Tuesday, 25 Oct 2016

Written Answers Nos. 1-52

Syrian Conflict

Questions (25)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

25. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action Ireland is taking to ensure the EU takes a strong stance against Russia in view of the breaking of the ceasefire, its abandonment of the peace process in Syria and the appalling situation in Aleppo, with the ongoing bombardment of the city by Russian and Syrian Government forces having resulted in the deaths and injuries of so many civilians, including children, there. [31840/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels on the 17th of October where together with my EU colleagues I called on Russia to demonstrate all efforts to halt indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime, restore a cessation of hostilities, ensure immediate humanitarian access and create the conditions for a credible and inclusive political transition. This is critical to save the lives of Syrian citizens, particularly those who remain in Aleppo.

EU Ministers were also united that the situation in Syria should be referred to the International Criminal Court in order to ensure legal accountability for the victims of the unspeakable crimes that have been committed against them. I believe that the only viable and sustainable way forward remains a comprehensive end to violence and a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political resolution, based on a real political transition process. That remains my objective and that of the EU, and is reflected in the conclusions adopted by the FAC.

At last week's European Council, in the context of discussion of the conflict in Syria, the EU's Heads of State and Government stated that “the EU is considering all available options, should the current atrocities continue”. There are currently no specific proposals for Syria-related sanctions.

Clearly all available options can include sanctions and Ireland will be open to considering proposals for sanctions should the atrocities against the people of Aleppo continue.

As I informed the Dáil in my address on 20 October, it is a matter of the gravest concern to me that a permanent member of the Security Council, with a duty to the United Nations to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter could condone or engage in the bombardment on Aleppo, which as the EU stated on Monday may amount to war crimes.

I utterly condemn the actions by the Assad regime and its allies, including Russia, in Aleppo, and demand the immediate end to the bombardment of that city, the end of the siege of eastern Aleppo and the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian assistance in Aleppo and across Syria.

Question No. 26 answered orally.

North-South Ministerial Council

Questions (27)

Brendan Smith

Question:

27. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when the next meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council will be held and the issues to be discussed. [22470/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The next Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) will be held on 18th November in Armagh. I expect that we will have a further substantive discussion with our Northern Ireland colleagues on the implications of the UK referendum result. The agenda will also cover discussions on economic and financial matters, as well as a range of other issues including the North West Gateway Initiative and the North/South commitments made under the Fresh Start Agreement of November 2015.

At the Plenary meeting of the NSMC on 4 July in Dublin Castle, the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive agreed to work together to ensure that Northern Ireland's interests are protected and advanced and that the benefits of North/South co-operation are fully recognised in any new arrangements which emerge as regards the United Kingdom's future relationship with the European Union.

We noted that there are a number of priority areas where implications arise, including the economy and trade, Northern Ireland and British Irish Relations and the Common Travel Area.

We agreed that a full audit will be undertaken in all sectors to identify the possible impacts, risks, opportunities and contingencies arising in the phases preceding and following the UK's withdrawal from the EU. We agreed that this work would be submitted to ministerial sectoral meetings for consideration as to the strategic and cross-cutting issues arising. The ongoing work to achieve these objectives will be reviewed by the Council when it meets in plenary format in November in Armagh.

The North South Ministerial Council is one of a number of fora, alongside the British Irish Council and the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly, within which it will be possible to discuss with our colleagues from Northern Ireland the implications of the UK referendum vote. In addition, the issue has been discussed and will continue to be discussed in bilateral contacts with the Northern Ireland Executive and with other party leaders in Northern Ireland.

It is the Government's intention to maintain close contact with the Northern Ireland Executive in the period ahead using all appropriate channels, both formal and informal.

Questions Nos. 28 to 32, inclusive, answered orally.

Charitable and Voluntary Organisations

Questions (33)

Seán Crowe

Question:

33. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if officials in his Department have met with the new general manager of a charity (details supplied); if he will confirm that Irish Aid funding to the charity is still suspended; and if this is due to the ongoing investigations into the allegations of bribery and bid rigging against the charity. [31793/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am seriously concerned about the issues under investigation by the US authorities. Minister Flanagan outlined the Government's concerns to the Chair and members of the Board of Goal in a meeting last month. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been closely engaged with the Board of Goal since these issues emerged.

