Written Answers Nos. 1-30
11. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his assessment of the impact on Ireland if Britain leaves the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45037/15]
View answerI have partially addressed this subject in my reply to Question No. 10.
As independent studies have shown, a UK withdrawal from the EU would have negative implications for Ireland. There is, at this stage, little doubt about that. Determining the full impact of such a complex scenario is, however, extremely difficult, especially given that much would depend on the exact terms of a future UK relationship with the EU.
Nevertheless, we are working across Government to improve our understanding of the various issues that might arise for Ireland in the event of a fundamental change in the EU-UK relationship. The Department of the Taoiseach has a leading role in this process and my Department is heavily involved, including through our Embassy in London, our Consulate General in Edinburgh and our offices in Northern Ireland. Other Departments are also playing their part.
One obvious area that could be significantly affected is the performance of our economy. A study by the Economic and Social Research Institute, which was commissioned by the Department of Finance, was very clear on this point. That study also highlighted other challenges that might arise, including in terms of migration and in the energy sector.
It is also the Government’s view that a UK departure from the Union could be damaging for Northern Ireland in particular. That is because the EU has been a force for good for everyone in the North, whether through supporting the peace process or by helping to create jobs and employment. I recently spoke at a seminar in Queen’s University Belfast in which I elaborated on those points and explained why I believed continued EU membership is in the interests of the people there.
The Government fully recognises that we must be prepared for any scenario, including the possibility that the UK may ultimately opt to leave the EU. However, our priority is doing all we can to ensure the UK remains in the Union in the first place. We will continue to work towards that goal, especially as we enter a crucial period of EU negotiations on a potential package of reforms acceptable to the UK and all EU Member States.
12. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on the European Union-Turkey migration agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45306/15]
View answerOn 29 November, the Taoiseach attended an EU heads of state or government meeting with Turkey, at which it was agreed to activate the EU-Turkey Joint Action Plan aimed at managing the current refugee and migrant crisis, as well as several further shared commitments and actions.
The Joint Action Plan contains short- and medium-term measures to be undertaken by the European Union and Turkey. These measures will assist Turkey in providing for the refugees on its territory and to prevent uncontrolled migratory flows from Turkey to the EU. As part of this, the EU has agreed to provide a financial package worth an additional €3 billion, with the establishment of a ‘Refugee Facility for Turkey’ to coordinate and streamline actions financed by this package.
The Joint Action Plan includes, in particular, action on the visa liberalisation dialogue, the EU-Turkey readmission agreement, as well as, more generally, Turkey’s EU accession process.
Turkey, for its part, has committed to implement immediately actions to stem the flow of irregular refugees and migrants to the EU and to improve the situation of refugees and migrants under temporary protection in Turkey.
In addition, the EU has agreed to re-energise Turkey’s accession process, and I welcome the opening of Chapter 17 of the acquis communautaire, covering economic and monetary policies, on 14 December. This paves the way to explore positively the opening of other Chapters of the process.
Turkey and the EU also agreed to explore further the great potential of EU-Turkey relations and to maintain regular and enhanced dialogue through more frequent summits and high-level political meetings. Most recently, the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuþoðlu, participated in a working lunch with EU Foreign Ministers, which I attended, at the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 December, where we had a productive discussion on international issues, including Syria.
Ireland strongly supports the recent intensified engagement between the EU and Turkey, including the outcome of the meeting of EU Heads of State or Government with Turkey on 29 November. I welcome, in particular, the agreement to implement the EU-Turkey Joint Action Plan. The relationship between the EU and Turkey is important in the context of the migration crisis and because of Turkey’s status as an EU candidate country.
The EU’s engagement with Turkey in no way changes the core requirements of all candidate countries to achieve the benchmarks and criteria for membership of the EU. The Commission’s most recent report on Turkey, published on 10 November highlighted concerns in several fundamental areas including in the rule of law and human rights. The EU and Member States will continue our dialogue with Turkey in relation on these and other issues of concern in relation to the internal situation in Turkey.
13. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the violence in Burundi which erupted in April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to seek a third term; if he is aware that the United Nations states that at least 240 persons have been killed since then and there have been widespread reports of serious human rights violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45391/15]
View answerI am deeply concerned about the ongoing violence and human rights violations in Burundi.
