Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:14. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his input into the publication of the national risk assessment 2016 overview of strategic risks. [35197/16]
View answerNational Risk Assessment
Questions (14)
Written answers
The Department of the Taoiseach co-ordinates production of the National Risk Assessment, which is a high level overview of strategic risks facing the country.
Since 2014 this has been completed on an annual basis. Each year, my Department prepares a draft overview of strategic risks, based on input from all relevant Departments. This draft National Risk Assessment is then published for consultation in order to facilitate public and stakeholder engagement about strategic risks facing the country. Following consideration of submissions, the draft is then updated and finalised by my Department, in consultation with other Departments.
The final National Risk Assessment for 2016 was approved by the Government and published in October. It includes information on how all submissions received were considered in the preparation of the final National Risk Assessment document for 2016.
Questions Nos. 15 to 20, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 21 to 32, inclusive, answered orally.
European Defence Capabilities
Questions (33)
Seán Crowe
Question:33. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the discussions at the EU foreign affairs Ministers meeting on 14 November 2016; if he spoke out against the plans to create an EU military headquarters and joint rapid reaction forces, which will ultimately lead to a standing EU army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36309/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Minister of State for European Affairs, Dara Murphy, T.D., attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels on 14 November, where Turkey, Eastern Partnership, the Southern Neighbourhood, and the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy were discussed. My reply will focus on the specific issues raised by the Deputy.
EU Foreign and Defence Ministers, meeting in Joint Session, adopted conclusions aimed at strengthening the EU’s capacity, through its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to contribute to international peace and stability in support of the United Nations.
This forms part of the implementation of the Global Strategy which commits the EU to promoting peace, security, prosperity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The EU’s peace-keeping and crisis management missions complement the political, diplomatic, economic development and trade instruments the Union uses to address the underlying causes of conflict.
CSDP missions need to be properly planned and executed if they are to achieve their objectives of preventing and resolving conflict and building good governance capacity.
A permanent operational planning and conduct capability for non-executive – that is to say training, advisory and capacity building - CSDP missions, appropriately configured, could help ensure that civilian and military capabilities are used in a more integrated way and potentially deliver more effective and responsive CSDP operations in support of the UN. The Council asked High Representative Mogherini to present proposals on that subject. Ireland and our EU partners will consider these proposals when they are presented.
The United Nations has welcomed EU rapid reaction capabilities, including the EU Battlegroups, as a potential resource for UN operations. The Council requested the High Representative to present proposals by mid-2017, in consultation with the Member States, to enhance the relevance and usability of these capabilities.
There is no European Army. Nor are there any plans for one. The Irish Protocol to the Lisbon Treaty clearly states that the Treaty of Lisbon does not provide for the creation of a European Army. Ireland's participation in European Common Defence is prohibited by article 29.4.9 of the Constitution. This protection is reinforced by the Irish Protocol to the Lisbon Treaty.
European Security Strategy
Questions (34)
Brendan Howlin
Question:34. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the EU security agenda; and the position he will take when it is discussed at the next EU Council meeting. [36044/16]
View answerWritten answers
The EU Global Strategy commits the EU to promoting peace, security, prosperity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These objectives are to be pursued through a comprehensive approach using the range of instruments available to the European Union, including political, diplomatic, economic development, trade, peace-keeping and crisis management tools.
Five priority areas have been identified for implementation of the Global Strategy. These include strengthening the EU’s capacity, through its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), to promote international peace and security within a rules-based global order underpinned by the United Nations.
On 14 November EU Foreign Ministers met in joint session with EU Defence Ministers and adopted conclusions defining the Union’s priorities for that purpose.
In addition to the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions, it is expected that a forthcoming European Defence Action Plan being prepared by the Commission, and the implementation of the Joint Declaration signed in Warsaw between leaders of the EU Institutions and NATO, will form the basis for discussions by Heads of State and Government at the December European Council. The Commission plan is expected to focus on ensuring that European industry can provide the capabilities required for the EU’s peace-keeping and crisis management activities.
