and why; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38214/15]
View answerThe Passports Act, 2008 provides, among other things, that only Irish citizens are entitled to be issued with Irish passports. Each application received by the Department must, therefore, contain evidence that demonstrates that person’s entitlement to Irish citizenship before a passport can issue. The two children in question were born in the State in 2011 and 2012. Their entitlement to Irish citizenship is, therefore, subject to the terms of section 6A of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended in 2004 (the 1956 Act). This provides that a person born in the State on or after 1 January 2005, where neither parent is an Irish or British citizen or otherwise entitled to reside in the State or Northern Ireland without restriction at the time of that person’s birth, may claim citizenship by birth in the State (and thereby establish eligibility for an Irish passport) only where a parent has been lawfully resident in the State for three years of the four years preceding that person’s birth. Moreover, the 1956 Act, as amended, makes particular provision for nationals of EU Member States, who are required to make a declaration (Form A) in respect of their residence in the island of Ireland within the four years preceding their children’s birth. In such cases, the EU national is regarded as having resided in the island of Ireland for the declared periods for the purposes of the 1956 Act, unless the contrary is proved. These declarations must be supported in passport applications by original documentary evidence that must verify the actual and continuous residence of the parents in question.
Passport applications for the children concerned were received by the Department last August. These were incomplete and were not therefore finalised to allow passports to issue.
On review of the applications, the Department is satisfied that the submitted evidence shows that both parents have the required residence. However, a fully complete declaration (Form A) by either parent in respect of their residence in Ireland is still needed. All declarations which have been received to date in this case have been incomplete.
A new Form A was sent to the parents on 21 October. This should be completed immediately and returned to the Department. On receipt of this document the processing of these applications will be finalised. If the parents have any further questions on this they may contact the Deputy Passport Officer, Brian Mulligan at 01.673.3247 or email brian.mulligan@dfa.ie
889. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there is potential to allow passport renewals to be signed by a peace commissioner or by another official in good standing, in order to alleviate workloads placed upon An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38257/15]
View answerThe 2008 Passports Act provides that the Minister for Foreign Affairs shall be satisfied as to the identity of each applicant before a passport is issued. This serves to maintain the good reputation and integrity of the Irish passport worldwide which in turn protects Irish citizens as they travel abroad. The witnessing of applications by An Garda Síochána in the state has been a vital element of this identity verification and in combatting fraud. However, recognising the additional workload which the significant increase in passport applications (from 250,000 in 1995 to over 630,000 last year) has put on An Garda Síochána, the Passport Service is reviewing the witnessing process. The process used to apply for a passport card is serving as a pilot for an online application form. The Garda witnessing requirement for adults renewing their passports will be reviewed in tandem with a number of new identity verification and anti-fraud measures including increased reliance on the public services card as the core identity verification mechanism for all passport applicants in the state.
890. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which a co-ordinated humanitarian effort throughout Europe remains a possibility in the context of the refugee crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38396/15]
View answerThe scale of the migration challenge facing the EU is an enormous one requiring a comprehensive and coherent response. The political and economic circumstances behind the displacement of millions of people must be addressed, if the flow of migrants is to be managed. The conflict in Syria (which is the biggest driver behind this year’s migrant flows) has led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. More than 12 million Syrians have been displaced from their homes, of whom over 4 million are refugees in neighbouring countries. The Foreign Affairs Council of 12 October confirmed the EU’s commitment to mobilise all appropriate instruments and policies to support efforts to address the root causes of migratory flows, including political instability, poor socio-economic development and poor governance. The Council expressed its support for diplomatic efforts by the United Nations to find solutions to the conflicts in Syria and Libya, major drivers behind the mass displacements of people. The Council also called on the international community to provide greater support to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme (WFP) and other programmes and agencies assisting refugees. EU leaders agreed at the 23 September European Council to provide €1 billion in funding to the UNHCR and the WFP. An emergency summit on migration via the Balkans called by the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Junker was held on 25 October. The heads of state of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania and Slovenia met their counterparts from non-EU states Macedonia and Serbia to discuss the challenges of dealing with the increase in migration along this route. The leaders agreed to a 17-point plan, with the goal of improving co-ordination, including measures aimed at increasing shelter capacities, border registration and naval operations. In addition, an additional 100,000 places in reception centres are to be made available along the route from Greece to Germany, half in Greece and half in the countries to the north .
As part of its efforts to develop a comprehensive strategy, the EU recently organised two high level conferences. On 8 October, a conference focusing on migration flows into the EU through the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkans route took place in Luxembourg attended by both Justice and Home Affairs and Foreign Ministers. The Conference issued a Declaration endorsing a five-pronged approach to addressing the migration challenge. Next month, an international summit focussing on migration will be held in Valletta. The Summit will bring together EU and African leaders to identify, agree and launch actions to jointly address immediate and long-term migration challenges.
The EU and its Member States collectively are leading the international response to the refugee crisis. Since 2012, more than €4.2 billion have been mobilised for assistance to Syrians in their country and to refugees who have fled.