The decision of the President to seek a third term in office prompted widespread public protest and an attempted coup in May 2015. The Burundian Government responded with extremely repressive measures, including extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Among those killed have been prominent members of the opposition and human rights activists. 230,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries.
In an escalation of the violence, it is reported that 87 people were killed following attacks on three military bases in the capital, Bujumbura, last week. Some of the victims appear to have been shot in reprisals carried out by the security forces.
While Uganda has been leading mediation efforts on behalf of the East African Community, the process of agreeing inclusive talks amongst the stakeholders has made little progress, with daily killings still reported in the capital, Bujumbura.
Ireland has joined the international community in strongly condemning the ongoing violence, and urging all involved to commence inclusive dialogue immediately. EU Foreign Ministers adopted Council Conclusions on the crisis, and the EU has imposed sanctions on certain individuals in Burundi. A UN Security Council Resolution, adopted in November, condemns the extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detentions, and urges the Government to engage fully in the mediation process.
Ireland has supported a number of civil society organisations in Burundi through our overseas aid programme, Irish Aid. We are also providing emergency assistance to Burundian refugees in neighbouring countries. I am keeping the situation under review in the light of developments.
14. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update regarding changes made to the J1 visa programme. [45036/15]
View answerThe US J1 Summer Work and Travel programme has been a tremendously successful part of the Irish-US bilateral relationship for almost 50 years, with 150,000 Irish third level students having experienced the US through the programme over that time.
The independent US sponsoring bodies managing the great majority of Irish J1 participants have introduced a requirement for citizens of Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) countries, such as Ireland, the UK, France and the Czech Republic to have a job pre-arranged for the summer 2016 programme.
In light of these changes I would strongly urge prospective Irish J1 students to engage with the J1 programme as early as possible, to enable them to understand and meet the application requirements, so that they can have a rewarding J1 experience in summer 2016.
We will remain in close contact with the US State Department, the US Embassy and with all relevant agencies and bodies as preparations continue for the summer 2016 programme.
15. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the war in Syria; and the discussions he or his departmental officials have had with other Governments on the war and the military intervention by the various international powers and whether the Irish Government is supporting these military interventions. [45312/15]
View answerEnding the conflict in Syria, which has imposed enormous burdens on neighbouring States, is critical to the stability of the Middle East region, the security and safety of the Syrian people and their neighbours.
The conflict has, effectively, been the key global foreign policy issue for Ireland, the EU and the UN for the past four years. As such, I have discussed the Syrian crisis at almost every meeting with Ireland’s international partners, bilaterally and multilaterally, since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. These contacts are too numerous to listed here.
Ireland strongly endorses 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 welcome the announcements of 30 October and 14 November by the International Syria Support Group in Vienna, which includes the European Union and a number of EU Member States, on the launching of negotiations, the holding of elections, working for a nationwide ceasefire and supporting unimpeded humanitarian access across Syria.
I reiterated our concerns on the threat posed to international peace and security by the Syrian conflict and the threat of terrorism at meetings with our partners in EU, in my address to the UN General Assembly and to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and at the September 2015 Summit on Countering Violent Extremism.
Security Council resolution 2249 calls upon UN Member States to take all necessary measure to prevent and suppress terrorist acts by D and Al-Nusra Front (an Al-Qaeda affiliate) in territory under Da’esh control within Syria and Iraq and to eradicate the safe haven they have established inside Syria and Iraq. Any action undertaken under this resolution must be in compliance with international law, in particular the UN Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law.
Ireland is not and will not be participating in any international military action to combat Da’esh and is not holding discussions with other States on their military actions in Syria.
16. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the situation regarding a person (details supplied) held in an Egyptian prison; if he has made representations to officials in Egypt in view of this person's hunger strike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45386/15]
View answerAs has been previously stated to this House, my Department has two clear objectives in this case: first, to see this citizen released by the Egyptian authorities so that he can return to his family and his studies in Ireland and, second, to provide consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention. In furtherance of those clear objectives, our Embassy in Cairo has paid numerous consular visits to the citizen in detention, and has attended all trial hearings so far. Such a high level of consular visitation is an important practical tool in our approach, and it means that the Embassy is well-placed to raise any concerns with the Egyptian authorities. Indeed, numerous effective interventions have already been made on this citizen’s behalf by the Embassy and by this Government.