The EU’s engagement in cooperation with other international organisations, such as the UN and NATO, is governed by the EU Treaties, including our Lisbon Protocol which protects Ireland’s military neutrality. In line with these provisions, the EU Global Strategy, the June 2016 European Council Conclusions and the Warsaw Declaration all expressly stipulate that EU-NATO cooperation shall not prejudice the security and defence policy of EU Members which are not in NATO and that it will be conducted with full respect for the separate decision-making autonomy of the two organisations.
Ireland’s approach in this discussion is constructive and realistic. Ireland is a strong supporter of initiatives, through the CSDP, which improve the capacity of the Union to contribute to international peace and security, particularly in support of the UN. We support cooperation with international partners where this adds value and contributes to the achievement of these objectives. These considerations will inform Ireland’s approach to the discussions at the European Council.
Syrian Conflict
Questions (35)
Joan Burton
Question:35. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the further discussions he has had with his counterparts in respect of the humanitarian crisis in Syria. [33529/16]
View answerWritten answers
The continuing conflict in Syria has generated the most serious humanitarian crisis in the world today. Minister Flanagan and I have focused on the crisis in a range of discussions in recent months at EU level, at the UN, and with our civil society partners.
The Government is strongly committed to responding to the extraordinary humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. Since 2012, Ireland has provided more than €62 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria and the region. This is Ireland’s largest response to any humanitarian crisis ever.
The crisis in Syria is a regular item on the agenda for the monthly meetings of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. On 17 October Minister Flanagan and his colleagues held an extensive discussion with the UN Special Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, and underlined continuing strong support for his work. The crisis was discussed again at the meeting of the Council on 14 November.
When he visited Dublin in September, the European Commissioner with responsibility for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, briefed us on the EU’s Humanitarian Initiative for Aleppo.
This week, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer visited Dublin and met with President Higgins, Minister Flanagan and myself, and with members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence. President Maurer provided an update on his organisation’s critical humanitarian work in Syria, which is strongly supported by Ireland.
Yesterday, I discussed Ireland’s response to the Syrian crisis with the CEOs of ten Irish development NGOs and the umbrella organisation, Dóchas. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely, and are ready to provide further assistance in support of the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people.
EU Issues
Questions (36)
Bernard Durkan
Question:36. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his EU colleagues continue to address the implications for each EU member state in the event of Brexit; if each EU member state, including those inside and outside the eurozone, remain fully committed to the European project; if the European institutions are conscious of the need to review the impact of ultra-nationalism across Europe; if there is a recognition of the need for any specific action by way of response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36314/16]
View answerWritten answers
As the Taoiseach, myself and other members of this Government have stated on many occasions: Ireland remains fully committed to our membership of the EU and the Eurozone. Membership of the European Union has brought great benefits to our country and remains profoundly in our interests.
In addition to specific work on Brexit, we fully accept that there needs to be reflection and debate on the future of the EU itself, and on how to build the confidence of citizens and combat the rise of anti-European populism.
To that end, meeting after the UK referendum result on 29 June, 27 EU Heads of State and Government initiated a process of reflection to give impulse to the vision, work and priorities of the EU. At the Summit which followed in Bratislava on 16 September, the leaders of twenty-seven Member States agreed that:
“The EU is not perfect but it is the best instrument we have for addressing the new challenges we are facing. We need the EU not only to guarantee peace and democracy but also the security of our people. We need the EU to serve better their needs and wishes to live, study, work, move and prosper freely across our continent and benefit from the rich European cultural heritage.”
A Declaration and Roadmap issued in which the 27 Heads of State and Government committed to a range of objectives and concrete measures along three themes: migration and external borders; internal and external security; and economic and social development, youth. Leaders determined the way ahead with emphasis on concrete delivery for European citizens, based on loyal co-operation and communication by Member States and EU institutions. In this process, Ireland’s emphasis has remained on the economic agenda, including investment, employment, Single Market and Digital Single Market, as areas in which the EU should pursue concrete measures to directly and positively affect the lives of EU citizens.
