Written Answers Nos. 53-68
53. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with his British counterparts about the Hooded Men torture case being taken in the European Court of Human Rights; if so, if they now accept that the treatment of these men was clearly torture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31632/16]
View answerOn 2 December 2014, the Government announced its decision to request the European Court of Human Rights to revise its 1978 judgment in the case taken by Ireland against the UK. The request was filed with the Court on 4 December 2014. On the basis of new material uncovered, the Government has contended that the ill-treatment suffered by the Hooded Men should be recognised as torture. The Government's request currently remains under consideration by the Court.
In March this year the UK were invited by the Court to submit observations on a number of questions posed by the European Court of Human Rights.
At the request of the UK, the deadline for submission of their observations has been extended by the Court from time to time and now stands at 15 December 2016. The UK observations will in due course be made available to the Government and an opportunity afforded for reply. This is the procedure for progressing the Government's request to the European Court of Human Rights and therefore there have not been ancillary discussions with the UK on this case.
The European Court of Human Rights has advised that the further procedure regarding the Government's request for a revision of the 1978 judgment will be determined upon receipt of both parties' observations.
This decision to request the European Court of Human Rights to revise its 1978 judgment was not taken lightly. The Government is acutely aware of the suffering of the individual men involved and of their families, of the significance of this case, and of the weight of these allegations.
The Government is also conscious that, in the Council of Europe, the European Union, and in other fora, Ireland and the UK as strong bilateral partners have worked together to promote human rights, and will continue to do so. Both Governments have worked hard over many years to build stronger, more trusting relations. I believe that this relationship stands to us both in working through the serious matters raised in the Government's request to the European Court of Human Rights on the Hooded Men case.
54. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions or consultations he has had with his counterparts in the EU concerning the impact on EU foreign and military policy in view of the UK's decision to leave the EU. [27143/16]
View answerUntil the shape of the UK's exit from the EU is known, the potential impact on EU foreign and security policy is difficult to predict. Given this uncertainty, and the ongoing instability in the EU neighbourhood, it is important, now more than ever, for the EU to present a shared vision of its future. The newly published EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy aims to do just that.
The Strategy sets out a vision for the EU's foreign and security policy and commits the EU to promoting peace, prosperity, democracy and the rule of law. It stresses the importance of promoting and protecting human rights, development cooperation, conflict resolution and global governance to address the root causes of the challenges, such as migration and extremism, currently facing the European Union. Strengthening the EU's peace-keeping capacity in support of the United Nations is an integral part of this effort. This will be done through the further development of the Common Security and Defence Policy as defined in the EU Treaties. The Strategy also has a positive focus on the Middle East Peace Process, disarmament, gender, the UN and importance of multilateralism more generally. The Strategy concludes that our security is best safeguarded by enhancing the current comprehensive approach, using the EU's political, diplomatic, trade, development cooperation and peacekeeping instruments in a coherent way.
At the most recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting on Monday, Ministers exchanged views on the implementation of the Strategy. I stressed the need to take forward work on each of the elements of the Strategy – including our approach to resolving conflicts and crises – in an integrated way. I also welcomed the commitment in the Strategy to continue to mainstream human rights; women, peace and security, and gender equality in EU policies. These two important elements were reflected in the Conclusions adopted by EU Foreign Ministers.
As part of the Irish Government's response to the outcome of the UK referendum on EU membership, I have spoken individually to each of my 27 EU counterparts which I am following up with a series of bilateral meetings.
Most recently, I met with the Luxembourg Foreign Minister, Jean Asselborn, in Luxembourg on Sunday prior to the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. I have also met with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and have engaged in depth on this issue with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire.
Last Wednesday, I met with Michel Barnier, the European Commission's Chief Negotiator in charge of leading the Commission Taskforce for the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the United Kingdom under Article 50. I also met with Secretary of State David Davis when he visited on 8 September.
Beyond the UK and the EU, I represented the government at the Asia-Europe summit in Mongolia and spoke with many of my counterparts there. Similar contacts took place during my visit to New York in mid-September for a United Nations programme, during which I engaged in further bilateral meetings and also gave a keynote speech at Fordham University, with a focus on Brexit, Ireland and Europe. I also did a series of interviews with the US media when in New York for the UN.