The most recent hearing of this citizen’s case occurred on Tuesday 15 December. At this hearing the presiding Judge declared that there would be a further adjournment until Saturday 19 December, due to the non-appearance of one defendant. At this hearing the Government was represented by our Ambassador to Egypt, who spoke directly with members of the citizen’s family, and with his Egyptian legal representation regarding aspects of his welfare. Embassy officials intend to make another visit to the citizen in the near future as part of its overall strategy to care for his welfare while he remains in detention.
I am aware that this citizen has indicated that he embarked upon a hunger strike as of 21 October. We advised him against this course of action in the strongest possible terms during the consular visit of 23 November, and I appeal for all those in positions of influence to do likewise. The Government remains in close contact with the Egyptian authorities regarding this citizen and they are in no doubt as to our interest in his welfare.
17. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the escalation of conflict and military action in Syria, if he will now reconsider allowing the use of Shannon Airport by the United States military; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41200/15]
View answerPermission may be granted to foreign military aircraft, including US military aircraft, to land at Irish airports on the strict condition that they must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations. Successive Governments have made landing facilities available at Shannon Airport to the United States, in line with these strict conditions, for well over 50 years. These arrangements have never been suspended and I do not consider that it would be appropriate to do so now.
18. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of the fact that it has been over a year since both Dáil and Seanad Éireann adopted motions calling on the Government to recognise the state of Palestine, when formal recognition of the state of Palestine by Ireland will take place; his views on the delay to date of such formal recognition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45467/15]
View answerThe Government works consistently to achieve a sovereign Palestinian state not just in theory but in fact, and all of our actions on the Israeli/Palestinian issue are directed to that end. It is central to our objective of a two state solution that will ensure the security and prosperity of both peoples.
I continue to consider carefully whether the recognition by Ireland now of a state of Palestine, prior to its real achievement on the ground, could be a helpful step towards that goal.
The motions passed in the Seanad on 22 October and the Dáil on 10 December are very important factors in that consideration, but ultimately it remains a matter for assessment and decision by the Government. Other factors are its symbolic importance for the Palestinian people, its likely impact on the prospects for advancing the peace process, and its effect on Ireland’s own influence on the issue, which is very important to us.
I have made clear that I will recommend early recognition by Ireland if I conclude that it can be helpful.
19. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had a meeting with the independent chair of the prison forum in Maghaberry Prison; if not, when he plans meeting the chair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45033/15]
View answerI met last Friday with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, David Ford MLA. Among the issues we discussed was the situation in Maghaberry prison, including the regime for separated prisoners.
My last meeting with Secretary of State Theresa Villiers was on 17 November, as we concluded the negotiation of the 'Fresh Start' Agreement. We will meet again before the end of the month, when I will again raise the situation in Maghaberry with her.
At our recent meeting, Minister Ford updated me on progress in implementing the recommendations of the recent report by Criminal Justice Inspector, Brendan McGuigan, into conditions in the prison. The Criminal Justice Inspector will return to Maghaberry in January to monitor progress. I expressed my concerns at the deficiencies identified in the prison, which affect the entire prison population and, also, prison staff, and not just those in the separated regime.
Minister Ford and I also discussed follow-up on the recommendations of the Independent Assessment Team report on the conditions in the prison's separated wing. Minister Ford noted that while there had been some progress, full implementation had been affected by trust issues arising, in part, from the sense of threat to staff. The Northern Ireland Prison Service has said that it remains committed to implementing the recommendations of the stocktake report but only in “an environment where staff are free from threat and intimidation”.
Among the challenges we discussed were the obstacles to the operation of the Prison Forum, which since July 2015 has been chaired by a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross. A functioning forum would make an important contribution to reducing tensions in Maghaberry.
My officials maintain regular contact with the Chair of the Prison Forum and also with the members of the Independent Assessment Team. Regrettably, due to the intensity of the political talks in Belfast, I had to postpone a meeting with the Chair scheduled for 29 October, who instead briefed my officials.
20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made representations to the Embassy of the United States of America with regard to the connection between that nation's military use of Shannon Airport and Ireland being described as part of a coalition of evil in a purported ISIS video; if he has expressed concerns to the ambassador regarding the implications of continued United States military use of Shannon Airport for Ireland's security; and if he will reconsider such military use of Shannon Airport in view of its deleterious effect on both Irish neutrality and the security of Irish citizens. [45469/15]
View answerI have not made representations to the US Embassy on this subject.