Given the seriousness of the issues involved, we indicated to Goal that the Department would withhold a total of €10.1 million in planned humanitarian and development funding for the organisation, pending greater clarity on the issues raised in the investigation and on Goal's plans to address them.

I believe that the Chair and Board of Goal are making determined efforts to address this situation. They recognise the need to demonstrate that the organisation can meet the governance standards which the Irish public expects of the NGOs it so consistently and generously supports for their humanitarian and development work.

Last week, Goal announced the appointment of an interim General Manager to assist in the process of organisational reform. I welcome that. I understand she will take up her position on 1 November, and my officials will be in contact with her.

The Department is also maintaining regular contact with the Board of Goal on its plans, and with the US authorities and other international donors.

Diplomatic Representation

Questions (34)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

34. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if it is the Government's intention to re-establish an embassy in Iran. [31815/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Embassy of Ireland in Ankara is accredited on a non-residential basis to Iran. Ireland is also represented in Iran by an Honorary Consul.

The configuration and scale of the State's diplomatic and consular network is kept under ongoing review by the Government. A range of factors are taken into account in considering our diplomatic representation overseas, including our national political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources.

The Government is of course conscious of the political, economic and trade factors that might warrant the opening of a resident diplomatic mission in Iran – as in a number of other countries. This will be taken fully into account in the work that is ongoing.

Irish Aid

Questions (35)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

35. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way and the purposes for which Irish Aid money is being used regarding the EU-Turkey migration deal and other similar deals in respect of refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31706/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The agreement reached between the EU and Turkey in March in response to the migration crisis and the loss of lives in the Aegean Sea included the establishment of the Facility for Refugees in Turkey. Its aim is to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees in Turkey and to bring about long term sustainable improvements in their health, education and self-reliance.

The Facility was established with €1 billion in funding from the EU budget and €2 billion from the budgets of Member States. Member State contributions are mandatory and calculated on the basis of Gross National Income. Ireland will be contributing a total of almost €23 million to the Facility from our development aid budget between 2016 and 2019. Ireland is a member of the Facility's steering committee and we are working to ensure that the Facility is used in a way which is fully compatible with its agreed strategic framework and which respects the human rights of all concerned.

The Facility is making a difference in the lives of refugees on the ground in Turkey. For instance, two contracts worth a total of €600 million were signed at the end of September which will provide almost half a million Syrian children with access to education and allow two million people access to primary healthcare services.

Similarly, the €3 million which we will provide between 2016 and 2020 for the EU's Emergency Trust Fund on the Root Causes of Irregular Migration in Africa, is aimed at meeting immediate needs and at enabling longer-term development. Ireland is an active member of the Operational Committee for the Horn of Africa window of this Trust Fund and we use this membership to ensure that the focus on addressing root causes remains central to the work of the Fund.

Syrian Conflict

Questions (36)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

36. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he is taking to ensure Ireland is playing an important role in trying to bring peace to Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31701/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Since the outset of the Syrian conflict, Ireland has consistently supported a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political resolution to the conflict. The Syrian people must have the freedom to exercise their rights, including the democratic right to choose their own national leaders. These principles – set out clearly in Geneva in 2012 – have guided my interventions on Syria in Brussels and at the UN in New York, including my address to the General Assembly and in bilateral meetings with our international partners.

Ireland stands ready to play a positive role in any post-conflict peace effort. My EU colleagues and I spoke on 17 October with UN Special Envoy de Mistura, underlining our continuing and strong support for his efforts to stem the destruction of Syria and her people. The Taoiseach discussed the EU's response to the crisis at the European Council last week.

I continue to press for accountability, both to provide the victims with the hope of redress and in the hope that it will deter those involved from worse atrocities. This has been central to our interventions at the UN in New York and Geneva.

Ireland's response to the Syrian crisis and the plight of the Syrian people over the last five years has been unprecedented, providing more than €62 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region to date. This support has been channelled through a range of partners, including NGOs, UN organisations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, who are best placed to respond, often by linking with local civil society organisations on the ground to get aid to hard-to-reach areas.