The “Bratislava process” will continue with discussions in the margins of the December European Council and at a meeting in Malta on 3 February next and is due to conclude at a meeting in March to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.
On the issue of ultra-nationalism, the rise in some states in Europe of such movements, the attachment of which to democratic means and European values is questionable, is clearly of great concern. Given its particular history, Europe has to be especially vigilant regarding the false promises of extremist ideologies with their simplistic solutions to complex problems.
Where extreme movements – of whatever political hue – advocate violent action or target particular groups in society, they must be met with the full rigours of the law. But in addition there needs to be a robust political defence of liberal values and a concerted effort to address the social and economic issues which often underlie popular discontent.
Human Rights
Questions (37)
Mick Wallace
Question:37. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if, on his recent trade mission to the United Arab Emirates, he raised the country's role in the Saudi led bombing of Yemen earlier in 2016 with his counterparts there; if human rights concerns will have a future impact on Ireland's close ties with the UAE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36231/16]
View answerWritten answers
I led an Enterprise Ireland trade mission to the United Arab Emirates on 14 and 15 November. The programme for this trade mission also included a visit to Riyadh on 13 November. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are priority markets under the Government’s Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy.
I was accompanied by a diverse range of Irish companies, some of which are seeking to enter the Gulf markets for the first time and some of which are seeking to strengthen their position in those markets. I undertook a large number of engagements in support of these companies.
In addition to the trade-specific meetings, I also held meetings addressing a wider range of issues.
In Saudi Arabia, I met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nizar Madani. In the UAE, I met with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE.
These discussions covered a range of issues, including the Middle East Peace Process and the conflicts in Syria and Yemen.
While the detail of these conversations is confidential, in relation to Yemen, I can confirm that I expressed my concern about the appalling humanitarian situation resulting from the conflict and about attacks which have directly impacted on civilians.
Ireland’s relationship with the UAE is a strong and broad-based one, including engagement on political matters and strong trade and people to people links. Precisely because it is a strong relationship, we can raise difficult issues. For example, we have previously raised concerns with the UAE around the issues of freedom of expression and the protection of migrant workers.
Foreign Conflicts
Questions (38)
Clare Daly
Question:38. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he had with US Secretary of State John Kerry on 30 October 2016 regarding the situation in Yemen; whether the use of Shannon Airport by the US military was also discussed at the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36090/16]
View answerWritten answers
I met with Secretary of State Kerry on 30 October, in advance of him being awarded the 2015 Tipperary Peace Award. Most of the discussion focussed on Brexit and the Northern Ireland Peace Process, but we also spoke about other matters, including a brief discussion about the situation in Yemen. We discussed the prospects for political negotiations, to bring an end to the fighting.
There have been some reports, in recent days, of parties to the conflict indicating their willingness to engage with the peace roadmap set out by UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and his team, although reports of continued fighting are also widespread. As I have said before, the only solution to this conflict is a political one and, for the sake of the civilian population who continue to suffer the longer this war continues, I hope that the parties embrace this latest opportunity to broker peace.
Secretary of State Kerry and I did not discuss Shannon airport, its use by the US military or otherwise.
Irish Aid
Questions (39)
Clare Daly
Question:39. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his Department's plans to continue to donate public money to a foundation (details supplied) in view of the serious questions raised regarding the foundation by recent e-mail leaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36089/16]
View answerWritten answers
Through the Irish Aid programme, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 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.
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, implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Health in Mozambique and Lesotho, has been very successful in improving the prevention of HIV and increasing the number of people receiving HIV treatment.
The Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Health Access Initiative are recognised for their technical expertise in drug procurement, health technologies and nutrition. They are also highly respected internationally for their ability to negotiate the lowest prices for drugs and other essential commodities, which would otherwise not be available to Ministries of Health in developing countries.