Permission must be sought in advance for landings by all foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft, at Irish airports and if granted, is subject to strict conditions which I have outlined many times in this House. Successive Governments have made landing facilities at Shannon available to the US for well over 50 years. These arrangements do not amount to any form of military alliance with the US and the application of conditions ensures compatibility with our neutrality.
Issues relating to national security are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. The Minister has stated that while a terrorist attack on Ireland is possible, it is not likely, and that there is no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland.
The Irish flag is one of 60 flags that appear in the video to which the Deputy refers. The basis on which flags appear, including those of Ireland and other neutral states, is not explained by the makers of the video and it is not possible to draw conclusions in this regard.
21. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the recent discussion of the case of Mr. Pat Finucane at the Council of Europe; the basis of Ireland's statement on the issue; and if he will provide an update on his work to ensure there is a full public inquiry into the killing of Mr. Finucane. [45392/15]
View answerThe Government’s commitment to seeking a fair and just outcome to the case of the late Pat Finucane through our efforts in the Council of Europe is complemented by our commitment to continue to raise this case bilaterally with the British Government.
I have on many occasions raised the Pat Finucane case with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and will continue to do so. I have advised her that the Irish Government considers there was a political commitment made by both Governments at Weston Park in 2001 in relation to the holding of public inquiries in a number of controversial cases and that this commitment remains unfulfilled in the Pat Finucane case.
In our statement to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 8 December the Government restated our view that a satisfactory outcome to this case will ultimately be best served through a full public inquiry in accordance with the commitments made by the British and Irish Governments in the Weston Park Agreement of 2001.
I very much welcome the decision on 8 December by the Committee of Ministers committing it to resume consideration of reopening its supervision of individual measures in the Pat Finucane case once the current appeals around the Judgment and Declaration of the Belfast High Court in relation to this case are completed.
In its decision, the Committee also acknowledged that the de Silva review in 2011 uncovered new information that had not been previously investigated, and therefore had not taken this into account at the time the Committee decided to close individual measures in March 2009. The Committee also noted the submission by Geraldine Finucane, the applicant in this case, requesting the Committee to reopen individual measures.
At the Committee of Minister’s meeting on 8 December in Strasbourg, the Government set out in very clear terms our support for the reopening of individual measures in the case of Pat Finucane and therefore for the Finucane family’s request. The Government believes that since the Committee of Ministers decided to close its consideration of individual measures in March 2009, new and significant information has come to light through the 2011 de Silva review that supports our call for the reopening of individual measures on this case. Our support for reopening is reinforced by the Declaration of the Belfast High Court on 8 September 2015 which stated that as of March 2009, the date of the Committee of Ministers’ decision closing individual measures, there had been no effective investigation in compliance with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Therefore, having regard to the obligation of the Committee of Ministers under Article 46(2) to supervise the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, the logical and appropriate action for the Committee to take would be to reopen the individual measures pending the outcome of the on-going police investigation which is currently reviewing the new and significant information discovered by the de Silva review.
Due to the ongoing domestic proceedings in the UK in relation to this case, the Government agreed that it would be prudent for the Committee to postpone its decision on reopening individual measures until the outcome of these legal proceedings are known. This decision took account of the practice within the Council of Europe that the Committee of Ministers should avoid making any findings in a case which is subject to proceedings in domestic courts. I look forward to the Committee of Ministers resuming its consideration on reopening individual measures once the outcome of the ongoing appeals are known and I would note in this regard that the Committee has decided, in any event, to return to the Pat Finucane case, as part of the McKerr Group of cases, by June 2016 at the latest.
22. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any consultations with his European Union colleagues with regard to Saudi Arabia's human rights record, including, in particular, recent reports of multiple beheadings, and the advisability of maintaining close diplomatic and economic relations with that state in view of its human rights record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45471/15]
View answerHuman rights issues form a continuous part of EU discussions on third party countries, be it at EU Ministerial level or among EU representatives in the countries concerned. Ireland has the greatest impact on matters of foreign policy, including human rights, when we speak with one voice with all of our EU partners. As such, we regularly raise human rights matters in conjunction with our EU partners through the EU Representation in Riyadh, as well as bilaterally through the Irish Mission using the complementary channel provided by our diplomatic relations with the Kingdom.