Together with our EU partners, we remain engaged through the EU in the International Syria Support Group. As I stated in my address last month to the UN, Ireland remains strongly committed to supporting the efforts of the UN to achieve both an end to the crisis and a sustainable peaceful resolution.

Immigration Policy

Questions (37, 41, 43)

Gino Kenny

Question:

37. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the destruction of the refugee camp at Calais; if he has made inquiries regarding the health and safety of the more than 10,000 adults and children living there; if he will advocate for the safety of the residents by strongly protesting at any attempts by the French authorities to forcibly move residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30269/16]

Mick Wallace

Question:

41. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 5 October 2016, if he is satisfied that the resettlement of persons from the Calais refugee camp is, in his own words, a matter for France in the first instance, or if he will consider taking a more active role in assisting with the resettlement of unaccompanied minors here; if he has raised any concerns at EU level regarding deals currently being pursued by the EU with third countries to stem the flow of migrants to Europe, particularly in cases in which the third countries have poor human rights records; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31814/16]

Mick Wallace

Question:

43. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 5 October 2016, if he has to date raised any concerns, either bilaterally with his counterpart in France or at EU level, regarding the expected dismantling of the Calais refugee camp; if he will consider opening a temporary consulate in Calais staffed with persons from his Department and the Department of Justice and Equality who could work specifically with unaccompanied minors to provide information on Ireland as a destination and assistance on obtaining visas to allow them to travel here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31813/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 41 and 43 together.

I am of course aware of recent developments surrounding the refugee camp at Calais, and in particular the plight of unaccompanied minors living there.

The camp at Calais does not fall under the EU relocation or resettlement decisions that Ireland has opted into and therefore the people in Calais are not eligible for the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, because they are under the jurisdiction of the French authorities and have the right to apply for international protection in France. The French authorities have recently announced that they will close the unofficial migrant camp in Calais by the end of this year and will move the approximately 9,000 inhabitants to new accommodation in reception centres across the country. This is being done to protect the security of the people of Calais, to maintain public order and to ensure dignified conditions for the migrants and refugees currently living in the Calais camp, including unaccompanied minors. President Hollande has said that the objectives of these actions are to “guarantee the security of the people of Calais, to maintain public order and to ensure for the migrants and refugees that conditions are dignified”.

I have confidence in the French authorities' abilities to deal with this situation. I have no plans to establish a temporary consulate in Calais.

In relation to the Irish Refugee Protection Programme, the Government Decision to establish the programme recognised the importance of prioritising family groups and in addressing the position of unaccompanied children. A significant number of those who have arrived to date under both the resettlement and relocation elements of the programme are children with one or two parents. When we talk about the Irish Refugee Protection Programme we are referring to relocation from Italy and Greece and resettlement under the UNHCR-led programme which is currently focused on resettling refugees from camps in Lebanon.

Issues related to the settlement of unaccompanied minors and other foreign nationals in Ireland are matters for my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality.

Humanitarian Aid Provision

Questions (38)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

38. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount of direct aid Ireland has provided towards assisting the continuing humanitarian catastrophe in and around Syria since 2011; the immediate financial intentions regarding the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30274/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The conflict in Syria is the greatest humanitarian crisis of our generation. Since 2012, Ireland has provided a total of €62 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region. At present, it is Ireland's largest response to any humanitarian crisis.

Of the €20 million in funding provided by Ireland so far in 2016, €14 million has been delivered through the Irish Aid programme, managed by my Department, and €6 million through the Department of Agriculture's support to the World Food Programme's Syria response.

Irish Aid funding seeks to meet the needs of those inside Syria, particularly in besieged and hard-to-reach areas, and those who have fled to neighbouring countries, in particular Lebanon and Jordan. Funding is channelled through a range of partners, including NGOs, UN organisations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, who are best placed to respond. These partners provide humanitarian supplies and urgently-needed health, education, water and sanitation services, as well as support measures to protect children and vulnerable families.

Through our annual contributions to EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU's humanitarian response in Syria, to which €445 million has been pledged in 2016.

In addition, members of Ireland's Rapid Response Corps have been deployed to the Balkans and Middle East, providing much-needed surge capacity to UN agencies responding to migration challenges resulting from the Syrian conflict.

We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and, given its complexity and severity, I would expect that we will be providing additional support for people affected by the crisis in the coming months.