As chair of the government's Export Trade Council, I and my Department are also centrally involved in efforts across the world to support Irish trade and investment in the context of the challenges of Brexit. The Export Trade Council met most recently on Tuesday 18 October.
55. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will identify to Dáil Éireann the countries which are taking part in, or supplying weapons or military ordnance to support, military aggression in Syria and Yemen; if he will call in the ambassadors of those countries to account for such action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31808/16]
View answerIreland does not have a presence on the ground in Syria or Yemen and we do not directly monitor the supply of military equipment by other states to the Middle East or elsewhere. I am therefore not in a position to make a statement on these matters.
However, I am extremely concerned by the reports of widespread civilian casualties in both Syria and Yemen and the reports of possible war crimes. Regardless of the source of the weapons, I unreservedly condemn the use of military equipment in any way that violates international humanitarian law.
56. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the worsening situation in Yemen and that the UN estimates the war there has killed almost 6,900 persons, wounded more than 35,000 and displaced at least 3 million since March 2015; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that fighter jets belonging to the Saudi Arabia-led coalition have in recent weeks carried out air strikes which have directly targeted civilians and may constitute war crimes; and if he supports an independent and international investigation into these war crimes allegations. [31796/16]
View answerI have been following the situation in Yemen since the hostilities began in early 2015. In this House, I welcomed the news of a ceasefire last April, and I was very disappointed to learn of its breakdown in August.
However, there have been some signs of hope over the last few days, with parties agreeing to temporarily lay down arms as they consider returning to the negotiating table. I commend the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, and his team on their tireless efforts to date in promoting a political solution to the Yemeni conflict, and I hope that this latest effort is successful.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen is “catastrophic”, according to the UN. Before the war ever broke out, Yemen was the poorest country in the Gulf. Now, eighty percent of the population is dependent on humanitarian assistance. The country is on the brink of famine. I appeal to all parties to the conflict to facilitate humanitarian aid access as a matter of priority. The most effective way to end the people's suffering is to end the war, but, in the interim, aid workers must be given access so that they can provide life-saving supplies and help to civilians.
For our part, since the onset of the current conflict in 2015, the Government has disbursed €3,950,000 in humanitarian aid to Yemen.
Air strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure have become a very disturbing feature of this conflict. Reports abound of such attacks being perpetrated by both sides. I cannot comment on the intent of these air strikes, but it is clear that innocent people continue to be injured and killed in such attacks. I was particularly concerned to learn of the strike on a funeral in Sana'a recently, in which killed over 140 people were killed. Such attacks are unacceptable.
I unreservedly condemn all deliberate targeting of civilians. I urge all parties to this conflict to respect International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law, as I have done before in this House, and as I did with my EU partners last year at the Foreign Affairs Council, when we passed Council Conclusions on the conflict in Yemen.
Whether or not the attacks in Yemen constitute war crimes is, however, a matter for investigation, and decision by the courts. Ireland has been a strong advocate, at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, for an independent, international investigation into potential abuses of International Humanitarian Law in Yemen.
57. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the trade deals that have been signed with the Egyptian Government in the past five years; and the primary export industries from Ireland to Egypt. [31812/16]
View answerIreland does not make trade deals bilaterally. The European Union is responsible for managing trade and investment relations with non-EU countries, and concludes trade agreements on behalf of EU Member States.
The EU has not concluded any trade deals with Egypt in the past five years. However, the EU-Egypt Association Agreement of 2004 establishes a free-trade area which eliminates tariffs on industrial products and provides concessions on agricultural products. In addition, an agreement between the EU and Egypt on agricultural, processed agricultural and fisheries products has been in place since 2010.