Ireland also makes full use of mechanisms such as the UN Human Rights Council to raise human rights issues; we made recommendations during Saudi Arabia’s 2013 Universal Periodic Review, and made a statement voicing serious concern at the Council on 21 September 2015 in relation to a particular death penalty issue.
Ireland’s stance on the death penalty is clear: we oppose it in all circumstances, and have expressed concerns about its increased use of late in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is a designated priority market for Ireland, and we have a strong, and growing, trade relationship with Saudi Arabia and its neighbours. Saudi Arabia represents a significant market: total bilateral trade in 2013 was worth over €1.36 billion. Most of this trade is in Ireland’s favour; the economic relationship therefore has considerable benefits for the Irish economy.
The economic partnership that we have with Saudi Arabia, however, does not prevent us from raising human rights issues in the appropriate channels. We will continue to maintain relations with Saudi Arabia: economic, for the benefit of our economy and trade; and diplomatic, to facilitate our continued engagement with the Kingdom on human rights and also on other matters as they arise.
23. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to his Dáil statement on 30 April 2015 regarding his efforts as Minister to promote Ireland's trade and export markets through his work with embassies, agencies and businesses, if he will update Dáil Éireann on his Department’s efforts to promote a particular initiative (details supplied). [45027/15]
View answerI am pleased to have this opportunity to update the Deputy further on my Department’s promotion of ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ since her question of 3 November 2015 on the same initiative.
While tourism falls under the portfolio of my Ministerial colleague, Paschal Donohoe, T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the Deputy is no doubt aware of my own personal interest in promoting the high-quality tourism offerings available in our region.
Our Embassy network works closely with Tourism Ireland promoting Ireland as a tourism destination overall, in addition to specific initiatives such as ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’, and in highlighting individual regional attractions which might resonate in a particular market at a particular time.
I would like to bring to your attention a number of Embassy-supported events from around the world which promoted ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’, very often in close cooperation with Tourism Ireland, the State agency responsible for the overseas promotion of tourism to the island of Ireland. These events are in addition to those I mentioned in my previous response to the Deputy, intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and do not take account of the Embassy network’s broader promotion of ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ on social media or in an informal manner in the context of other events that promote Ireland.
The Embassy of Ireland in Norway has promoted the ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ campaign via the organisation of a roundtable event with several Norwegian tour operators in conjunction with Tourism Ireland’s Nordic branch office. As part of this discussion there was a particular focus on the ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ promotion.
Further afield, the Embassy of Ireland in China has worked with Tourism Ireland on promoting ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ since June 2015. Tourism Ireland launched this destination during this year's China Sales Mission which took place in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. In addition, a bespoke trade and consumer ezine themed on ‘Ireland's Ancient East’ was widely circulated in September.
The Embassy of Ireland in Australia works with Tourism Ireland to promote tourism generally. During Canberra’s annual multicultural festival in February 2015, ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ was promoted at the Ireland stand. More recently, the Deputy Consul General in Sydney attended a key trade event held at Sydney Tower on 2 November 2015 in which Tourism Ireland promoted ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’.
On a more general level, Ireland’s Permanent Mission to UNESCO in Paris assists in obtaining UNESCO recognition of appropriate sites in Ireland, which could include sites falling under the region covered by ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’.
Looking ahead, there are plans in train for promotion of ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ in 2016, including across the key German market and, in February, the Embassy of Ireland in Denmark will support a Tourism Ireland-hosted workshop in Copenhagen aimed at the whole Scandinavian travel industry which will mark the official launch of ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ in the Nordic region.
In 2016, Tourism Ireland in China will continue to promote Ireland's Ancient East through trade, digital and publicity channels. The month long St. Patrick’s Day festival, which is organised in several major cities by Team Ireland in China, will provide a major platform for promoting Ireland, including all of its tourism destinations. Promotional material highlighting ‘Ireland's Ancient East’ will be provided to partners in the travel industry during sales calls and at trade training sessions throughout 2016. In the second half of 2016 there will be an online campaign focussed on the region.
In South Africa, at the AGM of the Embassy-supported BISA (Business Ireland Southern Africa) network in Pretoria on Friday 13 November, the Tourism Ireland agent based in South Africa presented ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ to the representatives present from Irish Business Networks in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Harare.