In 2016, we are providing a total of €450,000 in direct funding to the Clinton Health Access Initiative. This supports HIV prevention in Mozambique, and equitable access to quality healthcare in Southern Africa. Future direct funding to the Clinton Health Access Initiative will be based on the outcomes of these programmes and on the Initiative's capacity to deliver effectively on our health and HIV objectives.
Human Rights Cases
Questions (40, 43, 46, 57)
Paul Murphy
Question:40. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent sixteenth postponement of the trial of a person (details supplied) in Egypt; the contacts his Department has had with the person and the Egyptian authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36308/16]
View answer
Bríd Smith
Question:43. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on progress in securing the release of a person (details supplied) from their detention in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36269/16]
View answerSeán Crowe
Question:46. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the fact that a person's (details supplied) trial was postponed for the sixteenth time on 12 November 2016 and that the person is being charged in a mass trial and has no hope of receiving a fair trial; his further views on the fact that the next trial date will be on 13 December 2016, the same day as the person's 21st birthday; and if he will urgently raise the case with his Egyptian counterpart and press for the person's release under Presidential Decree 140. [36310/16]
View answer
Darragh O'Brien
Question:57. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent actions the Government has taken to secure the release of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36317/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40, 43, 46 and 57 together.
I am, as I am sure all members of the House are, very frustrated at the latest adjournment in this trial. The Irish Government is continuing to pursue every constructive avenue to secure the return to Ireland of this citizen and we will continue to bring all of our influence to bear on his behalf through all appropriate channels.
Our immediate and ongoing efforts are focused on pressing the case with the Egyptian authorities for a positive response to the application made in August under Presidential Decree 140.
In consultation with both the family and their lawyers, in August, both An Taoiseach and I wrote to our counterparts, President el-Sisi and Minister Shoukry, giving our full support to the Decree 140 application prepared and submitted by this citizen and his legal team at that time.
An Taoiseach has been in direct contact with President el-Sisi on several occasions about this case, underlining the Government’s concerns about the continuing detention of this young man, who has been in prison for more than three years now without having been convicted of any crime, and who is part of a group trial that has been adjourned on sixteen occasions.
In light of the latest adjournment in this case, An Taoiseach has been in written contact with the President again and has conveyed his concerns and restated our appeal for this citizen’s immediate return to Ireland.
Earlier this month, on Tuesday 1 November, I spoke to my counterpart, Foreign Minister Shoukry, once again underlining the Irish Government’s support for this citizen’s immediate return to Ireland. I also met with Minister Shoukry in September to discuss this case and to reaffirm our support for the pending Decree 140 application.
Our key focus in this case is securing this citizen’s best interests. We are working to see him released by the Egyptian authorities at the earliest possible opportunity and providing consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention. All of the sustained and focused actions that have been taken by the Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassy in Cairo throughout this case have been aimed at furthering these two objectives, and importantly, avoiding any action that could be counterproductive or detrimental to this citizen’s best interests.
The Government is providing extensive consular support in this case and senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade remain in close contact with both this citizen’s family and their legal representatives.
EU Agreements
Questions (41)
Mick Wallace
Question:41. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the migration agreements currently being negotiated by the EU with third countries such as Afghanistan and a number of African states; if he has raised any human rights concerns regarding these agreements at the EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36230/16]
View answerWritten answers
In a Communication issued on 7 June, the European Commission set out a new results-oriented concept of cooperation with third countries, the Migration Partnership Framework. The European Council of 28-29 June mandated the Commission to build on this Communication and draft ‘Migration Compacts’ have been drawn up for the first five priority countries identified, all in Africa: Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal and Ethiopia. Migration Compacts are also being worked on with Lebanon and Jordan.