Ireland and Egypt signed an Air Services Agreement in 2014. These agreements give carriers rights to operate commercial air services between Ireland and non-EU States. This is a matter for the Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
In February of this year, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine reached an agreement with the Egyptian authorities on a certificate to allow the export of Irish cattle into Egypt. This is a matter for the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
In relation to the Deputy's question concerning Irish trade with Egypt, according to the Central Statistics Office's website, in 2015, medical and pharmaceutical products accounted for approximately 48% of total goods exports to Egypt. Approximately 21% of exports fell within the category 'Essential oils, perfume materials, toilet and cleansing preps', and about 7% of Ireland's exports came from the category 'Dairy products and birds' eggs'. Trade in services figures for 2015 are not yet available.
58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, directly and through the aegis of the EU and UN, can motivate the international community to respond in a co-ordinated and meaningful way to the hardship, hunger and humanitarian situation arising in Haiti in the wake of the recent hurricane, having particular regard to the magnitude of the disaster and the extent of the hardship to the people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31810/16]
View answerIreland has responded quickly and effectively to the devastation and suffering caused by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti. Through Irish Aid, my Department organised an airlift of humanitarian supplies from Ireland's prepositioned stocks in Panama, to provide relief to 1,000 families in one of the worst affected areas.
I have approved a total of €1.7 million in funding for experienced NGO partners for the provision of life saving assistance, including shelter, water, sanitation and health activities, and distribution of food. A further airlift of non-food emergency supplies is being planned.
The coordinated international response to Hurricane Matthew has been led by the Government of Haiti, and supported by the UN and the EU. The immediacy of the response was affected by difficult access to the regions most affected and a delay in carrying out needs assessments. The UN issued a Flash Appeal a number of days after the Hurricane seeking $119 million for the provision of life-saving assistance to 750,000 people over the coming three months. The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund has released $5 million to address urgent needs. Ireland last year provided a total of €11.75 million to the Central Emergency Relief Fund, and is its eighth highest international donor.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was also activated in response to a request from the Government of Haiti. This led to the deployment of a Civil Protection Team, with twelve experts from five countries. Ireland's Rapid Response Corps, managed by my Department, stands ready to deploy.
The EU has released funding of €1.75 million in response to the hurricane.
Ireland has been a strong supporter of Haiti since the huge earthquake in 2010, providing a total of €25.9 million in humanitarian and development funding. We are continuing to monitor the situation in the country very closely.
59. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on media reports that Ireland has an agreement with its UK counterparts to allow RAF jets access Irish airspace for defence and counter-terrorism purposes in the scenario of airspace intrusion; and his further views on the fact that having a possible defence arrangement with a NATO member is eroding Ireland's status of neutrality. [26946/16]
View answerI cannot comment on any reports concerning arrangements for national security or responses that might be taken in the event of a terrorist attack.
I can confirm however that the Government's engagement in international security cooperation is aimed at ensuring public safety and is conducted with full respect for Irish sovereign decision-making authority and for Ireland's long standing policy of military neutrality.
61. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on reports that Israel is further tightening restrictions on the Gaza Strip and thereby hampering the ability to provide aid to the densely populated territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31705/16]
View answerThe restrictions on Gaza, and the continuing need for reconstruction there, remain an important priority.
The broad trend has been for a slight relaxation of the restrictions on Gaza since the 2014 conflict, with an increase in deliveries into Gaza of about 53% in the first eight months of this year, over the 2015 level, as measured in truckloads. There was a similar increase in the very much smaller amount of goods allowed to be exported from Gaza. These increases are of course welcome, but they are too little, and the total remains far below the level before the restrictions were imposed in 2007.
These restrictions continue to impact on the daily needs of the population, to slow the essential reconstruction of houses and other structures following the 2014 conflict, and are completely inadequate to allow anything like normal economic activity in the Strip, without which of course the population remains almost entirely dependent on humanitarian aid.
Clearly, Israel has real and legitimate security concerns about attacks into its territory from Gaza, but we have made clear that a response of blanket restrictions on the entire population is not only unjustified but counterproductive.
I have seen recent reports that, while deliveries of reconstruction materials had significantly improved in the first half of this year, recent weeks have seen a slowdown in approvals for reconstruction projects and in deliveries. It is not yet clear if this is a change of policy or a temporary hiatus, as has happened before.