Passport Controls

Questions (39)

Seán Crowe

Question:

39. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the comments made by the Israeli ambassador to Ireland in an interview with a newspaper (details supplied); if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the ambassador stated he could not guarantee that Irish passports would not be forged again by the Israeli secret service, Mossad; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Mossad agents previously used forged Irish passports to assassinate a Palestinian in the United Arab Emirates; if he has discussed the issue with the ambassador; and the action he will take to ensure Mossad, or other foreign secret service agencies, cannot forge Irish passports. [31794/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of the interview referred to by the Deputy and of the 2010 episode to which he also refers.

The use of forged Irish passports by Israel was firmly dealt with by the Government of the day.

Following the murder in Dubai of Mahmoud Al Mahbouh in 2010, a strong protest and condemnation was conveyed to the Israeli authorities, and an officer of their Embassy in Dublin was expelled. This information is already on the record of the House.

At my request, my officials have been in contact with the Ambassador following the publication of the interview in question to make clear that an incident such as that which took place in 2010 should never again occur.

Any abuse of Irish passports is a matter which I view with the utmost seriousness as it could affect the safety and security of Irish citizens when they travel.

I am determined to maintain the integrity and strong international reputation of the Irish passport as one of the most secure in the world. Significant investment is being made as part of the passport reform programme in enhanced facial recognition technology along with other measures to minimise the potential for fraud, forgery or identity theft.

Syrian Conflict

Questions (40)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

40. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will call in the ambassadors of all the countries involved in bombing in Syria or any form of military intervention or support of any of the armed factions in the conflict, including Russia, the United States of America, France, the UK and Saudi Arabia, to make known the opposition here to further killing and displacement of innocent civilians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31816/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have voiced clearly, including in this House, Ireland's concerns over the situation in Syria, and in particular in Aleppo, the including the possible commission of war crimes. Our concerns about Russia's support for the actions of the Assad regime have been communicated directly to the Russian authorities. I have indicated on numerous occasions my belief that there must be accountability for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Ireland does not oppose the legally sanctioned participation of countries in operations mandated under UN Security Resolution 2249. These operations are aimed at the liberation of Syrian and Iraqi populations under the control of Daesh, a terrorist group which a UN body has charged with the crime of genocide against the Yazidi population.

Question No. 41 answered with Question No. 37.

UN Resolutions

Questions (42)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

42. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps Ireland can take in engaging with the US to cease its blockade of Cuba, which is having an extremely serious impact on the people of Cuba with the possibility of a humanitarian crisis emerging in the near future, particularly in view of the UN resolution on the necessity of ending the blockade. [30283/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Ireland's concerns about economic, commercial and financial measures against Cuba are long-standing and clear. Our opinion is that the embargo serves no constructive purpose. We maintain our view that it is the right of Cuban citizens to decide independently on their future and the Government has been clear on this point in our international contacts.

At the same time we have also consistently called on the Cuban Government to fully grant its citizens internationally recognised civil, political and economic rights and freedoms.

The past two years have seen immense progress in US-Cuba relations, including President Obama's historic visit to Havana in March 2016. In addition to the full restoration of diplomatic relations there have been significant agreements between the two sides in relation to communications and travel between the US and Cuba. Recent US Government decisions have relaxed restrictions in relation to certain telecommunications, internet and financial services as well as building materials and the first commercial flight between the US and Cuba in more than 50 years took place on 31 August, 2016. Discussions are ongoing between the two parties on a range of bilateral issues.

Despite these positive developments, fundamental restrictive measures remain in place. The US embargo on Cuba is codified in legislation, and therefore requires the approval of the US Congress in order to rescind it. President Obama has repeatedly called on Congress to end the embargo, not least during his visit to Havana this year.

On 27 October 2015, Ireland joined all other European Union member states in voting in favour of a Cuban resolution at the UN General Assembly in New York, calling for an end to the US embargo on Cuba. Consistent with our policy on this issue, it is the Government's intention to vote for a further resolution on ending the embargo in the UN in the coming days.

I was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss these issues as well as positive developments in Ireland-Cuba relations with the Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, en marge of the UN General Assembly in September.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 37.

Question No. 44 answered with Question No. 26.