The objective of these Migration Compacts is to improve cooperation on readmission and return of those not entitled to reside in the EU; to prevent irregular migration and counter smuggling and trafficking in human beings; to reinforce the current international protection system for refugees in the partner countries; and, crucially, to address the root causes of irregular migration. Ireland has consistently been very clear in all discussions on the EU’s response to the migration crisis that addressing these root causes is essential and that the actions which the EU takes using instruments which are funded primarily from development budgets must be used for development and humanitarian activities.
While discussions within the EU and with the identified countries are ongoing, none of the Compacts has as yet been signed though progress has been made. Ireland is working with our EU colleagues on the new partnership framework for Ethiopia, one of our key partners in Africa, which will draw on all EU policies and instruments to achieve desired results. Much of Irish Aid’s work in Ethiopia addresses poverty and underdevelopment which are amongst the root causes of much of Ethiopia’s migration.
Insofar as Afghanistan is concerned, European Union-Afghanistan cooperation in the area of migration is addressed in the Joint Way Forward on Migration (JWF), which was signed in Kabul on 2 October this year. The JWF allows for a high level dialogue between the EU and Afghanistan on migration issues; it is not, however, a formal agreement and creates no legal rights or obligations under international law.
The JWF provides for cooperation in the fight against smuggling and people trafficking, information and awareness raising. It aims to provide for a “smooth, dignified and orderly return” of those Afghan nationals who do not fulfil the conditions for remaining in the EU after “consideration of all relevant international law and legal procedures” and who “cannot be granted international protection status”. The JWF further provides for reintegration assistance, and specific humanitarian consideration for vulnerable groups, including women and children.
The EU and the Afghan Government have agreed to implement this in full respect of their existing national, international and UN commitments when considering individual cases, including the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 New York Protocol, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. This was a key concern for Ireland and I am pleased that the Joint Way Forward makes this commitment.
Human Rights
Questions (42)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:42. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has received reports from the Irish embassy in Morocco concerning the recently well publicised death of a fisherman in Hoceima; his views on the police’s role in the person's death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36324/16]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the tragic death of the fish trader in Hoceima, and the protests the incident sparked. While we do not have an Embassy on the ground in Morocco, our Ambassador in Lisbon is accredited to Morocco and she is also aware of the case.
I understand there have been several arrests following the man’s death and that the outcome of the official investigation is unclear as of yet. I am, therefore, not in a position to comment further on the case at this time.
Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 40.
Undocumented Irish in the USA
Questions (44, 48, 52)
Brendan Howlin
Question:44. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to secure comprehensive immigration reform for undocumented Irish in the United States of America. [35220/16]
View answerDarragh O'Brien
Question:48. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts that will be made by his Department on behalf of the undocumented Irish in the United States in view of the result of the presidential election; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36319/16]
View answerSeán Crowe
Question:52. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the supposed 50,000 undocumented Irish citizens living in the USA, particularly since the recent US election; if his Department is supporting organisations in the country that are assisting the undocumented Irish; and if he will raise the issue with his American counterpart. [36311/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 48 and 52 together.
Achieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US and agreement on a facility for future pathways for migration between Ireland and the US have been key objectives for the Government. Notwithstanding the changing political context in the United States, the Government’s commitment to these objectives remains constant.
The Taoiseach availed of his recent separate telephone conversations with President Elect Trump and Vice President Pence to raise our concerns in regard to immigration matters. The new Administration does not take office until 20 January and the process of considering and announcing nominations to its senior posts is ongoing. Nevertheless, during the transition period, the Government will avail of all opportunities for contact with the incoming Administration to sensitise them to our concerns and interests in regard to immigration reform, and the the plight of the undocumented in particular.
The Government has raised the issue of immigration reform with US interlocutors – including at the highest levels – on many occasions. It will continue to use high-level visits to and from the US, as well as Ireland’s diplomatic representation in the United States, to advance these aims. The Embassy in Washington has worked closely with members of the US Congress - in both the House of Representatives and the US Senate, and on both sides of the aisle – to advance progress on this matter and will continue to do so. We are fortunate to be able to draw on the assistance of the Friends of Ireland in Congress and the many representatives of Irish America who share our commitment to immigration reform.