Ireland has consistently sought to ensure that the issue of Gaza remains on the international agenda, notwithstanding other crises in the region. I raised the issue myself with Prime Minister Netanyahu when I met him in June. We will continue to do so. Both the EU and the relevant UN agencies are fully engaged on the issue, and a slackening in deliveries of construction materials would be a very negative development, and a matter of serious concern.
62. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the effect Brexit will have on borders, with particular reference to the common travel area and trade with Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30285/16]
View answerThroughout all our discussions with our UK and EU counterparts, the Irish Government has been clear that we are committed to maintaining the open and effectively invisible border and protecting the Common Travel Area (CTA). The CTA is an important feature of the close relationship between Ireland and the UK with long-established benefits for trade and tourism between our two countries. It operates across a range of areas including allowing for free movement between Ireland and the UK, voting rights and access to social welfare.
The eventual departure of the UK from the EU means that the only land border between the EU and the UK will be on the island of Ireland. It will be geographically isolated from the rest of the EU and, as it will be outside the Schengen arrangements, the integrity of the border controls of the Schengen area will not be affected in any way. Furthermore it will be part of a pre-existing British-Irish arrangement that has long been recognised, the CTA. However, the CTA has only ever operated where both Ireland and the UK were either outside of the EU, or within it.
The CTA is an arrangement that is valued on both islands and both Governments will work hard to preserve its benefits. It will be a key issue for Ireland in the context of negotiating new terms and conditions for the EU's relationship with the UK. We will prioritise this matter in the context of a new relationship between the EU and the UK, and in bilateral discussions with the British Government. So whilst it cannot be stated with certainty at this stage that no immigration controls at borders will be introduced, we would hope that arrangements can remain as close to the current regime as is possible.
Regarding trade, we are all acutely conscious of the importance of the UK market to Irish exporters and every effort is being made to protect existing trade and to continue to grow it.
In my role as Minister for Trade, I am also intensifying our efforts on other markets, near and far. I believe we have the capacity for much greater market penetration in other EU member states and I am focused on that. But we are also looking beyond Europe's borders. Indeed, at a meeting of the Export Trade Council last week there was a strong focus on markets in Asia in particular. In September I attended the UN General Assembly where I had a series of bilateral meetings with countries from the Americas, Asia and the Antipodes. I gave the strong message that Ireland will remain at the heart of Europe; we will continue to be an English speaking gateway to a market of 500 million people; and we will continue to offer a business friendly environment and a talented and adaptable workforce.
63. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the appropriateness of €2.776 million in public funds being given as direct funding to the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative between 2008 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30275/16]
View answerThrough the Irish Aid programme, my Department works with a range of partners to deliver on our longstanding commitment to improve access to quality health and HIV services for poor and marginalised communities. Partners are selected on the basis of their contribution to the Department's priority outcomes, the quality of results achieved and their capacity to use funds effectively.
Since 2003, Irish Aid has worked in partnership with the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative on the fight against HIV and AIDS. This work, which we implement in partnership with the Ministries of Health in Mozambique and Lesotho, has been successful in improving the prevention of HIV transmission, including mother-to-child transmission, and increasing the number of people receiving HIV treatment. In Mozambique for example, 550,000 people are now receiving HIV treatment, up from 3,000 people in 2003. In Lesotho, the partnership has led to improvement in maternal and child health, through equipping health centres, training and better use of routine vaccines.
We have provided a total of €2.776 million directly to the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative in the period from 2008 to 2016. This funding has financed the provision of technical support to the Ministries of Health in Mozambique and Lesotho. Both the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative are recognised for their technical expertise in drug procurement, the roll-out of health technologies and nutrition. In addition they are also highly respected for their ability to leverage additional funding and negotiate the lowest prices for drugs and other essential commodities, which would otherwise not be available to the Ministries of Health.
66. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the violence in eastern Ukraine during the summer and the Russian-backed offensive in Aleppo were discussed at the October EU council; and the actions that were taken in relation to sanctions. [31635/16]
View answerAt last week's European Council meeting, EU leaders held a long debate on relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The intended focus of the discussion was on the broad set of issues that define the relationship. However, given the timing of the discussion, it was inevitable that Russia's actions in Syria and Ukraine dominated the exchanges.