For our part, Ireland has been supporting those affected by the Syria crisis since 2012, and by the end of 2015, our total support for the Syrian people over this period will reach at least €41 million. In addition, a member of Ireland’s Rapid Response Corps with expertise in water and sanitation issues has been deployed to assist UNHCR’s current work in the Balkans. Irish Aid’s response to the Syria crisis is our largest effort for a single crisis in recent years. In addition, our naval service continues to be deployed in the Mediterranean and has to date rescued almost 8,000 people.
891. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the Council of Foreign Ministers is conscious of the tendency in some Member States to pursue policies that are not in accord with the principles of the various European Union treaties, with particular reference to the emergence of Euroscepticism and re-nationalisation; and if the Minister will make a statement on the matter. [38397/15]
View answerThe Foreign Affairs Council is responsible for framing and overseeing implementation of the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), taking account of orientations given by the European Council. CFSP positions continue to be formulated in accordance with the relevant provisions of the EU Treaties. The issues mentioned by the Deputy appear to relate essentially to the internal functioning of the Union which is not part of the remit of the Foreign Affairs Council.
892. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which progress continues to be made in respect of the application by Turkey for membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38398/15]
View answerTurkey was granted Candidate status by the European Council in December 1999 and the European Council agreed to begin accession negotiations in December 2004. Fourteen out of thirty-five Chapters have been opened for negotiation, of which one has been provisionally closed. Progress has been slow, due in part to Turkey’s relationship with Cyprus. Ireland takes the view that the accession process is also important to drive forward the country’s reform agenda. Following President Erdogan’s visit to Brussels on 5 October and Chancellor Merkel’s visit to Turkey on 18 October, there has been some discussion about opening new Chapters, in the context of the Joint Action Plan for Turkey. Ireland is open to intensifying engagement on Turkey’s accession, but all benchmarks, of course, must be met. The annual Enlargement Package is expected to be published on Thursday, 5 November. This will provide an opportunity to review progress on accession over the previous year.
893. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which progress continues to be made in respect of the application for membership of the European Union by the western Balkan applicant countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38399/15]
View answer906. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which applicant countries for European Union membership continue to have their applications progressed and in accordance with the acquis communautaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38413/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 893 and 906 together.
There are currently five countries which have Candidate Status, including four in the Western Balkans – Turkey, Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are potential candidate countries.
Ireland has long been a supporter of Enlargement, which is a conditional process: the European Commission continues to work actively to support prospective member states in implementing reforms in order to make progress on their respective EU paths.
The annual Enlargement Package is expected to be published on Thursday, 5 November. This will provide an important opportunity to review progress on accession over the previous year.
894. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which realistic efforts continue to be made to bring about a ceasefire in Syria; the degree to which the European Union is actively supporting any such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38400/15]
View answer899. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community continues to engage with the various parties in Syria, with a view to bringing about a ceasefire and settlement, and the elimination of human rights abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38405/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 894 and 899 together.
Ireland and its EU partners strongly endorse the efforts of the United Nations to renew peace negotiations based on the 2012 Geneva communique principles, in particular the ending of violence, the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers and a constitutional reform process which would protect Syria’s multi-ethnic and multi-sectarian character.
I believe that there must also be legal accountability for victims of the Syrian conflict and in 2014 we co-sponsored a resolution called for referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.
I deeply regret that the Security Council did not pass that resolution and persistent division in the Security Council has failed to protect the Syrian people from grave war crimes, including mass murder, denial of humanitarian assistance to civilians, use of indiscriminate force against the civilian population and the illegal use of weapons of mass destruction.
Ireland is an active member of the ACT (Accountability, Coherence and Transparency) Group which is promoting reforms to the Security Council’s working methods to improve its effectiveness. The ACT recently proposed a Code of Conduct for Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. 104 UN Member States are currently supporting the Code, including nine of the fifteen present members of the Council and three of the five incoming elected members.
While recognising the need for a political transition and an end to the Assad regime, I want to make clear that it is the Syrian people’s right to decide on Syria’s future national leadership.
895. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union, in conjunction with the United Nations, continues to focus on the activities of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, with particular reference to the persecution of Christians and other persons of different religious beliefs; if any co-ordinated effort is emerging in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38401/15]
View answer896. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria continue to benefit from the taking of hostages for ransom; the extent to which cases are documented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38402/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 895 and 896 together.
Together with our EU partners, I fully support the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions to address the threat posed to international peace and security by the ISIS group, consistent with international law. In this context, Security Council Resolution 2170 (2014) recalled that “widespread or systematic attacks against any civilian populations because of their ethnic or political background, religion or belief may constitute a crime against humanity” and emphasised “the need to ensure that ISIL” and other groups, including those associated with Al-Qaida, “are held accountable for abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law ”.
Ireland has co-sponsored a resolution to the United Nations Security Council calling for referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. I regret that this resolution was vetoed by two permanent members of the Council.
I have expressed on many occasions my deep concerns and frustration at the blockages in the Security Council. Ireland is an active member of the ACT (Accountability, Coherence and Transparency) Group which is promoting reforms to the Council’s working methods to improve its effectiveness. The ACT recently proposed a Code of Conduct for Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. 104 UN Member States are currently supporting the Code, including nine of the fifteen present members of the Council and three of the five incoming elected members.
My Department has no specific information on kidnappings by ISIS or ransoms paid on foot of such actions.