I most recently raised the question of immigration reform, including relief for undocumented Irish citizens in the United States, during my meeting with US Secretary of State, Mr John Kerry, on 30 October. In September, I had the opportunity to meet Irish community leaders in the United States, to discuss with them the prospects for achieving immigration reform and to reassure them of the Government’s commitment to the issue. In addition, Minister of State McHugh met representatives of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, representing a broad group of Irish centres across the United States, in New York on 20 September. Last week in Boston, he had further discussions with representatives of Irish immigration centers and raised the issue in formal meetings with the Mayor of Boston and the Governor of Massachusetts.
Conscious of the challenges that may lie ahead, the Government will continue to support, through my Department’s Emigrant Support Programme, the work of the Irish Immigration Centres across the US, who do so much to help undocumented Irish citizens in the US. This year we are committing almost € 1 million to support their work. In addition, our Ambassador in Washington DC intends to convene a meeting of immigration stakeholders in the Irish-American community in the first half of December.
The Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our Embassy in Washington continue to work closely with Irish-American community leaders in actively pursuing all viable opportunities to advance immigration reform. A new Administration and a new Congress will take time to settle in. We will of course pursue this issue in our contacts with the incoming Administration and Congress and encourage and promote any realistic possibilities for a solution that may arise.
Question No. 45 answered with Question No. 31.
Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 40.
Humanitarian Aid Provision
Questions (47)
Bernard Durkan
Question:47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, along with EU and UN colleagues, continues to press for humanitarian assistance in the various conflict zones globally; if consideration continues to be given to the provision of safe or protective havens for civilian communities fleeing from war, genocide and terrorism; the extent to which peace keeping interventions are being considered in the most sensitive war zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36315/16]
View answerWritten answers
Humanitarian assistance is a key foreign policy priority for Ireland. In 2015, Ireland’s humanitarian funding amounted to more than €142 million. This level of funding will be maintained in 2016, in response to unprecedented levels of humanitarian need.
Ireland also contributes to the European Commission’s humanitarian action outside the EU, which has an annual budget of approximately €1 billion.
Ireland’s UN partners lead the coordination of international appeals for humanitarian assistance, including through the Central Emergency Response Fund. Ireland is the eighth largest donor to this Fund, which has provided $4.5 billion in life-saving assistance to people affected by crises since 2005.
In May this year, the UN Secretary General convened the World Humanitarian Summit in an effort to address the current scale of global humanitarian crisis. At the Summit, I delivered Ireland’s National Statement, making a number of specific commitments to sustainable and effective humanitarian action, including through our support to conflict affected states and our approach to peacekeeping.
Providing safe havens within conflict zones is extremely difficult, especially where civilian protection is not prioritised. Safe havens require UN mandates and robustly-equipped peacekeeping personnel. Political will is lacking in many conflicts today, including from some on the UN Security Council. However, in other places, the UN is active and there are twice as many UN peacekeepers deployed today as 15 years ago. Ireland continues to play its part, with more than 570 personnel in UN mandated missions overseas. Ireland also continues to advocate strongly for respect for international humanitarian law and more effective UN response.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 44.
Overseas Development Aid
Questions (49)
Darragh O'Brien
Question:49. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government’s deadline for reaching the 0.7% overseas development aid target; if he will consider publishing a roadmap as to the way this target will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36320/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is strongly committed 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.
In the Programme for Government we have set out our ambition to make progress towards the UN target as resources permit. It is important this progress is made in a sustainable and manageable way, which continues to strengthen Ireland's recognised role as a reliable and effective partner in providing development assistance.