If the Deputy has specific thoughts on how the Embassy network, working closely with the State agencies and Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, might additionally promote or showcase ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ and other tourism initiatives, I would be very happy to discuss these with her.
24. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been sentenced to death by Kenyan authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45415/15]
View answerIreland has a longstanding policy of strong opposition to the death penalty and we are actively engaged in international efforts, including through the EU, to secure its universal abolition.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland actively supports UN resolutions on the death penalty at the Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly. We have also used our current term of membership of the UN Human Rights Council to raise our concerns in relation to developments regarding the death penalty. We have consistently called for a halt to executions during our interventions at the working sessions of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a peer review mechanism on the human rights records of UN Member States.
The death penalty remains on the statute books in Kenya and continues to be handed down as a sentence, although it has not been carried out since 1987.
I am aware of the specific case referred to. I understand that the person involved was arrested in August 2001 for the murder of a mother and her son in Kenya. He was convicted and sentenced to death. However, he has always maintained his innocence.
Ireland has called for Kenya to abolish the death penalty. The EU Delegation in Nairobi also regularly raises the issue, on behalf of all EU Member States, in its engagement with the Kenyan authorities.
25. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 3 November 2015, if he is satisfied that our stated foreign policy of neutrality is not compromised by the use of Shannon Airport by the United States military, which has landed over 343 military aircraft there since March 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45413/15]
View answerIreland’s traditional policy of military neutrality is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. The Government’s continued commitment to this policy was re-confirmed in its Foreign Policy Review “The Global Island,” and in its White Paper on Defence, published earlier this year.
Successive Governments have made landing facilities at Shannon Airport available to the United States for well over 50 years. Permission must be sought in advance for landings by all foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft, and if granted, is subject to the strict conditions which I outlined in my reply of 3 November.
These arrangements do not amount to any form of military alliance with the United States and are consistent with our policy of military neutrality.
26. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the report entitled Ireland's national plan on business and human rights; and his plans for progressing the matter and the implementation of the principles. [45030/15]
View answerOn the occasion of Human Rights Day on 10 December last week, I was pleased to announce publication of the Working Outline of the National Plan on Business and Human Rights. The text of the Working Outline is available on my Department’s website and copies have been sent to civil society and business organisations.
The Working Outline is the result of extensive consultation with civil society, business and Government Departments.
Ireland’s National Plan on Business and Human Rights, when completed, will implement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, a globally recognised framework which outlines the roles of states and businesses in protecting human rights, which was adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2011.
The Government is committed to making Ireland one of the best countries in the world in which to do business. Central to this commitment is enabling and encouraging business enterprises to become more competitive by integrating responsible and sustainable business practices and respect for human rights across their operations. The National Plan on Business and Human Rights will seek to create functional tools to help business enterprises achieve this, targeting, among others, the Small and Medium Enterprises sector in Ireland which accounts for the vast majority of enterprises.
The Working Outline of the Plan sets out the current state of play in relation to actions which already assist in the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and also sets out some 54 action points which could be taken over the two to three year period after the adoption of the final version of the plan.
Comments and submissions on the Working Outline are invited by 29 January 2016. On the basis of the submissions made, the National Plan on Business and Human Rights will be finalised and brought to the Government for approval.
27. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 3 November 2015, if he has considered reviewing Ireland's long-standing arrangements under which the United States is granted blanket permission for overflights by unarmed military aircraft, particularly in view of the concerns raised in a number of quarters regarding Ireland's neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45414/15]
View answerAll arrangements concerning the regulation of foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft, passing through Irish airspace or landing at Irish airports, are kept under ongoing review.
28. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department is undertaking any further studies on the impacts of a possible British exit from the European Union, Brexit, on Irish trade; if his Department has established a dedicated section to monitor and evaluate such possible impacts on Irish trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45035/15]
View answerI have addressed the subject of the UK-EU relationship in two earlier replies, to Questions Nos. 10 and 11.
My Department, both at its headquarters in Dublin and through its diplomatic missions in London, Edinburgh, Brussels and elsewhere, is highly engaged on the issue of the UK’s membership of the EU. As part of work across government, the question of potential economic and trade impacts of a UK exit from the EU was comprehensively addressed in a recent independent report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) commissioned by the Department of Finance.