Syrian Conflict

Questions (45, 60)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

45. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has made any efforts to work with the Russian and Iranian ambassadors regarding the current situation in Syria; if he has discussed with each of those ambassadors their country's role in the current conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30278/16]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

60. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way he has made his concerns known to the Russian and Iranian ambassadors here in view of the escalation in the conflict in Syria, particularly the escalation in bombings of civilians, aid convoys, water and electricity supplies; if he has called them to a meeting on these matters; and, if not, when he will do so. [30279/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 60 together.

At my direction, two senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade formally conveyed Ireland's concerns in relation to the human catastrophe that is unfolding in Syria - and in the city of Aleppo in particular - directly to the Russian Ambassador in the clearest possible terms.

Subsequently these concerns were conveyed again to the Ambassador and a senior official in the Russian Foreign Ministry who was visiting Dublin.

It is normal diplomatic practice for a Foreign Minister to have views conveyed to an Ambassador through senior officials, as happened in this case.

My officials have also expressed our concerns in diplomatic contacts with Iranian officials.

I have made my views known publicly on the record in the Oireachtas and at the Foreign Affairs Council, where I worked with my colleagues in crafting a strong statement issued by EU Foreign Ministers following their meeting on 17 October.

Ministers concluded specifically that since the beginning of the offensive by the Assad regime and its allies, notably Russia, the intensity and scale of the aerial bombardment of Aleppo has been clearly disproportionate and the deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel and schools as well as the use of barrel bombs and chemical weapons had caused widespread civilian casualties, including amongst women and children, and may amount to war crimes.

The Council called on Russia to demonstrate through policies and actions all efforts, in order to halt indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime, restore a cessation of hostilities, ensure immediate and expanded humanitarian access and create the conditions for a credible and inclusive political transition.

In the course of the Council I participated in a four-hour discussion on Syria which included an exchange of views with the UNSG's Special Envoy on Syria, Staffan de Mistura.

Syrian Conflict

Questions (46)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

46. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action Ireland can take to help address the reported war crimes and the continuing humanitarian catastrophe in Aleppo and Syria and its surrounds in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30273/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have called repeatedly for those committing crimes against civilians and humanitarians to be held accountable before the International Criminal Court and I repeat that call. There is an urgent need for a credible and independent investigation into claims made by UN SG Ban and others of war crimes committed in Syria.

I continue to press for accountability, both to provide the victims with the hope of redress and in the hope that it will deter those involved from worse atrocities. It is a matter of the gravest concern to me that a permanent member of the Security Council, with a duty to the United Nations to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter could condone or engage in the bombardment on Aleppo, which as the EU stated on 17th October may amount to war crimes.

Together with our EU partners, we remain engaged through the EU in the International Syria Support Group.

As I stated in my address last month to the UN, Ireland remains strongly committed to supporting the efforts of the UN to achieve both an end to the crisis and a sustainable peaceful resolution.

Ireland's response to the extraordinary needs of the Syria people over the last five years has been unprecedented, providing more than €62 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region to date. This support has been channelled through a range of partners, including NGOs, UN organisations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, who are best placed to respond, often by linking with local civil society organisations on the ground to get aid to hard-to-reach areas.

Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 29.

Human Rights

Questions (48)

Seán Crowe

Question:

48. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the announcement by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo that it will push back the presidential election which was due to happen in November 2016 to April 2018; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this will keep the incumbent President, Mr. Joseph Kabila, in power until the delayed vote takes places; and his views on whether this move will further destabilise the country. [31795/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

We have been following the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), closely, together with EU partners. The Foreign Affairs Council which I attended on 17 October adopted Conclusions expressing deep concern at the political situation and condemning the acts of extreme violence that took place on 19 and 20 September.

The Conclusions stress that the political crisis in the DRC can only be resolved through a substantive, inclusive, impartial and transparent political dialogue, which must lead to the holding of presidential and legislative elections as soon as possible in 2017. If the current Presidential term comes to an end without prior agreement on the electoral calendar, the EU will need to consider the impact on its relations with the Government of DRC.

The Conclusions also underline the EU's concern about the obstacles to a peaceful and democratic transition and reiterate that, to ensure a climate conducive to the holding of dialogue and elections, the Government of the DRC must make a clear commitment to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law. The Conclusions further call on all involved to reject the use of violence and ensure respect for fundamental freedoms.