During the very difficult economic circumstances of recent years, the Government managed to stabilise and largely protect allocations to ODA. Since 2011 we have made annual contributions in excess of €600 million and have cumulatively allocated over €4.5 billion in the period 2011 to 2017. This represents a remarkable commitment of public funds towards the fight to eradicate global hunger, reduce extreme poverty and provide live saving humanitarian assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable and distressed people.
I am pleased that we have been in a position to begin to increase funding for ODA, an allocation of an additional €40 million for 2016 and a further €10 million for 2017. The total 2017 allocation for ODA will be €651 million.
Based on current Department of Finance forecasts for GNP we are anticipating the ODA/GNP percentage outturn for 2016 to be in region of 0.3% with a similar level projected for 2017. The reduction in the percentage is largely driven by the step change in the measurement of Ireland’s GNP.
I can 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.
Middle East Peace Process
Questions (50)
Darragh O'Brien
Question:50. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent efforts he and his EU counterparts have made to progress the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36318/16]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland remains active and engaged on the objective of trying to achieve a two state solution in the Middle East; few European countries are as consistently engaged on this issue as we are. There is an urgent need to find ways to end the occupation, and to achieve lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
I have worked continuously to try and maintain the Middle East Peace Process on the international agenda, despite a wave of concurrent crises in the immediate neighbourhood, and have urged for stronger international actions. For example, last week I was in the Gulf, and I took that opportunity to discuss the MEPP with Foreign Ministers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Our EU partners are also engaged on the matter of the Middle East Peace Process. In Council Conclusions, EU Foreign Ministers have continued to call for the resumption of a political dialogue, which is the only solution to the current situation, and to offer both parties political, economic and security support in the event of a final peace agreement.
Ireland strongly supports the French efforts to rebuild momentum in the Middle East Peace Process, which has been in effective suspension since 2014. I attended the Paris Conference in June to this end, and my Department has engaged in official-level work on the foot of the French initiative, in tandem with some EU partners and others who attended in Paris. I hope that another conference can take place before the end of the year.
The Middle East Peace Process is a priority foreign policy for the Government, and I will continue to work towards its goals of ending the occupation and creating peace.
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 31.
Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 44.
Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 31.
Foreign Policy
Questions (54)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:54. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support continued improvement in United States-Cuba relations in the wake of the US presidential election and the concern that executive orders and progress made by President Obama will be reversed by President-elect Trump; and his plans on discussing the matter with his EU colleagues and to support increased trade and co-operation between Europe and Cuba, especially in view of the uncertainty surrounding the United States. [36123/16]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland has warmly welcomed the immense progress which has taken place in US-Cuba relations over the past two years, including President Obama’s historic visit to Havana in March 2016 and the full restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Ireland has consistently made clear that it supports the ending of the US embargo against Cuba. Most recently, on 26 October, Ireland joined all other European Union member states in voting in favour of the annual Cuban resolution at the UN General Assembly in New York, calling for an end to the US embargo. The resolution was passed unanimously for the first time, with the US choosing to abstain from the vote. I very much welcome this as a positive step forward.
As the Deputy will be aware, the US embargo on Cuba is codified in legislation, and the approval of the US Congress is required 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. Bilateral discussions continue between Cuba and the US on a range of issues.
Less than two weeks have passed since the US presidential election result was confirmed. This is a period of transition, and the various actors will take some time to settle in. The position of the new administration on US-Cuba relations is not yet known.
2016 has seen excellent progress in EU-Cuba relations. Negotiations on an EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement were concluded in March, and it is hoped that the Agreement can be signed before the end of the year. This will be the first bilateral agreement between the EU and Cuba, superseding the EU Common Position of 1996.
In terms of our bilateral relations, work is continuing towards a Memorandum of Cooperation between Cuba and Ireland, which will provide a framework for enhanced cooperation in the areas of economic, trade, agricultural, academic, cultural, and tourism relations. It is planned to conclude the Memorandum in the coming months.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss these issues as well as the 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. I look forward to the continued strengthening of our bilateral relations and of EU-Cuba relations in the years to come.