Overall, the Department of the Taoiseach, through its British-Irish and Northern Ireland Division and its EU Division, is leading the wider Government efforts on this subject. My Department is working on a daily basis to identify the various issues – be they political, economic or strategic – that could arise for Ireland in the event of a UK departure from the European Union.
A dedicated British-Irish Relations Unit has been established to support this work. In recent weeks I met with the British Foreign Secretary in London, delivered a speech in Belfast focused on Northern Ireland and the EU, and hosted a business event on “Brexit” at Iveagh House.
It is certainly very important that we develop a full understanding – insofar as is possible – of the potential implications of a British withdrawal from the EU and that we are prepared for any scenario. We will continue to work with that in mind. Our priority, however, as I have said before, is doing what we can to help ensure the UK does not decide to leave the EU in the first place.
29. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views, in terms of global security, stability and peace, on the advisability of any European Union state engaging in a bombing campaign in Syria in response to the attacks in Paris of 13 November 2015; if he has had engagements with other European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45470/15]
View answerEnding the devastating conflict in Syria, which has imposed enormous burdens on neighbouring States, is critical to the stability of the Middle East region, and the security and safety of the Syrian people and their neighbours. This instability is also impacting on Europe in the form of both large scale migration and the recent terrorist attacks.
Airstrikes have been conducted against Da’esh in Iraq and Syria for a number of months. It is for individual States to determine in what way they might best contribute to the concerted international effort underway to tackle the threat posed by Da’esh and other UN-designated terrorist groups.
Security Council resolution 2249 calls upon UN Member States to take all necessary measure to prevent and suppress terrorist acts by Da’esh and Al-Nusra Front (an Al-Qaeda affiliate) in territory under Da’esh control within Syria and Iraq and to eradicate the safe haven they have established inside Syria and Iraq. Any action undertaken under this resolution must be in compliance with international law, in particular the UN Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law.
Ireland is not and will not be participating in any international military action to combat Da’esh and is not holding discussions with other States on their military actions in Syria.
While the crisis in Syria features in almost every discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council, there has been no discussion on the question of military action against Da’esh at EU level on this issue, as it is exclusively the competence of national governments. However, at my recent meeting with the UK’s Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond there was some discussion of the then impending parliamentary vote on UK airstrikes in Syria.
30. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress on the establishment of a visa waiver scheme with the United States of America for the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45115/15]
View answerAchieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US continues to be a priority for the Government in its contacts with the United States. Through our Embassy in Washington and our Consulates throughout the U.S., and in conjunction with regular high level political visits, the Government continues to promote the immigration reform agenda with high level Government contacts in the United States and with many other individuals and groups across Irish America and beyond.
As I indicated to Deputy Naughten last month, the Government are aware of and have raised the matter of waivers for 3 and 10 year travel bans in relation to US visa applications for Irish undocumented who have overstayed their visa in the United States.
At my request, the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade wrote to the US Ambassador earlier this year to ask him to explore further the question of such waivers. I have also had the opportunity to directly discuss the matter with the US Ambassador. The Taoiseach also raised waivers, amongst other immigration reform issues, during his visit to Washington for St Patrick’s Day.
I can offer some information on the basis of these representations and responses.
The US Embassy has indicated that the US waiver system operates uniformly worldwide, including in Ireland, and is applied in strict accordance with US laws and regulations. Such a waiver can be applied for in the case of a 3 or 10 year ban having been imposed for overstaying a visa in the US.
However, the US Embassy has also underlined that applications are assessed individually on a case-by-case basis, with final decisions on each a matter for the US authorities in Washington, and that accordingly an applicant would not be able to predict with any degree of certainty as to whether he or she would be successful or not.
The Government has sought to advance all viable opportunities to achieve relief for our undocumented citizens in the United States. While I am disappointed that representations to the US on this matter have not resulted in a more encouraging outcome, ultimately it is a matter for the US Government and US Embassy to interpret and implement their immigration laws.
The Government as a whole, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin and our Embassy in Washington, will continue to actively follow up on all opportunities to improve the situation of the Irish undocumented with the US Administration, with Congress, and with the US Embassy in Ireland. In addition, the Government continues to provide significant financial support, €1,535,911 in 2015, to support the work of various Irish immigration centres across the US.