An African Union-facilitated national dialogue, supported by the EU, is working to find a consensual solution for the holding of peaceful, transparent and credible elections.

In addition to engagement at the EU level, the issue of electoral tensions was raised by the Irish side at a meeting earlier this year between officials of my Department and representatives from the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo in London, stressing the importance of timely elections and peaceful cooperation between all parties. Ireland also raised the issue at the Human Rights Council in September, urging the Government of DRC to move forward the processes for the upcoming election and political transition, in the interests of the Congolese people and the maintenance of peace and stability.

Ireland has provided very significant levels of funding to the DRC: €44.61 million in total between 2010 and 2015. Of this, €30.02 million was in humanitarian assistance, including €24.3 million allocated to the UN Common Humanitarian Fund for the DRC, and the remainder through NGO partners. €14.59 million was allocated to a range of civil society partners for their work on human rights, democracy, peace building and rule of law in DRC. To date in 2016, we have provided over €4.8 million in humanitarian funding to the DRC.

Irish Aid has deployed two rapid response personnel to DRC this year. At present four Irish Defence Forces personnel are also serving with the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is making a critical contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights.

Air Services Provision

Questions (49, 65)

Jim Daly

Question:

49. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he last spoke to American officials about the proposed Cork to Boston air service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30272/16]

Jim Daly

Question:

65. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will consider leading and-or arranging a senior delegation to travel to Washington to lobby for the granting of a licence for the Cork-Boston route, noting the recent decision by the Northern Ireland Assembly to invest more than €9 million to secure a transatlantic connection with the North of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30271/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 65 together.

While this issue is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government fully supports all efforts to promote and strengthen air transport links between Ireland and the United States. This includes the proposed Norwegian Air International route between Cork and Boston.

I am conscious of the potential importance of this service and it is for that reason that I and other Ministers have raised the issue in our contacts with senior members of the US Administration, including the Secretary for Transport.

In addition, our Ambassador and Embassy in Washington are assiduously working on an ongoing basis to advance this issue. The approval of the relevant US authorities, including the US Department of Transport, is necessary in order for the route to proceed. Our Ambassador, Anne Anderson, has proactively engaged with all relevant US authorities to advance progress on the application and has kept the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport fully updated on its progress.

Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 26.

Overseas Development Aid Expenditure

Questions (51, 52)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

51. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the way the Government plans to meet the UN target of 0.7% of GNP for ODA in view of the fact that budget 2017 allocated only an additional €10 million to ODA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31703/16]

Seán Crowe

Question:

52. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department is still committed to ensuring Ireland reaches the goal of spending 0.7% of gross national income on overseas development assistance; and, if so, if he will detail when and the way in which his Department plans on reaching this goal. [31792/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 52 together.

The Government has consistently affirmed its strong commitment to Ireland's overseas aid programme, and to its place at the heart of our foreign policy. Our policy for international development, “One World, One Future”, clearly articulates our commitment to the UN target of providing 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP) in Official Development Assistance (ODA) as economic conditions allow.

The Programme for Government further sets out our ambition to make progress towards the UN target as resources permit. It is important that such progress is made in a sustainable and manageable way which strengthens Ireland's recognised role as a reliable and effective partner in providing humanitarian assistance and contributing to the fight to end global poverty and hunger.

In the very difficult economic circumstances of recent years, the Government managed to stabilise and protect allocations to ODA. We made annual contributions to ODA in excess of €600 million and consistently stated that we would make progress towards the 0.7% target as economic conditions allowed.

As the economic recovery consolidates, we have managed to increase funding for ODA by €40 million for 2016 and by a further €10 million for 2017. The total allocation for ODA for 2017 will therefore be €651 million, bringing to just under €4.5 billion the total amount of public funding provided for Ireland's development assistance over the period 2011 to 2017.

The revised Department of Finance forecasts for GNP mean that the percentage provided for ODA in 2016 is likely to be in the region of 0.3%. In this context, I want to reaffirm our commitment to making incremental, sustainable progress towards achieving the 0.7% UN target by 2030, over the period of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted last year at the United Nations.