On Ukraine, Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande briefed the Council on the outcome of their Normandy format meeting with President Putin and President Poroshenko the previous evening in Berlin. The summit meeting came at a time of growing concern over the fragile security situation in eastern Ukraine and slow progress on implementation of the Minsk peace agreements.
The Foreign Ministers of the four countries were tasked with developing a roadmap before the end of November which will address all aspects of the Minsk accords, including security, humanitarian and political issues, as well as the holding of elections in eastern Ukraine, under the supervision of the OSCE.
EU leaders expressed support for this latest initiative aimed at breaking the current deadlock. They also called for the rapid implementation of the disengagement plan along the contact line as a means to secure the shaky ceasefire and reiterated that the Minsk agreements remain the framework for resolving the conflict.
The current sanctions which the EU imposed against Russia for its actions in Ukraine run until 31 January 2017. It is expected that EU leaders will consider extending the duration of these measures at their December meeting. As with previous rollovers, developments on the ground in eastern Ukraine will be the key factor in determining what decision is taken.
On Syria, the European Council strongly condemned the ongoing aerial attacks on Aleppo by the Syrian regime and Russia and urged both states to bring an immediate end to the atrocities being committed. They repeated calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and stressed that all necessary steps be taken to ensure humanitarian access to Syria.
The need to ensure that those who have committed atrocities and breached humanitarian law are held to account was also highlighted.
The question of sanctions in response to Russian and Syrian actions in Aleppo was also discussed. It was agreed that the EU would consider all available options should the atrocities against the people of Aleppo continue.
67. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government plans to assist families and, in particular, children in war-torn Aleppo to relocate to Ireland; and if an extra humanitarian effort will be made to assist the distressed families. [31636/16]
View answerSince 2012, Ireland has provided €62 million in humanitarian assistance as a result of the appalling conflict in Syria, including €20 million so far in 2016. At present, it is Ireland's largest response to any humanitarian crisis.
Irish Aid funding, managed by my Department, 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. Funding is channelled through NGO partners, UN organisations and the International Red Cross movement, which are best placed to respond is used to provide humanitarian supplies and urgently-needed health, education, water and sanitation services, and with a particular focus on the protection of children, women and the most vulnerable.
Through our annual contributions to EU Institutions, Ireland also supports the EU's humanitarian response in Syria, including the new Humanitarian Initiative for Aleppo, launched in rapid response to the escalation of the conflict and its impact on civilians. This joint EU-UN initiative aims to facilitate the urgent delivery of basic life-saving assistance to civilians and to ensure the medical evacuations of wounded and sick, with a focus on women, children and the elderly.
Given its complexity and severity, I expect that Ireland will provide additional support for people affected by the crisis in the coming months.
In relation to the possible relocation of Syrian refugees to Ireland, primary policy responsibility lies with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality.
68. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised the issue of the escalating conflicts in Syria and Yemen at the European Council meeting. [31821/16]
View answerAt last week's European Council, EU leaders strongly condemned the ongoing aerial attacks on Aleppo by the Syrian regime and Russia and urged both states to bring an immediate end to the atrocities being committed. They repeated calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and stressed that all necessary steps be taken to ensure humanitarian access to Syria. The need to ensure that those who have committed atrocities and breached humanitarian law are held to account was also highlighted. The question of sanctions in response to Russian and Syrian actions in Aleppo was also discussed. It was agreed that the EU would consider all available options should the atrocities against the people of Aleppo continue.
The Taoiseach stressed Ireland's concerns over the crisis in Syria and in Aleppo in particular. I would underline that Russia is bound by international law to ensure the protection of the civilian population and unimpeded humanitarian access and our strong view that Russia must be held responsible for its military actions in Syria and for its support for the Assad regime.
The crisis in Yemen was not on the European Council agenda. However, the EU set out a clear position in the Council conclusions adopted by Foreign Ministers in November 2015, reiterating the EU's support for a political solution to the crisis based on UN Security Council Resolution 2216, and calling for an immediate end to fighting and the establishment of an inclusive political process.
